Business and Finance News - 2.14.25

There’s a reason 400,000 professionals read this daily.

Join The AI Report, trusted by 400,000+ professionals at Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. Get daily insights, tools, and strategies to master practical AI skills that drive results.

Sign up now for free and work smarter, not harder.

AppLovin's stock surged 30% after exceeding fourth-quarter earnings expectations, with revenue rising 43% to $1.37 billion due to AI-driven advertising expansion. Analysts raised price targets as the company divested its apps business to focus on fintech, insurance, and automotive, reinforcing its position as one of the top-performing tech stocks. (CNBC)

Key Insight → AppLovin’s impressive earnings beat and stock surge underscore the growing dominance of AI-driven ad tech, signaling a shift in digital advertising toward more data-driven, automated solutions. The company’s decision to divest its app business and expand into fintech, insurance, and automotive highlights a strategic move to capitalize on high-growth sectors, potentially reshaping the broader ad tech landscape. With Wall Street’s strong endorsement and a soaring valuation, AppLovin’s trajectory suggests that investors see AI-powered advertising as a major driver of future market growth.

Honda and Nissan have canceled their proposed $60 billion merger, opting instead for a strategic partnership focused on electric and intelligent vehicles. The talks reportedly collapsed due to Honda’s proposal to make Nissan a subsidiary, a move Nissan resisted despite its declining financial position and urgent need for stability. (The Verge)

Key Insight → The collapse of Honda and Nissan’s $60 billion merger highlights the deep challenges facing legacy automakers as they struggle to keep up with China’s EV surge and Tesla’s dominance. Nissan’s financial struggles and Honda’s reluctance to offer an equal partnership suggest a widening gap within Japan’s auto industry, potentially weakening its ability to compete on a global scale. While their decision to pursue a strategic partnership instead of full integration may offer some benefits, it leaves both companies vulnerable in an increasingly competitive market where scale and efficiency are critical for survival.

Intel's stock has surged over 20% this year, climbing above $24 per share amid speculation of U.S. government support and a potential collaboration with TSMC. Investors anticipate Intel will play a key role in expanding U.S. semiconductor production, benefiting from policy initiatives and possible joint ventures with the Taiwanese chipmaker. (Quartz)

Key Insight → Intel’s stock surge reflects growing investor confidence in the company’s potential resurgence, fueled by U.S. government support and a possible partnership with TSMC. As the U.S. prioritizes domestic semiconductor manufacturing, Intel’s role becomes increasingly crucial in maintaining technological leadership against global competitors like Taiwan and China. If a joint venture with TSMC materializes, it could reshape the semiconductor landscape, boosting U.S. chip production while strengthening Intel’s long-term competitive position in a rapidly evolving industry.

Porsche plans to cut 1,900 additional jobs by 2029, reducing positions at its Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen and Weissach sites by 15%. The company, citing challenges in EV production and economic conditions, will rely on attrition, demographic shifts, and limited hiring while adhering to a no-forced-redundancies agreement valid until 2030. (Reuters)

Key Insight → Porsche’s decision to cut an additional 1,900 jobs signals the growing pressure on luxury automakers to adapt to shifting industry dynamics, particularly the slower-than-expected transition to electric vehicles. While Porsche remains financially strong, the move highlights broader economic and geopolitical uncertainties that are forcing even high-end brands to streamline operations. This restructuring reflects a larger industry trend where automakers are balancing traditional combustion-engine demand with the need to invest in EV technology, all while managing global market volatility.

Want to create content that resonates, builds lasting relationships, and keeps your brand top of mind? Partner with Skool Workshop to craft high-impact newsletter strategies that amplify your brand, engage your audience, and drive sustainable success.

Here’s how the major indexes did yesterday:

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 44,711.43 +342.87 (+0.77%)

• S&P 500: 6,115.07 +63.10 (+1.04%)

• Nasdaq Composite: 19,945.64 +295.69 (+1.50%)

• Russell 2000: 2,282.18 +26.30 (+1.17%)

Here’s how The Magnificent Seven did yesterday:

• Apple (AAPL) [3.632T]: 241.53 +4.66 (+1.97%)

• Nvidia (NVDA) [3.313T]: 135.29 +4.15 (+3.16%)

• Microsoft (MSFT) [3.052T]: 410.54 +1.50 (+0.37%)

• Alphabet (GOOGL) [2.272T]: 186.14 +2.53 (+1.38%)

• Amazon (AMZN) [2.441T]: 230.37 +1.44 (+0.63%)

• Meta Platforms (META) [1.846T]: 728.56 +3.18 (+0.44%)

• Tesla (TSLA) [1.145T]: 355.94 +19.43 (+5.77%)

Here’s how Bitcoin and Ethereum did yesterday:

• Bitcoin (BTC): $96,551.18 (2:45PM PST on 2/13/25)

• Ethereum (ETH): $2,672.88 (2:45PM PST on 2/13/25)