Core Insights - Meta Platforms has introduced a new bonus plan allowing executives to earn bonuses of up to 200% of their base salary, an increase from the previous cap of 75% [1][3] - CEO Mark Zuckerberg is not included in this new bonus plan, as stated in a recent SEC filing [1][3] Compensation Structure - The decision to raise bonuses was made by Meta's Compensation, Nominating & Governance Committee, which found that the total cash compensation for named executive officers (excluding the CEO) was at or below the 15th percentile compared to peers [2] - This adjustment aims to align executive compensation more closely with industry standards [2] Stock Performance - Meta's shares have increased by 19% since the beginning of the year and have risen 47% over the past 12 months, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, which saw returns of 4% and 23% respectively during the same periods [2]

Group 1 - A high-level Japanese group is proposing that Tesla invest in Nissan following the collapse of Nissan's merger with Honda [2][4] - The proposal includes Tesla leading a consortium that may involve Foxconn, aiming for a strategic investment in Nissan [3][4] - Nissan shares rose by 9.5% in Tokyo trading after the news of the proposal [2] Group 2 - The strategic investment is seen as beneficial for Tesla to acquire Nissan's American factories, enhancing its domestic manufacturing capabilities [3] - The group behind the proposal includes Tesla board member Hiro Mizuno, former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, and his aide Hiroto Izumi [2][4]

Key TakeawaysWalmart said it is making more from its Plus membership program, which offers free delivery service.Shoppers, including Plus members, now pay extra to have items delivered within three hours on about 30% of all orders, Walmart executives said.The company has been expanding its delivery network and wants to be known for offering convenient shopping, Chief Executive Officer Doug McMillon said. People like Walmart's (WMT) prices. But they’re also picking the retailer for convenience—and paying mor ...

Core Insights - Home Depot is expected to report fourth-quarter earnings with year-over-year sales growth, despite a projected decline in comparable store sales for the ninth consecutive quarter [1][5]. Sales and Earnings Expectations - Analysts anticipate adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.02 and sales of $39.06 billion, an increase from $34.79 billion a year ago [3]. - Comparable store sales are forecasted to decline by 1.66% year-over-year, influenced by inflation affecting sales of big-ticket items [3]. Analyst Sentiment - The majority of analysts maintain a bullish outlook on Home Depot, with eight "buy" ratings, three "hold," and one "sell," and an average price target of approximately $433, which is about 10% above the current stock level [2][5]. - JPMorgan analysts have raised their price target for Home Depot from $450 to $475, citing its valuation compared to retail peers and adding it to their "Analyst Focus List as a growth investment" [4][5].

Core Insights - Alibaba Group's U.S. shares surged over 10% in premarket trading following the release of quarterly results that exceeded expectations, driven by growth in its cloud business and AI initiatives [1][5] Financial Performance - Revenue for the December quarter increased by 7.6% year-over-year to 280.15 billion Chinese yuan (approximately $38.5 billion) [2][5] - Earnings per share (EPS) per American Depositary Share (ADS) reached $2.93, surpassing analyst estimates [2] Business Growth - Cloud revenue grew by 13% year-over-year in the fiscal third quarter, with AI-related product revenue achieving triple-digit growth for the sixth consecutive quarter [3] - CEO Eddie Wu highlighted substantial progress in the company's "user first, AI-driven" strategies and the reacceleration of core business growth [2] Stock Performance - Alibaba shares have increased by 70% over the past year, influenced by partnerships with companies like Apple to develop AI features for iPhones in China [4] - The return of co-founder Jack Ma to Beijing's political landscape, including a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, has also positively impacted stock performance [4]

Group 1 - Walmart reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.66 on revenue of $180.55 billion for Q4 of fiscal 2025, exceeding analyst expectations of $0.64 EPS and $180.31 billion in revenue [1] - The company's guidance for Q1 and fiscal 2026 fell short of expectations, projecting revenue growth of 3% to 4%, while analysts anticipated 3.7% and 4.2% growth respectively [2] - Walmart expects adjusted EPS between $0.57 and $0.58 for Q1 and $2.50 to $2.60 for the full year, both below consensus estimates [2] Group 2 - Analysts had raised their price targets prior to Walmart's earnings report, anticipating the retailer would exceed Q4 estimates and provide conservative guidance [3] - Following the earnings report, Walmart's shares, which had increased over 80% in the past year, dropped 8% in premarket trading [3]

Core Insights - Apple has launched the iPhone 16e, a lower-cost version of the iPhone 16, starting at $599 and available from February 28 [1][4] - The iPhone 16e features Apple Intelligence tools and is powered by the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16 [2][4] - Analysts predict Apple could ship 15 million units of the iPhone 16e in the 2025 fiscal year, although initial forecasts suggested a price of $499 for a potential update to the iPhone SE line [2] Product Details - The iPhone 16e is priced at $599, which is $200 less than the iPhone 16's price of $799 [1][4] - The introduction of Apple Intelligence features is linked to record iPhone upgrades in the previous fiscal quarter [2][4] Market Context - Reports indicate a partnership between Alibaba and Apple to integrate Apple Intelligence into iPhones in China, with AI features submitted for regulatory approval [3] - Apple's stock has seen a 33% increase in value over the past 12 months, with little change observed in intraday trading following the announcement [3]

Group 1: Market Overview - Stock futures are trending lower as investors assess new tariff proposals and await Federal Reserve meeting minutes, with S&P 500 futures slightly down after reaching an all-time high [3] - Oil and gold futures are up by nearly 1%, while Bitcoin is trading above $96,000, indicating mixed market sentiment [3] Group 2: Tariff Proposals - President Trump's latest tariff proposal could impose a 25% import tax on automobiles, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals, with a potential phase-in period for U.S. companies [4] - The U.S. imported approximately 8 million passenger cars and light trucks last year, accounting for about half of the country's vehicle sales [4] Group 3: Intel - Intel shares fell nearly 3% following reports of a private equity firm nearing a deal to acquire its Altera programmable chips unit, despite a previous 16% increase in stock value [5] - Over the past 12 months, Intel's stock has lost more than a third of its value, although recent gains have mitigated some of those losses [5] Group 4: Super Micro Computer - Super Micro Computer shares rose approximately 6% in premarket trading, extending a winning streak to four days, driven by optimism around AI server demand [6] - The company projects revenue to reach $40 billion in 2026, a 60% increase from 2025, fueled by growing infrastructure needs for AI [6] Group 5: Apple - Apple shares remained stable ahead of the anticipated launch of a new low-cost iPhone model, expected to be priced at $499 [7] - The new iPhone SE4 is expected to feature Apple Intelligence, which is reportedly driving record upgrades for iPhones [8]

Key TakeawaysIntel is in advanced talks to sell a majority stake in its Altera programmable chips unit, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.The development comes after reporting over the weekend that Broadcom and TSMC are considering bids for parts of the storied chipmaker.Shares of Intel soared Tuesday, but have still lost more than a third of their value over the past 12 months. Private equity firm Silver Lake Management is nearing a deal to buy a majority stake in Intel’s (INTC) Altera programmable chips unit, ac ...

Market Overview - Major U.S. equities indexes experienced minor gains, with the S&P 500 achieving a record closing high of 0.2% [2][3] - The trading week is expected to provide insights into the Federal Reserve's policy inclinations, with upcoming minutes from the latest meeting and comments from officials [2] Company Highlights - Super Micro Computer (SMCI) shares surged over 16% following a positive business update and strong revenue growth forecast for fiscal 2026, while also expressing confidence in meeting the Feb. 25 deadline for its delayed annual report [4] - Intel (INTC) shares rose approximately 16% amid reports that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and Broadcom (AVGO) are considering deals to split Intel's semiconductor design and manufacturing assets [5] - Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) saw a 14% increase in shares after reports suggested renewed interest in a potential sale to private equity firm Sycamore Partners [6] Earnings Reports and Guidance - Medtronic (MDT) shares fell over 7% after mixed fiscal third-quarter results, with adjusted earnings per share exceeding estimates but quarterly revenue missing expectations due to weak sales in specific product lines [7] - Conagra Brands (CAG) lowered its full-year sales guidance, leading to a 5.5% drop in shares, citing supply concerns and unexpected demand increases as contributing factors [8] - UnitedHealth Group (UNH) shares declined 4.4% following the Federal Trade Commission's decision to retain merger review guidelines, potentially impacting its planned acquisition of Amedisys (AMED) [9]