North America:

  • OpenAI: Launched a new ChatGPT feature for automating complex tasks, as part of significant investments in AI alongside Microsoft and SoftBank, leading to a tech stock rally.
  • Meta Platforms, Inc.: Faced a temporary suspension of a data-sharing ban in India, criticism in Europe over its policies, and invested in Databricks, despite content management issues.
  • GE Aerospace: Reported strong quarterly earnings, announced a $7 billion stock buyback, a 30% dividend increase for 2025, and provided an optimistic profit forecast.
  • Netflix, Inc.: Ended 2024 with robust earnings and subscriber growth, reaching 300 million global subscribers, with price hikes expected to drive future revenue.
  • Elevance Health, Inc.: Reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results with increased revenue and provided a higher revenue and profit forecast for 2025.
  • Boeing: Faces a production cap on 737 MAX planes over safety concerns, scrutiny for outsourcing work, and the Australian government's intervention in Regional Express Holdings.
  • Amazon.com, Inc.: Is closing Quebec warehouses, impacting 1,700 jobs, and reverting to a third-party delivery model, amid criticism from labor representatives.
  • McCormick & Company, Incorporated: Reported a Q4 adjusted EPS above estimates but forecasts lower sales and profit for 2025 due to slowing demand.
  • Electronic Arts Inc.: Shares dropped after missing preliminary fiscal Q3 earnings expectations, despite guiding higher future revenue and EPS.
  • Union Pacific Corporation: Reported a 7% increase in Q4 profit but missed revenue estimates due to lower shipments.
  • Stellantis N.V.: Is expanding global operations, investing over $5 billion in U.S. facilities, creating jobs, and testing self-driving vehicles.
  • Alphabet Inc.: The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority is investigating its dominance in mobile ecosystems, while Google secured a High Court injunction in London.
  • Apple Inc.: Pressured by Indonesia's industry ministry to comply with local investment requirements and criticized by India's human rights watchdog.
  • SoftBank Group Corp.: S&P Global Ratings warns that its investment in OpenAI's Stargate project could impact its creditworthiness.

Europe and Asia:

  • PUMA SE: Q4 earnings fell short of expectations, resulting in a stock price drop and a new cost-cutting program.
  • Essity AB: Considering shifting production to the U.S. due to tariffs, reported mixed Q4 financial results, and announced the CEO's departure.
  • Volkswagen AG: Aims to double U.S. market share, faces financial impact from emissions targets, and plans workforce reduction and stake sale in Traton.
  • HSBC Holdings plc: Shutting down its Zing payment app, affecting jobs, while opening a new office in Shenzhen and repurchasing shares.
  • Swedbank AB: Exceeded Q4 expectations with higher profits and increased its dividend payout.
  • Sandvik AB: CEO reports better-than-expected Q4 results with stabilized orders and increased net profit.
  • EQT AB: Experienced significant financial growth in 2024 with increased investments and plans for further revenue doubling in 2025.
  • Investor AB: Reported a decline in profit and a negative total shareholder return in 2024, amidst a challenging global environment.
  • SK hynix Inc.: Achieved record results in 2024, driven by high-end semiconductor demand, despite future demand concerns.
  • Commonwealth Bank of Australia: Provided a sustainability-linked loan to Salter Brothers and received an 'AAA' rating for mortgage-covered bonds.
  • Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.: Launched Galaxy S25 smartphones to compete with Apple and Chinese rivals.
  • TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company): Alchip Technologies purchased machinery, and Trump's AI project 'Stargate' is expected to increase demand for AI chips.
  • Hindustan Unilever Limited: Announced a rise in consolidated net profit for fiscal Q3 amid margin concerns.
  • Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.: S&P and Fitch Ratings assigned ratings to its note program and senior guaranteed notes.
  • Aramco: Completed its inaugural acquisition of U.S. crude oil, supporting the Brent benchmark.
  • BHP Group Limited: Engaged in a legal dispute over extra wages with labor hire companies.
  • Samsung Biologics Co., Ltd.: Experienced a rise in net income and year-over-year sales in Q4 2022.
  • CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology): Projects a profit increase for the year 2024.