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Dec 1, 2023 • 5 min read

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Tesla CyberTruck Launch:

Tesla's CyberTruck, known for its unique design inspired by the "Blade Runner" movie, enters the competitive electric pickup truck market with several distinctive features. Its trapezoidal shape and stainless-steel alloy exoskeleton set it apart from traditional pickup trucks. The vehicle's exterior design, along with features such as armor glass and bulletproof doors, positions it as a robust and unconventional choice in the segment.
The CyberTruck offers various range options across its models. The base model provides an estimated 250-mile range, while the all-wheel drive and "Cyberbeast" variants offer 340 and 320 miles. An optional range extender enhances the distance capability, particularly useful for long journeys or heavy towing. The "Cyberbeast" model also boasts impressive power, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds, and a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds, matching and exceeding competitors.
In terms of utility, the CyberTruck features a 6-foot-long bed, additional storage spaces, and a powered gate. It is equipped with 120 volt and 240 volt outlets in both the bed and cabin, useful for operating tools, charging other EVs, or providing emergency power. The Cybertruck's combination of power, range, and utility features makes it a versatile option in the electric vehicle market.

Montana’s TikTok Ban Halted:

A federal judge in Montana has put a stop to a state law that would have banned TikTok starting January 1, 2024. The law, signed by Governor Greg Gianforte, was intended to protect residents from potential surveillance by the Chinese Communist Party. However, Judge Donald Molloy ruled that the law seemed to target China's influence on TikTok rather than focusing on consumer protection.
The judge's ruling is a setback for Montana's attempt to regulate TikTok, owned by China's ByteDance. The state argued that the law was necessary to protect data privacy, but the judge found these claims insufficient. Despite this, the Montana Attorney General's office sees the ruling as just the beginning and plans to present a more comprehensive argument in support of the law.
The controversy around TikTok's potential data security issues isn't just a state matter; it's also a national concern. U.S. lawmakers have expressed worries about TikTok's connections to the Chinese government. In response, TikTok is working on a project with Oracle (Project Texas) to ensure that U.S. user data is stored domestically, aiming to mitigate these security concerns.

Salesforce Earnings:

In its recent fiscal third-quarter earnings report, Salesforce exceeded analyst expectations. The cloud software company reported adjusted earnings of $2.11 per share, surpassing the forecast of $2.06 per share set by LSEG. Their revenue matched predictions at $8.72 billion, an 11% increase from the previous year’s $7.84 billion.
Historically, Salesforce has seen annual growth rates exceeding 20%, but recent quarters have shown a slowdown, largely due to economic challenges and higher interest rates affecting business spending. Despite these trends, the company has successfully improved its profitability this year, thanks in part to a restructuring plan announced in January.
This plan included reducing its workforce by 10% and cutting back on office space. Looking to the future, Salesforce has revised its fiscal 2024 outlook, now expecting operating cash flow growth to reach 33%, up from the initially estimated 30%. For the upcoming fiscal fourth quarter, the company forecasts revenue growth of about 10%, projecting it to be in the range of $9.18 billion to $9.23 billion.

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