
"NVIDIA has always believed in the power of competition to benefit consumers and drive progress in the tech industry," said the company's spokesperson. "We are fully committed to cooperating with the authorities and addressing any concerns that may arise during the investigation."In the world of collaboration and limited edition releases, the latest partnership between "Black Myth" and a well-known cola brand has certainly stirred up a buzz among fans and collectors alike. The exclusive offer of 12 bottles of "Black Myth" cola for 46.12 CNY has caused quite a stir on the internet, particularly with the announcement that it will be available for purchase on China's popular e-commerce platform, JD.com. The question remains: would you buy it?
Can AI chatbots make your holiday shopping easier?Stock market today: Rising tech stocks pull Wall Street to another recordIn recent years, social commerce has been on the rise in the United States, with platforms like TikTok leading the way in revolutionizing online shopping experiences. This trend has been further exemplified by TikTok's massive success during the Black Friday shopping frenzy, where the platform raked in over a billion dollars in sales. The question now arises: can this momentum be sustained, or is it just a fleeting success?
Judge rejects request to sideline SJSU volleyball playerSince hitting an all-time high in 2022, Estée Lauder 's ( EL -0.51% ) stock has basically been crushed. The shares have lost roughly 80% of their value in two years. On top of that, the company just announced a dividend cut of about 47%. There's no doubt that the news is bad today, but for a contrarian investor, this could be the time to start sniffing around at this perfume and makeup giant. Here are three reasons why. 1. Estée Lauder is an industry leader in an attractive niche Estée Lauder doesn't make products that consumers need, like a consumer staples maker. It makes products that people want, which is why it is a consumer discretionary stock . Further, the products that Estée Lauder makes are expensive for their niche. But there's a nuance here, because the products it makes are affordable relative to other luxury items. This is an important point of differentiation. Good markets or bad ones, few people buy a BMW on a whim. But that fragrance you and your partner both love is something that might be worth dropping a hundred dollars on for a small bottle if you run out. With brands across skin care, hair care, makeup, and fragrance, Estée Lauder has a broad and globally diversified portfolio. And with sales of nearly $3.4 billion in the fiscal first quarter of 2025, the company is substantial, noting that this top-line result has been achieved despite some ongoing headwinds in key Asian markets. Ultimately, the massive stock price decline is highlighting some material near-term risks that the company is facing today. But Estée Lauder is addressing its problems from a position of strength, given the underlying fundamentals of its affordable luxury niche . 2. Estée Lauder is making things worse on purpose The big problems facing Estée Lauder today include weak sales in China thanks to its slow recovery from pandemic shutdowns, slow sales in the travel retail channel (which are also related to Asian weakness), and the costs associated with litigation around talcum powder. Fiscal first-quarter 2025 organic sales were down 5% year over year. The bottom line of the income statement fell into the red, with a loss of $0.43 per share. That's down from a profit of $0.09 per share in the prior year. But here's the interesting thing: Pull out some one-time items, and earnings rise to $0.12 per share, up from $0.11 in the fiscal first quarter of 2024. The big one-time items impacting the first quarter of fiscal 2025 were talc settlement charges and restructuring costs. In the middle of this restructuring, the company is bringing in a new CEO. It looks like management is attempting to get as much bad news out as it can as quickly as it can, which is often called a kitchen-sink quarter (sometimes kitchen-sink periods can be longer than just a quarter). EL data by YCharts The big giveaway here, however, was the reasoning for the dividend cut. According to the company, "We are reducing our dividend to a more appropriate payout ratio, which will also create more financial flexibility for our incoming leadership team." The new leadership team will also start with a clean slate on the guidance front, since longer-term guidance was withdrawn as well. While you can argue this all sounds like bad news, from a contrarian point of view it suggests that Estée Lauder is attempting to set the stage for a turnaround by making the tough moves before the new CEO is in place. 3. Estée Lauder's news isn't all bad There's definitely bad news around Estée Lauder's business, and that is clearly what investors are paying attention to right now. And yet the fiscal first-quarter update included some good news, too, which investors are largely ignoring. For example, sales growth in Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and the Americas (basically everywhere but Asia) was a strong point in the skin care segment. In Makeup, Clinique put up a double-digit sales increase globally. In the fragrance business, where sales were down just 1%, Le Labo sales rose in the double digits. And in hair care, timing issues were a headwind that should be transitory and might even end up boosting future quarters. To some extent, this is just cherry-picking good news out of the fiscal first-quarter 2025 earnings release. But that's not particularly different from what Wall Street appears to be doing, since it is simply focusing on the bad news instead. Every company struggles through difficult periods, and Estée Lauder is no different. The point here is that the business isn't exactly falling off a cliff. And management is addressing its issues as best it can, including bringing in a new CEO that will reset market expectations for the future. Estée Lauder's fire sale could end any day Estée Lauder most certainly needs to execute on whatever plan gets laid out by the incoming CEO. Conservative investors should probably wait for that plan, and might even want to see some progress toward the goals that get laid out. However, the good news that's being hidden by the bad news today suggests there's still a vital business to work with here. If you can handle some uncertainty, Estée Lauder and its iconic portfolio of affordable luxury brands is probably worth the risk for more aggressive investors. If you wait until some uncertain tomorrow, you could miss the opportunity in front of you today.
Friends of former Clark College President Robert “Bob” Kennedy Knight say he dedicated his life to serving his community and country. He died early Saturday morning at age 67. Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle said her friendship with Knight dates to the early 2000s through his work with Clark College and the Rotary Club of Vancouver. “His military career here in Vancouver was exceptional,” McEnerny-Ogle said. “And then, as a community member, he volunteered so much for so many things.” Knight served with the U.S. Army for about 20 years. His active-duty military career ended in Vancouver , where he served as a lieutenant colonel and final commander of Vancouver Barracks from 1997 to 2000. In 2000, Knight deactivated the barracks and allowed the Reserves to take it, according to Columbian archives. A few months later, he retired from the Army. “When he retired in 2000, he wanted to stay here,” said Larry J. Smith, a longtime friend of Knight’s. “He met a lot of different folks throughout the community, and this became what he wanted to call home.” Smith retired from the Vancouver Barracks in 1991. Years later, he met Knight when Knight became the barracks commander. Through the years, they worked closely together in the community. “He was just a wonderful guy, great personality and a treasure for this community,” Smith said. Elson Strahan said he met Knight in 1997 shortly after Knight was appointed final commander for Vancouver Barracks. Strahan was then president of the Clark College Foundation. “I admired Bob’s ability to maintain an incomparable network of friends, including regularly connecting with his fellow West Point graduates,” Strahan said. “I also appreciated how much Bob contributed to this community during his service as post commander through his tenure as Clark College president, as well as his many volunteer commitments.” Both were active with the Rotarians, Strahan said, and Knight was an adviser when Strahan became president and CEO of The Historic Trust. In 2004, Knight joined Clark College’s staff as the vice president of administrative services. When the board of trustees asked Knight to serve a 30-day stint as temporary president, he said yes, according to Columbian archives. The temporary appointment became permanent. He was named president in 2006 and retired at the end of the 2018-19 school year. During his time as the college’s leader, Knight oversaw major achievements , including the openings of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math building and Veterans Resource Center (now the Veterans Center of Excellence) and one of the largest enrollment spurts in Washington for a community college, according to the college. In 2016, Knight received the First Citizen award for his long list of community contributions, according to Columbian archives. “He was very sensitive about making sure that people were taken care of, whether they’re homeless people or whether they’re veterans and so forth,” Smith said. “He had strong values of love for his country and love for his community.” Columbian archives list just some of the service opportunities Knight participated in, including the Rotary Club of Vancouver, the local chapter of the American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington, the Columbia River Economic Development Council, Fort Vancouver National Trust, Washington State University Vancouver Advisory Council and Workforce Southwest Washington. “All of us who had the good fortune to know Bob also enjoyed his good humor, while proudly wearing his kilt, surprising someone with his fake teeth or simply making himself the brunt of a joke. Bob was loyal to the core, exceedingly generous, and absolutely dedicated to (his wife) Paula and their family,” Strahan said. McEnerny-Ogle also remembers Knight for his sense of humor “and just the wonderful way he made people feel.” “It was nothing for him to come up and shake your hand, give you a hug, a big smile,” she said. She said Knight’s family values soared with his love for his wife, children and grandchildren. “It was such a shock to see Bob’s health deteriorate so quickly and know that the doctors couldn’t figure out what it was. Even though they (later) identified it as ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a nervous system disease), there was nothing they could do,” McEnerny-Ogle said. “It was so difficult for all of us to say our goodbyes, but we hope Paula and the children know that their father, her husband, was such a wonderful person, and we thank them for sharing him with us.”
It is worth noting that the reform and restructuring of village and town banks are part of a larger effort to promote financial stability and innovation in China. The government has been implementing various measures to modernize the banking sector, including promoting digitalization, fostering fintech development, and enhancing regulatory oversight.None
Since its inception in 2000, the "Final Destination" franchise has captivated audiences with its unique premise of characters trying to cheat death after a premonition of a tragic accident. The series has garnered a dedicated following due to its inventive death scenes, suspenseful storytelling, and unexpected plot twists. Over the past 25 years, the franchise has spawned five successful films, each building upon the mythology of the original concept.
Chips, AI, and Stock Secrets! Find Out Who’s Leading the Race.
In a separate development, BaiChuan Intelligence, a technology company known for its artificial intelligence solutions, has come under scrutiny for its controversial decision to buy back employee stock options at below-market prices. The move has sparked outrage among employees and stakeholders, who have raised concerns about the company's treatment of its workforce and adherence to ethical standards. BaiChuan Intelligence is facing mounting pressure to address the issue and provide a fair resolution to those affected by the buyback program.
NEW YORK , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tannenbaum Helpern is pleased to announce that Anne-Mette Elkjær Andersen has joined the Firm as partner in the Firm's Corporate practice. Anne-Mette is a highly qualified corporate attorney focusing on cross border and U.S. mergers and acquisitions, international business transactions, and corporate transactions and corporate compliance for engineering & architecture firms. Her decades of experience include advising clients on strategic purchases and sales in many sectors, including engineering, architecture, and other licensed professional design professions; defense; software; renewable energy; oil and gas; technology; retail and manufacturing; service; aviation; and shipping and rail, among others. Anne-Mette comes to Tannenbaum Helpern from the New York office of Holland & Knight, where she counseled clients on international M&A, financing and securities, performed regulatory and licensing work for professional design corporations, and assisted startup and emerging growth companies enter the U.S. market. Her clients include U.S. and foreign established privately and publicly held corporations and emerging companies on stock and asset sales, joint ventures, and SPAC matters, among others. Her experience also includes advising foreign bank clients on loan and financing agreements involving U.S.-based subsidiaries of foreign clients. Anne-Mette's primary experience is with private strategic buyers and sellers, and she also has experience in public and private securities offerings and initial public offerings (IPOs), including simultaneous offerings both in the U.S. and internationally. Anne-Mette began her career in Denmark as a lawyer with the Danish Ministry of Justice. She also spent four years with the Danish law firm Reumert & Partners (now Kromann Reumert), primarily in the areas of general corporate law, M&A and insolvency law. While practicing in Denmark , Anne-Mette represented, among others, U.S., Canadian, and Danish corporations in M&A transactions and other corporate matters. Managing Partner Andrew W. Singer commented, "Anne-Mette will expand our Corporate and M&A practices, facilitate increased opportunities for our clients and increase our ability to pursue new client relationships, especially in overseas markets and the professional design professions. Welcome, Anne-Mette!" "Anne-Mette is a welcome addition to Tannenbaum Helpern . Her capabilities and international reach add to our existing platform and relationships, both in the U.S. and globally," said Drew Jaglom , Chair of Tannenbaum Helpern's Corporate practice. Regarding her arrival, Anne-Mette added, "It's my privilege to join Tannenbaum Helpern . I'm excited to be a part of such a talented team of attorneys, and a Firm that is focused on the future!" About Tannenbaum Helpern Since 1978, Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP has combined a powerful mix of insight, creativity, industry knowledge, legal talent and experience to successfully guide clients through periods of challenge and opportunity. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality legal services in a practical and efficient manner and to provide the judgment, common sense and legal acumen of well trained, business minded lawyers, all within a culture that fosters an inclusive and respectful workplace. Through our commitment to exceptional service and driven by a focus on results, Tannenbaum Helpern continues to earn the loyalty of our clients and a reputation for excellence. For more information, visit www.thsh.com . Jennifer Papantonio Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer papantonio@thsh.com 212.702.3147 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/anne-mette-elkjaer-andersen-joins-tannenbaum-helpern-as-partner-in-the-firms-corporate-practice-group-302320136.html SOURCE Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce spotted on double date with close friends Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce enjoy double date night with Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift spent some quality time on a double date with Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley. The two couples were spotted arriving at New York City’s BondST Restaurant on Friday, December 27th, as per fan-posted pictures on social media. The Anti-Hero hitmaker was seen sporting a brown oversized blazer, paired with sheer black tights and matching platform boots. Swift’s beau stayed by her side, holding her hand in a matching brown cardigan over a black shirt, brown pants and a black baseball cap. The second couple dressed up just as cosy, as Qualley was seen sporting a burgundy coat with black stockings, while Swift’s longtime friend and creative partner Antonoff wore a yellow top, jeans and a black puffer jacket on top. The star-studded dinner reportedly lasted for four hours as they arrived at the NYC eatery at 8pm and left around midnight. The date night comes after the Kansas City Chiefs tight end created a record on receiving the most touchdowns in his last match on Christmas day. The pop superstar celebrated the record by dropping a ‘like’ on the official post announcing the big news. Justin Bieber hints at struggles with faith amid Sean Diddy drama Rihanna lights up NYC streets with sparkling glam Jennifer Lopez 'happy again' for the first time after Ben Affleck split Taylor Swift doppelganger responds to fan outburst at Chiefs game
Anne-Mette Elkjær Andersen Joins Tannenbaum Helpern as Partner in the Firm's Corporate Practice Group