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Meta And Microsoft Stocks Skyrocket On Impressive Earnings Reports

by News Editor

May 1, 2025

Overview

Meta and Microsoft have reported impressive earnings performance, significantly boosting their stock values. This marks a crucial period for the tech industry as these robust results challenge ongoing tariff issues affecting investor interest in AI-driven growth.

Key Highlights

Microsoft posted a record-breaking $70.1 billion in revenue with an earnings per share (EPS) of $3.46, surpassing predictions of $68.4 billion in revenue and $3.22 EPS. This reflects a 13% increase in sales and an 18% rise in profits year-over-year.

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The company’s shares surged by 6%, trading at approximately $420 post-earnings announcement.

Meta also exceeded expectations, reporting $42.3 billion in revenue and $6.43 EPS against forecasts of $41.4 billion in revenue and $5.23 EPS. Meta’s stock appreciated by 5%, rising past $570.

Market Context

Microsoft and Meta rank as the second and sixth most valuable firms in the U.S., respectively. They belong to the ‘magnificent seven’ in tech, which includes giants like Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Nvidia, and Tesla. These companies significantly impact the S&P 500’s market capitalization, led by advances in artificial intelligence. Microsoft’s success is bolstered by Azure’s enterprise cloud services and a strategic alliance with OpenAI, while Meta is advancing with its standalone AI app rivalling ChatGPT, Meta AI.

Industry Outlook

Despite early-year challenges and a 5% decline in stock value to date, Meta and Microsoft have outperformed companies heavily affected by China’s economic waves. Stay updated on developments here.

Looking Ahead

Amazon and Apple will soon unveil their earnings, offering further insight into tech developments amid economic uncertainties.

Expert Insight

According to Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, this is a pivotal moment for the tech sector, especially as trade tensions linger. The forthcoming results will indicate consumer and business demand resilience in uncertain times.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

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In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.