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AI will shrink Amazon's workforce in the coming years, CEO Jassy says
CNBC· 2025-06-17 18:18
Core Insights - Amazon's corporate workforce is expected to shrink in the coming years due to the adoption of generative artificial intelligence tools, leading to efficiency gains [1][2] - The company has already laid off over 27,000 employees since 2022, with recent cuts including approximately 200 employees in the North America stores unit and 100 in the devices and services unit [2] - As of March, Amazon's global workforce consisted of 1.56 million full-time and part-time employees, in addition to temporary workers and contractors [3] AI Investment and Impact - Amazon has made significant investments in AI, launching numerous products and rapidly expanding data centers to meet increasing demand for the technology [3] - CEO Andy Jassy described generative AI as a "once-in-a-lifetime reinvention of everything we know," emphasizing its potential to save companies substantial amounts of money and transform various sectors [4] - Jassy noted that the pace of AI development is unprecedented, moving faster than any previous technology [4]
Meta to release smart glasses with Oakley and Prada, extending Luxottica partnership
CNBC· 2025-06-17 18:12
Core Insights - Meta and EssilorLuxottica are set to launch AI-powered smart glasses under the Oakley and Prada brands, expanding their wearable technology offerings [1][2] - The Oakley glasses will target athletes and active consumers, building on the success of the second-generation Ray-Ban glasses released in 2023 [2][3] - The Oakley version is expected to retail around $360 and will feature technology similar to the Ray-Ban Meta glasses [4] Group 1 - The partnership with Prada marks Meta's first venture into high-end fashion eyewear, following a renewed 10-year licensing agreement between Prada and Luxottica [5][6] - The Oakley glasses will be more weather-resistant than Ray-Ban counterparts, appealing to outdoor and sports enthusiasts [4] - Meta's strategy includes leveraging the popularity of its Ray-Ban glasses among users engaged in sports activities [3] Group 2 - Luxottica, which has licensing agreements with over 150 brands, plays a crucial role in the development and distribution of these new eyewear products [5] - The design of Prada glasses, featuring thick temples, is advantageous for housing necessary components for smart glasses [6] - The announcement date for the Prada product line remains unspecified, indicating potential future developments in Meta's fashion collaborations [6]
Tesla stock slips after report EV maker is halting Cybertruck and Model Y production
CNBC· 2025-06-17 16:34
A Tesla Cybertruck sits on a lot at a Tesla dealership on April 15, 2024 in Austin, Texas.Tesla shares slid more than 2% Tuesday after a report that the electric vehicle maker was halting production of Cybertruck and Model Y models for a week in Austin, Texas.The production stoppage begins June 30, Business Insider reported, citing a staff meeting where the announcement was made. The pause, which is for maintenance on production lines, would be the third such shutdown at the Austin facility in the past year ...
Streaming surpasses combined broadcast and cable viewing for first time ever
CNBC· 2025-06-17 15:13
Core Insights - Streaming services have surpassed the combined share of broadcast and cable TV viewing for the first time, representing 44.8% of total TV viewership in May 2024 [2][10] - The growth of streaming has been significant, with a 71% increase over the past four years, while broadcast and cable viewing have declined by 21% and 39%, respectively [2][4] Streaming Growth Factors - The rise of streaming is attributed to three main factors: the popularity of free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels, the growth of YouTube, and the adaptation of legacy media companies to cater to streaming-centric consumers [4][8] - In May 2021, only five streaming platforms exceeded 1% of total TV viewing, but this number has increased to 11 platforms as of the latest report [4] Popularity of Free Streaming Options - Free channels like Pluto TV, Roku Channel, and Tubi accounted for 5.7% of total TV viewing in May, surpassing any individual broadcast network [5] - YouTube has seen a remarkable 120% increase in viewership since 2021, representing 12.5% of all television viewing in May, marking its highest share to date [6][7] Transformation of Traditional Media - Traditional media companies are increasingly transforming into streaming-first entities, with platforms like Hulu, Paramount+, and Peacock complementing linear TV rather than competing with it [8] - Major media companies are undergoing restructuring, with Warner Bros. Discovery planning to separate into a streaming and studios company and a global networks company, while Comcast is spinning off most of its NBCUniversal cable network portfolio [9] Subscription Service Performance - Netflix has emerged as the leading paid subscription service, with a 27% increase in viewing over the past four years, maintaining its position as the top provider in total TV usage [10]
Reddit stock jumps after company rolls out new AI advertising tools
CNBC· 2025-06-17 15:00
Core Insights - Reddit shares increased by approximately 5% following the introduction of new AI-powered advertising tools [1] - The new features aim to enhance brand engagement by utilizing discussions on the platform through a system called Reddit Community Intelligence [1] Tool Summaries - The first tool, Reddit Insights, provides real-time insights to marketers, enabling them to identify trends and effectively launch campaigns [1] - The second tool, Conversation Summary Add-ons, allows brands to display "positive" user-generated content alongside their advertisements [1] Marketing Strategy - The company emphasizes that these tools represent a new era of community marketing, allowing brands to connect authentically with engaged communities globally [2]
GM unveils quickest Corvette ever with ZR1X 'hypercar' going 0-60 mph in less than two seconds
CNBC· 2025-06-17 14:00
Core Insights - General Motors is expanding its Corvette lineup with the introduction of the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, a high-performance hybrid variant of the Corvette [1][2] - The Corvette ZR1X features a twin-turbo V-8 engine and incorporates electrification technologies for improved acceleration [2][3] - The vehicle is positioned as a "hypercar," boasting a top speed of 233 mph and a 0-60 mph time of under two seconds, with a total output of 1,064 horsepower [3][4] Performance Specifications - The Corvette ZR1X is equipped with an LT7 twin-turbo V-8 engine, delivering 1,064 horsepower and 828 foot-pounds of torque [3] - An electric axle contributes an additional 186 horsepower and 145 foot-pounds of torque, making the vehicle all-wheel drive [3][4] - The combination of performance features aims to enhance the driving experience, drawing from learnings of previous models [4] Market Positioning - The introduction of the ZR1X expands the Corvette lineup to five models, the broadest range since its inception in 1953 [4] - The pricing strategy includes a starting price around $70,000 for the base model, with the ZR1 potentially exceeding $200,000 [4][5] - GM has indicated that the Corvette remains a highly profitable vehicle for the company, reinforcing its position in the performance market [5] Future Developments - GM has plans for an all-electric Corvette, although the timeline and status of these plans remain uncertain due to slower EV adoption rates [5] - Consideration for a Corvette SUV has also been ongoing for several years [5] - Pricing details for the ZR1X will be announced closer to its dealership availability later this year [5][6]
Homebuilder sentiment nears pandemic low as economic uncertainty plagues consumers
CNBC· 2025-06-17 14:00
Homes under construction at the Toll Brothers Preserve at Folsom Ranch community in Folsom, California, US, on Thursday, March 6, 2025. THigher mortgage rates and uncertainty in the broader economy continue to weigh on consumers — and consequently on the nation's homebuilders.Builder sentiment in June dropped 2 points from May to 32 on the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). Anything below 50 is considered negative. The index stood at 43 in June 2024. Analyst ...
JetBlue to cut more flights, other costs with break-even 2025 'unlikely' due to weaker travel demand
CNBC· 2025-06-17 13:00
Core Insights - JetBlue Airways is implementing significant cost cuts due to weaker-than-expected travel demand, making it unlikely to achieve break-even operating margins this year [1][2] - The airline's recovery to profitability is anticipated to take longer than initially expected, with reliance on borrowed cash to sustain operations [2] - JetBlue plans to reduce flight schedules, pause aircraft retrofits, and park some Airbus jets as part of its cost-cutting measures [3] Cost-Cutting Measures - The airline will further cut flights to align with the reduced demand [3] - JetBlue is pausing retrofits on aircraft to conserve resources [3] - Some Airbus jets will be parked as part of the strategy to manage costs [3] Leadership Restructuring - The company is assessing the size and structure of its leadership team [3] - Identified opportunities to combine or restructure certain roles for improved efficiency at the leadership level [3]
Spotify's Daniel Ek leads $694 million investment in defense startup Helsing
CNBC· 2025-06-17 12:41
Company Overview - Helsing, a European defense technology startup, has raised 600 million euros ($693.6 million) in a new funding round led by Prima Materia, a venture capital firm founded by Spotify CEO Daniel Ek [1] - Existing investors include Lightspeed Venture Partners, Accel, Plural, General Catalyst, and Saab, with new investments from BDT & MSD Partners [2] Industry Trends - The defense technology sector has become increasingly attractive to investors due to ongoing global conflicts, such as the Ukraine war and the recent escalation in the Middle East [2] - In 2024, venture funding in Europe's defense, security, and resilience sector reached an all-time high of $5.2 billion, marking a 30% growth over the past two years, while the broader VC market experienced a 45% decline during the same period [3]
Yum! Brands names CFO Chris Turner as its next CEO
CNBC· 2025-06-17 12:39
Group 1 - Yum! Brands has appointed Chris Turner as the new CEO, effective October 1, replacing David Gibbs, who will remain as an advisor until 2026 [1] - Chris Turner has been with Yum! Brands since 2019 and previously held senior positions at PepsiCo and McKinsey [1] - Under David Gibbs, Yum! Brands expanded digital ordering and introduced value menus, a strategy that Turner is expected to continue [2] Group 2 - Yum! Brands operates well-known fast-food chains including KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger in over 150 countries [3] - The company's shares have increased by approximately 5% year-to-date [3]