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☆ The Link Between Highly Processed Foods and Brain Health
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Sally Wadyka | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

They’re increasingly edging out healthier foods in people’s diets and are widely consumed across socioeconomic groups. “The problem is that in order to make the products taste better and better, manufacturers make them less and less like real food.”What effect do ultraprocessed foods have on mental health? Recent research has demonstrated a link between highly processed foods and low mood. A 2022 study that followed nearly 11,000 Brazilian adults over a decade found a correlation between eating ultraprocessed foods and worse cognitive function (the ability to learn, remember, reason and solve problems). It’s possible that eating a healthy diet may offset the detrimental effects of eating ultraprocessed foods.

The company for the first time broke out financial results for its Ford Blue, Ford Pro and Ford Model e units. Ford Blue earnings before interest and taxes doubled to $2.56 billion, a margin of 10.4%, and Ford Pro EBIT nearly tripled to $1.4 billion, a margin of 10.3%. For 2023, the automaker expects full-year EBIT for Ford Blue to climb slightly to $7 billion, while Ford Pro EBIT could nearly double, to almost $6 billion. Its combustion-vehicle business, Ford Blue, averaged pretax profit of $3,715 a vehicle, while the Ford Pro commercial business earned $4,053 per vehicle, based on the company's financial data. Most of the pricing improvement Ford achieved during the quarter came from the company's Ford Pro commercial vehicles.

☆ GM lays off several hundred full-time contract workers - WSJ
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Companies General Motors Co FollowMay 1 (Reuters) - General Motors Co (GM.N) has laid off several hundred full-time contract workers at its engineering hub in suburban Detroit over the weekend, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing a company spokesperson. GM said in April that about 5,000 salaried workers had opted for buyouts to leave the company, bringing it closer to its cost-cut target of $2 billion by the end of 2024. Reuters in March reported that GM was cutting hundreds of executive-level and salaried jobs. GM posted better-than-expected first-quarter earnings last week and raised its full-year profit and cash-flow forecasts. Reporting by Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'SilvaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Hertz results beat estimates on strong rental car demand
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

April 27 (Reuters) - Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTZ.O) on Thursday beat analyst estimates for quarterly results as more people rented cars to commute to office and travel outstation, sending the company's shares up nearly 4% before the bell. Demand for rentals remains strong as more companies mandate work from office and people resume their travel plans after a long pandemic-induced hiatus. "Hertz reported better-than-expected results as they continue to benefit from strong consumer demand for travel and the ongoing recovery in business travel," said Tigress Financial Partners analyst Ivan Feinseth. The company posted an adjusted quarterly net income of 39 cents per share for the quarter ended March 31, compared with Refinitiv IBES estimates of 21 cents. It, however, struggled with costlier maintenance and labor charges to keep its fleet on the road.

☆ Norfolk takes $387 mln charge due to Ohio derailment, warns on volumes
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

April 26 (Reuters) - U.S. railroad operator Norfolk Southern Corp (NSC.N) took a $387 million charge in the first quarter due to the Ohio freight train derailment and said it expects economic headwinds to weigh on its volume and revenue during the April-June period. Shares of Norfolk, which operates in 22 states and the District of Columbia, slipped 1.1% in afternoon trade on Wednesday. The U.S. Justice Department sued Norfolk last month, seeking to ensure that the railroad operator pays the full cost of cleanup and any long-term impacts of the derailment. Norfolk posted an adjusted profit of $3.32 per share for the first quarter, compared with analysts' average estimate of $3.12 per share, according to Refinitiv data. Reporting by Amna Karimi and Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu SahuOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Norfolk Southern expects economic, inventory headwinds to pressure Q2 volume, revenue
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

April 26 (Reuters) - U.S. railroad operator Norfolk Southern Corp (NSC.N) said on Wednesday it expected inventory and economic headwinds would pressure its volume and revenue throughout the second quarter, even as demand for freight remained strong. Norfolk came under heavy fire after one of its freight trains carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio in early February. "Looking at the back half of '23, clearly, the economic conditions remain uncertain," Elkins said. However, automotive shipments have boosted freight demand as car makers are ramping up production. Overall quarterly operating revenue rose 7.4% to $3.13 billion, compared with analysts' estimates of $3.11 billion.

☆ Norfolk Southern takes $387 mln charge in Q1 after Eastern Ohio derailment
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

April 26 (Reuters) - U.S. railroad operator Norfolk Southern Corp (NSC.N) said on Wednesday it took a $387 million charge in the first quarter after a freight train derailment in Eastern Ohio released over a million gallons of hazardous materials into the environment. Norfolk came under heavy fire after one of its freight trains carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio in early February. The state of Ohio sued the railroad operator in March, seeking compensation for damages to the state's environment, economy and residents. Norfolk, which serves 22 states and the District of Columbia, posted an adjusted quarterly profit of $3.32 per share, compared with analysts' average estimate of $3.12 per share, according to Refinitiv data. Reporting by Amna Karimi and Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu SahuOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ MLB roundup: Astros drop Rays to 14-1 at home
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +13 min

Andrew McCutchen hit a three-run homer, Ke'Bryan Hayes a two-run double and Carlos Santana and Austin Hedges an RBI single apiece for the Pirates. Texas built a six-run lead before Nick Senzel put Cincinnati on the scoreboard with an RBI single in the seventh inning. Ruiz's homer and Joey Meneses' RBI single in the third against Jose Butto (0-1) provided an early cushion for Gray. The Brewers got single runs in the third and fourth, then pulled within 4-3 when Rowdy Tellez opened the sixth with his eighth homer. With two outs during Chicago's four-run eighth, Gomes lined an RBI single to right field for his fifth career four-hit game.

☆ AutoNation quarterly revenue skids on cooling used-vehicle demand
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

April 20 (Reuters) - Auto retailer AutoNation Inc (AN.N) on Thursday missed Wall Street estimates for first-quarter revenue as higher new vehicle and after-sales demand was offset by weakness in used vehicle and customer financial service businesses. Rival Lithia Motors, which last year became the largest U.S. auto dealer group by sales volume, also fell short of Wall Street estimates earlier in the week. Sales at the AutoNation unit that sells new vehicles rose to $2.93 billion from $2.81 billion a year earlier. Used vehicle revenue decreased 21%. Total sales, however, fell to about $6.4 billion, compared with Refinitiv estimates of $6.63 billion.

☆ Stellantis recalls 131,700 Ram trucks over powertrain software issue - NHTSA
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Companies Stellantis NV FollowApril 19 (Reuters) - Stellantis will recall 131,700 Ram 1500 pickup trucks manufactured in 2021 due to a powertrain software issue, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) website showed on Wednesday. The issue may cause the pickup trucks with 5.7L eTorque engines to stall due to an incorrect fuel mixture condition, according to the NHTSA. "The company is unaware of any related injuries," Stellantis said in an emailed statement, adding that there was only one report of a vehicle crash potentially related to this condition. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software on the impacted vehicles for free, according to the NHTSA. Stellantis in February recalled 340,000 diesel Ram trucks to replace an electrical connector after reports of six fires.

☆ Emerson Electric to buy NI Corp for $8.2 bln to deepen automation push
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( Nathan Gomes | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

April 12 (Reuters) - U.S. industrial conglomerate Emerson Electric Co (EMR.N) said on Wednesday it will buy measurement tools maker NI Corp (NATI.O) for $8.2 billion in a bid to boost its automation capabilities. The purchase will allow Emerson to tap NI's software-connected automated test and measurement systems for higher growth and margins in its automation portfolio. Emerson has executed a string of deals over the last few years to streamline itself into an industrial automation provider. The NI deal is expected to close in the first half of Emerson's fiscal 2024. Goldman Sachs & Co LLC and Centerview Partners LLC were financial advisers to Emerson on the deal, while Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP was its legal adviser.

☆ Emerson Electric to buy NI for $8.2 bln to deepen automation push
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

April 12 (Reuters) - U.S. industrial conglomerate Emerson Electric Co (EMR.N) on Wednesday said it would buy measurement tools maker NI Corp (NATI.O) for $8.2 billion in an effort to boost its automation capabilities. Emerson has executed a string of deals over the last few years to streamline itself into an industrial automation provider. The NI deal is expected to close in the first half of Emerson's fiscal 2024. Shares of Emerson, which already owns an about 2% stake in NI, fell more than 2% to $82.55 in premarket trade. NI launched a formal sale process in January after Emerson threatened to challenge its board if it did not engage in deal negotiations.

☆ Brookfield Infrastructure to take Triton International private for $4.7 bln
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

April 12 (Reuters) - Brookfield Infrastructure (BIPC.N) said on Wednesday it would buy intermodal container lessor Triton International Ltd (TRTN.N) for about $4.7 billion, to help expand its services in the transportation and logistics sector. Brookfield has offered about $85 per Triton common share consisting of $68.50 in cash and $16.50 in BIPC class A exchangeable shares. The offer represents a premium of nearly 35% to Triton stock's last close. Goldman Sachs is the financial adviser to Triton and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP the legal adviser. Reporting by Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj KalluvilaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Emerson Electric to buy NI Corp for $8.2 billion in automation push
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

April 12 (Reuters) - U.S. industrial conglomerate Emerson Electric Co (EMR.N) on Wednesday said it would buy measurement equipment maker NI Corp (NATI.O) for $8.2 billion in an effort to boost its automation capabilities. The purchase of Texas-based NI, which provides software-connected automated test and measurement systems, will help Emerson achieve a higher-growth and higher-margin automation portfolio. NI launched a formal sale process in January after Emerson threatened to challenge its board if it did not engage in deal negotiations. Reuters reported on Tuesday that Emerson was in advanced talks to acquire NI. Goldman Sachs & Co LLC and Centerview Partners LLC are serving as financial advisors to Emerson, while Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is serving as legal advisor.

☆ CarMax speeds past quarterly profit estimates on cost cuts
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Companies Carmax Inc FollowAutoNation Inc FollowApril 11 (Reuters) - CarMax Inc (KMX.N) on Tuesday posted fourth-quarter profit above analysts' estimates as cost cutting measures helped the pre-owned car retailer soften the blow from a slowdown in demand for vehicles. Demand for used cars was dented over the past year due to higher borrowing costs and soaring commodity and gasoline prices, weighing on CarMax's results. That demand for vehicles and related services helped auto retailer AutoNation Inc (AN.N) post a better-than-expected quarterly profit when it reported earnings in February. CarMax's adjusted fourth-quarter profit came in at 44 cents per share, ahead of Refinitiv IBES estimates of 24 cents per share. Its quarterly revenue came in at $5.72 billion, below analysts' estimates of $6.04 billion, as affordability concerns impacted sales.

☆ Dozens of dead stingrays found on Brazil beach
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/4] A fisherman holds a dead stingray at Ilha do Fundao, on the banks of the Guanabara Bay, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil April 11, 2023. REUTERS/Pilar OlivaresApril 11 (Reuters) - Dozens of dead stingrays appeared on a beach in Rio de Janeiro this week, sparking confusion and concern in the local community. A woman who lives in the fishing village said she noticed the incident shortly after dawn, prompting the arrival of vultures. We've never seen the death of stingrays like this here," said fisherman Renato dos Reis Oliveira. "This makes the hypothesis of trawling more evident in the cases of these stingrays," he said.

☆ MLB roundup: Rays improve to 8-0 with rout of A's
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +11 min

Springs scattered three hits, struck out seven and walked three while logging seven innings. The Astros rallied in the ninth on Jeremy Pena's two-run homer against Jovani Moran. Adam Duvall blasted a two-run homer and a pair of doubles while scoring three times. Pete Alonso and Eduardo Escobar each hit two-run homers for the Mets, who have won five of six games against the Marlins. Perdomo had three RBIs and two hits as Arizona racked up season highs for runs and hits (17).

☆ Boeing plans to boost 737 jet output - Bloomberg News
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

April 6 (Reuters) - Boeing Co (BA.N) is planning to increase the output of its 737 jets to 38 planes a month by the middle of the year, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. The company has been briefing customers on plans to boost production of its popular narrowbody jet over the next few months and hiring workers to help speed up manufacturing, the report said. The news comes as Boeing continues to navigate supply-chain woes that began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reuters in March said the U.S. planemaker would boost production rates of its 737 MAX jet above its current rate of 31 jets per month "very soon". Boeing, which declined to comment on the Bloomberg report, is set to report first-quarter earnings later this month.

NEW YORK, April 5 (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co (F.N) and Chrysler-parent Stellantis (STLAM.MI) said on Wednesday that most of its electric and plug-in electric hybrid models will see tax credits halved to $3,750 on April 18 after new U.S. Treasury rules take effect. The other models currently getting credits - Ford Mustang Mach-E, Ford E-Transit, Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid and Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring - will see credits drop to $3,750. Stellantis said of its three plug-in hybrid electric models, its Chrysler Pacifica plug-in electric hybrid will qualify for $7,500 tax credits after April 18, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and Jeep Wrangler 4xe qualify for just $3,750. All U.S. EV consumer tax credits require vehicles to be assembled in North America and have income and retail price caps. Electric vehicles leased by consumers can qualify for up to $7,500 in commercial clean vehicle tax credits without any of the same restrictions.

The other models currently getting credits - Ford Mustang Mach-E, Ford E-Transit, Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid and Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring - will see credits drop to $3,750. Sales of Ford's electric vehicles jumped 41% in the first quarter, data on Tuesday showed. GM currently receives that amount for the Chevrolet Bolt and the forthcoming Chevrolet Silverado EV would have been eligible. All U.S. EV consumer tax credits require vehicles to be assembled in North America and have income and retail price caps. Electric vehicles leased by consumers can qualify for up to $7,500 in commercial clean vehicle tax credits without any of the same restrictions.

☆ Ford confirms all three EVs, plug-in hybrids eligible for US subsidy packages
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

April 5 (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co (F.N) said on Wednesday that all three of its electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids were eligible for Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) federal tax credits in 2023. The company's Mustang Mach-E electric SUV will be eligible for a $3,750 credit, while the F-150 Lightning pickup truck will be eligible for a $7,500 credit. Ford said in March it expects its electric-vehicle business unit to lose $3 billion this year, but will remain on track for a pretax margin of 8% by late 2026. Sales of Ford's electric vehicles jumped 41% in the first quarter, data on Tuesday showed. Reporting by Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri and Shounak DasguptaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

GM shares were trading down nearly 2% at midday, even though CFO Paul Jacobson said demand for GM's trucks and SUVs remains strong in the United States. GM has been able to raise prices in the United States over the past two years as supply chain bottlenecks kept production in check. GM will cut production to keep inventories in check, Jacobson said. GM has three battery factories in North America, and will announce the location of a fourth domestic battery plant soon, he said. Jacobson added that the company was going to have to "prioritize down" on growth businesses to focus on preserving cash.

☆ US first-quarter auto sales set to rise on better inventory
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

But rising interest rates and fears of a recession may play spoilsport in an industry where most vehicle purchases are financed with loans, analysts say. "Consumers are facing credit uncertainty as rapidly rising interest rates have created barriers to entry for even the most qualified buyers," said Jessica Caldwell, executive director of insights at auto research firm Edmunds. The automaker is set to post a 15% rise in first-quarter U.S. sales, while Japanese rival Toyota Motor Corp's (7203.T) sales are likely to fall nearly 10%, when they publish data beginning Monday, according to consultant Cox Automotive. Toyota has continued to struggle with inventory shortages sparked by supply constraints, losing its crown as the top selling U.S. automaker to GM. Trucks and crossover SUVs are expected to account for majority of new retail sales in the quarter, according to automotive data company J.D.

☆ MLB roundup: Kodai Senga shines in debut as Mets down Marlins
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +12 min

[1/2] Apr 2, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) pitches against the Miami Marlins in the first inning at loanDepot Park. /Rhona Wise-USA TODAY SportsApril 3 - Right-hander Kodai Senga struck out eight batters in his major league debut, leading the New York Mets to a 5-1 win over the host Miami Marlins on Sunday afternoon. Marlins starter Trevor Rogers (0-1) lasted just 4 1/3 innings, allowing four hits, two walks and four runs, three earned. He allowed one run on three hits while walking two and striking out six in his first start of the season. Two of Houck's five hits allowed were home runs by Baltimore's Adam Frazier (3-for-4, two RBIs, two runs) and Cedric Mullins (2-for-5, run, three RBIs).

☆ Ford hikes F-150 Lightning's price again to battle high costs
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/3] A model of the all-new Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup is parked in front of the Ford Motor Company World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, U.S. April 26, 2022. REUTERS/Rebecca CookMarch 30 (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co (F.N) has raised the base price of its popular F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck again, the automaker's website showed on Thursday, the latest in a series of price hikes aimed at offsetting high costs. The base variant of Ford's electric F-150 truck now starts at $59,974, excluding shipping and taxes, up nearly 50% from its starting price when launched last year. The Detroit automaker resumed production of the F-150 Lightning earlier this month after recalling 18 electric trucks due to a battery-cell manufacturing defect. A week earlier, Ford said its electric-vehicle business unit was expected to lose $3 billion this year, but remained on track to achieve a pretax margin of 8% by late 2026.

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