Latest news with #intelligence-driven
Reuters
30-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Applied Digital tops quarterly revenue estimates on demand for cloud services
July 30 (Reuters) - Applied Digital (APLD.O), opens new tab topped Wall Street estimates for quarterly revenue on Wednesday, buoyed by artificial intelligence-driven demand for its cloud infrastructure. Shares of the Dallas, Texas-based data center operator jumped 7% in extended trading. Surging demand for AI, machine learning, blockchain and cloud services has driven increased interest in Applied Digital's offerings. The company delivers managed cloud infrastructure solutions to a broad range of clients — including AI and machine learning developers, as well as cryptocurrency miners — enabling them to build, scale and operate advanced products and services. Applied Digital has secured two 15-year lease agreements with CoreWeave (CRWV.O), opens new tab, projected to deliver around $7 billion in revenue over the lease term. By leasing infrastructure from providers like Applied Digital, companies can efficiently scale its AI-focused cloud services while alleviating substantial upfront capital and operational costs. The company reported fourth-quarter revenue of $38 million, up 41% from a year ago, compared with estimates of $37.1 million, according to data compiled by LSEG. For the quarter ended May 31, Applied Digital reported an adjusted loss per share of 3 cents, smaller than the 15 cent loss expected by analysts.
Korea Herald
15-07-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Twice as fast, more affordable: LS Electric takes on US power giants
Chairman Koo Ja-kyun eyes US data center boom with speed, custom solutions HANOI, Vietnam — LS Electric Chairman and CEO Koo Ja-kyun is spearheading efforts to strengthen the company's foothold in the US power systems market, buoyed by the rapid expansion of the artificial intelligence-driven data center industry. 'Compared to the Big Four power system suppliers in the US — Schneider Electric, Siemens Energy, Eaton Corporation and ABB — LS Electric delivers to clients more than twice as fast and at more competitive prices,' Koo said during a group interview at LS Electric's Bac Ninh plant in Hanoi, Vietnam. Koo was visiting the country ahead of the Elects Vietnam 2025 exhibition, scheduled for July 16-18 in Ho Chi Minh City. The surge in AI-powered digital services across industries since the COVID-19 pandemic has driven global tech giants to accelerate investments in AI data centers. Koo emphasized that LS Electric is targeting this market, which requires server racks equipped with high power-density distribution systems — a sector where legacy US power companies have struggled to meet soaring demand. Previously, LS Electric's main clients in North America were manufacturing plants and utility providers, which together account for around 50 percent of the company's total sales. To expand its reach, the company is considering acquiring US-based power distribution panel suppliers to gain deeper access to what Koo described as a 'surprisingly conservative' electrical market — one where customers often remain loyal to the same suppliers for decades, in contrast to the fast-moving IT industry. In the meantime, LS Electric has steadily gained ground by servicing and customizing products originally supplied by US competitors, winning over big tech clients in the process. It also conducts performance testing at its Power Testing & Technology Center located within its Cheongju plant in Korea. 'Our 'fast and precise' customization strategies are gaining attention from US clients, with some even requesting exclusive supply agreements,' said Koo, noting the company is beginning to establish a track record in an industry traditionally dominated by local players. LS Electric is also the first Korean company to complete UL certification for its power distribution panels — a requirement often necessary in the US to meet safety and performance standards. Looking ahead, Koo said that transitioning from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) power systems could be South Korea's next major growth opportunity, likening it to the country's approximately 32-year transition from 110V to the globally adopted 220V standard, known for its higher efficiency. 'The market for DC products is rapidly expanding,' Koo noted. 'Key technologies — including energy storage systems, solar and wind power — all operate on DC. While DC is typically converted to AC for usage, using DC directly eliminates the energy loss during conversion. This global trend toward DC systems presents a major opportunity for South Korea to lead in the future of the power industry.' 'Electricity powers AI competitiveness — and AI boosts national competitiveness,' he added. As part of its strategy to expand in the North American market, LS Electric in April completed construction of its first US manufacturing and R&D facility in Bastrop, Texas. The company plans to begin production of medium- and low-voltage power equipment and distribution systems for local AI data centers within this year — a move aimed at increasing market share while mitigating tariff pressure in the US.
Techday NZ
03-07-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Ant launches Alipay+ Voyager, an AI travel tool in e-wallets
Ant International has launched Alipay+ Voyager, an artificial intelligence-driven travel companion built into digital wallets, with initial support from travel platforms including Agoda, Fliggy and The service incorporates AI capabilities developed by Ant International and aims to streamline itinerary planning, booking travel, and making in-destination purchases through a single AI-powered interface available in users' local languages. Alipay+ Voyager is being made available first within three of Asia's largest e-wallets: Alipay (Chinese mainland), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China), and GCash (the Philippines), with plans to introduce the solution to more wallets throughout 2025. The platform is designed to assist travellers globally, including those from Australia, with the objective of simplifying the entire travel process using familiar digital payment and super app solutions. Service details The system enables users to plan and book trips, manage activity bookings, and make payments for local services directly from their digital wallet. Integration with over 100 million merchants in the Alipay+ ecosystem promises broad acceptance and support for purchases abroad. Australian travellers are among those who can expect a more seamless travel experience, with itinerary planning, research, and booking—covering flights, accommodation, and activities—consolidated into one interface. The AI assistant can also help users navigate local purchases and payments using text or voice commands in their language. Market context Global trends in travel show an ongoing increase in the use of mobile devices, with mobile already accounting for two-thirds of online travel traffic. Research indicates the online travel market is anticipated to grow by 10% annually through 2032. Younger travellers, including those in the Gen Z demographic, are seeking personalisation and hyperlocal experiences, often accessed through all-in-one mobile platforms. The expansion of Alipay+ beyond cross-border payments to offer agentic AI capabilities reflects broader industry shifts towards digital solutions that encompass travel planning, booking, and spending. Alipay+ Voyager aims to support both consumers and merchants by simplifying these processes within digital wallets. Key features Among the central features highlighted at launch are intelligent end-to-end travel assistance, real-time connections to localised services such as public transport and dining, and proactive service curation. The AI platform is designed to anticipate users' preferences, provide relevant options in real time, and assist with issues such as flight delays or changes in conditions. For merchants and online travel agents (OTAs), the deployment across multiple major wallets can open access to large and diverse consumer markets through a single integration. The company states that its approach allows tailored engagement with travellers across every stage of their journey, while also supporting small and medium-sized businesses with digital tools for efficiency and growth. Partner perspectives Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International, said: Travellers today are using more tech to enhance their trips, and there is a need for the industry to adapt and meet these new and emerging expectations. By integrating a proactive, always-on AI travel companion within digital wallets that consumers already use frequently, we're empowering travel and wallet partners with new opportunities to engage travellers in a more relevant, personalised way, through every step of their journey. Gil Hazan, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Agoda, commented: At Agoda, we are committed to making travel more accessible and seamless for everyone. By integrating our extensive supply network as one of Asia's leading online travel platforms with Alipay+ Voyager's expansive wallet partnerships, we can offer travellers a more convenient and personalized booking experience. This collaboration enables us to reach a broader audience and provide tailored travel solutions that cater to the diverse needs of today's travellers. Forward plans Ant International's Alipay+ Wallet Tech team has been collaborating with partners since 2015 to develop digital payment and security solutions. The company indicated intentions to build further agentic AI suites to serve different industries via its Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit platform. The ongoing expansion of Alipay+ Voyager to additional partners is expected throughout 2025, increasing its relevance for outbound travellers worldwide.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
5 Insightful Analyst Questions From ServiceNow's Q1 Earnings Call
ServiceNow's first quarter results were well received by the market, reflecting management's focus on broad-based workflow adoption and rapid expansion in artificial intelligence-driven solutions. CEO Bill McDermott credited the quarter's growth to substantial increases in large enterprise deals, particularly within technology, CRM, and public sector workflows. The company highlighted significant acceleration in its Pro Plus and Now Assist AI products, noting that the number of Pro Plus deals more than quadrupled year over year. Management also emphasized strong renewal rates and customer expansion, with CFO Gina Mastantuono noting, 'Our renewal rate remained best in class at 98%, underscoring the consistent value that ServiceNow delivers to our customers.' Is now the time to buy NOW? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $3.09 billion vs analyst estimates of $3.08 billion (18.6% year-on-year growth, in line) Adjusted EPS: $4.04 vs analyst estimates of $3.83 (5.4% beat) Adjusted Operating Income: $953 million vs analyst estimates of $928 million (30.9% margin, 2.7% beat) The company provided subscription revenue guidance for the full year of $12.66 billion at the midpoint Operating Margin: 14.6%, up from 12.8% in the same quarter last year Market Capitalization: $208.5 billion While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention. Keith Weiss (Morgan Stanley) asked whether macro uncertainty or elongated sales cycles factored into guidance. CFO Gina Mastantuono replied that guidance incorporates a healthy degree of conservatism, but 'demand that we're seeing remains strong,' with comprehensive pipeline analysis supporting outlook. Kash Rangan (Goldman Sachs) inquired about the impact of the Moveworks acquisition and any changes to the sales playbook amid customer tariff concerns. President and Chief Product Officer Amit Zavery explained Moveworks will accelerate the roadmap and user experience, while CEO Bill McDermott emphasized continued strong demand despite macro variables. Mark Murphy (JPMorgan) questioned ServiceNow's ambitions in CRM and whether the company intends to be a core system of record. McDermott confirmed broader aspirations, aiming to deliver a fully integrated, AI-powered front office that connects sales and service for improved customer productivity. Alex Zukin (Wolfe Research) asked about the quarterly mix shift in workflows and whether manufacturing and federal results reflected pull-forward demand. Mastantuono noted that all workflows continue to perform well and no material pull-forwards were seen, attributing results to strong execution. Kylie (Citi) asked about the adoption trajectory for Pro Plus and its importance to growth targets. Zavery said adoption is expected to continue accelerating, and Mastantuono reiterated Now Assist and AI as key contributors to ServiceNow's multi-year growth goals. In coming quarters, our analysts will watch (1) the adoption rate and customer expansion of AI-powered products like Pro Plus and AgenTek, (2) integration progress and customer impact from the Moveworks and acquisitions, and (3) continued momentum in public sector and regulated industry segments. Execution on these priorities, along with the rollout of new workflow automation features, will be critical markers of ServiceNow's ability to sustain growth. ServiceNow currently trades at $1,007, up from $814.07 just before the earnings. At this price, is it a buy or sell? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sent major indices to all-time highs, but stocks have retraced as investors debate the health of the economy and the potential impact of tariffs. While this leaves much uncertainty around 2025, a few companies are poised for long-term gains regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate, like our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Intuit forecasts strong quarterly profit after tax season boost
(Corrects typo in paragraph 1) By Jaspreet Singh (Reuters) -Intuit forecast fourth-quarter revenue and profit above Wall Street estimates on Thursday, signaling growing demand for its artificial intelligence-driven financial management tools and sending its shares up more than 5% in extended trading. The tax filing season in the U.S. from January 27 to April 15 also helped the company report upbeat third-quarter results as many taxpayers used Intuit's software to file their federal income-tax returns. Intuit provides financial management and compliance products such as its tax-preparation software TurboTax, personal finance portal Credit Karma and accounting software QuickBooks. The company said it would launch AI agents, systems which can take actions for users, in the coming weeks and add these agents into its QuickBooks product portfolio. "These agents are going to be incorporated into the lineup... we are going to be revamping our lineup. There's going to be a new lineup, and as part of that, we will have price changes," CFO Sandeep Aujla told Reuters. In addition to the core portfolio, there will be options where customers can choose specific agents based on their needs, such as an accounting agent or a finance agent, and pay for them separately, he said. Intuit forecast fourth-quarter revenue between $3.72 billion and $3.76 billion, above analysts' average estimate of $3.51 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Adjusted profit per share expectations of $2.63 to $2.68 for the quarter ending July 31 also beat estimates of $2.59. Revenue for the third quarter ended April 30 rose 15% to $7.75 billion, beating estimates of $7.56 billion. The adjusted profit per share of $11.65 also exceeded estimates of $10.91. Intuit also lifted fiscal 2025 forecasts. The company expects revenue growth of about 15%, up from its prior forecast of 12% to 13%. The company said its total TurboTax Online units, number of individual online tax returns filed using the platform, are expected to decline about 1% in fiscal 2025, while the paying units are expected to grow 6%. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
