Core Insights - The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is leading to significant job losses in various industries, with Goldman Sachs estimating that AI was responsible for 5,000 to 10,000 monthly net job losses in the most affected U.S. sectors last year [1] - AI accounted for 7% of total planned layoffs in January, indicating a growing trend of companies restructuring their workforce in response to automation [1] Company Layoffs Linked to AI - AGORA plans to lay off up to 166 employees, or 6.56% of its workforce, to improve its digital business [2] - ALLIANZ intends to cut up to 1,800 jobs in its travel insurance division due to AI replacing manual processes [3] - AMAZON confirmed 16,000 corporate job cuts as part of an AI and efficiency-driven overhaul [3] - AUTODESK will reduce about 1,000 jobs, approximately 7% of its global workforce, to focus on cloud and AI initiatives [4] - BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO announced an AI-driven productivity program that will lead to unspecified job cuts [4] - DOW plans to cut about 4,500 jobs, which is 13% of its total workforce, by streamlining processes through automation and AI [5] - HP INC expects to cut 4,000 to 6,000 jobs globally by fiscal 2028 as it adopts AI [5] - MERCADOLIBRE laid off 119 employees as part of its AI expansion [6] - META is cutting over 1,000 jobs at its Reality Labs unit and around 600 positions in its Superintelligence Labs to pivot towards AI devices [6] - NIKE is laying off 775 employees to enhance profits and increase automation [7] - PINTEREST plans to cut up to 15% of its workforce to focus on AI roles and strategy [7] - SEB announced a restructuring plan that may impact up to 2,100 jobs worldwide by 2027 due to AI [8] - TELSTRA plans to cut 650 jobs in an AI-driven restructure [9] - WISETECH will reduce about 2,000 jobs, nearly one-third of its global workforce, as it integrates AI into its operations [9]

Telefónica Swallows the Pain to Reset the Story - Moby THE GIST Telefónica, a Spanish telecommunications firm, posted its biggest annual loss in more than two decades. Strip out the accounting carnage and the core business is growing again. The question for investors is simple. Is this the bottom of a long cleanup, or just another chapter in a familiar European telco saga. WHAT HAPPENED The Spanish telecoms group reported a net loss of €4.32 billion (about $5 billion) for 2025, its largest since the earl ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing interest in small and micro-cap stocks, particularly penny stocks, as investors seek opportunities amid concerns of a market correction, with Goldman Sachs highlighting its top 12 penny stock picks [1][4]. Market Performance - The S&P SmallCap 600 index has risen over 6% this year, while the iShares Micro Cap ETF is up about 8%. In contrast, the S&P 500 has only increased by 0.35% during the same period, indicating a shift in investor focus towards undervalued small-cap stocks [2]. - Small stocks have underperformed compared to large stocks in recent years, but there is an expectation of earnings growth that could lead to a rotation towards small-cap stocks [3]. Economic Outlook - Goldman Sachs maintains a positive macro outlook for small-cap stocks, predicting that the economic environment will support their performance through 2026. The expectation of interest rate cuts is seen as beneficial for penny and small-cap stocks [4][5]. - The firm believes that the markets are not fully accounting for the potential strength of the US economy in the coming year, which typically favors small-cap stocks during cyclical rallies [5]. Investment Strategy - Goldman Sachs' methodology for selecting its top penny stock picks involves analyzing equity holdings, focusing on companies trading under $5 per share, and considering their popularity among hedge funds [7]. - The strategy of imitating top hedge fund stock picks has historically outperformed the market, with a reported return of 427.7% since May 2014 [9]. Company Highlights - **Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. (NYSE:TV)**: Goldman Sachs holds an equity stake of $902,471, with a share price of $3.32. The company is expected to release its fourth-quarter results soon, with optimistic projections for 2026 due to favorable economic conditions in Mexico [10][11][12]. - **AtaiBeckley Inc. (NASDAQ:ATAI)**: Goldman Sachs has a stake of $2.38 million in AtaiBeckley, which is focused on developing treatments for mental health disorders. The company has shown promising clinical data for its drug BPL-003, which has received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA [16][17][19][20].

Core Viewpoint - Russia is preparing to send crude oil and fuel to Cuba as the island faces a severe fuel shortage due to U.S. actions aimed at cutting off its oil supply [1] Group 1: Supply Situation - The last oil supply from Russia to Cuba occurred in February 2025, involving a delivery of 100,000 metric tons [1] - Cuba has warned international airlines that jet fuel is no longer available, indicating a critical fuel situation on the island [1] Group 2: Geopolitical Context - The U.S. has moved to block oil exports from Venezuela, which has historically been a key supplier of jet fuel to Cuba [1] - Russia has expressed solidarity with Cuba and Venezuela, criticizing U.S. attempts to "suffocate" Cuba's economy and pledging to act against any military intervention [1] Group 3: Humanitarian Aid - The Russian embassy in Cuba stated that the upcoming supply of crude and oil products would be provided as humanitarian aid [1] - Russia has announced plans to suspend flights to Cuba after the departure of Russian tourists from the island [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group service revenue grew by 5.4% in Q3 2026, supported by growth in Europe and Africa, particularly in Germany, Africa, and Turkey [4][6] - Group EBITDA increased by 2.3% in Q3 and 5.3% year-to-date, aligning with expectations and guidance for FY26 [4][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Germany, mobile customer numbers increased, with new customer ARPUs up 21% year-on-year, stabilizing consumer broadband revenues [5][6] - The U.K. integration and network investment plan is progressing well, with initial upgrades delivered ahead of schedule [5][6] - The acquisition of Skaylink was completed, supporting growth in digital services across cloud and security [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is acquiring a controlling stake in Safaricom, enhancing its position in Africa amid growing demand for digital services [6][7] - Emerging markets continue to show double-digit growth, while the U.K. faces a challenging competitive environment [30][32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Vodafone is focused on enhancing customer experience and value strategy, particularly in Germany, where it aims to improve EBITDA through cost simplification and B2B growth [14][15] - The company is committed to a 10-year plan to invest GBP 11 billion in building the U.K.'s leading 5G network [6][7] - The strategy emphasizes value over volume, encouraging a shift in how telecom performance is evaluated [75][76] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the upper end of FY26 guidance, with a positive outlook for multi-year growth trajectory [8][32] - The competitive landscape in Germany remains challenging, but improvements in fixed broadband and customer experience are expected to support future performance [16][24] Other Important Information - The company is optimistic about the potential for consolidation in the U.K. broadband market, which could enhance pricing power [45][46] - The EU Digital Networks Act and Cybersecurity Act are seen as potential catalysts for investment and innovation, though they also introduce uncertainties [81][84] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Germany's EBITDA trajectory - Management indicated that EBITDA in Germany is expected to improve in the second half of the year, but not return to positive growth [12][14] Question: Value versus volume strategy in broadband - Management confirmed a focus on value, with fixed broadband churn below many European markets and improvements in customer satisfaction [23][24] Question: Group-wide growth prospects for 2027 - Management remains confident in multi-year growth for adjusted free cash flow and EBITDA, with expectations for cost synergies in the U.K. [32][33] Question: Opportunities in Africa post-Safaricom acquisition - The acquisition is expected to strengthen Vodafone's position in Africa, leveraging growth in population and demand for digital services [38][39] Question: Impact of potential consolidation in the U.K. broadband market - Management is pleased with Vodafone's current position and believes that consolidation could enhance market dynamics without negatively impacting their strategy [45][46] Question: Future of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) - Management expects FWA to grow in the U.K. and sees potential for deployment in rural areas of Germany, though fiber remains the primary focus [50][52] Question: Thoughts on tower market and Vantage - Management is satisfied with Vantage's performance and is open to evaluating future opportunities in the tower market as it evolves [58][59] Question: Insights on the EU Digital Networks Act - Management views the proposed reforms as a potential positive for investment certainty, though there are concerns regarding the Cybersecurity Act [81][84]

Group 1 - TIM SA, a Brazilian telecoms operator, is negotiating to repurchase a 51% interest in a fibre-network company it previously controlled [1] - The potential deal is valued at approximately $170 million [1]

Core Insights - NusaTrip has entered into an exclusive strategic technology partnership with Gorilla Networks to enhance its eSIM connectivity offerings within the travel sector [1][2][3] Group 1: Partnership Details - Gorilla will serve as NusaTrip's exclusive global eSIM connectivity platform, facilitating the development and operation of NusaTrip's white-label eSIM products [2][3] - The partnership aims to position eSIM connectivity as a core, monetizable layer within the travel booking experience, enhancing customer experience and creating new revenue streams [3] Group 2: Market Potential - The global travel eSIM market is projected to grow from US$1.8 billion in 2025 to US$8.7 billion by 2030, indicating a 380% revenue growth driven by increasing consumer and business travel [2] - Factors contributing to this growth include decreasing costs, improved device compatibility, and ongoing product innovation [2] Group 3: NusaTrip Overview - NusaTrip is an integrated travel technology platform with over 500 airlines and 650,000 hotels globally, and it is the first Indonesian OTA to receive IATA accreditation [9] - The company focuses on acquiring offline travel agencies to enhance its growth strategy and expand its market presence in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region [10] Group 4: Gorilla Networks Overview - Gorilla Networks specializes in providing eSIM solutions and aims to simplify connectivity for travelers by eliminating the complexities associated with traditional SIM cards [11]

Brazilian telecoms operator TIM SA is in talks to buy back a 51% stake in a fibre-network business it previously controlled under a deal that could be worth around $170 million, two people with knowle... ...

Core Viewpoint - Society Pass Incorporated has made a US$1.8 million minority investment in Gorilla Networks, marking its entry into the rapidly growing eSIM market, which is projected to grow from US$11.2 billion in 2025 to US$25.0 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 10.5% [1][2]. Company Overview - Society Pass is an acquisition-focused holding company founded in 2018, operating in the fast-growing markets of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand [6]. - The company operates four interconnected verticals: digital media, travel, lifestyle, and alternative intelligence [6]. Investment Details - The investment in Gorilla Networks establishes a strategic extension of Society Pass's travel and online travel agency (OTA) strategy, allowing for the embedding of mobile connectivity into the travel purchase journey [2][5]. - Gorilla's platform provides API-driven, white-label eSIM infrastructure, enabling travel platforms to bundle connectivity with flights, hotels, and ancillary services at the moment of booking [3]. Market Dynamics - The global eSIM ecosystem is highly fragmented, with many small operators lacking distribution scale and integration capabilities. Gorilla aims to aggregate demand through large digital partners and pursue selective consolidation opportunities [4]. - Society Pass plans to integrate Gorilla's eSIM services across its travel vertical, starting with NusaTrip, to enhance customer experience and generate recurring revenue with minimal incremental cost [5]. Strategic Vision - The integration of eSIM services is seen as a logical extension of Society Pass's OTA and travel strategy, internalizing a critical travel service that is digital and globally scalable [5]. - Gorilla is positioned to evolve from an infrastructure provider into a regional connectivity platform, unlocking scale, data, and recurring demand through partnerships [4].

Core Viewpoint - Telenor has agreed to sell its 24.95% stake in True Corporation for approximately NOK 39 billion, marking a significant divestment after 25 years in Thailand [1][6]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The sale price is set at THB 11.70 per share, which represents a 36% increase from the closing price on the first trading day post-merger in March 2023, and a 4% premium to the last three months' volume-weighted average share price [7]. - Telenor will also have a mutual put/call option for the remaining 5.35% stake two years after the initial sale, priced at the higher of THB 11.70 per share or the market price at that time [1]. Group 2: Financial Implications - The proceeds from the sale of the 24.95% stake are expected to be THB 100.9 billion (approximately NOK 32.3 billion), with an additional THB 21.9 billion (approximately NOK 6.9 billion) anticipated from the option exercise [11]. - Telenor expects to recognize an accounting gain of approximately NOK 14.7 billion at the closing of the initial sale, with NOK 1.6 billion related to recycling historical currency translation differences [13]. Group 3: Strategic Context - This divestment aligns with Telenor's strategy for structural simplification and focuses on enhancing shareholder value through capital discipline and effective capital allocation [9][12]. - The sale follows Telenor's recent divestment of Telenor Pakistan, indicating a broader strategy to create structural value in Asia [8]. Group 4: Company Growth and Market Position - Telenor has established market leadership in Thailand over the past 25 years, significantly contributing to mobile connectivity for millions [4][6]. - The merger of dtac and True in 2023 created Thailand's largest telecom-tech company, positioning it for future investments in 5G, AI, and digital services [5].