Key TakeawaysApple shares are in the spotlight after setting another record closing high Thursday, as optimism grows that the iPhone maker’s AI features could accelerate sales growth. The stock has continued to trend higher after breaking out above an ascending triangle, though the move has occurred on declining weekly trading volumes, indicating that larger market participants may remain on the sidelines.Bars pattern analysis forecasts a bullish price target of around $300 and projects that the stock's cur ...

Costco Wholesale (COST) reported fiscal first-quarter earnings that beat analysts’ expectations, in its first quarterly results reflecting the impact of its hike in membership fees. The membership-based retailer saw revenue grow 7.5% to $62.15 billion, just above the analyst consensus from Visible Alpha. Net income of $1.8 billion or $4.04 per share was up from $1.59 billion or $3.58 per share a year earlier and exceeded expectations.   Costco's e-commerce sales increased 13%, while same-store sales were u ...

Market Overview - The S&P 500 declined by 0.5% on December 12, 2024, following a report indicating higher-than-expected wholesale inflation in November [1][2] - Major U.S. equity indexes, including the Dow and Nasdaq, also experienced declines, with the Nasdaq dropping 0.7% and falling below the 20,000-point threshold [3] Company Performance - Adobe's shares fell by 13.7% after the company provided lower-than-expected sales guidance, raising concerns about its position in the competitive generative AI software market despite strong demand for AI tools [4] - Nordson's shares dropped 8.2% despite exceeding fiscal fourth-quarter sales and profits, attributed to a conservative outlook due to lower backlog and restrained customer spending [5] - Western Digital's shares decreased by 5.6% after management indicated that pricing for NAND flash memory would face more pressure than previously expected [6] Industry Developments - The steel industry faced pressure as UBS analysts downgraded their view on stocks like Nucor and Steel Dynamics, leading to approximately 5% losses for both companies [7] - Warner Bros. Discovery's shares surged by 15.4% after announcing plans to separate its television business from its streaming and film studios, aiming for greater flexibility in the evolving media landscape [8] Positive Company News - C.H. Robinson Worldwide's shares rose by 4.5% following its investor day, where the CEO emphasized the company's transformation to a lean operating model and successful AI deployment [9] - MetLife's shares increased by 3.6% after unveiling a five-year growth plan focused on boosting profits and free cash flow while addressing opportunities in group benefits, retirement, asset management, and international markets [10]

Key TakeawaysTravelers with Apple AirTags in their checked bags can now share location data through the United Airlines app.The feature is intended to help the airline's customer service team track down lost bags more quickly.Apple’s new iOS 18.2 update includes a "Share Item Location" feature that allows data sharing with third parties. United Airlines (UAL) passengers with lost baggage may be reunited with their items more quickly thanks to new integration between the carrier's mobile app andApple (AAPL) ...

Core Insights - MetLife has launched a new five-year strategy called "New Frontier" aimed at enhancing long-term growth and profitability [1][2] - The plan targets double-digit adjusted earnings per share (EPS) growth, a 15% to 17% adjusted return on equity, a one-percentage-point reduction in direct expense ratio, and $25 billion in free cash flow [1] - Following the announcement, MetLife's shares increased by 5% [1] Group 1: Strategy Overview - The "New Frontier" strategy builds on the previous "Next Horizon" plan, which focused on simplifying and differentiating the company [2] - CEO Michel Khalaf emphasized that MetLife operates in attractive markets with strong competitive advantages, allowing for growth with lower risk [2] Group 2: Key Focus Areas - The "New Frontier" strategy will concentrate on four main areas: enhancing leadership in group benefits, leveraging a unique retirement platform, accelerating asset management growth, and expanding in high-growth international markets [2]

Key TakeawaysAdobe stock tumbled Thursday after the company issued a fiscal 2025 revenue outlook below analysts' expectations.Analysts lowered their Adobe price targets but maintained "buy" ratings on optimism for the company's generative AI monetization.Adobe said it plans to introduce a higher-priced version of its generative AI toolset, Firefly. Adobe (ADBE) shares dropped Thursday after the company’s results the day before came with an underwhelming revenue outlook, but analysts still have largely bulli ...

Core Insights - Kroger has abandoned its proposed merger with Albertsons and announced a new $7.5 billion stock buyback plan [1][2][3] Group 1: Merger Termination - Kroger terminated the merger agreement after Albertsons also announced the end of the merger following legal challenges [2][3] - Albertsons has filed a lawsuit against Kroger, seeking a $600 million termination fee and additional damages, claiming Kroger did not adequately address regulatory concerns [3] Group 2: Stock Buyback Plan - Kroger's board approved a new $7.5 billion buyback plan, replacing a previously approved $1 billion plan from September 2022 [4] - The new buyback plan includes an accelerated portion, with $5 billion allocated for immediate stock repurchases [4] Group 3: Market Reaction - Following the announcement, Kroger shares rose approximately 3%, marking a 38% increase since the beginning of the year [5]

KEY TAKEWAYSNvidia has reportedly added hundreds of staff members in China this year to beef up its research capabilities and focus on autonomous driving technologies.According to Bloomberg, Nvidia will end 2024 with around 4,000 people, up from just 3,000 at the start of the year.The move by Nvidia to beef up its Chinese self-driving car operations comes as the tech giant whose chips have powered the AI boom is caught up in an ongoing tech war between the U.S. and China. Nvidia (NVDA) has reportedly added ...

Key TakeawaysAdobe shares fell sharply in premarket trading on Thursday after the multimedia software provider issued a weaker-than-expected revenue outlook.The stock has traded higher within a rising wedge, mimicking a similar pattern that formed on the chart between July and September.Investors should watch crucial support levels on Adobe's chart around $500, $475, and $440, while also monitoring important overhead areas near $565 and $635. Adobe (ADBE) shares fell sharply in premarket trading on Thursday ...

Key TakeawaysMicrosoft said it expects to take an impairment charge of roughly $800 million after General Motors halted the development of Cruise autonomous vehicles.The tech giant and others like Honda and Walmart invested in the "robotaxi" startup over the last decade.GM said late Tuesday that it would end development of the robotaxis because of the cost to scale the project, and shift the team to developing other driver assistance programs. Microsoft (MSFT) will take an $800 million impairment charge in ...