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2 reasons why Nvidia's Jensen Huang isn't worried
Business Insider· 2025-03-19 15:17
Core Insights - Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, is optimistic about continued spending on Nvidia's products, driven by new powerful chips and the industry's shift towards inference in AI [1][8] - Nvidia is set to release a new generation of Rubin GPUs next year, which are expected to significantly outperform previous models [2][3] - Huang highlighted that the demand for computation in AI has increased dramatically, requiring 100 times more than previously anticipated, which supports the need for Nvidia's advanced chips [5] Company Developments - The upcoming Rubin chips will succeed the Blackwell and Hopper lines, with an ultra version of Rubin projected to have 14 times the performance of the ultra version of Blackwell [2] - Nvidia is also teasing a future line of chips named after physicist Richard Feynman, expected to surpass the performance of the Rubin chips [3] Market Reactions - Despite Huang's confidence, Nvidia's shares fell by over 3.4% following his keynote, indicating investor concerns about the implications of DeepSeek on chip demand and slowing revenue growth [6][8] - Nvidia's fourth-quarter revenue for 2024 was $39.3 billion, reflecting a 78% increase year-on-year, but this growth rate is lower than the 262% seen in the first quarter [6]
Apple is becoming a utility. That's hard for fanboys to take.
Business Insider· 2025-03-19 09:00
iPhone sales have flatlined for a decade, and Siri has sucked for about as long.And yet, Apple has added roughly trillions of dollars in market value during that time.It's time to think of Apple as more like a utility.It's time to think differently about Apple. The company is becoming a utility, which is hard for fanboys to accept, though it's not all bad.The iPhone has become the standard tool for accessing online data and running our lives. Most owners don't care about cutting-edge AI or the latest speedy ...
I'm a Tesla investor and I've got millions in the company. I think Elon Musk is key to Tesla's success, but it can endure without him.
Business Insider· 2025-03-19 08:35
Core Viewpoint - Tesla's future is perceived to be resilient even without CEO Elon Musk, as the company has strong fundamentals that can sustain its growth [1][2]. Investment Perspective - Tsai Capital holds a significant position in Tesla, with $137 million in total assets and approximately 20% of the portfolio invested in Tesla shares [2][7]. - The firm previously owned 131,300 shares but reduced its holdings to 69,700 shares due to concerns about the stock becoming an "outsized portion" of the portfolio [3]. Market Performance - Tesla's stock has seen a decline of over 50% from its peak of $448 in mid-December, closing around $225 recently [5]. - The company has faced sales declines in key markets such as Europe and China, attributed to various factors including product refreshes [5][11]. Competitive Landscape - Despite increased competition from companies like BYD, Tsai believes there is ample room in the EV market for multiple players, emphasizing that Tesla's superior product quality will maintain its market position [8][10]. - BYD reported selling 1.76 million battery electric vehicles in 2024, closely trailing Tesla's 1.79 million [8]. Strategic Insights - Tsai views Musk's connections with the Trump administration as beneficial for Tesla, allowing for potential policy influence [4][7]. - The recent turmoil surrounding Musk's involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is seen as a temporary challenge, with expectations that negative market sentiment will eventually dissipate [6][7]. Long-term Outlook - Tsai Capital maintains a long-term investment strategy, focusing on Tesla's fundamentals and anticipating substantial revenue and earnings growth in the coming years [12].
Tesla's stock slump is driving Wall Street crazy — but not Elon Musk's employees
Business Insider· 2025-03-18 20:11
Core Viewpoint - Tesla's stock is experiencing significant declines due to concerns over slowing sales, increased competition, and CEO Elon Musk's distractions, yet employees remain optimistic about the company's future [1][8]. Employee Sentiment - Employees express a general indifference towards the stock's performance, noting a 30% increase from the previous year and an 800% rise over the last five years [2]. - Many employees avoid checking the stock price daily to maintain their mental well-being, acknowledging that external factors, particularly Musk's actions, are beyond their control [2]. Internal Communication - An informal company forum shows a similar sentiment, with employees not expressing alarm over stock performance and continuing to share news and updates about Tesla [3]. - The internal atmosphere is described as positive, with no significant concerns raised among employees [3]. Compensation Structure - Stock grants are a significant part of Tesla's compensation strategy, with Musk stating that factory workers have become millionaires due to stock options [4]. - The company offers lower base salaries compared to peers but compensates with substantial stock grants, as indicated by a 2021 internal pay sheet [5]. Stock Options and Concerns - In 2024, Tesla granted approximately $2.69 billion in restricted stock units and $3.5 billion in stock options, reflecting the company's commitment to employee equity [6]. - Employees indicate that stock price fluctuations are not their primary concern, with more pressing issues related to Musk's political associations and public controversies [6]. General Optimism - Despite the stock's 44% decline year-to-date, employees maintain a sense of confidence in Tesla's long-term prospects, emphasizing the quality of the product over external controversies [8][9]. - Employees believe that as long as the product remains strong, consumer demand will persist regardless of Musk's behavior [9].
What Google's $32 billion Wiz acquisition means for startups — and Trump
Business Insider· 2025-03-18 14:32
Google is buying cybersecurity firm Wiz for $32bn — its biggest acquisition ever.It's also the biggest deal of the year so far and a major test for Donald Trump's antitrust regime.A deal of this size could also supercharge more M&A following a slow few years.Just when 2025 was off to a slow start for M&A, Google announced its largest-ever acquisition. Google's parent company, Alphabet, and Wiz confirmed Tuesday that they had reached an agreement on the $32 billion all-cash deal.The two companies were in ta ...
An AI imaging firm says Johnson & Johnson stole its tech. Execs on both sides are expected to testify next week.
Business Insider· 2025-03-15 09:07
Core Points - Johnson & Johnson (J&J) entered a multibillion-dollar contract with ChemImage in 2019 to develop AI-powered surgical imaging technology [1][4] - ChemImage has filed a $1.5 billion breach of contract lawsuit against J&J, claiming the healthcare giant failed to uphold its commitments [2][3] - The trial will determine if J&J terminated the contract "with cause" or "without cause," impacting potential damages owed to ChemImage [5][6] Group 1: Contract Details - The contract included a $7 million upfront payment and outlined a potential total of $1.5 billion in royalties based on future milestones [4] - ChemImage alleges that J&J's decision to terminate the contract has harmed its business and technology development [3][4] Group 2: Legal Proceedings - The trial is presided over by US District Judge Jesse Furman, with ChemImage seeking $180 million in penalties and overdue payments [2] - J&J will argue that ChemImage failed to meet developmental milestones, justifying the contract termination [7] - ChemImage counters that delays were due to J&J's own technological issues and lack of engagement [8] Group 3: Witnesses - Nine current and former J&J executives, including key figures from the MedTech division, are expected to testify [10] - ChemImage will also call its former executives, including its ex-CEO, to support its claims [10]
Tesla's year is off to a brutal start
Business Insider· 2025-03-15 07:52
Core Insights - Tesla is facing significant challenges in 2025, including political backlash, declining sales, and a plummeting stock price [1][10][11] Political and Social Climate - President Donald Trump has publicly defended CEO Elon Musk amid calls to boycott Tesla, marking a shift from the company's initial optimism under Trump's administration [2][3] - Anti-Musk protests and vandalism incidents have surged, leading to discomfort among Cybertruck owners and prompting some to sell their vehicles [5][6][10] Financial Performance - Tesla's stock has dropped 48% since reaching an all-time high in December, with a nearly 40% decline since the start of 2025 [9][11] - Sales have significantly decreased in various markets, with a 71% drop in Australia and a 76% decline in Germany year over year [13] Market Position - Despite the challenges, Tesla maintains a leading market share in the US with an estimated 42% of total EV sales, although sales in January were down 11% year over year [14] - In China, Tesla's production decreased by 49% year over year, facing stiff competition from local manufacturers like BYD [15] Future Prospects - Tesla is preparing to launch two key products: a robotaxi service expected to launch in June and a "more affordable" vehicle aimed at increasing competitiveness [21][22] - Analysts emphasize the necessity for Tesla to start production of the affordable vehicle in the first half of the year to regain market traction [23]
Shopify has acquired Vantage Discovery, an AI search company founded by former Pinterest engineering leaders
Business Insider· 2025-03-14 18:18
Core Insights - Shopify has acquired Vantage Discovery, a startup focused on AI-powered search solutions for retailers [1][5] - The cofounders of Vantage Discovery, Lance Riedel and Nigel Daley, have backgrounds in engineering at Pinterest, with Riedel having developed Pinterest Shopping [1][2] - Vantage Discovery aims to democratize advanced search capabilities for retailers of all sizes using generative AI technology [2] Company Strategy - Shopify has been actively acquiring startups to enhance its AI capabilities, having acquired six startups in 2024 alone [3] - The acquisitions are described as tactical and thoughtful, with a focus on integrating AI talent into Shopify's operations [3] - CFO Jeff Hoffmeister emphasized the importance of being judicious with cash while pursuing these strategic hires [3]
Tesla sales are slumping in the US, too
Business Insider· 2025-03-14 10:24
Core Insights - Tesla's sales are experiencing a significant decline in the US and globally, with new registrations in the US dropping by 11% in January compared to the previous year, while competitors like Ford saw a 54% increase in their electric vehicle registrations [1][6] - Despite maintaining a dominant market share of 42% in the US EV market, Tesla's sales in Europe nearly halved in January, attributed to backlash against CEO Elon Musk for his controversial statements and actions [2][6] - The company's stock price has fallen over 50% since mid-December, raising concerns among investors regarding sales performance and Musk's focus on other ventures [5] US Market Performance - New Tesla registrations in the US fell by 11% in January year-over-year, contrasting with significant sales increases from competitors [1][6] - Tesla sold 35,000 more EVs than Ford in January, maintaining a leading position despite the sales slump [2] European Market Challenges - Tesla's sales in Europe nearly halved in January, with Musk facing criticism for his political comments and affiliations [2] - The backlash has contributed to a challenging sales environment for Tesla in the region [2] Global Sales Decline - In China, Tesla's sales dropped by 49% in February, facing stiff competition from local manufacturers like BYD [4] - The overall global sales decline is compounded by protests against Musk in the US, affecting Tesla's brand image [3][6] Investor Sentiment - Tesla's share price has decreased by more than 50% since mid-December, reflecting investor concerns over declining sales and Musk's distractions [5]
Tesla more than tripled the workers testing its self-driving technology in California
Business Insider· 2025-03-14 08:47
Core Insights - Tesla has significantly increased its autonomous testing capabilities in California, registering 224 test drivers and 104 vehicles for an autonomous testing permit, a notable rise from 59 drivers and 14 vehicles in 2022 [1][11] - The urgency for Tesla to launch its Robotaxi service by the end of the year is heightened as the company's stock has dropped over 40% year-to-date due to disappointing sales and Elon Musk's controversial role in government [2][8] - The permit allows Tesla to conduct level 3 testing, which involves greater control by the autonomous driving software, although a licensed driver must still monitor the vehicle [3][10] Testing and Regulations - Tesla has not reported using its autonomous testing permit since 2019, despite the requirement to report usage annually [4][11] - The company submitted its registration paperwork in December, with the permit valid for 2025 and 2026, and can be renewed every two years [5] - The California DMV has questioned whether Tesla's testing aligns with the state permit requirements after reports of test drivers pushing the software to its limits [5][6] Market Position and Future Plans - Elon Musk has reiterated plans to roll out robotaxis in select California cities by year-end, with a permit filed for operating an autonomous ride-hailing service [7] - Analysts have expressed concern over Tesla's declining stock value, attributing much of the company's worth to its self-driving technology and humanoid robot initiatives [8][10] - Tesla is actively hiring test drivers across the U.S., indicating a push to enhance its autonomous testing capabilities [12] Local Engagement - In Austin, Tesla has engaged with the city's autonomous vehicle taskforce to discuss robotaxi training for local emergency responders, highlighting a proactive approach to local regulations [13]