Ulta Beauty Inc. (ULTA) exceeded analyst expectations for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, reporting revenue of $3.49 billion and earnings per share of $8.46. The company's comparable sales increased 1.5% year-over-year, driven by a 3% increase in average ticket and a 1.4% decrease in transactions.
Meta Platforms Inc. (META) shares experienced a significant decline on Thursday, mirroring the broader market weakness that impacted social media and technology stocks. This downturn was attributed to a confluence of factors, including tariff threats, weaker inflation data, and broader tech sector struggles.
Goldman Sachs predicts a surge in U.S. copper imports due to anticipated tariffs, potentially leading to a global deficit in 2025 and higher prices. The largest U.S. producer, Freeport-McMoRan, stands to benefit significantly from this scenario, especially if copper is classified as a critical mineral.
U.S. senators have voiced concerns about Pfizer's financial relationship with UpScriptHealth, questioning potential violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute due to their recently launched PfizerForAll digital platform. They worry the platform may influence patient prescriptions and cause unnecessary Medicare expenditures.
Researchers were granted rare access to the Daisen kofun, a keyhole-shaped imperial burial mound dating back to the fifth century, marking the first time scholars have been allowed to step foot on the sacred site since the end of World War II. This unprecedented opportunity allows for further investigation of the mysterious mound and its potential connection to Emperor Nintoku.