Western Star Resources Stock (OTC: WSRIF)

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Western Star Resources Inc is a mineral exploration and development company. Its activities consist of acquiring, exploring, developing, and operating mining properties.

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Western Star Resources Inc

Over 1.3 million electric vehicles were sold in the U.S. in 2024, marking a growth of 7.3% year-on-year, and accounting for 8.1% of total auto sales, according to data from automotive research company Kelley Blue Book. 
What Happened: EV sales in the U.S. benefited from strong incentives from automakers, excellent lease deals, and federal and state incentive programs in 2024, the firm said, while adding that companies like General Motors also added &#8220;excellent&#8221; new products.
Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) was the most-sold EV brand nameplate, followed by Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>). The best-selling EV models, however, came from across different brand names.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="831" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/15012502/0DWlR-top-selling-evs-in-2024-1024x831.png" alt="" class="wp-image-733814" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/15012502/0DWlR-top-selling-evs-in-2024-1024x831.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/15012502/0DWlR-top-selling-evs-in-2024-300x243.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/15012502/0DWlR-top-selling-evs-in-2024-768x623.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/15012502/0DWlR-top-selling-evs-in-2024.png 1240w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
The top-selling EV model was, unsurprisingly, Tesla&#8217;s Model Y SUV. The company sold 372,613 units of the Model Y in the 12 months, grabbing a remarkable 28.6% market share.
Model Y was seconded by Tesla&#8217;s mass-market sedan &#8211; the Model 3. Tesla launched the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/36921718/youtuber-marques-brownlee-reviews-refreshed-model-3-calls-it-teslas-most-important-car-i-am-impresse">refreshed Model 3 in the U.S. </a>in Jan. 2024 and 189,903 units of the vehicle were sold, giving it a 14.6% share of the market.
Dearborn-based Ford sold 51,745 units of its Model Y rival Mustang Mach-E and 33,510 units of its Cybertruck rival F-150 Lightning, giving them the 3rd and 6th position in the best-selling EV list, respectively. 
The fourth best-selling EV in the U.S. after the Teslas and the Ford SUV, comes from South Korean automaker Hyundai. Hyundai sold 44,400 units of its Ioniq 5 SUV, placing it below the Mach-E but above Tesla&#8217;s stainless steel truck Cybertruck. Tesla <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42967593/cybertruck-sales-rise-in-2024-weighed-down-on-tesla-model-s-deliveries-in-us-shows-data">sold 38,965 units of the</a> Cybertruck last year. 
Japanese automaker Honda also found a place in the best-selling EV list with its Prologue. The company sold 33,017 units of the Prologue, cementing its 7th position on the list. 
General Motors&#8217; Chevrolet Equinox EV and the Cadillac Lyriq also made it onto the list with over 28,000 units sold of each. GM started delivering the Equinox EV only in May. 
California-based Rivian&#8217;s R1S SUV took the tenth spot with nearly 27,000 units sold despite its high price point of about $75,000. 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="723" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/15012218/su3s1-market-share-of-top-selling-evs-in-2024-1024x723.png" alt="" class="wp-image-733812" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/15012218/su3s1-market-share-of-top-selling-evs-in-2024-1024x723.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/15012218/su3s1-market-share-of-top-selling-evs-in-2024-300x212.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/15012218/su3s1-market-share-of-top-selling-evs-in-2024-768x543.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/15012218/su3s1-market-share-of-top-selling-evs-in-2024.png 1240w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
What&#8217;s Ahead: Cox Automotive expects EV sales to grow further in 2025 despite uncertainties around policy under the incoming Trump administration. 
Cox noted that over 15 new models are expected to enter the market and coupled with better charging infrastructure and incentives from automakers, EV sales will rise and account for 10% of total vehicle sales in 2025. 
Policy changes under the new administration will likely not be put into effect soon, allowing prospective buyers to make their purchases, it said. 
The research firm is now <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42762224/bev-market-share-will-increase-across-us-china-europe-in-2025-says-sp-global-mobility">expecting 2025</a> to be a record year for EV volume. 
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:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42967593/cybertruck-sales-rise-in-2024-weighed-down-on-tesla-model-s-deliveries-in-us-shows-data" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cybertruck Success Comes At A Cost: Tesla Sells Nearly 39,000 Units In 2024, But Luxury Model S And X Sales Take A Hit In US, Data Shows</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Tesla

News

Tech

TSLA

Elon Musk's Tesla Leads The Pack In Top-Selling EVs In US In 2024: Ford, GM Follow

Macro Economic Events

Econ #s

Economics

France Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (MoM) For December 0.2% Vs. 0.2% Est.; -0.1% Prior

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

According to&nbsp;Reuters,&nbsp;Nippon Steel&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NPSCY#OTC">NPSCY</a>) is eager to engage&nbsp;with&nbsp;Donald Trump&#8216;s incoming administration to finalize a takeover of&nbsp;U.S. Steel&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/X#NYSE">X</a>). This comes after&nbsp;President Joe Biden blocked a&nbsp;$14.9 billion acquisition, leading to lawsuits filed by both companies.
What Happened: In&nbsp;an opinion <a href="https://www.wsj.com/opinion/nippon-steel-and-us-steel-why-were-suing-biden-over-deal-blocking-bb6ed1e1?mod=opinion_lead_pos11">piece</a> in the&nbsp;Wall Street Journal on Wednesday,&nbsp;Takahiro Mori, vice chairman of Nippon Steel, expressed the company&#8217;s determination to pursue the transaction.
&#8220;Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel&nbsp;will do whatever it takes&nbsp;to close this transaction,&#8221; Mori stated, emphasizing their strong legal position and anticipation of court proceedings.
Trump is set to assume&nbsp;office on Monday. Enforcement of&nbsp;Biden&#8217;s order, which mandated the unwinding of the deal within 30 days, has been postponed until June due to the legal challenge. Mori highlighted the importance of&nbsp;partnerships with the new administration&nbsp;to bolster U.S. Steel for the benefit of American stakeholders.
Meanwhile,&nbsp;Cleveland-Cliffs&nbsp;is collaborating with&nbsp;Nucor&nbsp;to potentially present an all-cash bid for U.S. Steel, as reported by Reuters. Mori reiterated Japan&#8217;s alliance with the U.S. and dismissed national security concerns regarding the takeover.
Why It Matters: The legal battle between&nbsp;Nippon Steel&nbsp;and the Biden administration over the blocked acquisition of&nbsp;U.S. Steel&nbsp;has been ongoing. In early January,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/42870745/nippon-steel-ceo-slams-tariffs-defends-15-billion-us-steel-merger-amid-national-security-concerns-we-never-think-that-industry-can-become-stronger-through-tariffs-alone">Nippon Steel CEO Eiji Hashimoto</a>&nbsp;criticized tariffs as insufficient for strengthening the U.S. steel industry and defended the merger, arguing it would enhance U.S. national security by creating a more robust company.
The lawsuit filed by Nippon Steel challenges the Biden administration&#8217;s decision, claiming it violated constitutional due process rights. Legal experts suggest that this lawsuit might extend the timeline for the deal, allowing for alternative deal structures. The opposition from Biden was reportedly aimed at securing union support in Pennsylvania, a key state in the political landscape.
Price Action: United States Steel was up by 1.37% in overnight trading on Robinhood at 2:43 am ET.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="EXCLUSIVE: Rocket Lab, Intuitive Machines, Redwire Or AST SpaceMobile? 33% Of Readers Pick This Space Stock For 2025">EXCLUSIVE: Rocket Lab, Intuitive Machines, Redwire Or AST SpaceMobile? 33% Of Readers Pick This Space Stock For 2025</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: 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.
Image by Poetra.RH via Shutterstock

General

NPSCY

Nippon Steel Eyes Trump Administration To Revive $15B US Steel Deal Blocked By Biden: 'We'll Do Whatever It Takes'

Jimmy Donaldson, popularly known as MrBeast, is in talks with several billionaires about potentially acquiring TikTok to prevent its shutdown in the U.S.
What Happened: On Tuesday, the renowned YouTuber took to X, formerly Twitter, and said that he intends to buy TikTok so it doesn't get banned in the U.S.&nbsp;
He later said that multiple billionaires have contacted him to explore the feasibility of the purchase. While he did not disclose any names, the YouTuber appears to be considering the possibility of making the acquisition a reality.
"Unironically I've had so many billionaires reach out to me since I tweeted this, let's see if we can pull this off," he stated.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/42893958/after-apple-halts-hardware-subscription-plans-samsung-unveils-similar-strategy-for-ai-powered-galaxy-smartphones">After Apple Halts ‘Hardware&#8217; Subscription Plans, Samsung Unveils Similar Strategy For AI-Powered Galaxy Smartphones</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Unironically I've had so many billionaires reach out to me since I tweeted this, let's see if we can pull this off &#x1f64c;&#x1f3fb;
&mdash; MrBeast (@MrBeast) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrBeast/status/1879224239485808811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Tech mogul Elon Musk has also emerged as a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/01/42965533/elon-musk-emerges-as-potential-tiktok-us-buyer-as-ban-deadline-looms-company-terms-it-pure-fiction">potential buyer for TikTok&#8217;s U.S.</a> operations, with discussions valuing the deal between $40 billion to $50 billion.
Subscribe to the <a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a> to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It Matters: In April 2024, President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38394855/biden-set-to-sign-tiktok-ban-into-law-after-senate-passes-bill-supported-by-gop-democrats">signed a bill requiring</a> TikTok&#8217;s parent company, ByteDance, to either cease U.S. operations or sell its business in the country.
With the Jan. 19 deadline looming, MrBeast&#8217;s post about buying TikTok has sparked interest, though initially perceived as a joke by some fans.
The primary concern leading to the potential ban is the risk of data being shared with the Chinese government.
ByteDance has previously stated that TikTok is not for sale, and any sale attempts might face <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38693602/tiktok-admits-xi-jinpings-ccp-wont-let-its-algorithm-be-sold-after-biden-gives-9-months-to-divest-or">opposition from the Chinese government</a>.&nbsp;
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday heard <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42919029/supreme-court-hears-tiktok-oral-arguments">oral arguments on the legislation</a> that could lead to the app&#8217;s shutdown. TikTok users have also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42931704/tiktok-users-call-on-trump-to-deliver-immediately-on-his-promise-to-save-app-from-us-ban-we-dont-need-the-supreme-court-to">launched a campaign urging</a> President-elect Donald Trump to intervene and prevent the ban.
Check out more of Benzinga'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/news/25/01/42900737/stephen-king-slams-elon-musks-h-1b-visa-stance-musk-thinks-smart-immigrants-can-stay-the-rest-of-you-washing-dishes-get-lost">Stephen King Slams Elon Musk&#8217;s H-1B Visa Stance: ‘Musk Thinks Smart Immigrants Can Stay – The Rest of You Washing Dishes … Get Lost&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Social Media

MrBeast Discussing Buying TikTok With Billionaires To Prevent US Shutdown: 'Let's See If We Can Pull This Off'

Italy&#8217;s largest bank, Intesa Sanpaolo, dipped its toes in the cryptocurrency market, conducting its first Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) purchase worth $1 million, according to a report on Tuesday.
What Happened: Intesa Sanpaolo purchased 11 Bitcoins&nbsp;in what CEO Carlo Messina&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/italys-intesa-buys-1-mln-euros-bitcoin-first-proprietary-trade-2025-01-14/#:~:text=An%20internal%20memo%20seen%20by,through%202028%20for%20company%20investments.">described </a>as &#8220;a test,&#8221; Reuters reported, citing an internal memo.
Speaking to reporters at an event, Messina said that the lender had &#8220;very limited&#8221; room to invest in cryptocurrencies and that the latest trial was conducted to prepare for potential requests for such investments by &#8220;sophisticated&#8221; clients.
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Banche, Messina (Intesa): &quot;Investimento in Bitcoin non stupisca è test"" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z2clF1jYGDw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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&#8220;We tested how to handle any potential requests from clients, but there will anyway be very tight limits and clients will need to prove they understand potential risks,&#8221; Massino said.
He also advised individual investors to avoid cryptocurrency investments, stating, &#8220;I myself don&#8217;t invest in Bitcoin.&#8221; 
See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42735744/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-predicts-doom-for-michael-saylors-microstrategy-as-stock-dips-below-300-in-after-hours-trading"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/42936962/shytoshi-kusama-outlines-treat-tokens-usefulness-ahead-of-launch-optimistic-whales-buy-up-shiba-inu">Shytoshi Kusama Outlines TREAT Token&#8217;s Usefulness Ahead Of Launch, Optimistic Whales Buy Up Shiba Inu</a>
With total assets of €949.18 million ($977.40 million), Intesa Sanpaolo is Italy&#8217;s largest bank. The company didn&#8217;t immediately return Benzinga&#8217;s request for comment.
Why It Matters: This development comes in the wake of Italy&#8217;s recent change in stance towards cryptocurrencies. 
Last month, Italian politicians from the ruling coalition <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42430918/italy-backpedals-on-controversial-tax-hike-on-crypto-capital-gains-following-industry-opposition-no-more-prejudices">announced a significant reduction</a> in the proposed tax hike on cryptocurrency capital gains following industry criticism and internal disagreements.
The Treasury had initially planned to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/10/41367903/italy-eyes-drastic-tax-hike-on-bitcoin-profits-42-looming-in-2025-shocking-countrys-crypto" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increase the tax</a>&nbsp;on cryptocurrency capital gains from 26% to 42% under the 2025 budget. However, due to industry protests and internal debates, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42430918/italy-backpedals-on-controversial-tax-hike-on-crypto-capital-gains-following-industry-opposition-no-more-prejudices">rate was reduced</a> to 33%.
Price Action: At the time of writing, Bitcoin was exchanging hands at $97,052.07, up 2.82% in the last 24 hours, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
Image Courtesy: Shutterstock.com
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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.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/apis?utm_source=benzinga.com&amp;utm_campaign=article-bottom" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"></a>

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

Government

Regulations

Markets

$BTC

Italy's Largest Bank Leaps Into Bitcoin Trading With $1 Million 'Test' Investment But CEO Says He Doesn't Invest In BTC Personally

<ul>
<li>Portugal's 4th largest bank expands Nasdaq partnership, adopting Calypso's Front Office and Risk platform</li>
<li>Fully integrated system will be deployed in the cloud to enhance flexibility and scalability of novobanco's treasury infrastructure</li>
</ul>

NDAQ

Novobanco Expands Nasdaq Calypso Partnership To Streamline Capital Market Operations

U.K. Producer Price Index Input (MoM) For December 0.1% Vs. 0.2% Est.; 0.0% Prior

U.K. Consumer Prices Index Including Owner Occupiers' Housing Costs (YoY) 3.5% Vs. 3.5% Prior

U.K. Consumer Price Index (YoY) For December 2.5% Vs. 2.6% Est.; 2.6% Prior

U.K. Consumer Price Index (MoM) For December 0.3% Vs. 0.4% Est.; 0.1% Prior

U.S. semiconductor trade groups have mounted strong opposition to the President Joe Biden administration&#8217;s new chip export restrictions, warning of potential market share losses to global competitors in a private letter to Biden.
What Happened: The letter Tuesday, signed by six trade organizations including the Semiconductor Industry Association and SEMI, criticized the administration&#8217;s approach to implementing stricter controls on advanced computing chips and high-bandwidth memory technology, particularly regarding sales to China, Reuters reported.
The pushback comes as the Commerce Department unveiled new regulations Monday creating a three-tier system for global chip exports. The rules require most nations to obtain licenses for building AI data centers using U.S. chips, while providing unrestricted <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/42967114/what-does-joe-bidens-last-minute-chip-export-restrictions-mean-for-nvidia-that-has-jensen-huang-led-ai-giant-up-in-arms">access to 18 allied countries</a>.
Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), which controls approximately 90% of the AI chip market, saw its shares drop 3% following the announcement. Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) fell 2% in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/42941939/nvidia-down-3-amd-falls-2-after-white-house-imposes-new-ai-chip-export-restrictions">response to the restrictions</a>.
"This rule threatens to derail innovation and economic growth worldwide," said Nvidia&#8217;s VP of government affairs, Ned Finkle, in a statement on Monday.
The pending regulations could particularly impact companies like Lam Research Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>), potentially reversing earlier interpretations that had allowed hundreds of millions in additional revenue from Chinese memory chip makers, according to the report.
&#8220;We understand that this additional rule will even more strictly control high bandwidth memory, without consideration of how such changes may impact U.S. companies or cede market share to global competitors,&#8221; the letter said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/25/01/42993441/south-korean-president-yoon-suk-yeol-arrested-kospi-edges-higher-despite-political-upheaval-won-stable">South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Arrested — KOSPI Edges Higher Despite Political Upheaval, Won Stable</a>
Why It Matters: Oracle Corp. Executive Vice President Ken Glueck warned the restrictions could reduce the international chip market for U.S. companies by up to 80%, significantly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/42941939/nvidia-down-3-amd-falls-2-after-white-house-imposes-new-ai-chip-export-restrictions">affecting the domestic cloud industry</a>.
The rules arrive amid escalating U.S.-China tensions over semiconductor technology. In December, the U.S. blacklisted 140 Chinese entities and restricted memory chip exports, prompting Beijing to implement retaliatory export <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/12/42265847/biden-targets-china-with-new-chip-restrictions-nvidia-slides">controls on critical minerals</a>.
The regulations are set to take effect <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/42967114/what-does-joe-bidens-last-minute-chip-export-restrictions-mean-for-nvidia-that-has-jensen-huang-led-ai-giant-up-in-arms">after a 120-day comment period</a>, extending into the incoming President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s administration, raising questions about their long-term implementation and effectiveness in the rapidly evolving AI chip market.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/42993713/trump-2-0-could-be-thwarted-by-inflation-mohamed-el-erian-notes-ahead-of-cpi-data-release">Trump 2.0 Could Be Thwarted By Inflation, Mohamed El-Erian Notes Ahead Of CPI Data Release</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shuttesrock 
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Equities

LRCX

NVDA

After Nvidia, Semiconductor Trade Groups Oppose  Biden's Chip Export Measures: Rules Threaten To 'Derail Innovation And Economic Growth Worldwide'

IPOs

PLMKU

Reported Earlier, Plum Acquisition Corp. IV Prices $150M Initial Public Offering Of 15M Units At $10/Unit

Gene Munster, managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, has said that Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s leadership approach at Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) has changed since he started learning jiu-jitsu.
What Happened: On Tuesday, Munster pointed out that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/01/42986509/meta-platforms-announces-performance-based-job-cuts-whats-going-on">Meta&#8217;s 5% workforce reduction</a> is a reflection of this strategic shift.
This follows previous reductions of 5% in 2024, 11% in 2023, and 13% in 2022. Despite these cuts, Zuckerberg plans to refill the positions, ensuring that severance costs do not impact Meta&#8217;s operating margin, he stated.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/01/42906243/netflixs-wwe-monday-night-raw-premiere-more-than-doubles-2024-usa-network-audience">Netflix&#8217;s &#8216;WWE Monday Night Raw&#8217; Premiere More Than Doubles 2024 USA Network Audience</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">I believe Zuckerberg&#39;s devotion to jiu jitsu has reshaped how he thinks about running <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24META&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$META</a>. Today&#39;s 5% workforce cuts are the latest example. This follows cuts of 5% in 2024, 11% in 2023, and 13% in 2022. If you&#39;re curious, he began his training in 2020. Since he is planning…
&mdash; Gene Munster (@munster_gene) <a href="https://twitter.com/munster_gene/status/1879277095207211046?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Why It Matters: At its core, Jiu Jitsu teaches principles of gentleness, mutual welfare, and maximum efficiency, according to Zenyo Jiu Jitsu, a website about the martial art. In 2023, Zuckerberg labeled the year as the company&#8217;s &#8220;year of efficiency&#8221; and announced plans to cut 10,000 jobs.
At the time, he said, &#8220;Change is never easy, but I know we'll get through this and come out an even stronger company that can build better products faster&nbsp;and enable you to do the best work of your careers.&#8221;
In a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/06/32807615/how-mark-zuckerberg-harnesses-jiu-jitsu-to-run-meta-better-your-ability-to-keep-doing-interesting-th">June 2023 interview</a> with Lex Fridman, Zuckerberg underscored the importance of embracing embarrassment as a catalyst for growth.
He explained that his commitment to Jiu-Jitsu embodied this philosophy, as the physically challenging discipline humbled him during his early stages, teaching him valuable lessons through moments of being "kicked" and feeling "stupid."
Meta&#8217;s workforce reductions are part of a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42865109/sony-co-founder-akio-morita-once-said-that-management-should-treat-companies-like-families-not-commodities-recession-comes-management-fire-people-but-stays-to-keep-its-profit">broader trend in the tech</a> industry. In December 2024, Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) announced a 10% <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42635813/google-announces-major-layoffs-as-pichai-stresses-efficiency">reduction in top management</a> roles to streamline operations.
Similarly, Elon Musk&#8217;s X, formerly Twitter, also reportedly faced <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41698648/elon-musks-x-reportedly-hit-with-new-wave-of-layoffs-engineering-department-faces-major-cuts-amid-un">significant layoffs</a> in November 2024, particularly affecting the engineering department.
Meta is set to announce its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/01/42991174/meta-platforms-analyst-expects-strong-momentum-in-q4-to-continue-in-2025">fourth-quarter earnings</a> on Jan. 29. In October last year, Meta reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41637326/meta-platforms-q3-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-daily-actives-up-5-strong-momentum-in-ai">third-quarter revenue</a> of $40.59 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $40.29 billion.
Price Action: Meta&#8217;s stock dropped 2.31% on Tuesday, but saw a 0.21% gain in after-hours trading, closing at $592.52, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

GOOG

GOOGL

Mark Zuckerberg's Jiu-Jitsu Training Has Transformed Meta's Leadership Strategy, Says Gene Munster

The units are expected to trade on The Nasdaq Capital Market ("Nasdaq") under the ticker symbol "RIBBU" beginning January 15, 2025. The Company expects the IPO to close on or about January 16, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the Class A ordinary shares and the rights are expected to be traded on Nasdaq under the symbols "RIBB" and "RIBBR," respectively.

RIBBU

Reported Earlier, Ribbon Acquisition Corp Prices $50M Initial Public Offering Of 5M Units At $10/Unit

The Notes will mature on March 15, 2030, and may be redeemed in whole or in part at the Company's option at any time prior to February 15, 2030, at par plus a "make-whole" premium plus accrued interest. The Notes will bear interest at a rate of 6.650% per year payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning September 15, 2025.

NCDL

Reported Earlier, Nuveen Churchill Prices $300M 6.650% Notes Offering With Semi-Annual Payments

Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBCP#NASDAQ">BBCP</a>) (the "Company") announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a special, one-time cash dividend of $1.00 per share of common stock (the "Special Dividend"). The Special Dividend will be paid on or about February 3, 2025, subject to the closing of the Company's previously announced offering of $425.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured second lien notes due 2032. Stockholders of record as of January 24, 2025 will be eligible to receive the Special Dividend. The aggregate amount of the payment to be made in connection with the Special Dividend is expected to be approximately $53 million.

BBCP

Reported Earlier, Concrete Pumping Announces $1.00/Share Special Dividend, Payable February 3, 2025

Calumet intends to use all of the net proceeds from the Offering to redeem a portion of the Issuers' outstanding 11.00% Senior Notes due 2026 (the "2026 Notes") on or before April 15, 2025 (the "Redemption"). The New Notes are a mirror issue to the Issuers' existing 9.75% Senior Notes due 2028, of which $325 million in aggregate principal amount was issued on June 27, 2023 (the "Original Notes"). The New Notes will have substantially identical terms as the Original Notes. However, the New Notes will be issued under a separate indenture and have different CUSIP numbers from the Original Notes.

CLMT

Reported Earlier, Calumet Launches $100M Offering Of 9.75% Senior Notes For Debt Refinancing

Under the terms of the joint venture, NWTN and W Motors will collaborate on research and development, manufacturing, and market expansion strategies, with a focus on mid luxury vehicles, security and enforcement vehicles as well as sustainable mobility solutions with an aim to localize manufacturing and assembly by leveraging W Motors's existing capabilities and infrastructure in the UAE.

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