In conclusion, the partnership between Sharp and KDDI to launch an AI data center by 2025 is a testament to their commitment to driving technological advancements and fostering collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence. With a shared vision of harnessing the power of data and AI to create a more intelligent and connected world, the two companies are set to revolutionize the way businesses leverage technology to drive growth and innovation.
ATLANTA (AP) — Jalen Johnson scored 28 points and the Atlanta Hawks closed out a four-game homestand, winning a third straight contest, 120-110 over the Miami Heat on Saturday. Trae Young added his 22nd double-double of the season, with 11 point and 15 assist, and De'Andre Hunter scored 26 points in his 14th consecutive game with at least 15 points coming off the bench. Tyler Herro scored 28 points and dished out 10 assists and Bam Adebayo added 17 points and 10 rebounds. It was the Heat's fourth game in a row without star Jimmy Butler , who sat out for what the team called “return to competition reconditioning.” Heat: Miami lost despite five players finishing with double-digit point totals. The Heat shot 44.4% from the field, but it wasn't enough to overcome a Hawks team that hit over half of its shots, 51.2% from the field. Hawks: Johnson has been on an offensive tear in his last two games. He finished two points shy of his single-game career high of 30 points, set in his last game, on Thursday against the Chicago Bulls. Hunter also finished just one point shy of his single-game career high of 27 points. After a close first half that featured nine lead changes, Atlanta seized control early in the second half. With five minutes to go in the third quarter, Atlanta’s Garrison Mathews and Hunter hit back-to-back 3s to give Atlanta an 81-72 lead, their biggest of the night, and forcing a Miami timeout. Young finished one assist shy of a franchise single-game record for assists against the Miami Heat, set by Mookie Blaylock in 1993. The Hawks begin a six-game road trip in Toronto on Sunday, while the Heat visits the Rockets on Sunday. AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBAProfessor Smith warns that the long-term consequences of the "tariff big stick" policy could be detrimental to America's competitive position in the global economy. As other countries continue to innovate and diversify their export markets, the United States risks being left behind in key industries such as technology, automotive, and agriculture. The erosion of America's competitive edge could have far-reaching implications for its economic growth and prosperity in the years to come.
VERMILLION, S.D. (AP) — Aidan Bouman threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Javion Phelps with 12 seconds left and South Dakota defeated FCS top-ranked North Dakota State 29-28 on Saturday to claim a share of its first Missouri Valley Football Conference championship. The Coyotes (9-2, 7-1) trailed 28-17 when Bouman threw deep to Jack Martens for a 40-yard touchdown with 3:22 remaining. They got the ball back with 1:16 left and six plays later Bouman was sacked. The Coyotes quickly lined up and Bouman found Phelps alone 2 yards shy of the end zone along the left sideline and he easily scored. South Dakota won its first game against the Bison in Vermillion since a four-overtime thriller in 2002. The Bison had won the last five meetings in the DakotaDome. The Coyotes took a 14-0 lead on two Travis Theis rushing touchdowns but the Bison (10-2, 7-1) tied the game with two scores in the final 2:26 of the first half, a 23-yard pass from Cam Miller to Braylon Henderson and a 3-yard TD run by Miller. Miller scored from 2 yards out late in the third quarter and CharMar Brown completed a 20-play, 99-yard drive that took nearly 11 minutes with a 1-yard score for a 28-17 Bison lead with just over four minutes to go. Bouman was 18-of-30 for 271 yards and two touchdowns. Miller was 9-of-21 passing with one touchdown and he rushed for 82 yards and another score. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25
The prestigious Annual Best Male Doubles Award was presented to Liang Wang Duo at the Glittering Awards Ceremony in Hangzhou, marking a momentous occasion for the talented pair. The duo, comprised of Liang Xiang and Wang Tao, impressed judges and fans alike with their exceptional performance throughout the year, securing their well-deserved accolade at the highly anticipated event.By Agencies The Horn of Africa is currently at a breaking point, plagued by civil wars in Ethiopia and Sudan, the persistent al-Shabaab insurgency in Somalia, and growing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over a controversial port deal with Somaliland. Against this volatile backdrop, Djibouti recently hosted two major forums: the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies’ annual dialogue on regional stability and the East Africa Security Forum (EASF) . These forums aimed to address critical regional issues, yet glaringly overlooked Djibouti’s own internal crises, such as widespread hunger, poverty, and democratic deficiencies. This silence raises concerns about how international and regional stakeholders prioritize their agendas when hosting discussions in a nation grappling with significant domestic challenges. The Horn of Africa faces a complex web of conflicts. Ethiopia and Sudan’s civil wars have left thousands dead and millions displaced. Somalia’s battle against al-Shabaab continues to threaten regional stability, while the tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over Somaliland’s port deal add another layer of discord. Djibouti, often perceived as a stable island amidst this chaos, plays a strategic role. Its location at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has made it a hub for international military bases hosting troops from the U.S., China, France, Japan, and Italy. The country also serves as a center for regional diplomatic efforts. However, beneath this façade of stability lies a host of domestic crises that are often ignored in such high-profile gatherings. Djibouti faces severe food insecurity, exacerbated by prolonged droughts, economic vulnerability, and dependency on food imports (90% of its supply). Between April and June 2024, nearly 221,000 people—19% of the population—faced acute hunger, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). On the 2024 Global Hunger Index, Djibouti ranked 92nd out of 127 countries, with a “serious” hunger score of 21.2. With 42% of the population living in extreme poverty and a staggering 79% overall poverty rate, unemployment remains a key driver of humanitarian needs. Djibouti’s hot, arid climate limits agricultural production, leaving the country highly dependent on fluctuating international food prices. Djibouti’s maritime territory is increasingly plagued by illegal fishing, mainly by fleets from Yemen and China. These unregulated activities deplete fish stocks, disrupt local livelihoods, and damage the marine ecosystem. Worse, they facilitate organized crime networks using fishing vessels for smuggling goods, weapons, and people. The government’s inability to effectively monitor its maritime borders exacerbates the issue. International naval operations, such as those led by the European Union, focus primarily on combating piracy rather than illegal fishing, leaving this critical problem largely unaddressed. Domestically, Djibouti is criticized for its authoritarian governance under President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, who has been in power since 1999. His government faces accusations of corruption, stifling dissent, and consolidating power. Allegations also link his administration to questionable ties with Somalia’s Salaam Bank, which has been associated with funding al-Shabaab. This political environment fosters widespread discontent and raises questions about the government’s ability to manage internal security. Djibouti’s lack of democratic freedoms and transparency has also hampered economic development, discouraging foreign investment and deepening inequality. Djibouti is a critical transit hub for migrants fleeing poverty and conflict in Ethiopia and Somalia, seeking better opportunities in Gulf countries. However, many fall victim to human trafficking networks that exploit the country’s weak border controls and law enforcement. Migrants face inhumane conditions, including forced labor and sexual exploitation, both en route and at their destinations. These trafficking networks use Djibouti as a gateway to Yemen, often transporting migrants in overcrowded, unsafe boats across the treacherous Gulf of Aden. Many do not survive the journey. Despite efforts by international organizations to combat trafficking, the problem persists, fueled by limited resources and weak governance. From November 25–27, the Heritage Institute’s forum brought together scholars, politicians, and traditional leaders to discuss regional instability, including the Ethiopian and Sudanese civil wars, Somalia’s political challenges, and the al-Shabaab threat. Similarly, the East Africa Security Forum, held from November 21–23 at Camp Lemonnier, emphasized inter- and intra-state conflict management, private-sector investment for stability, and combating tribal affiliations fueling regional discord. While these discussions addressed pressing regional concerns, they deliberately excluded Djibouti’s domestic struggles, such as hunger, poverty, and governance deficits. This omission reflects the delicate balancing act of hosting such events in Djibouti, where raising internal issues could be seen as diplomatically provocative and risk straining relations with the host nation. Djibouti’s carefully cultivated image as a stable partner allows it to escape scrutiny during such forums. As a key U.S. ally and host to its largest African military base, Djibouti enjoys diplomatic immunity from criticism of its internal governance. However, this narrative of stability comes at a cost. By avoiding discussions on Djibouti’s domestic issues, international actors risk perpetuating cycles of poverty, authoritarian governance, and economic stagnation. Ignoring these challenges undermines the very stability that Djibouti projects to the world.
President Trump's confrontational approach towards NATO member countries, particularly his demands for increased defense spending, has exposed underlying tensions and differences in priorities among alliance members. While the United States has long been the largest contributor to NATO's budget, Trump has insisted that other member countries must do more to shoulder their fair share of the financial burden.For years, Messi and Mbappé have been at the top of their game, each displaying exceptional talent and skill on the field. However, it is their ability to understand and manage emotions, both their own and others', that sets them apart as true masters of the game.In terms of technology, the NIO ET9 does not disappoint. The spy photos reveal a large curved display that spans the entire width of the dashboard, seamlessly integrating the instrument cluster, infotainment system, and climate controls. This innovative design not only enhances the aesthetics of the interior but also improves functionality and user experience. Additionally, the NIO ET9 is expected to come equipped with the latest in connectivity features, including advanced voice recognition, gesture control, and seamless integration with smart devices.AUSTIN, Texas , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL) today announced fiscal 2025 Q2 results. Total quarterly revenues were up 9% year-over-year, in both USD and constant currency, to $14.1 billion . Cloud services and license support revenues were up 12% year-over-year, in both USD and constant currency, to $10.8 billion . Cloud license and on-premise license revenues were up 1% in USD and up 3% in constant currency, to $1.2 billion . Q2 GAAP operating income was $4.2 billion . Non-GAAP operating income was $6.1 billion , up 10% in both USD and constant currency. GAAP operating margin was 30%, and non-GAAP operating margin was 43%. GAAP net income was $3.2 billion . Non-GAAP net income was $4.2 billion , up 12% in both USD and constant currency. Q2 GAAP earnings per share was $1.10 , up 24% in USD and up 23% in constant currency, while non-GAAP earnings per share was $1.47 , up 10% in both USD and constant currency. Short-term deferred revenues were $9.4 billion . Over the last twelve months, operating cash flow was $20.3 billion and free cash flow was $9.5 billion . "Record level AI demand drove Oracle Cloud Infrastructure revenue up 52% in Q2, a much higher growth rate than any of our hyperscale cloud infrastructure competitors," said Oracle CEO, Safra Catz . "Growth in the AI segment of our Infrastructure business was extraordinary—GPU consumption was up 336% in the quarter—and we delivered the world's largest and fastest AI SuperComputer scaling up to 65,000 NVIDIA H200 GPUs. With our remaining performance obligation (RPO) up 50% to $97 billion , we believe our already impressive growth rates will continue to climb even higher. This fiscal year, total Oracle Cloud revenue should top $25 billion ." "Oracle Cloud Infrastructure trains several of the world's most important generative AI models because we are faster and less expensive than other clouds," said Oracle Chairman and CTO, Larry Ellison . "And we just signed an agreement with Meta—for them to use Oracle's AI Cloud Infrastructure—and collaborate with Oracle on the development of AI Agents based on Meta's Llama models. The Oracle Cloud trains dozens of specialized AI models and embeds hundreds of AI Agents in cloud applications. For example, Oracle's AI Agents automate drug design, image and genomic analysis for cancer diagnostics, audio updates to electronic health records for patient care, satellite image analysis to predict and improve agricultural output, fraud and money laundering detection, dual-factor biometric computer logins, and real time video weapons detection in schools. Oracle trained AI models and AI Agents will improve the rate of scientific discovery, economic development and corporate growth throughout the world. The scale of the opportunity is unimaginable." The board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.40 per share of outstanding common stock. This dividend will be paid to stockholders of record as of the close of business on January 9, 2025 , with a payment date of January 23, 2025 . Earnings Conference Call and Webcast Oracle will hold a conference call and webcast today to discuss these results at 4:00 p.m. Central. A live and replay webcast will be available on the Oracle Investor Relations website at www.oracle.com/investor/ . About Oracle Oracle offers integrated suites of applications plus secure, autonomous infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit us at www.oracle.com . Trademarks Oracle, Java, MySQL, and NetSuite are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. NetSuite was the first cloud company—ushering in the new era of cloud computing. "Safe Harbor" Statement: Statements in this press release relating to future plans, expectations, beliefs, intentions and prospects, including the expectations for converting the Remaining Performance Obligations to revenue, future total Oracle Cloud revenue this fiscal year and the scale of opportunity for Oracle trained AI models and AI Agents, are "forward-looking statements" and are subject to material risks and uncertainties. Risks and uncertainties that could affect our current expectations and our actual results, include, among others: our ability to develop new products and services, integrate acquired products and services and enhance our existing products and services, including our AI products; our management of complex cloud and hardware offerings, including the sourcing of technologies and technology components; our ability to secure data center capacity; significant coding, manufacturing or configuration errors in our offerings; risks associated with acquisitions; economic, political and market conditions; information technology system failures, privacy and data security concerns; cybersecurity breaches; unfavorable legal proceedings, government investigations, and complex and changing laws and regulations. A detailed discussion of these factors and other risks that affect our business is contained in our SEC filings, including our most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, particularly under the heading "Risk Factors." Copies of these filings are available online from the SEC or by contacting Oracle's Investor Relations Department at (650) 506-4073 or by clicking on SEC Filings on the Oracle Investor Relations website at www.oracle.com/investor/ . All information set forth in this press release is current as of December 9, 2024 . Oracle undertakes no duty to update any statement in light of new information or future events. ORACLE CORPORATION Q2 FISCAL 2025 FINANCIAL RESULTS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS ($ in millions, except per share data) Three Months Ended November 30, % Increase % Increase (Decrease) % of % of (Decrease) in Constant 2024 Revenues 2023 Revenues in US $ Currency (1) REVENUES Cloud services and license support $ 10,806 77 % $ 9,639 74 % 12 % 12 % Cloud license and on-premise license 1,195 9 % 1,178 9 % 1 % 3 % Hardware 728 5 % 756 6 % (4 %) (3 %) Services 1,330 9 % 1,368 11 % (3 %) (3 %) Total revenues 14,059 100 % 12,941 100 % 9 % 9 % OPERATING EXPENSES Cloud services and license support 2,746 19 % 2,274 17 % 21 % 21 % Hardware 172 1 % 213 2 % (20 %) (19 %) Services 1,167 8 % 1,253 10 % (7 %) (7 %) Sales and marketing 2,190 16 % 2,093 16 % 5 % 5 % Research and development 2,471 18 % 2,226 17 % 11 % 11 % General and administrative 387 3 % 375 3 % 3 % 3 % Amortization of intangible assets 591 4 % 755 6 % (22 %) (22 %) Acquisition related and other 31 0 % 47 0 % (34 %) (33 %) Restructuring 84 1 % 83 1 % 0 % 1 % Total operating expenses 9,839 70 % 9,319 72 % 6 % 6 % OPERATING INCOME 4,220 30 % 3,622 28 % 17 % 16 % Interest expense (866) (6 %) (888) (7 %) (3 %) (3 %) Non-operating income (expenses), net 36 0 % (14) 0 % * * INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 3,390 24 % 2,720 21 % 25 % 24 % Provision for income taxes 239 2 % 217 2 % 11 % 10 % NET INCOME $ 3,151 22 % $ 2,503 19 % 26 % 26 % EARNINGS PER SHARE: Basic $ 1.13 $ 0.91 Diluted $ 1.10 $ 0.89 WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING: Basic 2,790 2,746 Diluted 2,869 2,817 (1) We compare the percent change in the results from one period to another period using constant currency disclosure. We present constant currency information to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations. To present this information, current and comparative prior period results for entities reporting in currencies other than United States dollars are converted into United States dollars at the exchange rates in effect on May 31, 2024, which was the last day of our prior fiscal year, rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods. Movements in international currencies relative to the United States dollar during the three months ended November 30, 2024 compared with the corresponding prior year period increased our operating income by 1 percentage point. * Not meaningful ORACLE CORPORATION Q2 FISCAL 2025 FINANCIAL RESULTS RECONCILIATION OF SELECTED GAAP MEASURES TO NON-GAAP MEASURES (1) ($ in millions, except per share data) Three Months Ended November 30, % Increase (Decrease) in US $ % Increase (Decrease) in Constant Currency (2) 2024 2024 2023 2023 GAAP Non-GAAP GAAP Non-GAAP GAAP Adj. Non-GAAP GAAP Adj. Non-GAAP TOTAL REVENUES $ 14,059 $ - $ 14,059 $ 12,941 $ - $ 12,941 9 % 9 % 9 % 9 % TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES $ 9,839 $ (1,876) $ 7,963 $ 9,319 $ (1,914) $ 7,405 6 % 8 % 6 % 8 % Stock-based compensation (3)
In conclusion, the launch of Kwai's AI Director Collaborative Creation Program marks a significant step forward in the convergence of AI technology, creativity, and social welfare. By empowering content creators to collaborate with AI directors, the program not only fosters creative innovation but also drives positive social change by raising awareness about important social issues and inspiring action. As we embark on this new era of AI-powered storytelling, the possibilities for meaningful collaboration and impact are truly limitless.