Uber forecasts profit below estimates on cheaper rides and higher taxes

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Uber Technologies forecast first-quarter profit below Wall Street expectations, citing higher taxes and a strategic push toward cheaper ride options designed to boost bookings. The outlook sent Uber shares sharply lower in premarket trading, as investors reacted to weaker earnings guidance despite strong demand.

Uber said it expects an adjusted effective tax rate of 22% to 25% this year, reflecting its operations across more than 70 countries. At the same time, the company has expanded lower-cost mobility products such as shared rides, which helped trips rise 22% in the fourth quarter but weighed on near-term margins.

The company projected first-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 65 to 72 cents, below analyst expectations, while gross bookings are forecast to exceed estimates. Uber said it is deliberately moderating margin expansion after proving its ability to generate profits, prioritising affordability to drive growth.

Uber also announced a chief financial officer transition and highlighted accounting changes in the UK that will reduce reported margins without affecting underlying profitability. Management said improving pricing conditions and lower insurance costs should support growth later in the year.

Amazon’s physical grocery push deepens its fight against Walmart

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Amazon is stepping up its push into physical grocery retail as it intensifies competition with Walmart, betting on large-format stores to complement its dominant e-commerce business. Analysts expect Amazon’s fourth-quarter physical store revenue, including Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go, to rise to about $5.9 billion, reflecting a renewed focus on brick-and-mortar retail.

Amazon recently closed its Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go outlets, converting them into Whole Foods Market stores, signaling a strategic shift toward a stronger grocery identity. Its boldest move is the launch of a 225,000-square-foot mega-store near Chicago, designed to rival Walmart and Costco, while also functioning as a hub for same-day delivery.

The effort highlights Amazon’s challenge in matching Walmart’s vast physical footprint, which allows it to cut delivery costs and serve customers faster. While Amazon’s cloud division continues to drive growth, analysts say success in groceries could be key to boosting customer loyalty and long-term value.

Samsung Said to Focus Galaxy Z Fold 8 Production Ahead of Galaxy Flip 8

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Samsung Reportedly Shifts Focus, Plans to Produce More Galaxy Z Fold 8 Than Flip 8 in 2026 - BigGo News

Samsung continues to expand its presence in the foldable smartphone market with strong momentum. The company introduced the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in India in July 2025 alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE. These devices helped Samsung maintain its leadership in the premium foldable segment. Shortly after their release, rumors about the next generation—namely the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8—began to emerge, giving early hints about what consumers can expect from the upcoming models.

New reports now suggest that Samsung is adjusting its production strategy in favor of the book-style foldable. According to South Korean publication ETHome, the company is planning to manufacture around 3.5 million units of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, while production of the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is expected to be limited to approximately 3 million units. This indicates that Samsung is placing greater confidence in the demand for its larger foldable device rather than the more compact clamshell model.

The decision reportedly comes after strong sales performance from the Galaxy Z Fold 7 last year. Industry sources claim that the Fold model outperformed the Galaxy Z Flip 7 in several key markets, prompting Samsung to prioritize its successor. By increasing production of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, the company appears to be preparing for higher global demand and ensuring sufficient stock ahead of its official launch.

Although these plans have not yet been officially confirmed by Samsung, expectations are high that both new foldables will arrive in the second half of this year. If the reports prove accurate, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 could become Samsung’s main focus in the foldable category for 2026. More concrete details regarding specifications, pricing, and availability are likely to surface as the launch period approaches.