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Corporate Responsibility

AAPL

SSNLF

Apple Inc. (AAPL) outperformed Samsung Electronics (SSNLF) in 2023, taking the lead in hardware reliability according to Jason Snell's annual report. The report praised Apple's Mac, MacBook Air, and Mac Pro improvements, the introduction of ProMotion display, and the new 5x optical zoom camera. However, it highlighted dissatisfaction with the iPhone 15 Pro and the new FineWoven iPhone cases. Apple's software updates and the launch of carbon-neutral products were also noted. Despite a global smartphone market slump, the iPhone 15 achieved record sales.

Portfolio Pulse from Rounak Jain

February 20, 2024 | 2:34 pm

SBUX

The Strategic Organizing Center (SOC), a shareholder of Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX), released an investor presentation advocating for board changes at Starbucks. The presentation criticizes the current board's handling of labor issues, resource allocation, and the resulting negative impact on shareholder value. The SOC has nominated three individuals with diverse leadership experience for election to the board, aiming to address these issues and improve the company's approach to labor relations and overall performance.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

February 20, 2024 | 2:24 pm

MDLZ

Mondelēz International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) showcased its strategic progress at the 2024 CAGNY Conference, emphasizing the transformation of its North American business into a sustainable growth engine. The company highlighted improvements in manufacturing flexibility, sales execution, pricing power, and portfolio expansion in North America. With a focus on core categories like chocolate, biscuits, and baked snacks, Mondelēz aims to drive sustainable growth through strong gross profit dollar growth, local-first commercial execution, and increased investments in brands, capabilities, and talent. The North American business, contributing over 30% of net revenue and nearly 40% of operating income, is positioned as a key growth driver.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

February 20, 2024 | 2:21 pm

SPWR

Tom Werner has been appointed as the Executive Chairman of SunPower Corp.'s Board of Directors, effective February 19, 2024. Werner, who previously served as SunPower's CEO and Chairman for nearly 18 years, returns to the company to help navigate its next era and strengthen its core business. SunPower's CEO, Peter Faricy, highlighted Werner's extensive experience and legacy knowledge as invaluable assets for the company's future.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

February 20, 2024 | 2:20 pm

GOOGL

Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is set to introduce new subscription plans named Gemini Business and Gemini Enterprise for its Google Workspace business clients, offering advanced AI features and enterprise-level data security. These plans, available in English in over 100 countries, aim to replace the current Duet AI subscription service. Additionally, Google plans to extend AI features to Personal Workspace users via the Google One AI Premium plan.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Neuro

February 20, 2024 | 2:15 pm

OMER

Omeros Corporation (NASDAQ:OMER) announced a presentation on narsoplimab treatment in nine patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) at the 2024 Tandem Meetings. Narsoplimab is an investigational antibody by Omeros targeting MASP-2. The report, authored by an external group of U.S. investigators, will be presented as a poster by Lindsay Adkins in San Antonio, Texas, on February 22, 2024.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

February 20, 2024 | 2:15 pm

ACB

BGXX

BMY

CWBHF

Several cannabis companies announced executive and board changes, including Aurora Cannabis appointing Simona King as CFO and Cresco Labs promoting Greg Butler to president. Other companies like Rubicon Organics, STIIIZY INC., and Lowell Farms also made significant appointments. Additionally, board changes occurred at Charlotte’s Web Holdings and Bright Green Corporation, among others. These changes reflect ongoing shifts in the cannabis industry's leadership landscape.

Portfolio Pulse from Jelena Martinovic

February 20, 2024 | 2:11 pm

ANSS

Ansys (NASDAQ:ANSS) has appointed Rachel Pyles as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective February 22, 2024, replacing Nicole Anasenes. Pyles, who joined Ansys in early 2023, brings extensive experience in finance, FP&A, and mergers and acquisitions. Anasenes will serve as a strategic adviser until June 2024 to ensure a smooth transition. The leadership change comes as Ansys prepares for a planned combination with Synopsys next year.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

February 20, 2024 | 2:05 pm

ADBE

Adobe introduces AI Assistant in beta for Reader and Acrobat, leveraging generative AI to enhance digital document experiences. This new feature generates summaries, answers questions, and formats information for sharing, aiming to unlock value from the world's PDFs. AI Assistant is built on Acrobat Liquid Mode's AI and machine learning models, ensuring quality outputs. Initially available to Acrobat Individual, Pro, Teams customers, and Pro trialists, it will soon extend to Reader users. Adobe emphasizes data security, with no customer content stored or used without consent.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

February 20, 2024 | 2:02 pm

MSFT

Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) is set to invest $2.1 billion in Spain to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure over the next two years. This move follows a $3.45 billion investment in Germany, emphasizing Microsoft's commitment to AI and digital transformation globally. The investment aims to support Spain's security, government, businesses, and citizens' digital transformation, reflecting Microsoft's long-term commitment to the country.

Portfolio Pulse from Anusuya Lahiri

February 20, 2024 | 2:02 pm