Meta has informed its staff it will let go of roughly 8,000 employees — approximately 10% of its workforce — as it looks to bolster its presence in the artificial intelligence space. 

The employees were told about the sweeping cuts in a memo as the company prepares to make heavy investments in AI. The layoffs are expected to begin May 20.

“I know this is unwelcome news and confirming this puts everyone in an uneasy state, but we feel this is the best path forward, given the circumstances,” Chief People Officer Janelle Gale wrote in the memo obtained by Bloomberg News.

META’S BAY AREA LAYOFFS AFFECT ROUGHLY 200 WORKERS AS COMPANY POURS BILLIONS INTO AI INFRASTRUCTURE

A Meta spokesperson declined to comment on the job cuts but confirmed the memo and its contents with FOX Business. 

Other tech companies are making staff reductions amid a boom in AI spending. On Thursday, Microsoft Corp. offered voluntary retirement to around 8,750 employees, or 7% of its U.S. workforce, according to Bloomberg.

Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
META	META PLATFORMS INC.	659.15	-15.57	-2.31%

In her memo, Gale wrote that the layoffs are “part of our continued effort to run the company more efficiently and to allow us to offset the other investments we’re making.”

META VOWS APPEAL OF ‘LANDMARK’ SOCIAL MEDIA VERDICTS, WARNS OF FREE SPEECH EROSION

“This is not an easy tradeoff, and it will mean letting go of people who have made meaningful contributions to Meta during their time here,” she said.

Laid-off employees will receive a generous severance package and career support services to help find other jobs and immigration support for those who need it.

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The company previously laid off 11,000 workers in November 2022 — about 13% of its workforce — and cut another 10,000 jobs months later. Meta employed nearly 79,000 people as of Dec. 31, according to its latest filing.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Alphabet Inc. Class C shares (NASDAQ: GOOG) ticked up modestly Thursday, trading around $338.38 after gaining about 0.19% early in the session, as investors digested fresh artificial intelligence product announcements and positioned for the tech giant’s highly anticipated first-quarter earnings next week.

The stock has climbed more than 12% in the past month and roughly 120% over the trailing year, reflecting renewed confidence in Google’s AI strategy despite elevated capital spending plans for 2026. Volume remained solid but below recent peaks as the market awaited the April 29 report.

Alphabet’s Google Cloud division stole the spotlight this week at the annual Cloud Next conference in Las Vegas, where the company unveiled its latest Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) inference chips aimed at challenging Nvidia’s dominance in running trained AI models more efficiently and cost-effectively. The new hardware, alongside AI agent advancements and the rebranding of Vertex AI under the Gemini Enterprise banner, underscored Alphabet’s aggressive push into enterprise AI monetization.

Shares rose as much as 2.1% in recent sessions following the announcements, with analysts highlighting potential margin benefits from custom silicon and accelerated adoption of AI-powered tools. Google also detailed new governance, security features for autonomous AI agents, and upcoming coding enhancements set for May release.

Wall Street has grown increasingly bullish. BMO Capital Markets lifted its price target to $410 from $400 while maintaining an Outperform rating. Other firms including KeyBanc, UBS, DBS Bank and Stifel have raised targets in recent weeks, pushing the consensus toward $370 with a Strong Buy lean.

Heading into earnings, analysts expect Alphabet to report revenue around $106.9 billion, up roughly 18-19% year-over-year, with adjusted earnings per share near $2.62 to $2.68. The modest expected EPS decline from last year stems from higher depreciation tied to massive AI infrastructure investments.

Google Cloud remains a key growth engine. The segment posted 48% year-over-year revenue growth in the prior quarter to $17.7 billion, outpacing many hyperscale competitors. Remaining performance obligations have swelled, signaling strong contracted demand for AI and cloud services.

Search and advertising, still the profit powerhouse, continue benefiting from AI Overviews and deeper user engagement. YouTube and subscriptions also deliver steady gains. Management, led by CEO Sundar Pichai, has emphasized that AI investments are already driving measurable returns across the portfolio.

The company’s 2026 capital expenditure guidance of $175 billion to $185 billion — nearly double prior levels — continues to weigh on near-term margins but is viewed by bulls as necessary table stakes for AI leadership. Analysts expect heavy spending on data centers, networking and custom chips to pay off as cloud margins expand over time.

Alphabet completed its acquisition of cybersecurity firm Wiz in March, bolstering Google Cloud’s security offerings at a time when enterprise customers demand robust AI governance. The deal fits into a broader strategy of inorganic growth to complement organic AI innovation.

Financially, Alphabet remains fortress-like. Trailing annual revenue surpassed $400 billion for the first time in 2025, with strong free cash flow supporting dividends, buybacks and R&D. The company’s Class C shares trade at a forward P/E that some view as reasonable given growth prospects, though concerns linger around regulatory risks and competition.

Antitrust pressures persist. Ongoing cases related to search dominance and ad tech could influence future strategy, though investors appear to be pricing in continued innovation as the primary driver. Google’s Gemini model has gained market share, approaching significant user milestones and narrowing gaps with rivals.

Broader market context shows rotation into AI infrastructure plays. While mega-cap tech remains volatile, Alphabet’s diversified revenue — spanning search, cloud, YouTube, Waymo and hardware — provides resilience. Analysts forecast mid-teens to low-20s revenue growth for the full year, with potential upside from AI monetization acceleration.

Challenges include intensifying competition in cloud from Microsoft and Amazon, potential ad market softness, and execution risks on massive capex. However, recent product momentum and analyst upgrades suggest the street is leaning optimistic heading into the print.

Pichai and team will likely highlight AI integration across products during the April 29 call, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET. Focus areas will include cloud growth trajectory, margin commentary amid depreciation, Gemini adoption metrics, and any updated capex or outlook details.

Longer term, Alphabet positions itself at the center of the AI transformation. From consumer tools like the Gemini app on Mac and Chrome enhancements to enterprise agents that can plan and act autonomously, the company is embedding intelligence deeply into daily workflows.

Investors have rewarded the pivot. Shares have more than doubled from 2025 lows, with all-time highs near $350 tested earlier this year. The modest gain Thursday keeps the stock in a constructive uptrend, consolidating ahead of what many expect could be another beat-and-raise quarter.

Analysts caution that valuation leaves little room for disappointment. A forward P/E in the mid-20s to low-30s range demands continued execution. Yet with Google Cloud approaching $70 billion annualized run-rate potential and AI features expanding search usage, the growth narrative appears intact.

Alphabet’s dual-class structure and substantial cash reserves give it flexibility to invest aggressively while returning capital. The quarterly dividend and ongoing buybacks provide downside support.

As trading continued midday Thursday, GOOG held near session highs with peers in the Magnificent Seven mixed amid broader market rotation. The upcoming earnings will serve as a key test of whether AI tailwinds can outweigh near-term margin pressure from infrastructure buildout.

For a company once viewed primarily as an ad business, Alphabet’s transformation into an AI powerhouse is well underway. Next week’s results could determine if investors are willing to pay even more for that future.

ASEAN’s green goals face threats from illicit trade, costing governments $3.7 billion annually in tobacco revenues alone. Counterfeit goods, organised crime, and weak supply chain oversight undermine sustainability, deter investment, and compromise national security, requiring stronger regional coordination and enforcement.

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Key Points

• ASEAN attracted US$226 billion in FDI in 2024, but illicit trade threatens its green ambitions by draining government revenues, damaging environments, and fuelling organised crime
• Governments lose an estimated US$3.7 billion annually in tobacco excise revenue, while counterfeit goods cost approximately US$35 billion yearly, undermining healthcare, education, and climate investment

• Illicit trade networks overlap with human trafficking and money laundering, exploiting border gaps and free trade zones, posing serious national security threats beyond traditional customs concerns
• No single country can tackle this alone, requiring coordinated intelligence sharing, joint enforcement, and industry partnerships across ASEAN jurisdictions

• Digital tools like track-and-trace systems and AI-driven risk profiling are advancing in Thailand and Malaysia, but cross-border integration remains critical
• Traceability systems, market surveillance, and trusted green lanes must be embedded into supply chains to align trade facilitation with sustainability goals, making supply chain integrity the foundation of ASEAN’s long-term growth

ASEAN’s Green Ambitions Undermined by Illicit Trade

The Promise and the Threat
ASEAN has committed to ambitious sustainability goals, attracting US$226 billion in foreign direct investment in 2024, positioning itself as a major global production hub. However, this opportunity is increasingly threatened by illicit trade, which drains government revenues, damages the environment, fuels organised crime, and jeopardises national security.

The Fiscal Consequences
The financial impact is staggering. Governments across ASEAN lose an estimated US$3.7 billion annually in tobacco excise revenue alone, with losses potentially exceeding US$11 billion over the next three years. The counterfeit goods market is valued at approximately US$35 billion annually, diverting critical funds away from healthcare, education, and climate resilience investments.

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Illicit Trade as a National Security Crisis

Criminal Networks and Human Costs
Illicit trade extends far beyond counterfeit goods — it forms part of a transnational criminal ecosystem linked to human trafficking, money laundering, and forced labour. Globally, 27.6 million people are trapped in forced labour, generating US$150 billion in illicit profits. Criminal syndicates exploit border vulnerabilities, free trade zones, and inconsistent enforcement, making this a frontline national security threat rather than merely a trade issue.

Investor Confidence at Risk
Capital follows predictability. Where enforcement is inconsistent and supply chains lack transparency, regulatory and reputational risks deter long-term investment. Conversely, traceable, accountable supply chains strengthen ASEAN’s attractiveness as a sustainable investment destination, reinforcing the direct link between supply chain integrity and economic competitiveness.

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Building a Resilient and Sustainable Supply Chain Framework

Regional Coordination and Technology
No single nation can tackle illicit trade alone. Addressing this challenge requires joint risk targeting, intelligence sharing, and aligned enforcement frameworks across borders. Countries like Thailand and Malaysia are already deploying digital track-and-trace systems and AI-driven risk profiling, but without cross-border integration, these efforts remain fragmented. True regulatory interoperability across ASEAN is essential.

Embedding Integrity into Sustainability
Practical measures — including digital traceability systems, targeted market surveillance, and trusted green lanes for compliant businesses — can align trade facilitation with environmental protection. As ASEAN approaches the Philippines’ 2026 chairmanship, elevating supply chain integrity as a regional priority across economic, security, and sustainability agendas is critical. Supply chain integrity is not a constraint on growth — it is its very foundation.

Source : Why Asean needs to pay more attention to supply chain integrity

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Fastenal Company (FAST) Shareholder/Analyst Call April 23, 2026 11:00 AM EDT

Company Participants

Scott Satterlee
John Milek – VP & General Counsel
Jeffery Watts – President & Chief Sales Officer
Daniel Florness – CEO & Director

Conference Call Participants

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Mark Dumke
Ken Lyons
Kate Hazelton
Andrew Elcock

Presentation

Scott Satterlee

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Good morning, everybody, and welcome to Fastenal’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. My name is Scott Satterlee, Chair of the Board. And first off, I’d like to thank and appreciate the global Fastenal Blue Team for that intro video. Before we move on to official business, actually, I want to make sure I thank everybody here for taking the time as well as those watching on the webcast. We appreciate your connection and your investment in Fastenal. So thank you very much.

Before we move on to official business, I would like to introduce Pastor Mark Dumke, the retired pastor of Faith Lutheran Church to lead the invocation.

Mark Dumke

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Thank you, Scott, for the invitation. And friends, it’s good to be here with you again this morning. I’m thinking of 2 words this morning, gratitude and confidence. Dan, I’ve known you since you moved to town in 1996. And with your wife, Jenny, and your 4 wonderful kids who have now grown to be outstanding adults. It’s been a pleasure to watch you and Fastenal and your family grow. Likewise, it’s been a pleasure, along with all of you to watch the growth of Fastenal all of these years. I am grateful for your integrity and for your leadership and stewardship of the Fastenal company, especially as CEO these past 10 years. Congratulations.

I’m also confident in the ability of Fastenal to continually raise up leaders who are the best in the industry. I’m confident in your successor, Jeff Watts, who will build on your

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LOS ANGELES — Netflix subscribers in the U.S. have a stacked lineup of films to stream throughout April 2026, blending high-octane new originals with timeless classics and buzzy returning favorites that are dominating watch lists nationwide.

As spring weather tempts viewers outdoors, the streaming giant’s April slate keeps audiences glued to their screens with shark-infested survival tales, star-studded thrillers and critically acclaimed dramas. Here’s a curated look at 10 of the best movies available or newly arriving on Netflix this month, perfect for movie nights from coast to coast.

1. Thrash (2026, New April 10) This breakout Netflix Original has rocketed to the top of charts since its debut, delivering a wild hybrid of disaster and creature-feature horror. Directed by Tommy Wirkola, the film follows residents of a South Carolina coastal town devastated by a Category 5 hurricane. Floodwaters bring not just destruction but bloodthirsty sharks swimming through submerged streets. Phoebe Dynevor, Whitney Peak and Djimon Hounsou lead a cast navigating chaos, gore and narrow escapes. While some critics call it silly B-movie fare, its tense set pieces and over-the-top premise make it a crowd-pleasing thrill ride for fans of “Sharknado”-style fun.

2. Apex (2026, New April 24) Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton deliver intense performances in this highly anticipated survival thriller arriving late in the month. Theron stars as a grieving woman seeking solace in a rugged solo trek through the Australian Outback. Her journey turns deadly when she becomes the target of a sadistic hunter played by Egerton. With stunning wilderness cinematography and edge-of-your-seat cat-and-mouse action, “Apex” promises heart-pounding sequences and strong star chemistry. Early buzz suggests it could be one of Netflix’s biggest hits of the spring.

3. Roommates (2026, New April 17) Adam Sandler’s daughter Sadie Sandler steps into the spotlight in this fresh Netflix comedy. The film follows a shy college freshman who befriends a confident new roommate, only for their budding friendship to spiral into hilarious passive-aggressive rivalry. Packed with a strong ensemble including Chloe East, Natasha Lyonne and Nick Kroll, it captures the awkward highs and lows of young adulthood with laugh-out-loud moments and relatable charm.

4. Atonement (2007) Keira Knightley, James McAvoy and Saoirse Ronan shine in this sweeping, Oscar-nominated adaptation of Ian McEwan’s novel. The story spans decades, exploring love, war and the devastating consequences of a childhood lie. Joe Wright’s direction brings lyrical beauty and emotional weight, making it a perennial favorite for viewers craving dramatic storytelling. Its April availability gives new audiences a chance to discover this modern classic.

5. Jaws (1975) Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece remains the gold standard for summer blockbusters and shark thrillers. As “Thrash” draws fans to aquatic horror, Netflix’s inclusion of the original — plus sequels — offers the perfect pairing. Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw and Richard Dreyfuss battle a great white terrorizing a beach town in a film that still delivers masterful tension and unforgettable scares decades later.

6. American Gangster (2007) Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe deliver powerhouse performances in Ridley Scott’s gritty crime epic. Washington stars as real-life Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, while Crowe plays the determined detective pursuing him. The film’s rich 1970s detail, intense performances and moral complexity make it essential viewing for fans of prestige dramas and true-story thrillers.

7. Mission: Impossible (1996) Tom Cruise’s iconic franchise kicks off with this high-stakes original, now streaming alongside later entries. Ethan Hunt and his IMF team race to clear their names after a botched mission. The film’s practical stunts, clever twists and relentless pace set the template for one of Hollywood’s most enduring action series.

8. Anatomy of a Fall (2023) Sandra Hüller’s riveting performance anchors this Oscar-winning courtroom drama. When a husband dies after falling from a window, his wife becomes the prime suspect. Justine Triet’s film masterfully blurs lines between truth and perception in a tense exploration of marriage and justice. Its addition to Netflix brings fresh acclaim to U.S. viewers.

9. The Iron Claw (2023) This biographical wrestling drama delivers emotional punches with Zac Efron’s transformative performance as Kevin Von Erich. The film chronicles the Von Erich family’s triumphs and tragedies in the ring, offering a moving look at brotherhood, legacy and the cost of athletic glory. Strong supporting work and visceral fight scenes elevate it beyond typical sports biopics.

10. Hell or High Water (2016) Chris Pine and Ben Foster star as brothers turning to bank robbery in a desperate bid to save the family ranch in this modern Western. Jeff Bridges shines as the Texas Ranger on their trail. Taylor Sheridan’s sharp script and David Mackenzie’s direction create a gripping tale of economic hardship and familial bonds that resonates powerfully today.

Beyond these standouts, Netflix continues rotating strong library titles including “IF,” “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” “The Creator” and family favorites like “Matilda.” New documentaries such as “Untold: Chess Mates” and “The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson” add compelling nonfiction options for viewers seeking real-life stories.

Industry observers note Netflix’s strategy this month balances buzzy originals with evergreen hits to drive engagement. With rising interest in both escapist thrills and prestige fare, the platform’s April offerings cater to diverse tastes across generations. Analysts expect “Thrash” and “Apex” to boost subscriber viewing hours significantly.

For families, comedies and animated options like “The Bad Guys 2” provide lighter viewing. Action enthusiasts can binge the “Mission: Impossible” collection, while drama lovers revisit award contenders. Availability can vary slightly by region, so checking the app for U.S. libraries is recommended.

Netflix has invested heavily in original content while leveraging licensed catalog strength, creating a robust monthly rotation. As competition in streaming intensifies, the service’s ability to mix fresh releases with proven crowd-pleasers keeps it dominant in U.S. households.

Viewers looking for more can explore trending charts or personalized recommendations. Whether craving shark attacks, wilderness chases or heartfelt stories, April 2026 delivers something for every Netflix subscriber. Grab the popcorn and settle in — the month’s best watches are ready to stream.

Even as foreign institutional investors (FIIs) pulled out billions from Indian equities amid global volatility and geopolitical tensions in the March quarter, select pockets of the market continued to see steady inflows. One such stock drawing attention is Suzlon Energy, where FIIs have increased their stake for the third straight quarter.

Shareholding data for the March quarter shows FII ownership in Suzlon Energy shares inching up to 23.9% from 23.7% in the December quarter of FY26. Their holding stood at 22.7% in the September quarter and 23% in the June quarter. Retail participation has also strengthened, with holdings rising to 26.67% from 26.20%.

The stock itself has been on a strong run, rallying about 35% over the past month. The surge in Suzlon shares comes as rising temperatures fuel expectations of higher power demand during the summer months. JM Financial has termed Suzlon an “unintended beneficiary” of the ongoing Iran-US conflict.

Expectations for the March quarter remain robust. JM Financial estimates revenue could jump 51% year-on-year to Rs 5,708 crore. EBITDA is projected to rise 54% to Rs 1,068 crore, while net profit is likely to grow 53% to Rs 888.8 crore.

Brokerages continue to remain positive on the company’s long-term outlook. Systematix points to Suzlon’s leadership in India’s wind energy space, with around a 35% share in installations and a strong order book of 6.5 GW, offering clear growth visibility. Its integrated business model spanning manufacturing, EPC, and operations and maintenance is expected to support recurring revenues and margin expansion.

The company’s improving balance sheet is another key positive. After years of high leverage, Suzlon has strengthened its financial position through deleveraging and tighter working capital management. This has enhanced its ability to bid for larger renewable energy projects.
JM Financial expects India to clock another record year for capacity additions in FY27, surpassing the 6.1 GW peak seen in FY26. It noted that Suzlon has been dealing with a widening gap between deliveries and installations. As of March 31, 2025, the company had 371 MW of sets erected and ready for commissioning, about 10% higher than installations.This gap widened to 776 MW as of December 31, 2025, or 76% higher than installations, raising concerns around execution and fresh order inflows. However, the brokerage expects a sharp improvement in commissioning during the first half of FY27, which could boost cash flows and trigger a new cycle of orders.

JM Financial has retained its ‘Buy’ rating on the stock with a target price of Rs 64. This implies an upside potential of over 30% from the previous closing price of Rs 49.13.

At about 12:15 pm, Suzlon Energy shares were trading 0.5% lower at Rs 54.33 on the BSE.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)