“Roderick Cox and the Philadelphia Orchestra: A Night of Serene Contemplation and Exhilarating High Notes”

Fast and Curious: VinFast’s EV Hype Train Leaves Station, Stock Soars Despite Tepid Car Reviews

TLDR:
– VinFast, a Vietnam-based electric vehicle company, saw its shares soar 830% after going public via a SPAC IPO, making it the third most valuable car company on paper.
– The surge in stock prices was due to a limited number of available shares causing an imbalance in supply and demand, rather than the company’s performance or sales figures.

Imagine this. You’re a new kid on the block, and on your first day, you topple the school’s big guns. That’s what VinFast, a Vietnam-based electric vehicle company, did when its shares soared a staggering 830% after going public via a SPAC IPO earlier this month. Despite modest sales figures and unfavorable reviews, VinFast was riding a financial high, making it the third most valuable car company on paper, only trailing Tesla and Toyota. Poor Ford and General Motors were left in the dust, wondering how the new kid got so popular so quickly.

But here’s the catch. The surge wasn’t because they had a shiny new line-up of vehicles or overwhelming sales. Oh no, they expect to sell a paltry 50,000 vehicles this year, and let’s just say the reviews of their cars wouldn’t be winning them any awards. MotorTrend kindly suggested they “return to sender.” VinFast’s success was not due to any spectacular performance but a limited number of available shares causing an imbalance in supply and demand. You see, the founder, Pham Nhat Vuong, holds 99% of VinFast, having issued a mere 1% of the shares to the public.

So, we have the float of just 7.2 million shares available for the public to trade, causing stock prices to skyrocket. It’s a bit like a rare coin gaining value because there aren’t enough of them to go around—a classic case of scarcity increasing value. But one mustn’t forget, the coin’s real value is only what someone is willing to pay for it.

Now, this is where it gets interesting. The stock, like any commodity with a low float, is prone to high volatility. And it’s also more susceptible to drastic price changes because it doesn’t take much buying or selling pressure to shift the scales. In fact, VinFast experienced a 26% fall Tuesday, and the stock could continue its downward spiral as more shares enter the market. This is especially likely with several lockup agreements with insiders and the SPAC sponsor set to expire, which would result in selling off millions of shares.

And let’s not forget VinFast’s expansion plans. They need fuel to power their journey into the US market, and by fuel, I mean cold hard cash. The company had reported having about $160 million at the end of March, so they might just be tempted to take advantage of the recent spike in their stock by selling shares at current prices.

Short-seller Jim Chanos, however, isn’t biting the VinFast bait. He labeled it a “$200 billion meme stock,” suggesting VinFast’s luck would run out before they hit 40K units. But given the low float and high volatility, it seems unlikely that short-sellers are queuing up to bet against the company just yet. So, for now, it seems VinFast is enjoying its time in the sun. But as we all know, the weather can change pretty quickly on Wall Street. Only time will tell if VinFast is a one-hit-wonder or if it has the stamina to run with the big dogs.

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Trump’s Truth Social-DWAC Merger Scores Bonus Season: Shareholders Vote for Year-Long Overtime in Negotiations

TLDR:
– Shareholders extend the negotiation period for the floundering merger of Trump’s Truth Social with DWAC, providing a lifeline and potential for a successful merger.
– The extension adds another year of suspense, drama, and uncertainty to the merger, with the outcome still unknown.

In an unforeseen turn of events that would make a Hollywood scriptwriter weep with envy, shareholders threw a last-minute lifeline to the floundering merger of former President Donald Trump’s Truth Social with Digital World Acquisition Corp. (DWAC). The tag team of DWAC and Trump Media and Technology Group, caught in a plotline thick with allegations, fraud charges, and staff cuts, was given another year to prove their worth in a decision that must have had the suspense of a high-stakes poker game.

This is a tale of extended deadlines, a rescue operation on the brink of liquidation, and enough corporate drama to make the Wall Street wolves howl. With negotiations stalling and the specter of liquidation looming, shareholders made a daring move straight out of a boardroom thriller, extending the negotiation period by another year. What’s next? Will they call in Liam Neeson for a high-profile hostage negotiation? But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

The merger, with its whopping $300 million infusion from DWAC into Trump’s media company, has been circling the drain for over two years. DWAC, a special acquisition company, went the extra mile, lobbying their shareholders to turn back time, Cher-style, on the deadline. But unlike the pop diva’s hit, they weren’t singing about lost love, but lost investments.

Fraud allegations against DWAC by the Securities and Exchange Commission added a touch of dark intrigue to the story. A plot twist that would be more at home in a John Grisham novel than a business report. But in classic never-say-die fashion, both DWAC and Trump’s Media Group waved off the SEC’s charges and reaffirmed their commitment to sticking together like business peas in a corporate pod.

Despite the setbacks, the party isn’t over for DWAC and Trump Media and Technology Group. The vote to extend the deadline not only saved them from the brink but also breathed new life into the proposed merger. As in any suspenseful narrative, there’s still a chance for our protagonists to turn the tide and come out on top. The question is, will they, or is all this just a storm in a Wall Street teacup?

The extension offers another year of high-stakes drama, a life raft of sorts, keeping the merger afloat amidst a sea of uncertainty. Whether this act of faith by shareholders will lead to the birth of a resurgent media company or simply drag out the inevitable remains to be seen. In the meantime, keep your popcorn handy, because the Trump media empire saga promises to be an entertaining spectacle.

So brace for impact, fellow watchers of corporate drama. Another year of intrigue, suspense, and, fingers crossed, a few more plot twists in the rollercoaster ride that is the DWAC-Trump media merger. Whether this extension will bring about a happy ending or a disastrous finale, we’re all set for a year of boardroom suspense that will put Hollywood thrillers to shame.

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Rockin’ Resilience: ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Boom-Fest, Defying Time and Loss at SPAC

TLDR:
– ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd gave powerful performances, paying tribute to their fallen bandmates and proving that classic rock is still alive.
– The concert showcased meticulously crafted Southern rock, with a moving rendition of “Tuesday’s Gone” and a set-closing anthem of “Free Bird”.

This past Friday night, the Broadview Stage at SPAC turned into a battleground; a sonic slugfest between two rock titan behemoths. On one side, the Texas trio, ZZ Top, the other, Southern rock stalwarts Lynyrd Skynyrd. This co-headlining spectacle was aptly named the “Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour”. And folks, let me tell you, it was a night that would’ve given Beethoven a run for his symphonies.

ZZ Top came out swinging, opening the concert with a punch from their 1983 chart topper “Got Me Under Pressure”. The crowd, having their eardrums rocked by the new bassist, Elwood Francis, wielding a custom “High Selecta” 15-string bass guitar like a Viking with a war axe. The fact that he only used three strings through the performance only adds to the mystery. It’s like a chef making a gourmet meal using just a microwave.

Now, not to forget, ZZ Top’s bandleader, Billy Gibbons, was practically exuding coolness from every single pore, while Frank Beard was hammering out heart-stopping beats. They paid tribute to their fallen comrade, Dusty Hill, and Jeff Beck through a video montage during “16 Tons”, a cover of Merle Travis’ song, that had the audience in a reverential silence. Powering through a sixteen-song set, ending with the sultry “La Grange”, they proved that even after five decades of touring, they’re not even close to their final note.

On the other side of the stage, Lynyrd Skynyrd, who apparently have been going through members like Spinal Tap goes through drummers. The fact that there are no original members left didn’t detract from their performance. They were there to honor the spirit of the music and the legacy of their fallen bandmates, and they did just that. The crowd, or as they like to call themselves, “Skynyrd Nation”, didn’t seem to care who was on stage as long as the music kept playing.

Their fourteen-song setlist was a testament to meticulously crafted Southern rock, made even more poignant with the replacement of the Confederate flag with the state flag of Alabama. Their moving rendition of “Tuesday’s Gone”, a tribute to the late Gary Rossington, and their set-closing anthem “Free Bird”, served as a touching tribute to all the fallen members of the band.

The evening kick-started with Uncle Kracker, who’s gone from Kid Rock’s DJ to adult contemporary radio regular, not a bad career move. His eight-song set left the crowd, though sparsely filled at the time, clamoring for more.

Despite a storm warning that had fans sheltering in their cars before the concert, and the doors opening later than expected, the SPAC staff were proficient in handling the eager crowd. It just goes to show, even Mother Nature can’t stop the power of rock and roll. The “Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour” proved that classic rock is still alive, still kicking, and still has a lot to offer.

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“Steel-ing The Show: Hong Kong’s First SPAC Deal Rattles Financial Scene as ZG Group Preps to Go Public”

TLDR:
– ZG Group is entering the public sector through a merger with Aquila Acquisition, a blank-check company tied to China Merchants Bank, in a move that aims to reshape the local economy and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a global financial hotspot.
– The merger, with a price tag of $1.27 billion, includes private investments totaling around $77 million and follows the popular trend of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) in Hong Kong since 2022.

In a move that will surely have Wall Street on its toes, the good folks over at ZG Group, who apparently see the world as one giant steel construction set, have decided to enter the public sector. They’re cozying up with Aquila Acquisition, a blank-check company with ties to China Merchants Bank. By the way, for the uninitiated, a blank-check company is sort of like a rich uncle who has no kids or hobbies, so he decides to fund your business ideas. This merger is a first in Hong Kong, where no doubt the brokers are already ordering bigger yachts in anticipation of the windfall.

But the fun doesn’t stop there, oh no. This merger, which has a hefty price tag of around $1.27 billion, is not just about making a few bankers rich. It’s also about reshaping the local economy and reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a global financial hotspot. I’m sure the local dim sum vendors are thrilled.

ZG Group isn’t just playing with their steel toys, though. They’re also raking in around $77 million in gross proceeds from private investments. Trafigura Group, a commodity-trading giant, is one of the big spenders. It’s like a playground for the rich, except instead of slides and swings, there’s steel trading, logistics, and warehousing.

Now, this merger isn’t just a simple handshake and a swap of stocks. It’s a SPAC deal. SPAC, or Special Purpose Acquisition Company, is a fancy way of saying “Let’s raise money, go public, and then find a private business to merge with.” It’s like a financial Russian doll, and it’s all the rage in Hong Kong since 2022. Aquila Acquisition, by the way, was the first kid on the block to list as a SPAC in the city.

Of course, with great power comes great regulation. Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, the entity that manages the playground, has some stringent rules. Only professional investors can trade SPAC shares, so regular Joes and Janes have to wait until the company has gone public. It’s like being invited to a party but being told you can only enter after all the cool kids have arrived.

While we wait for the paperwork to wade through the bureaucratic molasses, the corporations cross their fingers for a green light from China’s securities regulator. If all goes to plan, the deal will be sealed in the fourth quarter, and ZG Group will ascend to its lofty perch as a global leader in the steel industry. It’s a high-stakes game of financial chess, and ZG Group is aiming to be the king.

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“No Goal! Iconic Sports Acquisition Fumbles Merger with Eagle Football, Opts for Redemption Instead”

TLDR:
– Iconic Sports Acquisition and Eagle Football Holdings have decided to cancel their long-anticipated merger, leaving investors confused and disappointed.
– Iconic Sports Acquisition will redeem its shares on October 11th, marking the end of their failed attempt at a business matrimony.

In a plot twist worthy of any Hollywood blockbuster, Iconic Sports Acquisition and Eagle Football Holdings have decided to take a raincheck on their long-anticipated merger. Yes, folks, it seems the two companies have finally decided to stop playing footsie under the table and face the reality of their business matrimony not coming to fruition. Add some appropriate organ music here, because it’s like a wedding where the groom ran off with the caterer.

Iconic Sports Acquisition, a blank-check company, has announced plans to redeem its issued shares, since it appears they’ll be left holding the bouquet without a bride in sight. Now that’s a surefire way to bring some adrenaline rush into the world of sports business. They’ve hung up their cleats before the game even started, leaving their fans – in this case, investors – in a dizzying state of confusion.

The special purpose acquisition company stated that the redemption day for their lonely shares would be on October 11. Sadly, their deadline for consummating the merger will have passed by then. It’s like a prom night without the dance, but with all the drama and anticipation. So, hold your breath, mark your calendars, and prepare for the biggest non-event of the sports industry, folks.

Iconic Sports’ previously announced love letter – ahem, agreement – to combine with Eagle Football Holdings has expired. Now it’s left in the drawer gathering dust, a symbol of what could have been. The per-share redemption price will be approximately $10.82. Sure, it’s not a gold ring, but it’s a parting gift nonetheless.

The world of mergers and acquisitions rarely disappoints when it comes to jaw-dropping surprise endings. Iconic Sports and Eagle Football’s abrupt break-up has thrown a curveball at the analysts, left investors in a cold sweat and given the sports industry a real cliffhanger. Now our star-crossed companies must go back to the drawing board and figure out their next move. Maybe they’ll find a way to patch things up, or perhaps they’ll discover that there are other fish in the sea. Either way, it’s sure to be an entertaining spectacle, so grab your popcorn and stay tuned.

So, in conclusion, let’s raise a toast to the merger that wasn’t. Here’s to Iconic Sports Acquisition and Eagle Football Holdings, who danced around the maypole but never quite tied the knot. Their story serves as a reminder that even in the cut-throat world of business, not everything goes according to plan. So, hold on to your stocks, ladies, and gentlemen, because the game has only just begun. And as we all know, in the world of business and sports, it’s never over until the fat lady sings.

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“Apple’s Upends Tech World with Steve Jobs’ Latest Brainchild: The Sable”

TLDR:
– Apple’s Sable has set a high standard in the tech world, leaving competitors behind.
– The world eagerly anticipates Apple’s next groundbreaking gadget.

In the grand parade of 21st-century tech marvels, Apple’s Sable has been prancing around like a prized poodle at a dog show. This gadget has been strutting its stuff on the global stage, basking in the glow of admiration as it’s lauded for its elegance, brains, and agility. The Apple Sable, folks, has become the gold standard in this digital dogfight. Now, every other tech player is left sniffing at Apple’s hindquarters, wondering how to catch up.

The Sable has a sleek design that makes you think it was born in a wind tunnel rather than a tech lab. It sports an intuitive interface that makes you wonder if it can read minds. And it wields features so powerful, you’d think it swallowed a nuclear reactor. This tech beast isn’t just setting the technological bar; it’s launching it into the stratosphere. So, while Apple keeps cranking out new products and testing the boundaries of reality, the Sable has made it clear that this ain’t no child’s play.

Now, come to think of it, the world has been twiddling its thumbs, waiting for Apple’s next big thing. It’s like waiting for the next season of your favorite TV show – you know it’s coming, but the anticipation is killing you. But with Apple’s track record, you can be sure that their next gadget will probably make the Sable look like a stone-age tool.

In the meantime, why not stay informed about the latest SPAC news with our free newsletter? It’s like the daily newspaper, but without the ink stains on your fingers. Plus, it’s free – and who doesn’t like free stuff? So, while you’re waiting for Apple’s next game-changer, sign up for our newsletter and keep your fingers on the pulse of the SPAC world.

So, there you have it folks. The Apple Sable, a tech jewel that has become a timeless symbol of Apple’s innovative genius. While it has set standards that have left competitors playing catch-up, the world is now eagerly watching for Apple’s next masterstroke. Will it be another Sable, or something entirely different? Only time will tell. In the meantime, do yourself a favor and keep an eye on your SPAC news. Because in this world of tech, you snooze, you lose.

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AI Customer Engagement Just Leveled Up: Brand Engagement Network Inc’s Public Leap with a Heavyweight Backup

TLDR:
– Brand Engagement Network Inc. is merging with a special-purpose acquisition company, redefining customer engagement AI and revolutionizing the future of customer engagement.
– The merger signifies a groundbreaking development in the AI industry that is expected to have a ripple effect across different industries, revolutionizing entire sectors.

Well, folks, there’s some big news in the artificial intelligence world. The leading light in the customer engagement AI industry, Brand Engagement Network Inc., is about to make some serious bank. In a move that redefines the phrase “going for broke”, they’re going public, merging with a special-purpose acquisition company. The masterminds behind this winning strategy? The three leading firms that excel in the art of legal juggling — Haynes and Boone LLP, and Cooley LLP.

Now, let’s talk about the company that’s sparking all this excitement. Brand Engagement Network Inc., a name that exudes the charm of a corporate boardroom, is set to revolutionize customer engagement with AI. And it’s not just about teaching machines to say “How may I assist you today?” in a hundred different languages. With this merger, they’re set to raise the bar for what AI can achieve, and redefine the future of customer engagement.

This merger seems less like a partnership and more like a game of chess with a cash prize. You see, the special acquisition purpose vehicle — a fancy name for a pile of money — is there to provide the much-needed resources for the company’s expansion. And who knows? Maybe with all that capital, they’ll finally invent a bot that can tell a customer ‘no’ without sounding like it’s ripping their heart out.

Then we have our legal eagles, Haynes and Boone LLP, and Cooley LLP. They’re not just there for the paperwork — their role goes beyond dotting the ‘i’s and crossing the ‘t’s. They’re bringing their tech-savvy intellect to ensure a smooth transition and a lucrative outcome for all involved. And let’s be honest, in the world of corporate law, things can get as messy as a spaghetti dinner without a bib.

But this merger isn’t just about a company going public or lawyers getting their share of the pie. It’s a testament to the growing power of AI. It’s like a beacon in the dark, signalling the increasing importance of AI in shaping customer loyalty. The power of AI is undeniable — it can analyze data, predict customer behavior, and automate processes. In short, it makes customers feel like they’re dealing with a human, not a machine spewing pre-programmed responses.

What does this mean for the AI industry? Well, let’s just say it’s going to get a serious upgrade. With the merger of Brand Engagement Network Inc. and a special purpose acquisition company, we’re about to witness a powerhouse in the AI customer engagement industry. These two entities, pooling their resources and expertise, are in prime position to lead the charge in customer engagement and innovation. So, buckle up folks, we’re in for quite a ride.

And, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The impact of this merger is expected to ripple across different industries – from healthcare to finance to retail. So if you thought AI was just about asking Siri to set reminders, think again. With the ability to glean insights into customer preferences and streamline operations, AI is set to revolutionize entire industries.

To sum it up, the merger signifies a groundbreaking development in the AI industry. Brand Engagement Network Inc., with their bold move, have shown that the potential of AI is indeed limitless. And with this, they have essentially outlined the blueprint for building meaningful customer relationships. So, here’s to the bright future of customer engagement — all thanks to the brilliance of Brand Engagement Network Inc. and the magic of AI.

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“Game Over! London ‘Blank-Check’ Company Takes a Knee, Refunds $10.82/Share Following Sporting Dreams Fumble”

TLDR:
– Dreaming big without a realistic plan and timely execution can lead to failure and disappointment in the business world.
– Failure and setbacks are part of the journey to success, and it’s important to learn from them and keep moving forward.

Well folks, it looks like not all dreams come true, especially if they involve purchasing a global sports franchise with a mere blank check company based in London. They were brimming with promise, overflowing with ambition, and making a pretty penny from their IPO. But alas, the clock ran out before they could pull a rabbit out of their hat, and now, like Cinderella at midnight, they’re returning to their previous state. Except, instead of a pumpkin and some mice, they’re left with $10.82 per share to return to their disappointed investors. The cruel hands of time, always so unforgiving.

Now, this might seem like a tragic tale of unfulfilled dreams and stripped away ambitions. But it’s actually more of a life lesson for those who dream too big without a proper alarm clock. The moral of this story? Time waits for no one, especially not for blank check companies with their eyes set on the global sports industry.

But let’s not be too hard on them. After all, failure is part of the business game, isn’t it? It’s like the old saying goes: you win some, you lose some, and sometimes you have to return millions of dollars to investors because you couldn’t meet a deadline. We’ve all been there, right? Well, maybe not exactly there, but somewhere similar.

Regardless, this should serve as a humble reminder for all you business enthusiasts out there. Ambition is great, it really is. But it’s nothing without a careful and realistic plan. And a plan is as good as wasted paper without timely execution. So, as you plot the path to your next business empire, remember to check your watch and make sure you’re not biting off more than you can chew.

In the grand cinema of business, there are hits and there are flops. And sometimes, there are movies that never even make it to the screen. The London-based blank-check company had its script, a star-studded cast of investors, and a grand vision. But it couldn’t quite make it to the final cut, and is now handing out refunds to its would-be audience.

It’s a bit like the story of Steve Jobs, minus the triumphant comeback, of course. Jobs too faced failures, faced rejections, even from his own company. But unlike our London company, Jobs bounced back stronger, carving a new path for himself and Apple. So, as we bid adieu to this cautionary tale, let’s remember to take failure in stride. After all, the biggest blockbusters often have the most rewrites.

In closing, it’s important to remember that every failure, every setback, is just another step on the ladder of success. It might be a rickety, old, and worn-out ladder, but it’s a ladder nonetheless. So, let’s give a hearty round of applause to our London-based blank-check company. They might not have made it to the top, but at least they reminded us all to keep our watches wound and our ambitions in check. Until next time, folks!

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“Mission Control to Wall Street: Making a $100 Million Blastoff with a Space-Savvy SPAC”

TLDR:
– Mission Control Acquisition Corporation, a SPAC, is entering the space industry with an IPO, aiming to raise $100 million and has 18 months to identify and acquire a space-focused company.
– The space market’s potential worth of about $1 trillion, fueled by climate change and dreams of space mining, presents a timely opportunity for Mission Control and SPACs continue to be popular for companies going public.

Well, folks, we’ve got a new player stepping up to bat in the cosmic game of Monopoly. The ever-so-creatively-named Mission Control Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware-based special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), is making its debut in the space industry. Their strategy? A good old-fashioned initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The company is offering 10 million units at a price that even a 5th-grader could calculate—$10 per unit. Simple, right? That’s a cool $100 million they’re looking to bag.

The interesting part is, this SPAC is preparing to sail in unchartered waters—or should we say galaxies—with an extended 18 months to identify and acquire a fitting space-focused company. They even have the option to extend for another six months. Guess they’re taking the slow and steady route to the moon. You’ve got to appreciate their commitment to thorough research and the aim to ensure a win-win business combination.

Leading the Mission Control spaceship is Captain Kira Blackwell, former NASA iTech program manager. With Blackwell’s extensive experience, they’re hoping to spot the right spaceship to hitch a ride with. CFO Jeffrey DeWit and COO Andrew Allen add to the depth of the team with their financial and operational skills. They seem to be a well-oiled machine ready to navigate the complexities of the space industry.

In an era where everything’s ‘space’, this entry into the market couldn’t be better timed. The space market has nearly doubled over the past decade and could double again by 2030. That’s a whopping potential worth of about $1 trillion! This growth is fueled by climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and dreams of space mining. It seems governments and businesses across the globe are eager to buy their tickets to the space race.

SPACs are becoming the preferred vehicle for companies looking to go public, especially those with ambitious ventures. Remember the pandemic? While the rest of us were baking banana bread, SPACs were having their heyday with over 600 transactions in 2021 alone. This year, the pace has slowed down a bit, but they still account for 48% of this year’s deals. That’s almost half the pie!

As Mission Control gears up for its IPO and the subsequent quest for space-focused acquisitions, the well-rounded leadership team positions it as a strong contender in the burgeoning space industry. Despite the slowdown in SPAC activity, it seems Mission Control is armed and ready to explore territories where no SPAC has ventured before. So, as the space economy continues to evolve, keep an eye on Mission Control’s trajectory. They might just nab a prime piece of the cosmic real estate.

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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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