Business First Bancshares Stock (NASDAQ: BFST)

Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:BFST) Stock, Quote.Headers.trade-ideas

Business First Bancshares

Business First Bancshares Inc is a United States-based bank holding company. The company's services include personal and commercial banking, treasury management, and wealth solutions. It provides a range of financial services to small-to-midsized businesses and professionals. The company generates majority of its revenues from interest income on loans, customer service and loan fees, and interest income from securities.

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U.S. stocks traded higher toward the end of trading, with the Nasdaq Composite gaining around 250 points on Friday.

The Dow traded up 0.42% to 35,432.07 while the NASDAQ rose 1.79% to 14,301.74. The S&amp;P 500, also rose, gaining, 0.87% to 4,576.83.

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	Unique Fabricating, Inc.  (NYSE: UFAB) shares jumped 113% to $0.4605 after gaining 12% on Thursday.


Why Avantor Shares Are Trading Lower By 10%? Here Are Other Stocks Moving In Friday&#39;s Mid-Day Session

U.S. stocks traded higher midway through trading, with the Dow Jones gaining around 250 points on Friday.

The Dow traded up 0.72% to 35,535.23 while the NASDAQ rose 1.89% to 14,316.53. The S&amp;P 500, also rose, gaining, 1.09% to 4,587.09.

Dow Surges 250 Points; Exxon Mobil Earnings Miss Expectations

Business First Bancshares, Inc. - Common Stock

Business First Bancshares Inc

Piper Sandler analyst Brent Bracelin maintains HubSpot (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUBS#NYSE">HUBS</a>) with a Overweight and maintains $570 price target.

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Analyst Ratings

HUBS

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on HubSpot, Maintains $570 Price Target

Hut 8 Corp. ((Nasdaq, TSX:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUT#TSX">HUT</a>) ("Hut 8" or the "Company"), a leading, vertically integrated operator of large-scale energy infrastructure and one of North America's largest Bitcoin miners, today announced the expansion of its partnership with BITMAIN Technologies Ltd. ("BITMAIN"), the world's largest manufacturer of digital currency mining servers, with the launch of the U3S21EXPH, a next-generation ASIC miner. Hut 8 plans to deploy the model in Q2 2025 through a ~15 exahash per second ("EH/s") hosting agreement leveraging custom data center infrastructure developed in-house by Hut 8.
As part of its long-term, power-first strategy, Hut 8 continues to scale its compute layer across energy-intensive technologies, including both Bitcoin mining and AI compute, with the aim of maximizing returns on its portfolio of power assets and digital infrastructure. The launch and commercialization of the U3S21EXPH is a key milestone in executing this strategy in the Company's Bitcoin mining segment as it advances scaled opportunities in AI compute.
Revolutionizing ASIC Compute: U3S21EXPH
The U3S21EXPH will be the first ASIC miner mass-commercialized by BITMAIN to feature direct liquid-to-chip ("DLC") cooling within a U form factor. Capable of achieving up to 860 terahash at an efficiency of 13 joules per terahash, the model represents the culmination of an extensive miner-manufacturer partnership between Hut 8 and BITMAIN. Under the partnership, which spans technical and commercial innovation, Hut 8 supported BITMAIN in the development of the miner.
Key advancements:
<ul>
<li>Technology: Introduces DLC cooling technology used in high-performance computing ("HPC") data centers to a rack-ready form factor for Bitcoin mining</li>
<li>Engineering: Evolution from "shoebox" ASIC form factor incompatible with traditional data center rack architecture to "U" form factor compatible with HPC-style architecture that can be deployed at densities of up to ~180 kilowatts ("kW") per rack</li>
<li>Procurement: Strong overlap in secondary components with HPC data centers, including racks and cooling systems required for DLC technology, driving the opportunity for greater supply chain synchronization across Bitcoin mining and HPC data centers</li>
<li>Construction: Opportunity to apply construction expertise and capabilities across Bitcoin mining and HPC data centers</li>
</ul>
To fully harness the potential of the U3S21EXPH, Hut 8 has developed a custom design for Bitcoin mining data center infrastructure inspired by traditional rack-based architecture. This design will be leveraged to house the initial ~15 EH/s deployment at a density of up to ~180 kW per rack.

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

Cryptocurrency

Hut 8 Expands Partnership with BITMAIN, Unveils Next-Gen Liquid-Cooled ASIC Miner for Bitcoin Mining

U.S. intelligence agencies have revealed that Iran attempted to share <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40303972/trump-campaign-falls-victim-to-cyber-attack-heightening-election-security-fears">hacked information</a> from former President Donald Trump&#8216;s campaign with President Joe Biden&#8216;s campaign.
What Happened: The FBI and other intelligence agencies disclosed on Wednesday that Iran attempted to pass hacked Trump campaign information to the Biden campaign, <a href="https://thehill.com/national-security/4887579-iran-hack-biden-campaign/">reported</a> The Hill. 
"Iranian malicious cyber actors in late June and early July sent unsolicited emails to individuals then associated with President Biden's campaign that contained an excerpt taken from stolen, non-public material from former President Trump's campaign as text in the emails," the FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI,) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said in a joint statement.
These emails contained excerpts from stolen, non-public Trump campaign material.
The agencies confirmed that there is no evidence indicating that the recipients responded to these emails. Vice President Kamala Harris&#8216; campaign condemned the sharing of Trump campaign data, stating that the phishing emails sent by Iran were ignored.
Harris-Walz campaign spokesperson Morgan Finkelstein stated, &#8220;We have cooperated with the appropriate law enforcement authorities since we were made aware that individuals associated with the then-Biden campaign were among the intended victims of this foreign influence operation.&#8221;
The Trump campaign implied that their opponents may have utilized the information, with campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt calling on Harris and Biden to clarify if they had made use of the hacked material.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40892040/starbucks-north-america-ceo-michael-conway-quits-after-just-6-months-in-the-position?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks North America CEO Michael Conway Quits After Just 6 Months In The Position</a>
The ODNI and FBI&#8217;s statement emphasized that there is no evidence of any response from the Biden campaign to the Iranian emails.
Iran has denied involvement in the hacking, stating that it does not engage in U.S. electoral controversies. Ali Karimi Magham, spokesman for the Iranian Mission to the United Nations, called for the U.S. to provide substantiated evidence of the accusations.
Why It Matters: The revelation of Iran&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40824527/iran-says-sanction-addicts-us-and-uk-are-acting-on-faulty-intelligence-regarding-russias-missile-sup">attempts to interfere in the U.S. elections</a> comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Western nations. Recently, Iran has been accused of supplying missiles to Russia for the Ukraine conflict, which it has vehemently denied, calling the allegations based on &#8220;faulty intelligence.&#8221; 
Additionally, Meta Platforms Inc. recently thwarted an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40541547/heres-how-meta-thwarted-iranian-hackers-attempt-to-target-trump-and-biden">Iranian hacking attempt targeting key figures</a> linked to both President Biden and former President Trump. The hackers, identified as APT42, were blocked from using WhatsApp accounts to carry out their operations.
Moreover, OpenAI uncovered and dismantled an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40428036/openai-blocks-iranian-groups-chatgpt-accounts-for-targeting-us-election-says-covert-operation-did-no">Iranian influence operation</a> using ChatGPT to manipulate public opinion during the 2024 elections. The operation, named Storm-2035, aimed to spread disinformation through social media and fake news outlets.
This incident also follows a Russian disinformation campaign that falsely accused Harris of a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40915084/kremlin-aligned-group-behind-false-hit-and-run-allegations-against-kamala-harris-microsoft-says">hit-and-run incident</a>, further highlighting the ongoing foreign efforts to influence U.S. politics.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40913998/jamie-dimon-says-jpmorgan-is-likely-one-of-the-bigger-users-of-blockchain-technology-but-c?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jamie Dimon Says JPMorgan Is Likely &#8216;One Of The Bigger Users&#8217; Of Blockchain Technology, But Calls Cryptocurrencies A &#8216;Pet Rock&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock 
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/Kaustubh-Bagalkote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>

Tech

US Intel Agencies Reveal Iran Tried To Share Hacked Trump Campaign Data With Team Biden: FBI Says No Evidence Yet Of A Response From President's Campaign

Amid the Federal Reserve&#8217;s recent decision to cut interest rates, CNBC&#8217;s Jim Cramer has weighed in on how these changes might affect the technology sector.
What Happened: Cramer discussed the Federal Reserve&#8217;s recent interest rate cuts and their implications for the technology sector on Wednesday. He believes these cuts do not significantly benefit tech stocks.
According to <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/18/cramer-explains-what-the-feds-rate-cuts-mean-for-tech-stocks.html">CNBC</a> on Thursday, Cramer stated, &#8220;With a double-sized rate cut that everybody already expected, you aren&#8217;t going to see a huge run in tech.&#8221; 
He emphasized that the Fed&#8217;s actions are more beneficial to companies reliant on a healthy consumer base.
The Federal Reserve initiated its rate-cutting cycle by reducing rates by half a point and signaled an additional 50 basis points cut by year-end. This marks the first rate cut since the pandemic, aimed at addressing inflation and balancing economic risks.
Cramer highlighted his observations from Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>)&#8217;s annual conference in San Francisco, noting that tech companies, particularly those focused on AI, are less impacted by rate cuts. These companies cater to enterprises rather than consumers, distancing them from the labor market.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40919168/ethereum-co-founder-says-donald-trump-is-certainly-the-favorite-over-kamala-harris-for-cry?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ethereum Co-Founder Says Donald Trump Is &#8216;Certainly The Favorite&#8217; Over Kamala Harris For Crypto</a>
He suggested that consumer-oriented companies might benefit more during this rate-cutting cycle. Despite potential gains for tech stocks, Cramer noted that Wall Street often shifts focus to companies that thrive with lower rates.
Cramer concluded, &#8220;On days like today, we want the companies that desperately needed a rate cut, because they just got what they wished for. But tech? It got out of the wish game a very long time ago.&#8221;
Why It Matters: The Federal Reserve&#8217;s decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points marks a significant shift in monetary policy, breaking a streak of 12 consecutive months with rates held steady. This move aims to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/09/40932557/dow-tumbles-over-100-points-following-feds-rate-decision-fear-greed-index-in-greed-zone">address inflation and balance</a> economic risks. The rate cut has already impacted market sentiment, with the CNN Money Fear and Greed index showing improvement, moving into the &#8220;Greed&#8221; zone.
Price Action: Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which tracks tech players like Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) and others, was trading 1.67% higher during the pre-market at $479.33 while it closed at $471.44, as per <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40913080/shiba-inu-team-says-launching-k9-finance-liquid-staking-on-shibarium-tomorrow-are-shib-bur?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shiba Inu Team Says Launching K9 Finance Liquid Staking On Shibarium Tomorrow: Are SHIB Burns Set To Accelerate From Here On Now?</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/Pooja-Rajkumari" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pooja Rajkumari</a>

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Federal Reserve

General

AAPL

AVGO

MSFT

NVDA

Jim Cramer Predicts No 'Huge Run' For Tech Stocks After Federal Reserve Cuts Rate: 'It Got Out Of The Wish Game A Very Long Time Ago'

A2Z Inks Framework Agreement With Level 10 To Support U.S. Rollout Of Smart Carts For Retailers

XPENG Motors (("XPENG" or the "Company, NYSE:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPEV#NYSE">XPEV</a>), a leading Chinese AI mobility company, is set to participate in the Paris Motor Show 2024 from October 14th to October 20th. Showcasing under the theme "Enchanté, Paris!"1, XPENG will present a range of new technologies and solutions on Booth 6A51 in Hall 6, highlighting its commitment to intelligent, sustainable mobility solutions tailored for the European market.
At the show, XPENG will unveil its latest advancements, including the next-generation smart in-car operating system, Tianji XOS 5.4 for the European market. This innovation showcases XPENG's roadmap to bring adaptive, AI-powered driving experiences to European roads. In addition, XPENG will also demonstrate its next-generation smart cockpit, featuring advanced personalized customization options for displays and frequent OTA update.
Visitors will gain insights into XPENG's future plans, including a roadmap for expanded AI integration and the latest vehicle model incorporating these advancements.
XPENG's participation in the Paris Motor Show underscores its long-term plan to expand globally and become the leading company in AI-powered mobility. As part of this vision, XPENG will continue to leverage its AI expertise and technological innovations to redefine the future of AI mobility.

Government

Regulations

XPEV

XPENG To Showcase Smart Mobility Solutions and Latest Vehicle Model at Paris Motor Show 2024

New Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) vehicle registrations in the European Union in the first eight months of 2024 dropped 15% as compared to the corresponding period last year<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/06/39499253/elon-musks-ev-giant-will-see-revenue-from-its-auto-business-slumping-this-year-but-"> as overall electric vehicle (EV) demand dropped</a>, data from Europe&#8217;s auto industry body showed on Thursday.
What Happened: Only 152,607 new Tesla vehicles were registered this year in the EU as of the end of August, as compared to 179,363 registrations in the corresponding period of last year, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) said. 
Dearborn-based Ford Motor Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) is not faring great in the EU either. In the eight months that ended August, Ford&#8217;s new vehicle registration dropped 16% to 210,351 units. 
However, Swedish automaker Volvo Cars, majority-owned by China&#8217;s Geely, saw new car registrations rise 38% to 192,365 units while Chinese state-owned SAIC Motor also marked an 18% growth in registrations to 102,924 units.
Japan-based Toyota Motor (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TM#NYSE">TM</a>) witnessed its registrations rise by 18% this year through the end of August to 571,574 units even as rivals including Stellantis (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STLA#NYSE">STLA</a>) and Hyundai (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HYMTF#OTC">HYMTF</a>) recorded a 3.2% and 4.3% dip in registrations, respectively.
German automaker Volkswagen (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VWAGY#OTC">VWAGY</a>) continues to be the best-selling car brand in the EU, with 1.9 million new vehicles registered in the first eight months of 2024, growing by 1.6% over the same period last year.
Why It Matters: Overall, 7.2 million new cars have been registered<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39635158/eu-imposes-provisional-duties-of-as-much-as-37-6-on-chinese-ev-imports"> in the EU</a> this year as of the end of August, marking a growth of 1.4% from last year. 
Hydrid electric vehicles&#8217; popularity in the period rose, as depicted by the 21% rise in registrations. Battery electric vehicle registrations dipped 8.3% while diesel vehicle registrations dropped 9.7%.
On Wednesday, the ACEA took note of the drop in BEV market share in the EU. &#8220;European auto manufacturers, united in ACEA, therefore call on the EU institutions to come forward with urgent relief measures before new CO2 targets for cars and vans come into effect in 2025,&#8221; it said. 
EV adoption and production are hindered by a lack of charging infrastructure and a competitive manufacturing environment, it said, while adding that the current emission rules do not account for the profound shift in the geopolitical and economic climate over the past years. 
The 2025 CO2 emission targets could result in multi-billion euro fines, production cuts, and job losses, ACEA said, while calling for the CO2 regulations for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles to be reviewed next year. 
&#8220;We stand ready to discuss a package of short-term relief for the 2025 CO2 targets for cars and vans, as well as a fast-track, comprehensive, and robust review of the CO2 Regulations for both cars and trucks, plus targeted secondary legislation, to get the zero-emission transition firmly on track and secure Europe's industrial future,&#8221; it said. 
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;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/news/24/09/40917032/tesla-cybertruck-lead-engineer-warns-against-using-extension-cord-on-superchargers">Tesla Cybertruck Lead Engineer Warns Against Using Extension Cord On Superchargers</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Unsplash

HYMTF

STLA

TSLA

VWAGY

Tesla Registrations In EU Take A Hit In 2024 As EV Demand Slows: Volkswagen, Volvo, And Toyota Continue To Gain Speed

Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban is teaming up with Vice President Kamala Harris to protect American businesses from Chinese knockoffs.
What Happened: In a post on X, Cuban mentioned he had a &#8220;conversation with the @KamalaHarris team about protecting American companies from Chinese knockoffs.&#8221; He emphasized the detrimental impact of knockoffs on small businesses, stating they &#8220;cost them time, money and may put them out of business.&#8221;
&#8220;Knockoffs are a plague on small businesses,&#8221; he added.
Cuban questioned whether marketplace platforms should vet all foreign manufacturers selling to U.S. consumers, seeking suggestions for the best approach. He did not specify when the conversation occurred or any further strategies discussed.
&#8220;Kamala is focused on supporting and protecting American companies from unfair foreign competition,&#8221; Cuban wrote. 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Had an interesting conversation with the <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a> team about protecting American companies from Chinese Knockoffs Knockoffs are a plague on small businesses, that costs them time, money and may put them out of business. Right now all marketplace platforms do is help…
&mdash; Mark Cuban (@mcuban) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcuban/status/1836523911351263690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40913080/shiba-inu-team-says-launching-k9-finance-liquid-staking-on-shibarium-tomorrow-are-shib-bur?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shiba Inu Team Says Launching K9 Finance Liquid Staking On Shibarium Tomorrow: Are SHIB Burns Set To Accelerate From Here On Now?</a>
Cuban reiterated Harris&#8217; commitment to supporting American companies against unfair foreign competition. 
Why It Matters: This collaboration comes at a significant time for Cuban, who recently announced that the 16th season of &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221; will be his last. Cuban has been a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40930343/slide-over-mark-cuban-theres-a-new-shark-in-the-pool-could-this-billionaire-be-his-replacem">fixture on the show since its third season</a>, investing over $20 million in various companies. The announcement has led to speculation about who might replace him on the popular investing show. 
Additionally, Cuban has been vocal about his support for Harris and her economic policies. He recently praised her for being pro-business and more supportive of entrepreneurs than any <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/09/40855223/mark-cuban-praises-kamala-harris-support-for-business-is-her-new-tax-plan-a-game-changer">other candidate in recent memory</a>. 
This was highlighted in a recent post on X, where he stated, &#8220;Kamala Harris is listening to business leaders and gathering their feedback on what&#8217;s fair and what will lead to more investment in businesses.&#8221; 
Cuban&#8217;s engagement with Harris also extends to discussions about her tax policies. He recently invited Elon Musk to a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40872989/mark-cuban-asks-elon-musk-he-can-directly-question-him-about-kamala-harris-economic-policies-but-wan">direct discussion about Harris&#8217; economic policies</a>, emphasizing his active role in shaping business-friendly policies. 
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40930357/amazon-ends-remote-work-former-employee-asks-if-this-is-the-companys-version-of-silent-sacking">Amazon Ends Remote Work, Former Employee Asks If This Is The Company&#8217;s Version Of &#8216;Silent Sacking&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photos courtesy: Flickr and Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/Kaustubh-Bagalkote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>

Politics

Economics

Mark Cuban Teams Up With Kamala Harris To Protect American Businesses From 'Unfair Foreign Competition' From Chinese Clone Products: 'Knockoffs Are A Plague On Small Businesses'

Marygold Companies (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MGLD#AMEX">MGLD</a>) reported quarterly losses of $(0.05) per share. This is a 266.67 percent decrease over earnings of $0.03 per share from the same period last year. The company reported $8.30 million in sales this quarter. This is a 6.74 percent decrease over sales of $8.90 million the same period last year.

The Marygold Companies, Inc. Common Stock

MGLD

Marygold Companies Q4 EPS $(0.05) Down From $0.03 YoY, Sales $8.30M Down From $8.90M YoY

AXNX

Reported Earlier, Axonics Prevails In Patent Dispute With Medtronic, Jury Confirms No Infringement On Three Patent

Ahead of the official release of Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40780100/apple-intelligence-ready-iphone-16-with-faster-processor-dedicated-camera-button-announced-check-pri">iPhone 16</a>, T-Mobile US Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>) CEO Mike Sievert has shared promising sales figures for the new model, indicating a strong start despite earlier concerns about demand.
What Happened: In an interview <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/18/t-mobile-ceo-says-iphone-16-is-selling-more-than-last-years-model.html">with</a> CNBC's Jim Cramer on Wednesday, Sievert revealed that the iPhone 16 is outperforming last year&#8217;s model in sales.
&#8220;The first week was better than last year,&#8221; Sievert noted. He emphasized that customers are purchasing higher-end models, contributing more to Apple's top and bottom lines.
"People are buying Pros, they're buying Maxs, so they're buying up the food chain, and they're buying at a greater rate than last year," Sievert said, according to the report.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Although the iPhone 16 will hit stores on Friday, its much-anticipated AI features will not be available until next month. Some analysts had predicted lower demand due to this delay, increasing pressure on the Apple stock.
However, Sievert stated that demand remains strong and the delay might extend the buying cycle. He believes it will take longer for customers to share their experiences due to the postponed features.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40892284/oracles-larry-ellison-predicts-police-officers-will-be-supervised-at-all-times-and-citizens-will-be?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oracle&#8217;s Larry Ellison Predicts Police Officers Will Be Supervised &#8216;At All Times&#8217; And Citizens Will Be On Their Best Behavior Thanks To Constant AI-Powered Surveillance</a>
Why It Matters: The positive sales report from T-Mobile comes amid concerns about the iPhone 16&#8217;s market performance.
Top analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40872864/apple-staring-at-lower-than-expected-demand-for-iphone-16-pro-and-pro-max-in-the-fi">pre-orders for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max</a> were lower than expected during the first weekend, with around 37 million units sold. Kuo&#8217;s analysis, based on supply chain surveys and pre-order data, suggested weaker demand for the Pro models, contrary to Sievert's comments.
Further, early pre-order data indicated that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/09/40930388/apple-iphone-16-pre-orders-show-possible-low-demand-one-sign-could-point-to-company-breaking-this-em">demand for the iPhone 16</a> might be lower than anticipated due to insufficient reasons for existing iPhone owners to upgrade.
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40876783/steve-jobs-came-back-to-apple-27-years-ago-today-after-12-years-in-exile-if-you-invested-1-000-w">Steve Jobs Came Back To Apple 27 Years Ago Today After 12 Years In Exile. If You Invested $1,000 When Jobs Became Apple CEO In 1997, Here&#8217;s How Much You&#8217;d Have</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Apple

Equities

TMUS

Apple iPhone 16 Selling At A 'Greater Rate Than Last Year,' Says T-Mobile CEO Amid Reports Of Lower Demand: 'People Are Buying Pros, They're Buying Maxs…They're Buying Up The Food Chain'

- New digital health solution for heart failure management puts patients at the center of their care by providing ability for at-home disease monitoring -

ALPMY

Astellas Announces FDA Listing Of DIGITIVA, A Non-Invasive Digital Health Solution For Heart Failure Management

Jim Kavanaugh, CEO of World Wide Technology, stated that leaders should not deceive employees about AI&#8217;s impact on jobs. 
What Happened: In an interview last week, Kavanaugh emphasized that employees are &#8220;too smart&#8221; to believe that AI won&#8217;t change job dynamics. He stressed the importance of transparency from CEOs regarding AI&#8217;s effects, CNBC <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/19/billionaire-tech-ceo-bosses-shouldnt-bs-employees-about-ai-impact.html">reported</a> on Thursday. 
"If you think you're going to try to game this, and that you're going to tell employees nothing's going to change, and everything's going to be fine, that's just BS," Kavanaugh said&nbsp;
Kavanaugh advised that leaders should embrace AI and educate themselves about it. He acknowledged that while AI will disrupt some jobs, it will also enhance productivity and create new opportunities.
He also mentioned that no one can predict the exact impact of AI on jobs, and any claim to do so is misleading. Kavanaugh remains optimistic about AI&#8217;s potential benefits.
In related news, Clara Shih of Salesforce echoed similar sentiments, noting that AI will lead to new job descriptions rather than eliminating most jobs. Salesforce recently introduced an AI platform, AgentForce, to assist companies in various tasks.
Additionally, Klarna has utilized AI to significantly reduce its workforce, highlighting the technology&#8217;s role in reshaping business operations.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40911877/jeff-bezos-had-a-habit-of-keeping-an-empty-chair-for-the-most-important-person-in-the-room-at-compan?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeff Bezos Had A Habit Of Keeping An Empty Chair For The Most Important Person In The Room At Company Mee</a>
Why It Matters: The conversation around AI&#8217;s impact on the workforce has been gaining momentum. In May, Bill Gates <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/05/39084794/will-ai-take-over-our-jobs-bill-gates-asks-if-ai-can-support-blue-collar-jobs-as-it-is-already-d">discussed AI&#8217;s role in supporting</a> both blue-collar and white-collar jobs. Gates noted that while AI assists employees and streamlines tasks, its impact on white-collar jobs is already evident. Recent studies show that 37% of companies have replaced staff with AI, and 44% predict AI will lead to layoffs in 2024.
Further adding to the debate, an OpenAI engineer admitted that AI companies are<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/05/39028738/openai-engineer-admits-ai-companies-taking-away-peoples-jobs-theres-nothing-you-could-do-to-stop-the"> taking away jobs</a>, and there&#8217;s little that can be done to stop them. This statement highlights the growing concern about AI&#8217;s role in the job market and the need for proactive measures to address these changes.
Moreover, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman predicted the end of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/08/40473377/linkedin-co-founder-predicts-the-death-of-9-to-5-jobs-by-2034-how-ai-the-gig-economy-will-reshape-th">traditional 9-to-5 job</a> by 2034, attributing this shift to AI and the gig economy. Hoffman argues that the workforce is undergoing a profound transformation, with increased productivity and flexibility but also uncertainty around stable employment.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40898388/qualcomm-analyst-sees-opportunity-in-regaining-share-with-samsung-after-apple-reven?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Qualcomm Analyst: Samsung Can Fill Apple Revenue Void</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/Pooja-Rajkumari" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pooja Rajkumari</a>

Billionaire Tech CEO Says Not To 'BS' Employees, They Are 'Too Smart' To Believe AI Will Not Impact Their Jobs: 'If You Think You're Going To Try To Game This...'

The Company expects to use the net proceeds from the offering to exercise its option to purchase its joint venture partner&#39;s&nbsp;24%&nbsp;minority membership interest in Trilogy Holdings, LLC and to repay certain amounts of debt outstanding under its lines of credit. All of the shares are being offered by the Company, and the offering is expected to close on&nbsp;September 20, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.

Reported Earlier, American Healthcare REIT Prices Upsized Public Offering Of 17.4M Common Shares At $23.55/Share

Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIE#NASDAQ">FFIE</a>) ("Faraday Future", "FF" or "Company"), a California-based global shared intelligent electric mobility ecosystem company, today announced the planned delivery of an FF 91 2.0 Futurist Alliance to Born Leaders Entertainment, a company deeply immersed in the entertainment business that helps support some of the biggest artists in the entertainment industry and provides recording management and support services for music tours and other events. Born Leaders Entertainment will also become a user and Developer Co-Creation Officer for FF. The vehicle is scheduled to be delivered on September 20.
Born Leaders Entertainment is a full-service entertainment company and may work together with FF on promotional opportunities, red carpet events and other high-profile engagements with celebrities and entertainers that may open further future opportunities or endorsements. Other possible engagements may include VIP chauffeur services with the FF 91 that will create marketing opportunities. This marks another forward step in FF's B2B business.

FFIE

Faraday Future to Deliver FF 91 Futurist to Born Leaders Entertainment, Tapping into Music and Celebrity Marketing

Sportradar (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SRAD#NASDAQ">SRAD</a>) is set to further transform the betting landscape with the launch of micro markets, the next generation of in-play betting products, across leading sports, opening fresh revenue streams for operators. In a strategic move, Sportradar, in collaboration with Tennis Data Innovations (TDI), is introducing micro markets for ATP tennis matches this October. This exclusive partnership marks yet another step in offering bettors more granular and engaging wagering options in tennis.&#x2A; Sportradar currently offers micro markets across other popular sports including soccer and table tennis. &nbsp;
By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and deep tennis data from TDI, Sportradar will offer operators a cutting-edge solution that processes hundreds of thousands of data points per match. The result is eight distinct micro markets expected to generate approximately 1,500 new betting opportunities per match.
Unique to Sportradar, the ATP tennis micro markets include:
<ul>
<li>The next breakpoint</li>
<li>Will the next serve be an ace, rally, or double fault&nbsp;</li>
<li>Who will serve the next ace</li>
<li>All point outcomes (player 1 winner; Player 1 Error, Player 2 Winner; Player 2 Error)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Total shots in a point&nbsp;</li>
<li>Last stroke type (e.g. serve, return, forehand, backhand, or volley)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

SRAD

Sportradar Launches AI-Powered Micro Markets for ATP Tennis, Creating 1,500 New Betting Opportunities

Nasdaq (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NDAQ#NASDAQ">NDAQ</a>) and BYMA, Argentina's leading stock exchange group, today announced a significant expansion of their technology partnership that will see BYMA base its entire post-trade ecosystem on Nasdaq technology.
Under the terms of the agreement BYMA will adopt Nasdaq's real-time clearing platform at its central counterparty clearinghouse (CCP), complementing Nasdaq's existing technology partnership with Caja de Valores, Argentina's central securities depository, which is also owned by BYMA.
Together, the platform allows BYMA to improve the speed, capacity, and connectivity of its post-trade network, whilst optimizing risk management across the system through more real time access to data, advanced risk analytics, and greater operational resiliency. In addition, it aims to enhance reconciliation and the digital experience for clearing members, drawing on industry standard APIs.
The clearing system will be able to add capacity rapidly through periods of heightened volume, while its modular architecture offers BYMA the flexibility to launch new products and services with a much shorter time-to-market.
The move will support BYMA's shift to a model where cash and security settlement takes place at the central securities depository after netting has taken place at the clearing house, in line with international best practice. This will allow liquidity to be centralized and optimize collateral management for members, whilst ensuring a clear distinction of functional capabilities between the two entities. It also simplifies the company's existing structure whereby settlement, clearing, and risk are processed independently across three different systems.

NDAQ

BYMA Adopts Nasdaq's Real-Time Clearing Platform to Boost Speed, Capacity, and Operational Resilience

<a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4257243-1&amp;h=2228484876&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.topgolfcallawaybrands.com%2F&amp;a=Topgolf+Callaway+Brands+Corp">Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp</a>. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MODG#NYSE">MODG</a>) continues its global expansion by entering into a multiyear agreement with Golf Saudi Entertainment, LLC ("Golf Saudi"), to bring Topgolf Callaway Brands' family of brands, including Topgolf, Callaway, TravisMathew, Odyssey and Ogio, to Saudi Arabia.
As part of the agreement, Golf Saudi plans to build three Topgolf venues by 2028, to be owned and operated by Golf Saudi with the option to open another two venues in the future. In addition, Callaway Golf, Odyssey, TravisMathew and Ogio will become the official equipment and apparel brands for the Saudi Men's, Women's and Junior National golf teams as well as for Saudi Elite golf professionals and golf pros working at Golf Saudi facilities. Finally, Golf Saudi will be the exclusive distributor of Callaway Golf, Odyssey and Ogio products in Saudi Arabia.

MODG

Topgolf Callaway Partners with Golf Saudi, Plans Three New Venues and National Team Sponsorship

Editor's Note: This story has been updated with a statement from Telegram.
French prosecutors have placed Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, under formal investigation using a stringent new cybercrime law.
What Happened: The LOPMI law, enacted in January 2023, criminalizes tech executives whose platforms facilitate illegal activities. This marks the first significant use of the law, which has yet to secure a conviction. Durov faces charges including &#8220;complicity in the administration of an online platform to allow an illicit transaction, in an organized gang,&#8221; carrying a potential 10-year sentence and a €500,000 fine, Reuters reported on Tuesday.
Being under formal investigation does not imply guilt but indicates sufficient evidence for a probe. Durov, who is out on bail, denies the allegations, asserting that Telegram complies with EU laws. Telegram has called the accusations &#8220;absurd.&#8221;
Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau praised the 2023 law in a recent radio interview, highlighting its effectiveness against organized crime operating online. The law is unique, with no known international equivalent, according to experts.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40870369/trumps-i-hate-taylor-swift-met-with-witty-response-from-harris-campaign-the-american-people-want-to?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s &#8216;I Hate Taylor Swift&#8217; Met With Witty Response From Harris Campaign: &#8216;The American People Want ToBe Out Of The Woods&#8217;</a>
The case against Durov is significant as it tests the boundaries of the new LOPMI law, which aims to hold tech executives accountable for illegal activities conducted on their platforms. The law&#8217;s effectiveness and international implications are being closely watched by legal experts and tech companies worldwide.
Why It Matters: The investigation into Durov follows a series of legal challenges for the Telegram CEO. On Aug. 26, Paris Public Prosecutor Laure Beccuau <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/08/40558693/telegram-ceo-pavel-durov-faces-12-serious-charges-french-prosecutor-reveals">released a detailed statement </a>outlining 12 serious charges against Durov, including complicity in facilitating illegal online transactions, unauthorized provision of cryptology services, and involvement in child pornography distribution, drug-related offenses, organized fraud, and money laundering. 
In response to these mounting legal pressures, Telegram had reportedly<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40745251/telegram-updates-policy-on-private-chat-moderation-after-ceo-pavel-durovs-arrest-heres-what-you-need"> updated its policy</a> on private chat moderation. In September, the company retracted a statement from its FAQ page that previously assured users of immunity from moderation requests in private chats. This move came after Durov&#8217;s first public statement post-arrest, where he committed to improving content moderation on the platform.
However, a spokesperson from Telegram highlighted that the update to the FAQs was made only to clarify how to report content on Telegram, including under the EU Digital Services Act and the retracted statement was not related to content reporting.
The spokesperson also mentioned that reporting messages from any group to the moderators has always been possible, which functions as a forwarding option. 
&#8220;Private chats remain private, although it has always been possible to report a new incoming chat to the moderators using the Block > Report option,&#8221; the person informed <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga</a>.
Read Next: 
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Image via Flickr/ Hubert Burda Media
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/Pooja-Rajkumari" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pooja Rajkumari</a>

Social Media

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Faces 10-Year Sentence And €500K Fine In France's First Cybercrime Case Under New Law (UPDATED)

Transaction highlights:
<ul>
<li>Expands Bel&#39;s exposure to the aerospace and defense end market from&nbsp;17.5%&nbsp;to&nbsp;31%&nbsp;of total revenue, based on LTM&nbsp;Q2&nbsp;2024</li>
<li>Enercon gross margin of&nbsp;46.0%&nbsp;and Adjusted EBITDA margin of&nbsp;32.5%&nbsp;for LTM&nbsp;Q2&nbsp;2024, ahead of Bel&#39;s historical margin profile</li>
<li>Expected to be accretive to Bel&#39;s GAAP EPS within one-year post-close, and to Bel&#39;s non-GAAP EPS on Day 1</li>
<li>Expected net leverage of under 2.0x within one quarter from close, as T-bills mature</li>
</ul>

BELFA

Reported Earlier, Bel Fuse To Acquire 80% Stake In Enercon Technologies For $320M, Expanding Aerospace And Defense Portfolio

Warning: BFST is at high risk of performing badly

Business First Bancshares files for $180M mixed securities shelf

Business First Bancshares Non-GAAP EPS of $0.64 beats by $0.13, revenue of $66.18M beats by $3.37M

An announcement from Business First Bancshares (BFST) is now available. Business First recently released supplemental information to complement a p...

Business First Issues Supplemental Information Disclaimer

Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST) Q2 2024 Earnings Call Transcript

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
Business First Bancshares (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/bfst-stock-quote/">BFST</a>) just reported results for the second quarter of 2024.<ul><li>Business First Bancshares reported earnings per share of 64 cents. This was above the analyst estimate for EPS of 51 cents.</li><li>The company reported revenue of $66.19 million.</li><li>This was 5.12% better than the analyst estimate for revenue of $62.96 million.</li></ul><div>InvestorPlace Earnings is a project that leverages data from <a href="https://www.tradesmith.com">TradeSmith</a> to automate coverage of quarterly earnings reports. InvestorPlace Earnings distills key takeaways including earnings per share and revenue, as well as how a company stacks up to analyst estimates. These articles are published without human intervention, allowing us to inform our readers of the latest figures as quickly as possible. To report any concerns or inaccuracies, please contact us at <a href="mailto:editor@investorplace.com">editor@investorplace.com</a>.</div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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BFST Stock Earnings: Business First Bancshares Beats EPS, Beats Revenue for Q2 2024

Business First Bancshares declares $0.14 dividend

In a report released today, Manuel Navas from D.A. Davidson reiterated a Buy rating on Business First Bancshares (BFST – Research Report). The comp...

D.A. Davidson Keeps Their Buy Rating on Business First Bancshares (BFST)

Business First Bancshares gets regulatory nod for merger with Oakwood Bancshares

Press Releases

Business First Bancshares, Inc., Announces Financial Results for Fiscal Year 2023 and Q4 2023

Business First Bancshares, Inc. Announces Acquisition of Waterstone LSP, LLC

Business First Bancshares, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2024 Earnings Release Date and Conference Call

Business First Bancshares, Inc., Announces Financial Results for Q1 2024

BUSINESS FIRST Bancshares, INC. to acquire OAKWOOD BANCSHARES, INC. AND OAKWOOD BANK

Business First Bancshares, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2024 Earnings Release Date and Conference Call

Business First Bancshares, Inc., Announces Financial Results for Q2 2024

Management

Business First Bancshares, Inc. Names David R. "Jude" Melville III, Board Chair and Rolfe H. McCollister Jr., Lead Independent Director

Business First Bancshares, Inc. announces the appointment of Zeenat Sidi to its Board of Directors

Business First Bancshares, Inc. Receives Regulatory Approval of its Merger with Oakwood Bancshares, Inc.

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Business First Bancshares (BFST) Forecast

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