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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced a technological milestone on Friday, revealing the deployment of NVIDIA Corp.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) first full 8-rack GB200 NVL72 system on Microsoft Corp.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) Azure platform, marking a major advancement in the companies&#8217; strategic partnership.
What Happened: &#8220;First full 8-rack GB200 NVL72 now running in Azure for OpenAI—thank you Satya Nadella and Jensen [Huang]!,&#8221; Altman wrote on X.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">first full 8-rack GB200 NVL72 now running in azure for openai—thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/satyanadella?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@satyanadella</a> and jensen!
&mdash; Sam Altman (@sama) <a href="https://twitter.com/sama/status/1885191346916356371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The GB200 NVL72, known for delivering 30 times faster real-time large language model inference and enhanced AI training capabilities, represents the latest evolution in OpenAI&#8217;s infrastructure expansion. This deployment comes as Microsoft reported a 175% year-over-year surge in AI revenue and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43327008/microsofts-13-billion-run-rate-and-openai-azure-deal-spark-surge-in-enterprise-demand-for-ai-solutions-just-first-tranche-of-future-growth-potential">a $13 billion annual AI revenue run rate</a>.
large language model inference is&nbsp;the process by which LLMs use their training to generate human-like responses to user input.
The infrastructure upgrade arrives amid reports that SoftBank Group Corp. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>) is in discussions to lead a massive $40 billion <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/43374528/softbank-may-lead-openais-40-billion-funding-round-at-a-300-billion-valuation-despite-deepseek-disruption-report">funding round for OpenAI</a> at a potential $300 billion valuation. 
However, OpenAI faces challenges on the competitive front. The company recently alleged that Chinese AI startup DeepSeek <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43354099/openai-alleges-deepseek-used-proprietary-models-without-permission-as-microsoft-investigates-ai-secu">used its proprietary models without authorization</a>, leading to the blocking of suspected accounts for terms of service violations. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43377716/tesla-employee-headcount-drops-after-april-layoff">Tesla Reports Over 10% Employee Reduction By Year-End Following April Layoffs</a>
Why It Matters: This controversy emerged after DeepSeek claimed to have developed its R1 model for just $5.6 million using lower-end Nvidia chips.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella acknowledged DeepSeek&#8217;s &#8220;real innovations&#8221; during a recent earnings call but remained noncommittal about whether these developments mark a turning point <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43327016/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-accepts-deepseek-ai-has-some-real-innovations-but-wont-say-if-they-mark-a-turning-point-for-ai-cost-reduction">for AI cost reduction</a>. 
Despite these challenges, OpenAI appears to be strengthening its partnership with Microsoft. Earlier this week, Altman <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43354099/openai-alleges-deepseek-used-proprietary-models-without-permission-as-microsoft-investigates-ai-secu">hinted at expanded collaboration</a>, stating on social media that the &#8220;next phase of the MSFT x OAI partnership is gonna be much better than anyone is ready for.&#8221; 
This aligns with Microsoft CFO Amy Hood&#8216;s recent statement that OpenAI&#8217;s Azure commitment represents just the &#8220;first tranche&#8221; of future growth potential.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/43373775/tim-cook-praises-chinas-deepseek-for-driving-efficiency-stresses-apples-prudent-and-deliberate-approach-toward-capital-expenditure">Tim Cook Praises China&#8217;s DeepSeek For Driving Efficiency, Stresses Apple&#8217;s &#8216;Prudent And Deliberate&#8217; Approach Toward Capital Expenditure</a></li>
</ul>
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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Sam Altman Thanks Satya Nadella, Jensen Huang As OpenAI Deploys NVIDIA's GB200 On Microsoft Azure, Boosting Performance By 30X

As Mastercard Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MA#NYSE">MA</a>) surpassed analyst <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43345282/mastercard-q4-earnings-revenue-and-eps-beat-strong-growth-in-payments-and-cross-border-transactions">expectations</a> for the fourth quarter, it highlighted an important function that grew massively in 2024, securing the data of billions of users.
What Happened: Mastercard tokenized about four billion transactions per month in 2024, which was up 40 times over the past six years, said the company CEO Michael E Miebach during its earnings call.
Tokenization is a process that enhances security by replacing sensitive card data with tokens, reducing fraud risk. It also improves the customer experience by simplifying online checkout.
The CEO explained that Mastercard&#8217;s massive growth in tokenized transactions underscores its critical role in enabling secure and frictionless digital commerce, paving the way for a future of password-free and seamless payments.
&#8220;While the growth of token makes the ecosystem safer and more secure, we also benefit on the natural tailwind associated with the growth of token usage,&#8221; added Miebach.
Additionally, in response to an analyst, the CEO also highlighted that tokenization is a key component of Mastercard 2030 vision and has &#8220;tremendous opportunity&#8221;.
&#8220;We&#8217;ll be looking at other use cases and see what that can do for our company overall,&#8221; he added.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43345282/mastercard-q4-earnings-revenue-and-eps-beat-strong-growth-in-payments-and-cross-border-transactions">Mastercard Q4 Earnings: Revenue And EPS Beat, Strong Growth In Payments and Cross-Border Transactions</a>
Why It Matters: Mastercard <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43345282/mastercard-q4-earnings-revenue-and-eps-beat-strong-growth-in-payments-and-cross-border-transactions">beat Q4</a> revenue and earnings expectations. Net revenue reached $7.49 billion as compared to the expected $7.39 billion, a 14% increase year-over-year). Adjusted earnings per share was at $3.82, as compared to the expected $3.69, a 20% rise.
Payment network revenue grew 13%, driven by increased gross dollar volume of 12%, cross-border volume of 20%, and switched transactions of 11%. The company forecasts low double-digit net revenue growth for both the first quarter and the full year 2025.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43376448/elon-musks-x-money-to-see-about-600-million-active-monthly-users-via-visa-direct-integration">Elon Musk&#8217;s &#8216;X Money&#8217; To See About 600 Million Active Monthly Users Via Visa Direct Integration: &#8216;Excited To Partner,&#8217; Says CEO</a>
Price Action: Mastercard&#8217;s stock rose 3.14% on Thursday and advanced 0.29% to $567.66 per share in after-hours trading, whereas, the exchange-traded fund tracking S&amp;P 500, SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) was up 0.54% at $605.04.
Mastercard has a consensus ‘buy&#8217; with a price target of $542.84, according to the 34 analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MA/analyst-ratings">tracked by Benzinga</a>. The high target is $654, and the low is $424. Recent ratings by Piper Sandler, Citigroup, and Oppenheimer suggest a $587.67 target, implying a 3.53% upside.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MA/analyst-ratings"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="386" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31032716/Mastercard-ANR-1024x386.png" alt="" class="wp-image-759681" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31032716/Mastercard-ANR-1024x386.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31032716/Mastercard-ANR-300x113.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31032716/Mastercard-ANR-768x290.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31032716/Mastercard-ANR.png 1060w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/43333849/microstrategy-is-a-lever-for-the-believer-says-mizuho-initiates-coverage-on-bitcoins-levered-play-with-an-outperform-rating" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MicroStrategy Is A ‘Lever For The Believer,' Says Mizuho, Initiates Coverage On Bitcoin's Levered Play With An ‘Outperform' Rating</a></li>
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Mastercard's Secret Weapon Against Fraud? A 40x Growth In This Security Tech

<h3>Companies Reporting Before The Bell</h3>
• Novartis (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVS#NYSE">NVS</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $1.79 per share on revenue of $12.77 billion. 
• Zapp Electric Vehicles (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZAPP#NASDAQ">ZAPP</a>) is projected to report earnings for its Fiscal Year 2024. 
• Dorian LPG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LPG#NYSE">LPG</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $0.70 per share on revenue of $89.89 million. 
• Piper Sandler (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PIPR#NYSE">PIPR</a>) is projected to report quarterly earnings at $3.96 per share on revenue of $452.49 million. 
• WisdomTree (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WT#NYSE">WT</a>) is projected to report quarterly earnings at $0.18 per share on revenue of $111.06 million. 
• RBC Bearings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RBC#NYSE">RBC</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $2.20 per share on revenue of $394.43 million. 
• OneMain Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OMF#NYSE">OMF</a>) is projected to report quarterly earnings at $1.15 per share on revenue of $1.20 billion. 
• W.W. Grainger (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GWW#NYSE">GWW</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $9.74 per share on revenue of $4.24 billion. 
• Virtus Inv (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTS#NYSE">VRTS</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $7.66 per share on revenue of $214.69 million. 
• Eaton Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ETN#NYSE">ETN</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $2.82 per share on revenue of $6.36 billion. 
• Imperial Oil (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IMO#AMEX">IMO</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $2.02 per share on revenue of $13.18 billion. 
• First Hawaiian (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FHB#NASDAQ">FHB</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $0.41 per share on revenue of $203.83 million. 
• Broadridge Financial Soln (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BR#NYSE">BR</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $1.35 per share on revenue of $1.57 billion. 
• Vestis (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VSTS#NYSE">VSTS</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.12 per share on revenue of $688.89 million. 
• Exxon Mobil (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $1.79 per share on revenue of $88.23 billion. 
• Revvity (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RVTY#NYSE">RVTY</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $1.38 per share on revenue of $730.10 million. 
• Janus Henderson Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JHG#NYSE">JHG</a>) is projected to report quarterly earnings at $0.97 per share on revenue of $683.02 million. 
• Church &amp; Dwight Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHD#NYSE">CHD</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $0.76 per share on revenue of $1.57 billion. 
• Aon (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AON#NYSE">AON</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $4.26 per share on revenue of $4.21 billion. 
• Badger Meter (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMI#NYSE">BMI</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $1.07 per share on revenue of $201.60 million. 
• Franklin Resources (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BEN#NYSE">BEN</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.56 per share on revenue of $2.73 billion. 
• Autoliv (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALV#NYSE">ALV</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $2.85 per share on revenue of $2.73 billion. 
• LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LYB#NYSE">LYB</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.95 per share on revenue of $9.49 billion. 
• Phillips 66 (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PSX#NYSE">PSX</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.94 per share on revenue of $35.07 billion. 
• Chevron (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $2.40 per share on revenue of $48.68 billion. 
• Charter Communications (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHTR#NASDAQ">CHTR</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $9.18 per share on revenue of $13.89 billion. 
• Brookfield Business (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBUC#NYSE">BBUC</a>) is likely to report earnings for its fourth quarter. 
• Brookfield Bus Partners (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBU#NYSE">BBU</a>) is estimated to report earnings for its fourth quarter. 
• Brookfield Renewable (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BEPC#NYSE">BEPC</a>) is likely to report quarterly loss at $0.36 per share on revenue of $2.01 billion. 
• Brookfield Renewable (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BEP#NYSE">BEP</a>) is expected to report quarterly loss at $0.35 per share on revenue of $1.53 billion. 
• ArcBest (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARCB#NASDAQ">ARCB</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $1.12 per share on revenue of $1.01 billion. 
• Gentex (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GNTX#NASDAQ">GNTX</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.48 per share on revenue of $598.58 million. 
• AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $2.98 per share on revenue of $14.81 billion. 
• Banco De Chile (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCH#NYSE">BCH</a>) is projected to report quarterly earnings at $0.53 per share on revenue of $804.00 billion. 
• Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAH#NYSE">BAH</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $1.51 per share on revenue of $2.86 billion. 
• Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CL#NYSE">CL</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.90 per share on revenue of $5.05 billion. 
<h3>Companies Reporting After The Bell</h3>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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Earnings Scheduled For January 31, 2025

President Donald Trump has resurfaced his old threat of imposing 100% tariffs on the BRICS nations via Truth Social, the social media platform owned by his company Trump Media &amp; Technology Group Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DJT#NASDAQ">DJT</a>). But this fund manager, while agreeing with his views asks how the will U.S. manage the production of essential goods.
What Happened: Trump, who had issued the 100% tariff threat earlier in December, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/24/12/42405749/bitcoin-far-more-of-a-threat-than-a-brics-reserve-currency-says-jeremy-siegel-find-it-curious-that-trump-championed-btc-at-100k">warned the BRICS nations again</a>, calling them &#8220;hostile,&#8221; for planning a combined BRICS currency.
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Aditya Sesh, founder and managing director of Basiz Fund&nbsp;Services, told <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/">Benzinga</a> that the U.S. is justified in using tariffs to protect the dollar&#8217;s strength and promote reciprocal trade, aiming to boost American exports and improve negotiating leverage for the country.
However, Sesh out that &#8220;Assuming 100% tariffs are imposed, how will the U.S. manage production from Slippers to Ships? Will American factories come up so quickly, and if so, at what cost? What about the inflationary impact of consumables in the U.S. when imports become expensive? It will also impact not just the American capital markets but also global capital markets.&#8221;
Trump announced Thursday that the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/43353698/trump-slaps-25-tariffs-on-canada-mexico-loonie-peso-slide-oil-climbs">U.S. will implement a 25% tariff </a>on imports from Canada and Mexico, effective Saturday, Feb. 1. The decision comes in line with Trump&#8217;s pledge to impose tariffs, citing concerns over illegal immigration, trade imbalances, and fentanyl trafficking from Canada and Mexico.
BRICS, an intergovernmental organization, comprises nine countries including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Trump, in his post, drew a firm line, demanding a commitment from these nations to abandon such efforts. He also suggested these nations find &#8220;another sucker nation&#8221; to trade with, emphasizing the importance of access to the US economy.
The statement expresses confidence that the BRICS nations will be unsuccessful in their attempts to displace the dollar in international trade. It concludes with a stark warning: any country that attempts to challenge the dollar&#8217;s position should expect a severed trading relationship with the U.S.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43376448/elon-musks-x-money-to-see-about-600-million-active-monthly-users-via-visa-direct-integration">Elon Musk&#8217;s &#8216;X Money&#8217; To See About 600 Million Active Monthly Users Via Visa Direct Integration: &#8216;Excited To Partner,&#8217; Says CEO</a> 
Why It Matters: U.S. economists, back in December had questioned Trump&#8217;s views on this matter. Jeremy Siegel, in a <a href="http://-https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/24/12/42405749/bitcoin-far-more-of-a-threat-than-a-brics-reserve-currency-says-jeremy-siegel-find-it-curious-that-trump-championed-btc-at-100k">note </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/24/12/42405749/bitcoin-far-more-of-a-threat-than-a-brics-reserve-currency-says-jeremy-siegel-find-it-curious-that-trump-championed-btc-at-100k">dated</a> Dec. 9, 2024, argued that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) posed a greater threat to the dollar&#8217;s reserve currency status than any BRICS initiative.
A senior economist at WisdomTree and former professor at the University of Pennsylvania, Siegel <a href="https://resources.wisdomtree.com/weekly-siegel-commentary/archive-december-9-2024">said</a> that he finds it contradictory that Trump threatens BRICS nations with tariffs for seeking a new reserve currency, while simultaneously supporting Bitcoin, a similar alternative global currency.
Similarly, in his X post dated Dec. 4, Peter Schiff, who is the chief economist and global strategist at Europac.com said that Trump has &#8220;the relationship backwards&#8221; and the BRICS nations are at a disadvantage, exchanging valuable goods for U.S. fiat currency, which is subject to inflation. The U.S. receives tangible products it cannot produce domestically, while the BRICS nations receive currency that loses value, he added.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">You have the relationship backwards. The BRICS nations are the suckers for accepting our fiat currency for their real consumer goods. We get actual products that make our lives better, that we lack the capacity to produce ourselves. All they get in return is our inflation.
&mdash; Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterSchiff/status/1864269213696708985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (ARCA SPY) slipped in late trading Thursday as investors weighed the economic fallout from rising trade tensions between the longstanding
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/43333849/microstrategy-is-a-lever-for-the-believer-says-mizuho-initiates-coverage-on-bitcoins-levered-play-with-an-outperform-rating">MicroStrategy Is A ‘Lever For The Believer,' Says Mizuho, Initiates Coverage On Bitcoin's Levered Play With An ‘Outperform' Rating </a></li>
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$BTC

After Imposing Tariffs On Canada, Donald Trump Threatens 100% Levy On BRICS For Move Against Dollar: 'How Will US Manage Production From Slippers To Ships?,' Asks Expert

Meiji Seika Pharma and ARCALIS Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minami-soma City, Fukushima Prefecture; President: Satoshi Takamatsu) have been working together to establish an infrastructure that enables the integrated production of pharmaceuticals, from active ingredients to final products, within Japan. With this approval, ARCALIS's Minami-soma facilities and Meiji Seika Pharmatech Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Meiji Seika Pharma, have been added as manufacturing sites. The technology transfer was managed and implemented by CSL Seqirus, the global licensor of KOSTAIVE&#xAE;. As a result, domestically produced products, with active pharmaceutical ingredients manufactured at ARCALIS's Minami-soma facilities and formulated at Meiji Seika Pharmatech, are now able to be shipped for commercial use in Japan.
About ARCALIS
ARCALIS, Inc. is a joint venture company between Axcelead Inc. and Arcturus Therapeutics Inc., which owns a group of world-class drug-discovery and healthcare platform companies. The company provides drug discovery support, as well as a contract development and manufacturing business (CDMO business), for mRNA medicines and vaccines.

ARCT

Meiji Seika Pharma Secures Approval For Domestic Manufacturing Of KOSTAIVE, Japan's First Self-Amplifying mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine

<ul>
<li>New $138 million facility at GE HealthCare's Cork manufacturing site will enable 25 million more patient doses of contrast media per year by the end of 2027i</li>
<li>Demand for CT and X-Ray contrast media, used to enhance medical imaging procedures globally, is estimated to double in the next ten yearsii</li>
<li>Investment will create additional capacity to cater for growing demand, while offering increased flexibility and resiliency for security of supply</li>
</ul>

GEHC

GE HealthCare Expands Cork Facility With $138M Investment To Address Doubling Demand For Contrast Media

LODE

Reported Earlier, Comstock Fuels And SACL Finalize Commercial Agreements To Expand Lignocellulosic Biomass Refining In Asia-Pacific

<ul>
<li>-- JOURNAVX is the first and only approved non-opioid oral pain signal inhibitor and the first new class of pain medicine approved in more than 20 years --</li>
<li>-- JOURNAVX is an effective and well-tolerated medicine without evidence of addictive potential indicated for use across all types of moderate-to-severe acute pain</li>
</ul>

VRTX

Reported Earlier, Vertex Secures FDA Approval For JOURNAVX (Suzetrigine), Pioneering The First Non-Opioid Pain Signal Inhibitor For Acute Pain

EV giant Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) had 125,665 employees as of December end, down 10.5% year-on-year, following a layoff in April, the company said in a new filing.
What Happened: As of Dec. 31, 2023, Tesla's headcount worldwide was at 140,473, according to the company&#8217;s annual report. 
In April 2024, Tesla laid off 10% of its global workforce, which seemingly impacted over 14,000 employees. Several then-senior Tesla executives, including Rohan Patel,&nbsp;Drew Baglino, and Rebecca Tinucci subsequently left the company. 
Tesla&#8217;s employee headcount has been rising steadily from 2019 till 2023. The global layoff created a year-on-year drop in employee headcount for the first time after 2019. 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="710" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31013005/1lVnl-employee-headcount-as-of-year-end-1024x710.png" alt="" class="wp-image-759492" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31013005/1lVnl-employee-headcount-as-of-year-end-1024x710.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31013005/1lVnl-employee-headcount-as-of-year-end-300x208.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31013005/1lVnl-employee-headcount-as-of-year-end-768x533.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31013005/1lVnl-employee-headcount-as-of-year-end.png 1240w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Why It Matters: Tesla also reported its first drop in global EV deliveries in over a decade in 2024. Tesla reported global&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/01/42766117/tesla-stock-tumbles-on-q4-deliveries-whats-going-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deliveries of 1.79 million</a>&nbsp;vehicles in 2024, down from full-year deliveries of 1.81 million in 2023.
Tesla stock rose after hours on Wednesday despite the company reporting revenue and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43326143/tesla-stock-rises-5-after-hours-on-fsd-and-new-vehicle-promises-despite-q4-revenue-miss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earnings below expectations</a>. 
The company promised new and affordable models this year and said that it would start testing its autonomous ride-hailing service in Texas in June with vehicles deployed with its full self-driving (FSD) driver assistance technology, driving investor sentiment.
Tesla stock closed up 2.9% at $400.28 on Thursday, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data from Benzinga Pro.</a>&nbsp;
Check out more of Benzinga's Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link.</a>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43327837/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-dismises-lidar-again-says-if-humans-drive-without-shooting-lasers-from-their-eyes-so-can-autonomous-cars" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla CEO Elon Musk Dismisses LiDAR Again: ‘Humans Drive Without Shooting Lasers Out Of Their Eyes'</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock

TSLA

Tesla Reports Over 10% Employee Reduction By Year-End Following April Layoffs

Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Overview
<ul>
<li>Revenue was $521,241 in fiscal year 2024, compared to $895,978 in fiscal year 2023.</li>
<li>Gross profit was $341,593 in fiscal year 2024, compared to $543,302 in fiscal year 2023.</li>
<li>Gross margin was 66% in fiscal year 2024, an increase from 61% in fiscal year 2023.</li>
<li>Net loss was $1.3 million in fiscal year 2024, compared to $2.3 million in fiscal year 2023.</li>
</ul>

YAAS

Reported Thursday, Youxin Technology 2024 EPS (0.04) Up From ($0.09) YoY; Revenues $521,241 Down From $895,978 YoY

Metsera's common stock is expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol "MTSR" on January 31, 2025. The offering is expected to close on February 3, 2025, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

IPOs

MTSR

Reported Earlier, Metsera Prices $275M Initial Public Offering Of 15,277,778 Common Shares At $18/ Share

Econ #s

France Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (MoM) Preliminary For January -0.2% Vs. 0.0% Est.; 0.2% Prior

France Consumer Price Index (MoM) Preliminary For January -0.1% Vs. 0.0% Est.; 0.2% Prior

Reported Earlier, Medical Properties Trust Prices $1.5B 8.500% Senior Secured Notes And €1B 7.000% Senior Secured Notes, Both Maturing In 2032

Canada&#8217;s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly warned that proposed U.S. tariffs could force America to rely on Venezuelan oil imports, as tensions escalate ahead of President Donald Trump&#8216;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/43353698/trump-slaps-25-tariffs-on-canada-mexico-loonie-peso-slide-oil-climbs">planned 25% levy on Canadian goods starting Feb. 1</a>.
What Happened: In an interview <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/bb8238b6-11c5-4d0c-a489-04f187ceb88c">with</a> the Financial Times, Joly emphasized Canada&#8217;s strategic importance as an oil supplier, noting that Canadian crude is currently sold at a discount to U.S. refiners in Texas. The warning comes as Trump confirmed sweeping tariffs against both Canada and Mexico, citing concerns over immigration, trade deficits, and drug trafficking.
"There's no other option on the table, and this administration doesn't want to work with Venezuela," Joly said.
The energy trade stakes are significant. Canada supplies approximately 20% of U.S. oil consumption and 60% of imported crude. Many U.S. refineries are specifically configured for the heavy crude grades produced by Canada and Venezuela, rather than the lighter oil from America&#8217;s shale fields.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43376717/colgate-palmolive-earnings-are-imminent-these-most-accurate-analysts-revise-forecasts-ahead-of-earnings-call">Colgate-Palmolive Earnings Are Imminent; These Most Accurate Analysts Revise Forecasts Ahead Of Earnings Call</a>
Why It Matters: Markets reacted sharply to Trump&#8217;s announcement, with the Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FXC#NYSE">FXC</a>) falling 0.6% and the USD/CAD rate climbing to 1.4480. The United States Oil Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>) saw initial gains as traders weighed supply chain implications.
Canadian officials are mounting a diplomatic offensive to prevent what could become the first major trade war of Trump&#8217;s potential new administration. Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson has threatened retaliatory tariffs on American goods, including steel and orange juice, while Ottawa has pledged $1 billion for border security improvements.
The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) declined in late trading Thursday as investors assessed the potential economic impact of escalating trade tensions between the longtime allies.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43376517/chevron-gears-up-for-q4-print-here-are-the-recent-forecast-changes-from-wall-streets-most-accurate-analysts">Chevron Gears Up For Q4 Print; Here Are The Recent Forecast Changes From Wall Street&#8217;s Most Accurate Analysts</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Trump's Tariffs Could Force US To Buy Venezuelan Oil: 'There's No Other Option On The Table,' Says Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly

Daiichi Sankyo Co (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DSNKY#OTC">DSNKY</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.22 per share. This is a 120 percent increase over earnings of $0.10 per share from the same period last year. The company reported $3.18 billion in sales this quarter. This is a 4.29 percent increase over sales of $3.05 billion the same period last year.

DSNKY

Daiichi Sankyo Co Q4 EPS $0.22 Up From $0.10 YoY, Sales $3.18B Up From $3.05B YoY

On Thursday, during Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43355688/apple-q1-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-iphone-sales-slip-installed-base-climbs-to-all-time-high-our-best-quarter-ever">first-quarter earnings</a> call, CEO Tim Cook was questioned about the potential impact of President Donald Trump&#8217;s tariff policies on the company.
What Happened: When asked by analyst Atif Malik from Citi about the potential effects of tariffs on Apple&#8217;s products and consumer demand, Cook stated, &#8220;We are monitoring the situation and don&#8217;t have anything more to add than that.&#8221;
The lack of clarity from Cook comes as Apple navigates a complex global market, where tariffs could significantly impact its supply chain and pricing strategies.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/01/43325503/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-pays-trump-25-million-to-settle-lawsuit-over-facebook-instagram-ban-after-jan-6-riot-a-big-year-for-redefining-our-relationships-with-governments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta Pays Trump $25 Million To Settle Lawsuit Over Facebook, Instagram Ban After Jan. 6 Riot: ‘A Big Year For Redefining Our Relationships With Governments&#8217;</a>
Key Risks From Proposed Tariffs
Semiconductor Tariffs: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43258081/trump-proposes-tariffs-on-taiwans-semiconductor-and-pharmaceutical-imports-amid-tsmcs-65-billion-expansion-plans">Trump's proposed 25% to 100% duties</a> on foreign-made chips could disrupt Apple's supply of custom silicon from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>), even as the company ramps up its production facility with $6.6 billion in CHIPS Act funding.
Rising Consumer Prices: A 60% tariff on Chinese imports could drive smartphone prices up by 26%, potentially forcing Apple to add approximately $300 in taxes to a $1,000 iPhone. Chinese suppliers have been Apple&#8217;s largest group of suppliers since 2020, growing from 48 in 2022 to 52 in 2023.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Complications in Nearshoring: While Apple has expanded production to Mexico and India—investing in Indian iPhone manufacturing and tapping Foxconn for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/42808796/foxconn-posts-record-revenue-rides-high-on-ai-server-demand-and-nvidia-partnership">AI server production</a> in Mexico —<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/43353698/trump-slaps-25-tariffs-on-canada-mexico-loonie-peso-slide-oil-climbs">Trump's tariffs</a> on Mexican and Canadian goods could undermine these efforts.
Cook's Playbook For Navigating Tariffs
During the first Trump presidency from 2017 to 2021, Cook was a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42158580/how-tim-cooks-strategy-to-win-over-trump-gave-apple-a-competitive-edge-and-why-sundar-pichai-mark-zuckerberg-and-others-might-be-following-his-playbook">frequent visitor</a> to the White House. However, his interactions with the Joe Biden administration have been minimal.
In 2019, Cook successfully lobbied for Mac Pro tariff exemptions by gifting Trump a $6,000 unit and shifting limited production to Texas.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Cook contributed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42801809/apple-ceo-tim-cook-reportedly-donates-1-million-to-trump-inauguration-joins-ranks-of-mark-zuckerberg-jeff-bezos-and-sam-altman">$1 million to Trump&#8217;s</a> inaugural committee. This came after a Mar-a-Lago dinner meeting and post-election congratulations.
On Thursday, the iPhone maker reported fiscal <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43355688/apple-q1-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-iphone-sales-slip-installed-base-climbs-to-all-time-high-our-best-quarter-ever">first-quarter revenue</a> of $124.3 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $124.13 billion.
Price Action: Apple&#8217;s stock climbed 3.01% in after-hours trading, reaching $244.75. Earlier on Thursday, it closed at $237.59, down 0.74%, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data</a>.
Photo by Laura Hutton on Shutterstock
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43221770/apples-ipad-turns-15-today-heres-a-throwback-to-when-steve-jobs-explained-called-it-the-third-category-after-phones-and-notebooks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple&#8217;s iPad Turns 15 Today: Here&#8217;s A Throwback To When Steve Jobs Explained Called It The ‘Third Category&#8217; After Phones And Notebooks</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

AAPL

Tim Cook Won't Say How Apple Plans To Handle Trump's Tariff Policies — But Here's What's At Stake For The iPhone Maker

Phillips 66 (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PSX#NYSE">PSX</a>) will release its fourth-quarter financial results, before the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/psx/earnings">opening bell, on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025</a>.
Analysts expect the Houston, Texas-based company to report a quarterly loss at 23 cents per share, versus year-ago earnings of $3.09 per share. Phillips 66 projects quarterly revenue of $32.24 billion, compared to $38.74 billion a year earlier, according to data from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>.
On Jan. 6, the company disclosed a definitive deal to acquire EPIC Y-Grade, LP's natural gas liquids (NGL) business for $2.2 billion in cash.
Phillips 66 shares fell 1.1% to close at $120.84 on Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .
Benzinga readers can access the latest analyst ratings on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/22/09/28888638/exclusive-study-finds-benzinga-analyst-ratings-data-yields-market-beating-strategie">Analyst Stock Ratings</a> page. Readers can sort by stock ticker, company name, analyst firm, rating change or other variables.
Let's have a look at how Benzinga's most-accurate <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PSX/analyst-ratings">analysts have rated the company</a> in the recent period.
<ul>
<li>Barclays analyst Theresa Chen maintained an Equal-Weight rating and cut the price target from $124 to $115 on Jan. 13, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 77%.</li>
<li>Wolfe Research analyst Doug Leggate upgraded the stock from Peer Perform to Outperform on Jan. 3, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 70%.</li>
<li>Wells Fargo analyst Roger Read maintained an Overweight rating and cut the price target from $167 to $161 on Dec. 9, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 65%.</li>
<li>UBS analyst Spiro Dounis maintained a Buy rating and cut the price target from $150 to $138 on Nov. 4, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 74%.</li>
<li>Piper Sandler analyst Ryan Todd maintained an Overweight rating and raised the price target from $136 to $144 on Oct. 8, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 68%.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying PSX stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="573" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31022956/image-269-1024x573.png" alt="" class="wp-image-759568" style="width:599px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31022956/image-269-1024x573.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31022956/image-269-300x168.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31022956/image-269-768x429.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31022956/image-269.png 1150w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Read This Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/43336168/jim-cramer-likes-this-tech-stock-terrific-business-niche-business">Jim Cramer Likes This Tech Stock: &#8216;Terrific Business, Niche Business&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>

Price Target

Pre-Market Outlook

Analyst Ratings

Trading Ideas

Top Wall Street Forecasters Revamp Phillips 66 Price Expectations Ahead Of Q4 Earnings

Dividend Proposal&nbsp;
The Novartis Board of Directors proposes a dividend payment of CHF 3.50 per share for 2024, up 6.1% from CHF 3.30 per share in the prior year, representing the 28th consecutive dividend increase since the creation of Novartis in December 1996. Shareholders will vote on this proposal at the AGM on March 7, 2025.

Dividends

Novartis Proposes 6.1% Dividend Increase To CHF 3.50 Per Share For 2024, Pending Shareholder Approval At AGM

2025 outlook Barring unforeseen events; growth vs prior year in cc
&nbsp;Net sales are Expected to grow mid- to high-single-digit&nbsp;
Core operating income is Expected to grow high single to low double-digit

Guidance

Novartis Expects 2025 Sales Growth Of Mid- To High-Single Digit, And Core Operating Income Increase Of High Single To Low Double-Digit

Press Releases

UGE Reports Q1 2024 Financial Results

TSXV:UGE

UGEIF

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