Wall St indexes fall, inflation data and rates in focusRatings for Ameren AEE were provided by 7 analysts in the past three months, showcasing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives. In the table below, you'll find a summary of their recent ratings, revealing the shifting sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the previous months. Bullish Somewhat Bullish Indifferent Somewhat Bearish Bearish Total Ratings 1 3 3 0 0 Last 30D 0 0 1 0 0 1M Ago 0 0 0 0 0 2M Ago 0 1 1 0 0 3M Ago 1 2 1 0 0 Analysts have set 12-month price targets for Ameren, revealing an average target of $89.71, a high estimate of $97.00, and a low estimate of $85.00. This upward trend is evident, with the current average reflecting a 6.58% increase from the previous average price target of $84.17. Understanding Analyst Ratings: A Comprehensive Breakdown A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive Ameren is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets. Analyst Analyst Firm Action Taken Rating Current Price Target Prior Price Target Stephen Byrd Morgan Stanley Lowers Equal-Weight $86.00 $88.00 Nicholas Campanella Barclays Raises Overweight $88.00 $77.00 Stephen Byrd Morgan Stanley Raises Equal-Weight $85.00 $81.00 Neil Kalton Wells Fargo Raises Overweight $96.00 $91.00 Julien Dumoulin-Smith Jefferies Announces Buy $97.00 - Anthony Crowdell Mizuho Raises Outperform $89.00 $82.00 Julien Dumoulin-Smith B of A Securities Raises Neutral $87.00 $86.00 Key Insights: Action Taken: Analysts adapt their recommendations to changing market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their response to recent developments related to Ameren. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company. Rating: Offering insights into predictions, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Ameren compared to the broader market. Price Targets: Analysts gauge the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Ameren's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time. To gain a panoramic view of Ameren's market performance, explore these analyst evaluations alongside essential financial indicators. Stay informed and make judicious decisions using our Ratings Table. Stay up to date on Ameren analyst ratings. Discovering Ameren: A Closer Look Ameren owns rate-regulated generation, transmission, and distribution networks that deliver electricity and natural gas in Missouri and Illinois. It serves more than 2.4 million electricity customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers. Ameren: Financial Performance Dissected Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization surpasses industry averages, showcasing a dominant size relative to peers and suggesting a strong market position. Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Ameren's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 5.49% as of 30 September, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company surpassed expectations with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Utilities sector. Net Margin: Ameren's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of 20.98%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management. Return on Equity (ROE): Ameren's ROE excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 3.9% . This signifies robust financial management and efficient use of shareholder equity capital. Return on Assets (ROA): Ameren's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROA, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROA of 1.06%, the company showcases efficient use of assets and strong financial health. Debt Management: Ameren's debt-to-equity ratio is below industry norms, indicating a sound financial structure with a ratio of 1.54 . The Core of Analyst Ratings: What Every Investor Should Know Experts in banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their comprehensive research involves attending company conference calls and meetings, analyzing financial statements, and engaging with insiders to generate what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts assess and rate each stock once per quarter. Some analysts will also offer forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide further guidance on stocks. Investors who use analyst ratings should note that this specialized advice comes from humans and may be subject to error. Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now? Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. Click here to stay ahead of the market . This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
The 76ers said George did not suffer any structural damage when he injured the same knee that he hyperextended during the preseason in Wednesday night's loss at Memphis. The game marked the first time this season the All-Star trio of George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey started a game together. George will miss home games Friday against Brooklyn and Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers, his former team. A nine-time All-Star, the 34-year-old George will be evaluated again on Monday. Wednesday's 117-111 loss to the Grizzlies dropped the Sixers to 2-12, the worst record in the NBA headed into Thursday night's games. George signed a four-year, $212 million contract with Philadelphia after five seasons with the Clippers. He has averaged 14.9 points in eight games this season. Embiid has been out with injuries, load management rest and a suspension, while Maxey was sidelined with a hamstring injury. An expected contender in the Eastern Conference, the Sixers haven't won since an overtime victory against Charlotte on Nov. 10. AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Applied Optoelectronics Closes Exchange of 2026 Notes and Concurrent Registered Direct Offering
Software firm Pony AI debuts on U.S. stock marketOTTAWA, ON , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - The Royal Canadian Mint is delighted that the one-of-a-kind 2024 10 kg 99.99% Pure Gold Coin – The Dance Screen (The Scream Too) , an exquisite numismatic tribute to the art of acclaimed Haida master carver Chief 7IDANsuu ( James Hart ), sold for $1,561,250 .00 CAD (including Buyer's Premium), after a live auction conducted by Heffel Fine Art Auction House (Heffel). This rare, pure gold masterpiece was sold to an anonymous bidder on November 20, 2024 , and beat the previous record for a coin offered at auction in Canada , held by The Ultimate , a one kilo pure platinum coin also produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. "We are thrilled by the collector interest in this unique coin and delighted that the skill of the Royal Canadian Mint and the talent of Chief 7IDANsuu ( James Hart ) have been recognized by the buyer of this rare and beautiful 10 kg pure gold masterpiece," said Marie Lemay , President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "It has been an extraordinary privilege to auction The Dance Screen (The Scream Too) 10kg pure gold coin," said David Heffel , President of Heffel Fine Art Auction House. "The profoundly significant artwork by the esteemed Chief James Hart , showcased on its face, stands as an enduring icon of Canadian art, embodying the rich traditions and cultural narratives of the Haida Nation. We are honoured to have placed this masterpiece in a distinguished collection and look forward to seeing its legacy continue to inspire." Impeccably crafted from 10 kg of 99.99% pure Canadian gold, The Dance Screen (The Scream Too) re–creates carved images from the original red cedar panel carved by Chief 7IDANsuu on its reverse. The reverse design of the flagship coin of the 2024 Opulence Collection brings together traditional Haida figures—a Shaman, the Beaver, Raven, Eagle, Frog, Orca and Mother Bear with cubs—whose life deeply depends on the Salmon, represented in human and animal form along the edge. Six pearlescent pieces of responsibly sourced abalone shell are inlayed along the coin's edge, where their aquatic hues shimmer in the light and their shapes evoke the Haida copper shields that serve as traditional markers of wealth. The imposing coin's obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati , surrounded by an engraving of subtle sketch lines from the original carving. About the Royal Canadian Mint The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. The Mint is one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, producing award-winning collector coins, market-leading bullion products, as well as Canada's prestigious military and civilian honours. As an established London and COMEX Good Delivery refiner, the Mint also offers a full spectrum of best-in-class gold and silver refining services. As an organization that strives to take better care of the environment, to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces and to make a positive impact on the communities where it operates, the Mint integrates environmental, social and governance practices in every aspect of its operations. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca . Follow the Mint on LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . About Heffel Fine Art Auction House Since 1978, Heffel has connected passionate collectors across the world with outstanding works of art, with sales totaling nearly $1 billion . With offices in Toronto , Vancouver , Montreal , Ottawa and Calgary , Heffel has the most experienced team of fine art specialists in Canada and provides superior client service to both sellers and buyers internationally. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-10-kg-99-99-pure-gold-the-dance-screen-the-scream-too-a-one-of-a-kind-coin-from-the-royal-canadian-mint-surpasses-1-5-million-at-heffel-auction-302313573.html SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)
IAEA chief: Iran is poised to ‘quite dramatically' increase stockpile of near weapons-grade uraniumGM is pulling the plug on its robotaxi effortsTAPACHULA, Mexico (AP) — Eleven clandestine graves with the bodies of 15 men were located in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, where a dispute between the Sinaloa and Jalisco Nueva Generación drug cartels is taking place, local authorities said Sunday. Chiapas Gov. Eduardo Ramírez Aguilar said on his social media channels that the findings came as the result of a raid in the city of La Concordia, near Mexico 's border with Guatemala . He said four people connected to the case had been arrested with weapons and drugs. The state prosecutor’s office said in a statement that the raid took place in two different properties. The first site had three bodies in three graves and in the second, eight graves with 12 bodies. “It is worth mentioning that for these operations technological tools such as drones and geo-radars were used, in addition to aerial overflight, ground search, field forensics, back-excavation and drills,” it said. Chiapas Prosecutor General Jorge Luis Llaven Abarca said last week that another clandestine grave with charred bodies was found in Emiliano Zapata, neighboring La Concordia, but did not give more details because of the poor state of the bodies for identification. The dispute over drug routes, migrant trafficking and weapons has left more than 10,000 people displaced in recent years, including Mexicans fleeing to Guatemala, according to reports from humanitarian organizations.
Article content Silverthorn Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke was in lockdown late Tuesday afternoon after reports of a person with a gun inside the school. Recommended Videos Toronto Police were called to the Mill-Burnhamthorpe Rds. area at 3:59 p.m. for the gun report and said in a post on the social-media site X that there was “evidence of a firearm discharge located.” There were no injuries reported. FIREARM DISCHARGE: Mill Rd. & Burnhamthorpe Rd. area (Silverthorn Collegiate Institute) 3:59 p.m - Reports of a person w/ a gun inside the school - School in lockdown - Police o/s - Evidence of a firearm discharge located - No reports of injuries #GO2673285 ^vs In a follow-up post at 4:58 p.m., police said two individuals were reportedly inside the school with a gun. Officers were actively clearing the building, police said, and there were no immediate suspect descriptions available.Striking Woolworths employees are continuing to protest outside the supermarket giant’s distribution centre in Melbourne’s outer south-east, despite a ruling by the industrial umpire yesterday barring striking workers from blocking access to the site. A coach containing a group of people dressed in hi-vis vests arrived at the distribution centre in Dandenong South just before 8am Saturday, but quickly departed after the entrance was blocked by 10 people forming a picket line. A human barricade at Dandenong South distribution centre on Saturday morning. Credit: Adan Carey The supermarket giant has said it is eager to reopen its Melbourne South Regional Distribution Centre as soon as possible, after the Fair Work Commission made an interim ruling on Friday that striking United Workers Union (UWU) members could not blockade the warehouse entrance. There are two picketing groups outside the huge warehouse today. UWU members did not join this morning’s human barricade, rather, a group of sympathisers from other unions stood in a line to ensure the coach could not enter. People inside the coach could be seen filming the stand-off on their phones. It was not clear whether those on board were hired labour. Members of the barricade group chased the coach along Portlink Drive as it departed. A coach arriving at the distribution centre on Saturday morning. Credit: Adam Carey Woolworths has said the industrial action has cost the company at least $50 million so far . Workers are striking for better pay and conditions, and in protest against the use of automation in the Dandenong centre that the union says treats people as though they are robots. The commission did not order the strike to end, finding there was nothing to stop unionised workers from rallying at the four centres – but the picketers were ordered to allow safe passage in and out of the sites. In a statement released on Friday night, Woolworths said it planned to reopen its major Dandenong South distribution centre “as soon as possible”. The supermarket giant’s shelves have been stripped bare as the company was unable to restock groceries during a two-week strike that shuttered distribution centres in Victoria and NSW. Some Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores were also affected. Empty shelves at Woolworths’ Southbank store earlier this week. Credit: Woolworths filed an urgent Fair Work Commission application this week after previously attempting to bus workers – who were not UWU members – across the picket line and into the Dandenong South facility. The supermarket giant abandoned its plans, citing safety fears. The scene this week at Woolworths’ distribution centre in Dandenong South, where a strike has left shelves bare in stores all over Melbourne. Credit: Wayne Taylor The commission heard that about 30 staff, including Woolworths managers, had sought to work at the site before the company abandoned its plans to allow some non-union workers to return to work during the week. It also heard the centres usually had about 100 workers during each shift. About 300 people regularly work at the Dandenong site. Woolworths alleged that the union had breached good-faith bargaining provisions because the picket line blockaded the site. The Fair Work Commission found the union had an obligation not to obstruct work at the site, issuing a bargaining order against the union that it had breached the law in how it had operated the picket line. Commission deputy president Gerard Boyce ruled the picket line across the driveway of the distribution centre had been conducted in a way that was capricious and unfair. “I find that unlawful picketing or conduct that has the effect of obstructing the worksite has occurred,” Boyce said. “I find that the UWU is not meeting its good-faith requirements under the act.” Boyce also said the UWU had failed to provide evidence to support its position that the picket line was within the law. Negotiations between the union and Woolworths about the pay deal continue. Reacting to the decision, a Woolworths spokesperson said on Friday night that the company was “pleased” with the outcome. “Today’s decision is a positive step for our team members who want to get back to work before Christmas,” they said. “It also means we will be able to progressively boost stock levels across stores in Victoria.” The scene at the distribution centre in Dandenong South on December 3. Credit: Wayne Taylor During the hearing, Woolworths described the picket line as forcing it to negotiate with the striking workers’ union as though the company has a “gun to its head”. Woolworths said this week that the strike had cost $50 million in lost sales, and it expects further impacts on turnover until the strike is resolved. The union’s counsel, Hugh Crosthwaite, told the commission that the orders were unnecessary because the picket had not affected bargaining. “Bargaining since [December 2] has continued at great frequency, the parties are meeting regularly,” he said. “Bargaining is progressing in a completely orthodox way. There is simply nothing in the bargaining process to remedy. Indeed while we’re here, bargaining representatives are bargaining.” Crosthwaite also said it was “utterly implausible” that Woolworths could have operated the facility with the few staff it planned to bus in, as they were cleaners and others who did prep work rather than operators of the centre. UWU national secretary Tim Kennedy said this week that the union had been bargaining in good faith for months. “The best way to get workers back to work and shelves restocked in time for Christmas is for Woolworths to concentrate on reaching agreement at the bargaining table. Anything else is a distraction,” Kennedy said. With Lachlan Abbott Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here .
Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) at Atlanta (6-5) Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, CBS BetMGM NFL Odds: Chargers by 1 1/2 Series record: Falcons lead 8-4. Against the spread: Chargers 7-3-1, Falcons 5-6. Last meeting: Chargers beat Falcons 20-17 on Nov. 6, 2022, in Atlanta. Last week: Ravens beat Chargers, 30-23; Falcons had bye week following 38-6 loss at Denver on Nov. 17. Chargers offense: overall (21), rush (13), pass (20), scoring (18). Chargers defense: overall (13), rush (10), pass (10), scoring (13). Falcons offense: overall (8), rush (14), pass (5), scoring (16). Falcons defense: overall (25), rush (19), pass (26), scoring (26). Turnover differential: Chargers plus-8, Falcons minus-3. Chargers player to watch RB Gus Edwards could move up as the lead back for Los Angeles as J.K Dobbins (knee) is expected to miss the game . Edwards was activated from injured reserve earlier this month following an ankle injury and had nine carries for 11 yards with a touchdown in Monday night's 30-23 loss to Baltimore. Falcons player to watch WR Drake London has 61 catches, leaving him four away from becoming the first player in team history to have at least 65 receptions in each of his first three seasons. London has 710 receiving yards, leaving him 140 away from becoming the first player in team history with at least 850 in each of his first three seasons. Key matchup Falcons RB Bijan Robinson vs. Chargers run defense. Robinson was shut down by Denver, gaining only 35 yards on 12 carries, and the Atlanta offense couldn't recover. The Chargers rank 10th in the league against the run, so it will be a challenge for the Falcons to find a way to establish a ground game with Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. A solid running attack would create an opportunity for offensive coordinator Zac Robinson to establish the play-action passes for quarterback Kirk Cousins. Key injuries Dobbins appeared to injure his right knee in the first half of the loss to the Ravens, though coach Jim Harbaugh did not provide details. ... The Falcons needed the bye to give a long list of injured players an opportunity to heal. WR WR KhaDarel Hodge (neck) did not practice on Wednesday. WR Darnell Mooney (Achilles), CB Kevin King (concussion), DL Zach Harrison (knee, Achilles) and WR Casey Washington (concussion) were hurt in the 38-6 loss at Denver on Nov. 17 and were limited on Wednesday. CB Mike Hughes (neck), nickel back Dee Alford (hamstring), ILB Troy Andersen (knee), TE Charlie Woerner (concussion) and ILB JD Bertrand (concussion) also were limited on Wednesday after not playing against Denver. C Drew Dalman (ankle) could return. Series notes The Chargers have won the past three games in the series following six consecutive wins by the Falcons from 1991-2012. Los Angeles took a 33-30 overtime win in Atlanta in 2016 before the Chargers added 20-17 wins at home in 2020 and in Atlanta in 2022. The Falcons won the first meeting between the teams, 41-0 in San Diego in 1973. Stats and stuff Each team has built its record on success against the soft NFC South. Atlanta is 4-1 against division rivals. Los Angeles is 2-0 against the NFC South this season. The Chargers have a four-game winning streak against the division. ... Atlanta is 0-2 against AFC West teams, following a 22-17 loss to Kansas City and the lopsided loss at Denver. They will complete their tour of the AFC West with a game at the Las Vegas Raiders on Dec. 16. ... The Falcons are the league's only first-place team with a negative points differential. Atlanta has been outscored 274-244. Fantasy tip The loss of Dobbins, who has rushed for eight touchdowns, could put more pressure on QB Justin Hebert and the passing game. Herbert's favorite option has been WR Ladd McConkey, who has four TD receptions among his 49 catches for 698 yards. McConkey, the former University of Georgia standout who was drafted in the second round, could enjoy a productive return to the state against a Falcons defense that ranks only 26th against the pass. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl The Associated PressNFL warns of burglary groups targeting playersNissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The internet is rife with fake reviews. Will AI make it worse? Researchers and watchdog groups say the emergence of generative artificial intelligence tools that allow people to efficiently produce detailed and novel online reviews has put merchants, service providers and consumers in uncharted territory. Phony reviews have long plagued many popular consumer websites, such as Amazon and Yelp. But AI-infused text generation tools enable fraudsters to produce reviews faster and in greater volume, according to tech industry experts. The deceptive practice is illegal in the U.S. and becomes a bigger problem for consumers during the holiday shopping season, when many people rely on reviews to buy gifts. A tech company and watchdog group that uses software to detect fake reviews says AI-generated reviews have multiplied. Romanian lawmakers narrowly approve new pro-European coalition during period of political turmoil BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian lawmakers have voted narrowly in favor of a new pro-European coalition government led by incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The move on Monday could usher in an end to a protracted political crisis in the European Union country following the annulment of a presidential election. Parliament approved the new administration in a 240-143 vote in the 466-seat legislature. The new coalition is made up of the leftist Social Democratic Party, the center-right National Liberal Party, the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. President Klaus Iohannis swore in the new government on Monday night. Government regulators close investigation into Ford Focus recalls Government safety regulators are closing an investigation into two previous recalls of the Ford Focus after determining that Ford Motor Co. has satisfied its concerns. Ford recalled around 1.5 million Ford Focus sedans from the 2012-2018 model years in 2018 because they could lose power. The issue was a malfunctioning canister purge valve and software that didn’t adequately detect when it was stuck open. Ford fixed the software in two separate recalls, but after cars continued to stall, the government opened an inquiry last year. Earlier this fall, Ford offered to replace the canister purge valve on all of the vehicles, satisfying regulators' concerns. AI will eavesdrop on world's wildest places to track and help protect endangered wildlife PUERTO JIMÉNEZ, Costa Rica (AP) — A biologist hid 350 audio monitors across Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests to spy on endangered spider monkeys in order to help protect them. But she had to go back to collect the data and feed those sounds into artificial intelligence systems that can recognize monkey calls. Now tech giant Microsoft's philanthropic arm is hoping to supercharge AI-assisted wildlife research with new solar-powered devices that can capture sounds, images and other wilderness data for a year or more without human intervention. Researchers say more AI wildlife surveillance is urgently needed to monitor the health of species at risk of extinction.