Core Insights - A transformational merger has been announced between AkzoNobel and Axalta, aiming to create a powerful entity in the coatings industry [2][3] - The combined company will become the 1 player in performance coatings globally and the 2 player in paints and coatings [3] - The merger will allow the new entity to operate across seven different end markets, including aerospace, marine, refinish, and mobility [3] Financial Highlights - The combined entity is projected to generate approximately $17 billion in revenue [3] - Expected EBITDA for the new company is over $3 billion [3] - The merger is anticipated to produce more than $1.5 billion in free cash flow [3]

Group 1: Microsoft - Microsoft shares increased by 7% in premarket trading following strong FQ3 results, with Azure revenue growth of 33%, surpassing market expectations of 31% [3] - The company reported a 20% year-over-year rise in Microsoft Cloud revenue and forecasted continued strength in its cloud and AI businesses through Q4 and into fiscal 2026 [3] Group 2: Meta Platforms - Meta Platforms' shares rose by 5% after reporting a robust Q1 performance, with revenue increasing by 16% year-over-year and profits surging by 35% [4] - The operating margin expanded to 41% from 38% a year earlier, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg highlighting strong business momentum and advancements in AI [4] - Daily active users on the Family of Apps grew by 6% to 3.43 billion, exceeding expectations, while ad impressions rose by 5% year-over-year and the average price per ad increased by 10% [4] Group 3: Tesla - Tesla's board chair Robyn Denholm refuted reports of a CEO search, asserting confidence in Elon Musk's leadership [6] - Analyst Dan Ives suggested that the board's statement was a warning regarding recent issues but believes Musk will remain CEO for at least another five years [7] Group 4: Tools for Humanity - Tools for Humanity, co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is launching biometric ID technology in six U.S. cities, including San Francisco and Los Angeles [8] - The initiative aims to create a global identity system through iris scanning in exchange for cryptocurrency and digital IDs [8] - Partnerships with Visa and Match Group were also announced to enhance the project's reach [9] Group 5: Amazon - Amazon shares climbed by 4% after announcing a $4 billion investment to expand its rural delivery network across small-town America [11] - The investment aims to improve delivery speed and reach, with earnings expected to be reported later [11]