OpSec Skips the IPO Snooze Button, SPAC Attacks and Grabs Zacco for All Your Brand Protection Shenanigans

“VinFast Rides the Lightning: New Kid on the Block Chews Up Wall Street, Spits Out Ford and Honda!”

TLDR:
VinFast, a Vietnamese electric car maker, has become the third-largest automaker in the world with a $130 billion valuation, surpassing industry giants like Ford and General Motors.
VinFast’s success is attributed to a successful merger with Black Spade Acquisition Co., a SPAC, resulting in a volatile stock and expensive put options.

I find it fascinating when the tortoise becomes the hare. VinFast, a Vietnamese electric car maker, who was practically unknown yesterday, now finds itself as the third-largest automaker in the world, valued at a whopping $130 billion. It has now successfully outpaced, or should I say, outdriven, industry giants such as Ford, General Motors, and Honda. How did this happen? Well, they got a little help from their friends at Black Spade Acquisition Co., and by a little, I mean a 700% stock rise. If that’s what friends do, sign me up.

The recent success story is an outcome of a successful merger with Black Spade Acquisition Co., a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). If the mention of SPACs sends you spinning, you’re not alone. It’s a high stakes Wall Street pinball game that VinFast seems to have mastered. Now, I don’t have an eight ball to predict the future, but it seems fair to say that VinFast’s stock options, recently out in the wild, might be a wild ride.

Now, the plot thickens. VinFast’s parent entity, Vingroup is keeping 99% of the company’s ownership to itself. This is like a holding a birthday party but not sharing the cake. It’s leaving a limited number of shares available for trading, leading to a heightened sense of volatility. Now the stock’s acting like a drunken sailor, jumping or tanking over 10% in nine of the last ten trading sessions. While I enjoy a good thrill, this rollercoaster seems to be missing its safety harness.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get crazier, VinFast’s stock options began trading on Monday. And by “tradeable,” I mean… well, it’s a bit of a stretch. VFS options are pricing a huge drop in the stock’s future. It’s like attempting to predict tomorrow’s weather by looking at your neighbor’s wind chimes. It’s difficult to initiate a short-sale trade, resulting in puts that are pricier than a Manhattan apartment.

So, where does this leave us? We have a Vietnamese automaker blowing past industry giants, a volatile stock, and expensive put options. It’s a recipe for a Wall Street thriller, minus the popcorn. As for me, I’ll be watching from the sidelines, waiting for the dust to settle. Until then, VinFast is a ‘no trade’ for me. For others, it might be the ride of their lives.

So, in the words of the immortal George Carlin, “The future will soon be a thing of the past.” But for now, the future of VinFast and its impact on the auto industry remains to be seen. As for the established auto giants, they better buckle up. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

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Trump Media Takes its Time: Merger Extended to 2024 for Potentially Groundbreaking Shake-Up in Media World

TLDR:
– Digital World Acquisition (DWAC) and Trump Media have extended their merger until September 8, 2024, but Trump Media can still decide to walk away by September 30.
– The complexities and controversies surrounding their relationship with Donald Trump make their business venture risky and uncertain.

Well, buckle up folks, here’s an episode of ‘Keeping up with the Shareholders’ you wouldn’t want to miss. Digital World Acquisition (DWAC) and Trump Media, the power couple of the media world, have decided to give their relationship another whirl. Yes, you heard it right! This isn’t another chapter from an overly dramatic reality show. It’s a bona fide business update that has won the approval of 72.33% of the outstanding shares, according to a recent 8-K filing.

This love story of sorts has been given an extension until September 8, 2024, to make their merger official. They seemed to have garnered more votes than an American Idol finale. But in a plot twist that could rival any season finale, Trump Media can still walk away by September 30, if they decide it’s not the best interest of the shareholders. Yes, even in business, breakups are possible folks!

Remember when the shareholder vote was originally scheduled for last month, but got delayed until Tuesday? That’s like trying to schedule a meeting with the movers and shakers of Hollywood. The SPAC needed some extra time to gather more votes, you know, like a politician promising free ice cream to anyone who’ll listen. Under last month’s reworked agreement, our dear DWAC can also decide to abandon the deal. Unexpected, but isn’t that what makes this saga intriguing?

While our power couple is looking to redefine their business, they’re also planning to take on industry giants. It’s as if David has decided to take another shot at Goliath. But let’s not forget, ladies and gentlemen, the media environment isn’t a playground. It’s more like a minefield with a sign that reads “Proceed at your own risk”. The complexities and controversies that come with their relationship with the one and only Donald Trump, could be like navigating through a labyrinth with a blindfold on.

So, will this ambitious undertaking be a smashing success or just another overhyped reality show? Will they navigate the media minefield successfully or step on a landmine they didn’t see coming? Will this power couple stick together and redefine their business, or will they decide it’s best to see other people? Only time will tell, folks. Until then, grab your popcorn and stay tuned for the next episode of this gripping saga!

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Delaware Ruling Exposes SPAC Scandal: The Smoke, Mirrors, and Pinball between 26 Capital and Okada Manila

TLDR:
– Hedge fund manager Alex Eiseman secretly received 60% of Jason Ader’s stake in 26 Capital Acquisition Corp., a SPAC attempting to merge with Okada Manila casino.
– Ader sold a portion of his SPAC stake for $25 million, leading to a separate lawsuit by the billionaire’s family office questioning the deal.

Well, folks, here’s a tale that proves once again that high-stakes finance can be just as thrilling as any spy movie. 26 Capital Acquisition Corp., a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) backed by gaming industry analyst and investor Jason Ader, tried to merge with a ritzy casino in the Philippines, the Okada Manila. But the courts have called ‘game over’ on that plan, due to some sneaky double-dealing that smelled fishier than a seafood buffet on a hot day.

Here’s the deal: A Manhattan hedge fund manager, Alex Eiseman, was hired by Universal Entertainment Corp., the Japanese company behind Okada Manila, to find a SPAC to acquire the casino. But Eiseman, instead of doing his best Vanna White and finding the best deal possible, decided to go for a bit of personal gain. Our judge, J. Travis Laster, ruled that Eiseman got 60% of Ader’s stake in 26 Capital – a deal that was kept as secret as grandma’s biscuit recipe. Universal and the SPAC’s shareholders were left in the dark until the pretrial discovery phase of the Delaware case.

As if it couldn’t get more interesting, Ader didn’t even wait for the ink to dry on the deal before selling another slice of his SPAC stake for a neat $25 million. That’s a lot of chips to put on red. The judge noted this, along with the fact that Ader and his mother pocketed the sum. Ader insists the payout was proper, but there’s a separate lawsuit by the billionaire’s family office he sold to, questioning the deal.

Despite all this drama, the shares of 26 Capital SPAC are down only 3% since the judge’s ruling, sitting at $11.15. Ader, in a statement as well-crafted as a poker face, said they were disappointed with the ruling, but would explore all available strategic options. Meanwhile, Eiseman seems to be playing his cards close to his chest, declining to comment on the case and stating he will tell his side of the story in a New York fraud lawsuit brought about by the casino owner.

Universal Entertainment Corp. has pulled up the drawbridge on the SPAC deal, and their lawyer, Grant Mainland, has stated that they’re ready to defend themselves if 26 Capital pursues monetary damages. All in all, folks, it’s a high-stakes game of cat and mouse that shows us, once again, that in the SPAC market, what you see isn’t always what you get. As the Securities and Exchange Commission gears up to vote on new SPAC rules to improve transparency, let’s hope this sorry saga serves as a cautionary tale. After all, casinos are for gambling, not the stock market, right?

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“VinFast’s Speedy Ascent meets Rocky Roads: Stock Stumbles, Billionaire Chairman Bets House”

TLDR:
– VinFast, the Vietnamese electric car startup, experienced a decline in market value and faced challenges in the electric vehicle market.
– The lifting of lockdown restrictions for certain stocks caused an overreaction in the stock market, resulting in a nosedive in prices.

So, here is the latest buzz folks. VinFast, the Vietnamese electric car startup, has been riding a roller coaster lately – minus the fun, I guess. After causing a frenzy with its $40 billion market value, the buzz has fizzled out faster than a flat soda. The electrifying market is quite a tough cookie to crack and VinFast’s ambitious expansion seems to have given it some serious heartburn. But hey, let’s not lose all hope, the CEO promises to pump all profits back into the company. So, either we’ll witness a miraculous comeback, or it’ll just be a flash in the pan. Stay tuned, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!

Meanwhile, the stock market’s acting like a teenager given the keys to a car. It’s confused, panicky, and all over the place. Following the announcement of the lifting of lockdown restrictions for some stocks, markets reacted like someone just announced free beer at the bar – wildly and with a fair amount of overreaction. The result? Prices took a nosedive faster than my interest in a dieting program.

Now, let’s talk about this whole VinFast and SPAC backers situation. If you thought your Monday was tough, try being VinFast right now. Its SPAC backers are doing the reverse moonwalk, right out of the picture. It seems that the company’s market value of $40 billion was a bit too fantastical, even for the hardcore believers. But here’s the silver lining – with the stock about to be easier to bet against, the investors might be in for a lucky break.

The company’s recently released second-quarter results were as interesting as watching paint dry. But wait, there’s more. Last week, VinFast filed documentation with the Securities and Exchange Commission to release lockup restrictions on 3.1% of its shares, totaling about $1.25 billion. And as luck would have it, the shares were down 7% in morning trading – talk about a rough morning!

Now, here’s the kicker, the sponsors of the special-purpose acquisition company that took VinFast public can potentially sell at a very healthy profit. Even the entities belonging to the billionaire chairman, Pham Nhat Vuong – Vietnam’s richest man, can cash-in. But, Mr. Vuong has pledged to put any profit back into the company. So, while VinFast has burned through $890 million of cash in the first half of 2023, they’re still optimistic.

So, what’s the moral of this story? Well, the electric vehicle market is as predictable as a cat high on catnip and VinFast’s fortunes are as volatile as a bottle of nitroglycerin in a trampoline park. But at least we know one thing for sure, the CEO is committed – or maybe he should be committed. Only time will tell.

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“Saratoga Springs Soaks Up the Outlaw Spirit, Courtesy of Willie Nelson’s Badass Festival!”

TLDR:
– Willie Nelson, at 90 years old, continues to defy expectations and shine as the heart and soul of the Outlaw Fest.
– Despite challenges and setbacks, Nelson’s performance was a testament to his resilience and enduring talent.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Willie Nelson has done it again. At the spry age of 90, he’s outliving the average lifespan, and his career is doing the same. Coughs and slips of the microphone be damned, Nelson graced the stage at his Outlaw Fest, a Saratoga Springs summertime staple. Though the format deviated from previous years, sticking to business hours and featuring more established bands, Nelson remains the heart and soul of the festival. Isn’t that just like a seasoned performer?

But let’s not forget the supporting cast. Los Lobos, String Cheese Incident, and Bobby Weir and the Wolf Bros Band warmed up the stage before Nelson strutted on at 10 pm. With 50-degree temperatures, folks were bundling up like they were going on a late-night ice cream run. Now there’s a thought: Willie Nelson and an ice cream cone. Add in the tie-dye and it’s basically Woodstock 2.0.

The early birds got a treat with Los Lobos’ passionate and precise set, while the String Cheese Incident managed to combine Americana style with jam music. Who knew cheese and jam would go so well together? Bobby Weir and his Wolf Bros Band had fans shaking their tail feathers to unique renditions of Grateful Dead classics, proving once again that you can teach an old dog new tricks—or at least new arrangements.

But let’s get back to our man of the hour—or two, in Nelson’s case. Despite his son Micah falling ill and his other son Lucas off touring with his own band, Nelson sauntered onto that stage with the confidence of a catwalk model. He was flanked by his ever-loyal band “The Family,” and the harmonica echoes of Mickey Raphael filled the air. You’d think the guy was trying to summon the spirit of the Wild West.

Despite the occasional cough and microphone slip that added more suspense than any thriller movie, Nelson crooned advice to mothers about steering their sons clear of the cowboy life. The spirit of Waylon Jennings hung in the air as he covered “Good Hearted Woman,” reminding us all that love is not just a feeling but an act. Nelson is a real-life testament to the adage, “Age is just a number.”

Willie Nelson is not just a musician; he’s a symbol of resilience, a beacon of hope for aging rockers everywhere. Let’s hope he continues gracing us with his presence and his music for as long as he can strum that trusty guitar of his. After all, he’s Willie Nelson, and age has nothing on him. So remember, next time you get a chance to see Willie Nelson live, don’t just go, sprint!

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“Sizzling Saratoga Summer Series Set to Bid Adieu with a Killer Queen Tribute”

TLDR:
– The Saratoga Performing Arts Center is wrapping up its summer concert series with a performance from Killer Queen and no opening act.
– The event has a cashless policy, only accepting credit or debit cards for parking and other transactions.

In the world of business, it’s often said, “The show must go on.” And as the summer of 2023 draws to a close, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is heeding that advice. Their summer concert series wraps up tonight with a performance from Killer Queen, a tribute to, well, Queen. An inventive choice, like picking a copy machine to play the role of Hamlet, but we’re not here to judge.

The lack of an opening act means the audience will be treated to an unhindered, full-on explosion of Killer Queen from start to finish. Similar to a sales pitch where they skip the small talk and launch straight into the 5-year contract. The show is a pavilion-only event, which means no one will be able to hide in the lawn seats. It’s like a mandatory staff meeting, folks. You can’t get out of it.

Now, let’s talk timing. In a move that’s as punctual as a Swiss watch stuck in a loop, the box office opens at 2pm, parking lots at 6pm, and gates at 6:30pm. Killer Queen hits the stage at 7:30pm, presumably not in a literal sense. All of this is as subject to change as a businessman’s ethics in a bear market, so keep your eyes peeled.

One thing that’s not changing, however, is SPAC’s cashless policy. They’ve joined the digital revolution and there’s no going back now. Looking for a cash to card kiosk? They’ve got you covered. It’s like a casino exchange booth, but without the faint hope of a payout. General parking costs $10 per vehicle, and in yet another twist, this must be paid with a credit or debit card. So, if you were hoping to get rid of your loose change, tough luck!

Now, onto the question of what you can bring to this event. Water and food are permitted, but only under specific conditions that make the TSA look easygoing. You can bring an empty water bottle or up to one gallon of factory-sealed water, because we all know how wild Queen fans can get when they’re dehydrated. Food, like your personal dignity, must be sealed in a clear, one-gallon zip-lock bag. Cameras with nonprofessional, non-detachable lenses are okay too. For the complete list of what’s permitted, you’ll have to do some investigative work.

The summer concert series may be coming to a close, but the echoes of the 2023 Capital Region concerts will linger. In between the sweat, the cheers, and the music, how many did you attend? If nothing else, this summer proved one thing — Queen is a band like no other. Now, that’s a business model worth singing about.

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Beam Me Up, Scotty: ScanTech’s Groundbreaking Merger Skyrockets Valuation and the Future of Identification Tech

TLDR:
ScanTech Identification Beam Systems LLC is going public through a merger with Mars Acquisition Corp, with a valuation of nearly $150 million. Their identification beam system has the potential to transform logistics, medical, and security operations.

Well, strap in folks, because the world of technology is about to take a wild, whizz-bang ride on the roller coaster of financial marketplaces. The Georgia wonder, ScanTech Identification Beam Systems LLC, has decided to stop hogging the techie limelight all to itself and is set to go public through a merger with Mars Acquisition Corp. And we’re not talking about a basement operation run by guys in polyester pants. With a valuation that’s a hair shy of $150 million, ScanTech is not your Aunt Sally’s knitting club.

Now, what makes ScanTech so special, you ask? Well, it’s their eye-popping, jaw-dropping identification beam system. This is not your run-of-the-mill laser pointer that your cat chases around. No, this fancy gadget could transform logistics, medical, and security operations. Imagine, never misplacing a shipping container or a kidney again.

Not to mention the security applications. At this rate, even Superman will be out of a job soon. And helping this technology wonder-wagon to the finish line is none other than Mars Acquisition Corp – because what’s a revolutionary tech company without a space-themed partner?

This merger is no ordinary one. It’s like a cosmic collision that creates a new star in the tech galaxy, a star that would not just light up our world, but illume our future. And as we know, the future can always use a little extra light, or at least a decent flashlight.

The merger is more than a business deal; it’s a testament to human ingenuity. It sparkles with the beauty of a thousand LED screens. And what’s more, it’s made right here on Earth. In an era where we are more likely to get news of billionaires launching themselves into space, it’s reassuring to know that some of our brightest minds are still here, toiling away in Georgia, to make something that truly matters.

In the end, all we can say is that the future is looking pretty slick with ScanTech Identification Beam Systems LLC in the driver’s seat. Their merger with Mars Acquisition Corp is not just a game changer, it’s the new game in town. The combination of their advanced technology and the financial muscle of Mars Acquisition Corp is like the peanut butter and jelly of the tech world – an odd pairing perhaps, but one that tastes awfully good.

And so, as we stand on the precipice of this new tech era, one thing is clear – the future may be uncertain, but at least it’ll be well lit, thanks to the beacon that is ScanTech. So here’s to hoping this merger is as successful as the hype suggests, and that we all get to enjoy the glow.

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Elon Musk Takes a Detour on Truth Social’s Rocky Road, Pauses for TMTG’s Potholes and Delays

TLDR:
– Truth Social and TMTG face numerous legal challenges and negative headlines, making their future uncertain.
– Despite the challenges, Digital World’s stock has seen a 4% increase on the extension announcement day, indicating some investor confidence.

In the land where social media platforms are born more often than we change our socks, Truth Social, the prodigal child of the Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG), is making waves – and not necessarily the good kind. The return of Elon Musk to social media didn’t make things any easier. The raised eyebrows over the platform’s future are growing more pronounced, and the TMTG’s purported public flotation seems to be on perpetual simmer.

Meanwhile, Digital World, TMTG’s partner in this high-stakes game of SPAC-in-waiting, is finding federal investigations as persistent as a stray cat at a fish market. But, in a twist as surprising as a sunny day in Seattle, Digital World has won itself an extension in the merger deadline. The shareholders, in a move akin to a parent giving their delinquent teen one more chance, have agreed to extend the deadline for a year.

Now, one might think this would be a cause for celebration. But this is no ordinary company we’re talking about – it’s Donald Trump’s. The man who has more lawsuits against him than I have unread emails. From hush money and classified documents to election interference and a Fulton County indictment, Trump’s legal laundry list is longer than a grocery list before Thanksgiving. And all this without even considering the public relations disaster that is his association with the platform.

This brings us to our old friend, the stock market. In the face of all this drama, Digital World’s stock is up about 4% on the extension announcement day. And year-to-date, it has seen a nearly 10% increase, which suggests that the investors have more confidence in the company than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. But let’s not forget the little hiccup where Digital World had to settle with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for misleading investors by failing to disclose certain preliminary discussions about the merger.

Amidst all this, what does the future hold for Truth Social and TMTG? The extension might have given them a lifeline, but their destiny lies in navigating through a sea of legal challenges and negative headlines. They’re essentially trying to cross a minefield blindfolded. And the fate of Truth Social and TMTG isn’t just a matter of corporate survival. It ties into larger questions about social media’s future and how influencers are shaping the industry.

Truth Social’s launch was seen as a direct challenge to established platforms like Facebook and Twitter, with a conservative slant. However, targeting one side of the political spectrum is as risky as ice-skating uphill. As we wait to see how this saga unfolds, investors and industry experts will have their popcorn ready, watching every move that Truth Social and TMTG make. Only time will tell if they can survive in the cut-throat world of social media.

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Saratoga Springs is Busting Out the Jams: From Country Crooners to Jazz Jockeys, This Weekend is Show-Stopping!

TLDR:
– Eric Church performs at Saratoga Performing Arts Center with Rainie Wilson and Red Clay Strays.
– Phish plays a two-day concert at SPAC as part of flood relief efforts, with tickets starting at $62.20.

Ah, the balmy end of summer in Saratoga Springs, where even the mosquitoes are humming in tune, because they know the music scene is buzzing. Expect tractor beam levels of attraction this weekend, with a lineup that resembles the scrambled playlist of a teenage music junkie.

First on the roster we have Eric Church, country music’s ‘bad boy’. He’s taking his “Outsider Revival Tour” to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). His resume boasts of seven ACM awards, four CMA awards, and being a ten-time Grammy nominee. You can bet your boots he’ll be belting out hits like “Smoke a Little Smoke” and “Guys Like Me.” Oh, and let’s not forget his latest release, Heart & Soul. That’d be like forgetting to put on pants. Show starts at 7pm, folks. And sharing the bill are Rainie Wilson and Red Clay Strays. The night promises to be as filled with denim as a Levi Strauss convention.

Now, if you’re a fan of variety, Friday will have your musical taste buds dancing. Imagine a buffet, except instead of food, it’s full of music. The appetizer is Travers Day at the racetrack, where you can test your luck. Main course, you ask? A two-day serving of Phish, the jam band, at SPAC. Their live shows are as unpredictable as a cat on a hot tin roof. They’ve announced this concert as part of flood relief efforts to support Vermont and upstate New York. So it’s not just about music, it’s about community too. The curtain rises at 7:30 pm and tickets are available from $62.20.

But hold your horses, there’s more. How about a trip to Ommegang Brewery in Cooperstown? The Pixies, Modest Mouse, and Cat Power are set to raise the roof under the stars. The Pixies, who have been asking “Where is My Mind?” since 1986, will bring their latest album Doggerel to the stage. Show starts at 7pm – perfect for those who enjoy their rock with a side of ale.

Saturday, our Jazz aficionados are in for a treat. Catherine Russell, famed for her 2016 album Harlem on My Mind, will be wooing audiences at Cafe Lena. She’s known for her collaborations with legends like David Bowie and Steely Dan, so you can expect some star quality. Russell’s performances run from 5pm to 7pm and 8pm to 10pm. Tickets start at a reasonable $75.

And finally, to cap off the weekend, Josh Ritter, the singer-songwriter acclaimed by NPR and The New York Times, puts on a sold-out show at Cafe Lena on Sunday. It’s like the cherry on top of this multi-layered musical cake. This guy weaves stories with his music in a mesmerizing blend of rock, folk, and Americana. It’s the grand finale to a weekend that promises to be as diverse and exciting as the audience it will undoubtedly draw.

So there you have it, a weekend so packed with music, it’s like trying to stuff an accordion into a lunchbox. No matter your preference, you’re bound to find something to tap your feet to. Grab your tickets, rally your friends, and prepare to bask in a weekend of unforgettable live music.

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Unions, Strikes, and ‘Scary Robots’: SPAC King Calls Last Orders for Detroit’s Big Three

TLDR:
– SPAC King Chamath Palihapitiya believes that if the labor deal goes through, it will lead to the long-term insolvency of legacy automakers and the rise of non-unionized competitors like Tesla.
– The union demands, including a 40% increase in hourly pay over four years, would significantly increase labor costs for automakers and put them at a disadvantage compared to Tesla.

In a recent turn of events, SPAC King Chamath Palihapitiya offered his two cents on the United Auto Workers’ union strike, which has become a thorn in the side of Detroit’s Big Three — Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp., and Stellantis N.V. Palihapitiya, never the one to sugarcoat, suggested the unions were engaging in a metaphorical self-mutilation, deciding to “cut their nose off to spite their face.”

According to our resident Nostradamus, if the labor deal goes through, it will spell the apocalypse for legacy OEM automakers. The options they have, he says, are as cheerful as a heart attack – replace unionized humans with cold, unfeeling robots or bid adieu to unions. But then, he adds with a wry smile, neither of these options are remotely feasible.

Should this plan get the green light, Palihapitiya sees automakers hemorrhaging cash like a broken slot machine. This, he predicts, will be the dreaded “tipping point towards structural long-term insolvency.” He believes the capital markets will be more reluctant to let automakers raise long-term capital than a cat is to take a bath. Unless, of course, automakers are ready to cough up exorbitant rates.

But wait, there’s more! Palihapitiya seems to think that the fallout of this labor deal could supercharge the success of hyper-automated/non-unionized competitors like Tesla. As Ford, Stellantis, and others scramble to raise prices to cover the cost of the deal, Tesla would be free to aggressively lower prices and dominate the market.

So, what are these union demands that could instigate this automotive apocalypse? Well, for starters, a 40% increase in hourly pay over four years, a reduced 4-day, 32-hour workweek, faster path to top pay, return to the days of defined benefit pensions, cost-of-living adjustments, parental leave longer than a three-day weekend, and more paid holidays.

Just to put things into perspective, Ford mentioned that if these demands were in effect over the last four years, it would have lost a whopping $14.4 billion, instead of pocketing nearly $30 billion in profits. Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management noted that even if the automakers agree to a 25% pay hike, their manufacturing labor costs will be 40-45% higher than Tesla’s, leaving them at a distinct disadvantage. So, brace yourselves folks, it seems like the automotive industry might be in for a joyride.

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