Facebook X-twitter Linkedin Instagram
Main Menu

Tag: artificial intelligence

Salesforce surpasses earnings expectations; however, projects single-digit revenue growth for the upcoming year.

Posted on by admin

Salesforce shares initially declined by as much as 6%, but rebounded by 1% in extended trading on Wednesday following the release of a conservative revenue forecast for the upcoming fiscal year. The company plans to introduce a dividend of 40 cents per share.

Here’s how Salesforce performed compared to estimates from LSEG (formerly known as Refinitiv):

  • Earnings per share: $2.29 (adjusted) vs. $2.26 (expected)
  • Revenue: $9.29 billion vs. $9.22 billion (expected)

In the quarter ending January 31, Salesforce witnessed a 10.8% YoY growth in revenue, reaching $1.45 billion in net income or $1.47 per share. Professional services revenue, however, experienced a 9% decline.

During a conference call with analysts, Amy Weaver, Salesforce’s finance chief, highlighted improved bookings growth over the past two quarters. In the same period, Salesforce announced the acquisition of sales commission software startup Spiff and commenced selling its products on the Amazon Web Services Marketplace.

Salesforce projected adjusted fiscal first-quarter earnings of $2.37 to $2.39 per share, with revenue ranging from $9.12 billion to $9.17 billion. Analysts had anticipated $2.20 in adjusted earnings per share on $9.15 billion in revenue.

For the 2025 fiscal year, Salesforce forecasts adjusted earnings of $9.68 to $9.76 per share and revenue between $37.7 billion and $38.0 billion, indicating an 8.6% growth at the midpoint. Analysts’ expectations were $9.57 per share and $38.62 billion in revenue.

The full-year guidance takes into account foreign-exchange pressure, ongoing weakness in professional services, and a more measured buying environment that emerged in the 2023 fiscal year. Brian Millham, Salesforce’s president and chief operating officer, stated that the guidance does not significantly consider the impact of increased demand for artificial intelligence products or the price hike announced last year.

Salesforce shares have risen approximately 14% year-to-date, outpacing the S&P 500 index’s 6% gain during the same period. The dividend, set at 40 cents per share, is payable on April 11 to shareholders at the close of business on March 14.

Following uncertainties regarding Alibaba’s future, co-founder Joe Tsai reassures, stating, ‘We have regained stability.’

Posted on by admin

The Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba is poised for a resurgence in the market following a challenging period, as stated by co-founder Joe Tsai in an exclusive interview with CNBC’s Emily Tan on Friday.

Concerns about Alibaba’s future had arisen due to internal changes, the cancellation of a cloud computing IPO, and heightened competition in its core e-commerce sector. The company faced increased rivalry from cost-conscious consumers turning to lower-priced goods from PDD Holdings and the surge of livestreaming sales on Douyin, China’s equivalent of TikTok, owned by ByteDance.

Tsai expressed confidence in Alibaba’s comeback, attributing it to restructuring and new management. He acknowledged previous competitive pressures but asserted, “Now we’re back.”

Anticipating a significant growth in e-commerce penetration in China, Tsai expects it to exceed 40% in the next five years, up from the current 30%.

Alibaba underwent a leadership reshuffle, with Tsai becoming chairman in September, and Eddie Wu taking over as CEO, replacing Daniel Zhang. The company split into six business groups last year, with plans for public listings, starting with the cloud unit. However, a cloud IPO was halted in November due to unfavorable market conditions.

Despite the challenges, Tsai and co-founder Jack Ma have shown confidence in Alibaba, purchasing over $200 million worth of company shares. The company’s U.S.-traded shares have remained relatively stable for the year, trading at around $76, a fraction of its November 2020 stock price.

Amidst increased competition and challenges, Alibaba remains committed to enhancing its artificial intelligence capabilities and capitalizing on cloud computing opportunities. Tsai highlighted the richness of AI applications in e-commerce, including quick product catalog creation and virtual dressing rooms.

Addressing the success of Chinese-affiliated e-commerce players in the U.S., Tsai acknowledged their “great consumer proposition” with high-quality products and reasonable prices. While observing their strategies, Alibaba, through platforms like AliExpress and Trendyol, continues to sell overseas.

Tsai also touched on U.S.-China tensions, emphasizing the need for collaboration despite competition. Although Alibaba no longer plans to spin off its cloud business, the company remains focused on advancing its AI capabilities and leveraging cloud computing in the dynamic e-commerce landscape.

Microsoft’s AI expansion is bolstering its cloud business, challenging Amazon’s dominance

Posted on by admin

Amazon Web Services maintains its leadership in the cloud, yet Microsoft is rapidly narrowing the gap. While specific revenue figures for Microsoft’s Azure cloud infrastructure are undisclosed, analysts estimate its current size to be about three-quarters of AWS, up from half the size five years ago. Notably, Microsoft’s recent surge is attributed to artificial intelligence (AI). During the latest quarter, 30% growth in Azure revenue was reported, surpassing AWS’s 13% year-over-year growth. The strategic integration of AI, contributing 6 points to Azure’s revenue growth, has fueled Microsoft’s momentum. CEO Satya Nadella revealed on the earnings call that Azure now boasts 53,000 AI customers.

Microsoft’s investment in graphics processing units (GPUs) for AI models, including the powerful GPT-4 language model, has attracted businesses seeking advanced generative AI capabilities. This emphasis on AI has led some companies to consider Azure due to Microsoft’s perceived leadership, especially in its collaboration with OpenAI.

On the other hand, AWS, while offering a range of AI models, faced challenges catching up with GPT-4. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy acknowledged the importance of generative AI for driving substantial revenue for Amazon in the coming years.

Azure’s faster growth rate, constituting a significant portion of Microsoft’s total revenue, has contributed to the company’s rise as the world’s most valuable public company. Microsoft’s Intelligent Cloud segment, encompassing Azure, has become a major profit driver, generating 46% of the company’s total operating income. The gross margin in Microsoft’s cloud group expanded from 42% in 2016 to 72% in the latest quarter, reflecting efficiency gains in various aspects of its operations.

In summary, Microsoft’s AI-driven growth in Azure, coupled with a diverse range of high-margin services, positions it as a formidable competitor to AWS. The strategic focus on AI and the impressive financial performance make Microsoft’s cloud business a compelling read for those interested in the evolving dynamics of the cloud computing industry.

SoftBank’s Vision Fund records its largest gain in nearly three years at $4 billion, as tech valuations recover.

Posted on by admin

SoftBank, in the December quarter, achieved its most substantial gain in nearly three years at its flagship tech investment arm, the Vision Fund, driven by a rebound in technology company valuations. Here’s a breakdown of SoftBank’s performance against LSEG estimates:

  • Net sales: 1.77 trillion Japanese yen ($11.9 billion) versus the expected 1.8 trillion Japanese yen.
  • Net income: 950 billion Japanese yen versus the expected 196.5 billion yen.

The Vision Fund reported a gain on investment of 600.7 billion Japanese yen, marking a continued recovery from record losses in the previous fiscal year. This gain is the highest since the March 2021 quarter.

Notably, SoftBank achieved its first quarterly profit in five quarters, marking a turnaround from four consecutive losses.

In the prior fiscal year ending in March, the Vision Fund faced challenges, posting a record loss of around $32 billion due to a decline in tech stock prices and setbacks in some Chinese business ventures.

The Vision Fund has shown positive results in the last three quarters, with rising valuations from key investments in Didi, the Chinese ride-hailing app, and ByteDance, the owner of TikTok.

SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son announced a shift to “defense” mode in 2022, slowing investments and adopting a cautious approach. However, in June, Son indicated a move to “offense” mode, expressing excitement about the potential of artificial intelligence technology, an area where the Vision Fund has investments, including in China’s SenseTime.

In the December quarter, SoftBank gained $5.5 billion from the sale of shares of its majority-owned chip designer, Arm, which went public in the U.S. last year. SoftBank’s CFO, Yoshimitsu Goto, highlighted Arm’s significant contribution to the global AI evolution.

SoftBank has undergone a strategic shift from being “Alibaba-centric” to an “AI-centric” portfolio. The company has reduced its stake in Alibaba, with the Chinese giant accounting for nearly zero percent of SoftBank’s assets at the end of the December quarter, down from 50% at the end of December 2019. In contrast, Arm’s contribution to SoftBank’s assets has increased from 9% to 32% during the same period.

As the lock-up period for Arm shares post-IPO expires in March, there is speculation that SoftBank might consider a buyback of its own shares by selling Arm stock. Goto emphasized SoftBank’s reduced investment exposure to China, indicating a shift in the company’s focus.

Anticipating and Adapting in Entrepreneurship

Posted on by admin

In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for success. As we venture into the future, various trends are shaping the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This article explores key emerging trends, offering insights and strategies for entrepreneurs to anticipate and adapt to the changing business landscape.

  1. Technological Innovations: The rapid pace of technological advancements continues to redefine industries. From artificial intelligence and blockchain to augmented reality, entrepreneurs must stay abreast of these innovations to harness their potential for business growth. The article delves into how integrating cutting-edge technologies can give entrepreneurs a competitive edge.
  2. Remote Work and Digital Transformation: The global shift towards remote work has accelerated digital transformation across industries. Entrepreneurs need to adapt to this paradigm shift, embracing tools and strategies that facilitate remote collaboration and communication. This section explores the challenges and opportunities presented by the new era of work.
  3. Sustainability and Social Impact: Consumers are increasingly conscious of environmental and social issues, leading to a rise in demand for sustainable and socially responsible businesses. Entrepreneurs exploring ways to integrate sustainability into their business models can gain a competitive advantage. This part of the article discusses the importance of corporate social responsibility and environmentally conscious practices.
  4. E-commerce Evolution: The e-commerce landscape is evolving with advancements such as augmented reality shopping experiences and voice commerce. Entrepreneurs in the retail space must adapt to changing consumer behaviors and preferences. The article explores strategies for e-commerce entrepreneurs to navigate this ever-evolving terrain.
  5. Data Privacy and Security: As the digital world expands, concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity are at an all-time high. Entrepreneurs must prioritize data protection to build trust with their customers. This section provides insights into the latest trends in data privacy and security and offers practical steps for entrepreneurs to safeguard their businesses.
  6. Artificial Intelligence and Automation: The integration of artificial intelligence and automation is reshaping various aspects of entrepreneurship, from customer service to operational efficiency. Entrepreneurs should explore how these technologies can streamline processes and enhance productivity. The article provides examples of successful AI implementations and offers guidance on incorporating these technologies into business strategies.

Conclusion: In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, anticipating and adapting to future trends is essential for sustained success. By embracing technological innovations, addressing the changing nature of work, prioritizing sustainability, staying current with e-commerce trends, safeguarding data, and leveraging artificial intelligence, entrepreneurs can position themselves for growth and resilience in the years to come.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shares insights into his unexpected dismissal by the board: ‘Surprised and unprepared for it.

Posted on by admin

Certainly:

DAVOS, Switzerland — Sam Altman, the founder and CEO of OpenAI, shared insights into the night he was unexpectedly ousted by the board, describing it as a “wild” experience that left him feeling “super confused” and caught off guard. Speaking at a private gathering in Davos, Altman recounted that his immediate reaction was to contemplate his next steps. He only considered returning after some board members contacted him the following morning, highlighting the significant power held by the board in the organization’s unusual corporate structure.

Unlike typical scenarios where founders have ownership stakes, Altman revealed he had no equity in OpenAI during a Senate hearing in May. This unique dynamic, combined with the intricate organizational chart of OpenAI, contributed to Altman’s surprise removal and subsequent reinstatement. A capped-profit company, OpenAI Global, and various other entities further complicate the organization’s structure.

In November, the board lost confidence in Altman and expelled him from the organization, sparking a chaotic series of events. The entire OpenAI staff threatened to resign, emphasizing their loyalty to Altman, and within days, he was reinstated. The tumultuous episode raised concerns about AI safety and OpenAI’s role in safeguarding it.

Altman acknowledged the need to evaluate the organization’s structure, considering the complex relationships between OpenAI, its subsidiaries, and the board. Despite Microsoft’s significant investment, it became evident that the tech giant did not influence Altman’s removal.

Altman emphasized the unique commitment of OpenAI’s team and investors to the company’s mission, citing a letter signed by 98% of the staff during the turbulent period. While dismissing the idea of becoming a traditional for-profit company, Altman expressed openness to reevaluating the organization’s structure for potential improvements. He clarified that the current focus was on addressing concerns related to the board rather than contemplating a shift in the company’s structure.

21st Century Breakthroughs: Deep Learning’s Impact on AI

Posted on by admin

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has embarked on a remarkable journey, transforming from a theoretical concept to a revolutionary force shaping the way we live, work, and interact. The evolution of AI can be traced through key milestones, each marking a significant leap forward in its capabilities and applications.

The inception of AI dates back to the mid-20th century when pioneers like Alan Turing laid the groundwork for machine intelligence. However, it wasn’t until the 1956 Dartmouth Conference that the term “artificial intelligence” was coined, setting the stage for decades of exploration and innovation. The initial focus was on rule-based systems and symbolic reasoning, with researchers attempting to replicate human decision-making processes.

The 1980s witnessed the emergence of expert systems, software designed to mimic the decision-making abilities of a human expert in a specific domain. Despite their limited scope, these systems laid the foundation for later developments in machine learning. However, progress was slow due to the lack of computational power and large datasets needed to train more sophisticated models.

The late 20th century saw a resurgence of interest in AI with the advent of neural networks and the development of backpropagation algorithms. This marked the beginning of machine learning as we know it today. Neural networks, inspired by the structure of the human brain, allowed AI systems to learn from data and improve their performance over time. The era of “connectionism” had begun.

The 21st century brought unprecedented advancements in AI, fueled by the confluence of big data, improved algorithms, and powerful computing resources. Breakthroughs in deep learning, a subset of machine learning, enabled AI systems to analyze vast amounts of data and extract intricate patterns. This led to the development of applications ranging from image and speech recognition to natural language processing.

The integration of AI into everyday life became increasingly apparent with the rise of virtual assistants and recommendation systems. Companies like Google, Amazon, and Apple embraced AI to enhance user experiences and personalize services. Conversational AI, powered by natural language processing, allowed machines to understand and respond to human speech, ushering in a new era of human-machine interaction.

As AI continued its journey, ethical considerations became a focal point of discussions. Concerns regarding bias in algorithms, data privacy, and the potential impact on employment raised questions about the responsible development and deployment of AI. Researchers and policymakers worked to establish guidelines and frameworks to ensure the ethical use of AI technologies.

The fields of robotics and autonomous systems also benefited from AI advancements. Self-driving cars, drones, and robots with advanced cognitive abilities became a reality, promising to revolutionize industries and improve efficiency. AI’s impact extended to healthcare, where predictive analytics and image recognition contributed to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.

Looking ahead, the journey of AI is poised to reach new frontiers. Quantum computing holds the potential to significantly accelerate AI computations, opening the door to solving complex problems that were previously infeasible. Continued breakthroughs in natural language processing and reinforcement learning are expected to further enhance AI capabilities, enabling machines to engage in more nuanced and context-aware interactions.

In conclusion, the journey of artificial intelligence has been a transformative odyssey, marked by continuous innovation and societal impact. From its conceptual roots to the current era of advanced machine learning and neural networks, AI has reshaped industries and redefined human-machine relationships. As we navigate the future, ethical considerations will play a crucial role in ensuring that AI continues to be a force for positive change, augmenting human capabilities and contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Charting the Evolution: The Fascinating Journey of ChatGPT in Conversational AI

Posted on by admin


The journey of ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, has been nothing short of extraordinary, representing a significant stride in the realm of artificial intelligence. Beginning with its predecessor, GPT-3, this language model has continually evolved, transforming the landscape of conversational AI. The story unfolds with OpenAI’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of natural language processing, paving the way for the creation of more sophisticated and capable AI models.

ChatGPT’s inception marked a turning point in the field, showcasing the power of large-scale language models. Trained on diverse datasets, it has demonstrated an impressive capacity to understand and generate human-like text across a myriad of topics. Its journey is a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation, fueled by the collective efforts of researchers and engineers striving to enhance the capabilities of conversational AI.

As ChatGPT matured, its applications expanded beyond mere conversation. Developers and businesses harnessed its capabilities to create chatbots, virtual assistants, and various other applications that leverage the prowess of natural language understanding. The model’s adaptability and versatility have positioned it as a valuable tool in enhancing user experiences and streamlining communication processes.

OpenAI’s commitment to responsible AI development has also been a pivotal aspect of ChatGPT’s journey. The model undergoes rigorous testing and continuous refinement to address potential biases and ensure ethical use. This commitment reflects a proactive approach to shaping the future of AI in a responsible and inclusive manner.

Looking forward, the journey of ChatGPT holds the promise of even greater advancements. As research and development persist, we can anticipate further refinements, increased efficiency, and potentially new breakthroughs in the field of conversational AI. The story of ChatGPT is a testament to the limitless possibilities that emerge when innovation, responsibility, and a commitment to excellence converge on the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.

Achieving Human-Level AI Still a Long Way Off, Says DeepMind Investor

Posted on by admin

According to Early DeepMind Investor, AGI is Still a Long Way Off

Despite the rapid advancement in artificial intelligence (AI), we are still some distance away from achieving human-level AI. This is according to Humayun Sheikh, an early investor in the AI research laboratory DeepMind, which is now owned by Google. Sheikh stated in an interview with CNBC that while we have taken a significant leap in AI, we are not yet at the moon. He noted that large language models like those developed by OpenAI are still lightyears away from artificial general intelligence (AGI).

AGI is often referred to as the holy grail of AI and is a hypothetical system capable of completing any task to the same level as a human. Although impressive, Sheikh believes that the LLM developed by OpenAI is limited in certain ways, and we are still in the infancy stage of determining how to get AI models to do certain things.

Google is doubling down on AI to compete with other tech companies such as Microsoft. Google is merging DeepMind with Google Brain, part of its research division, to bolster its business and defend against OpenAI. The potential of AI is immense, including generating entirely new content from user prompts. However, experts have raised concerns over the risks of sophisticated AI, and a group of tech leaders have called for a six-month ban on developing AI more advanced than GPT-4, the latest version of OpenAI’s language processing software.

In conclusion, while we have made significant progress in AI, there is still a long way to go before achieving AGI. The risks of AI are also a concern for experts, and the development of AI is being closely monitored. As tech companies compete to develop and advance AI, it is essential to ensure that AI is ethical and does not pose a threat to society.

”The Entrepreneur Times Magazine Publication is a leading source of business and entrepreneurship insights, dedicated to sharing the stories of successful businesses and entrepreneurs from around the world.
Facebook Linkedin X-twitter Instagram

Get to Know Us

Let's Keep In Touch

Subscribe to our newsletter to get
our newest articles instantly.

© All Rights Reserved 2025 @ The Entrepreneur Times