Palo Alto Networks, Inc. ( NASDAQ: PANW ) UBS Technology Conference December 3, 2024 11:35 AM ET Company Participants Nikesh Arora - Chairman and CEO Conference Call Participants Roger Boyd - UBS Roger Boyd We'll get started. I'm Roger Boyd, I'm the cybersecurity analyst here. It's my pleasure to introduce Nikesh Arora, Chairman and CEO of Palo Alto Networks. Nikesh, thanks for being here. Before we get started, we're going to have a 30-minute Q&A -- fireside chat. If you want to submit a question, you can use the app. There's a QR code on the tables that will allow you to submit, and I'll do my best to weave it in the conversation. But with that, thanks, again, for being here. Nikesh Arora Thank you. Question-and-Answer Session Q - Roger Boyd Awesome. Maybe just to start high level, coming off 1Q, there's a lot of topics to get into, but high level, how are you thinking about the macro demand backdrop today? And as we enter 2025, how are you thinking about cybersecurity as a budget priority? Nikesh Arora Look, first of all, thank you for having me here. I think the biggest change we have seen so far in terms of any overall macro thesis is that AI continues to become a bigger and bigger topic across the place. So, it seems to be that AI funding will continue, whether it is those in these large hyperscalers or perhaps enterprises trying to figure out, there's a lot FOMO out there. Nobody wants to be left behind. So they don't want to find out that their competitor has got AI right, either if you're an AI provider or an app provider or perhaps an enterprise who didn’t adopt it. That's kind of like one interesting new data point. And the other interesting data point is, we're all cautious about what the new administration is goingAUSTIN — It took three rounds of voting, but two-term Rep. David Cook emerged Saturday as the choice of most Texas House Republicans for speaker when the Texas Legislature convenes in January. It may not be enough. Shortly after the closed-door meeting at the Capitol ended with Cook’s selection, his opponent — Rep. Dustin Burrows of Lubbock — announced that with support from Democrats, he had the votes needed to become speaker. “I have secured the votes of enough of my colleagues,” Burrows said. “It is bipartisan.” Burrows declined to answer questions from reporters but said the list would be released later. All 150 representatives will select a speaker as one of the first orders of business when the Legislature’s regular session begins Jan. 14. It takes a majority, or 76 votes, to be chosen as House leader. Speaking after the meeting, Cook acknowledged the race for the gavel still is not over. “I’ll continue working between now and Jan. 14 to earn [the vote] of every member of the Texas Republican caucus — as well as any Democrat,” Cook said. Saturday’s GOP caucus meeting ended with Cook topping Burrows, 48-14, after 26 Republicans left the meeting — all or most of them representatives who had supported Burrows in two previous rounds of voting. The secret-ballot votes came a little more than 24 hours after Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, announced he would not seek a third term leading the House. Phelan’s return as speaker was opposed by conservatives of his party, including lawmakers and activists who blamed him for the failure of conservative priorities in the House, and he couldn’t muster the support for a third term in leadership. All 88 House Republicans, including incumbents and incoming freshmen, participated in Saturday’s meeting, which was called to choose a consensus GOP candidate for speaker, a powerful position long coveted by the party’s conservative wing. Saturday’s meeting began with two votes, with the winning candidate needing support from at least 59 Republicans. In the first round, Cook led Burrows 48-40. Cook lost a supporter in the second round, which ended with him ahead 47-41. Two 30-minute breaks followed as many Burrows supporters left the meeting room and Cook met with colleagues in an effort to increase his lead. The threshold for victory in the third round fell to 60% of Republicans voting, or 53 if all were in attendance. Cook’s 48 supporters met the threshold with 62 in attendance. Meanwhile, the House Democratic Caucus released a statement saying its members will be free to vote for any speaker candidate “except for David Cook.” Two Democrats also have announced bids for speaker — Reps. Ana-Maria Ramos and John Bryant, both of Dallas. The statement said there had been “extensive discussions” with Burrows but did not provide details. “Democrats have been assured that the bipartisan traditions of the Texas House will continue,” the caucus statement said. Phelan had continued the tradition of appointing Democrats as chairs of a few committees, a practice that drew sharp criticism from Republican activists. Cook has vowed to end the practice. Burrows’ position on Democratic chairs is unclear. Cook was mayor of Mansfield from 2008-21. In his two sessions in the House, he served on the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee — including vice chair in 2023 — and was a member of the Calendars Committee last session. Cook entered the race for speaker in September amid discontent over Phelan’s handling of Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment and the failure of school choice and other conservative priorities in 2023. Hoping to rally behind one candidate, dozens of House Republicans met at an Austin barbecue restaurant in September, and Cook prevailed over Reps. James Frank of Wichita Falls, Shelby Slawson of Stephenville, Tom Oliverson of Cypress and John Smithee of Amarillo. Burrows, an attorney from Lubbock, was elected to the House in 2014 and has been reelected five times. He has chaired influential House committees since the 2019 legislative session when he was chairman of Ways and Means, which handles bills on taxes. His allegiance to Phelan was a red flag for Cook supporters, including Paxton, who blasted Burrows — who voted last year to impeach Paxton — as “Dade 2.0.” “Supporting Burrows is a betrayal of the conservative movement,” Paxton said Friday. “Voters will remember.” Paxton backed Burrows’ primary challenger, Wade Cowan, earlier this year. Burrows easily won with 68% of the March primary vote.In South Korea, President Yoon Suk Yeol faces significant political backlash following his controversial martial law declaration. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell noted that the move was 'deeply problematic' and lacked legitimacy, catching both South Korea and the U.S. off-guard. Meanwhile, Donald Trump's Middle East envoy is actively working to broker a Gaza ceasefire before the president-elect's inauguration. Separate diplomatic talks were held with key officials in Israel and Qatar, aiming for a swift resolution to the conflict. In Latin America, Argentina's President Javier Milei hosted a right-wing political summit, welcoming allies of Trump and Bolsonaro. Concurrently, Brazil's Lula recognized more Indigenous territories, and Mexico executed a historic drug seizure. These developments occur amid escalating tensions in Gaza and political instability in France. (With inputs from agencies.)
Wind energy company seeks deal with Village of Valemount
How NYPD is using AI, drones, DNA and cutting-edge tech in the manhunt for Brian Thompson’s assassinNoneCaitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. Wemby at The Garden. LeBron vs. Steph. The NBA's Christmas Day lineup, as always, has star power LeBron James made his Christmas debut in 2003. Victor Wembanyama was born 10 days later. That’s right: James has been featured on the NBA’s big day for longer than Wembanyama has been alive. And on Wednesday the league’s oldest player and brightest young star will be big parts of the holiday showcase. It’s another Christmas quintupleheader, with Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs visiting the New York Knicks, Minnesota going to Dallas for a Western Conference finals rematch, Philadelphia heading to Boston to renew a storied rivalry, James and the Los Angeles Lakers taking on Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, and Denver playing at Phoenix. Pro Picks: Chiefs will beat the Steelers and Ravens will edge the Texans on Christmas Day Playoff berths, draft positioning and more are up for grabs in Week 17. There’s going to be plenty of football on television this holiday week with the NFL playing games on five out of six days, starting with a doubleheader on Christmas Day featuring four of the AFC’s top five teams. Patrick Mahomes and the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs visit Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday. Then, two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens take on C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans. The Bears host the Seahawks on Thursday night and there are three games on Saturday, making Sunday’s schedule light at nine games. Falcons drafting Penix no longer a head-scratcher with rookie QB shining in place of benched Cousins It was the most surprising first-round pick in a long time when the Atlanta Falcons chose Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall selection in the NFL draft last April. That came just six weeks after the Falcons had signed free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million in guarantees. But that move is no longer a head-scratcher after Penix's solid starting debut in place of a benched and turnover-prone Cousins. Several teams have fared well with new quarterbacks this season including the Steelers, Broncos, Vikings and Commanders. Lindsey Vonn thinks her new titanium knee could start a trend in skiing. And pro sports in general ST. MORITZ, Switzerland (AP) — Lindsey Vonn thinks her new titanium knee could be the start of a trend in ski racing. The 40-year-old American standout had replacement surgery in April and returned to the World Cup circuit after nearly six years last weekend. She says her knee feels “amazing" and that "it’s something to seriously consider for athletes that have a lot of knee problems.” Her surgery was the first of its kind in World Cup skiing. Vonn had a robot-assisted surgery in April with part of the bone in her right knee cut off and replaced by two titanium pieces. She was planning her comeback a month later. Boise State's legacy includes winning coaches and championship moments No. 8 and third-seeded Boise State is preparing for its third trip to the Fiesta Bowl. This time it's in a playoff quarterfinal against No. 5 and sixth-seeded Penn State on New Year’s Eve. Boise State's first appearance on the national stage was in a memorable victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1, 2007. But former coach Chris Petersen said the victory in that bowl three years later over TCU was even more meaningful for the program. Players have mixed feelings about being on the road on Christmas as NFL adds more holiday games OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Games on Christmas aren’t new to the NFL. The Miami Dolphins famously beat the Kansas City Chiefs in a playoff game on Dec. 25, 1971 — a double-overtime classic that still holds the record for the NFL’s longest game. In 2020, New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara tied an NFL record with six touchdowns in a game when the Saints beat Minnesota on Christmas. Lately the league has been much more aggressive about scheduling games on Christmas. That's been met with mixed feelings among the players. Baltimore tackle Ronnie Stanley says there is an offensive line Christmas party planned for Friday at center Tyler Linderbaum’s house. Quarterback Lamar Jackson’s plan is to celebrate on Thursday. Embiid ejected after drawing 2 technicals in game against Wembanyama and Spurs PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was ejected in the first half of Monday night’s game against San Antonio after drawing two technical fouls. Referee Jenna Schroeder ejected Embiid with 2 minutes, 59 seconds left in the second quarter. The seven-time All-Star received the first technical for arguing with Schroeder, and received another technical — and ejection — from Schroeder before any more game time elapsed. Embiid was close to Schroeder, but it wasn’t clear from replays whether he made contact with the official. An enraged Embiid charged toward the officials after the ejection and was restrained by teammate Kyle Lowry, head coach Nick Nurse and several assistants. Nikki Glaser uses Prime Video's NFL postgame show appearances to help prepare for Golden Globes INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Nikki Glaser has become a familiar face to football fans this season. Her breakthrough performance at the Tom Brady Roast on May 5 paved the way for five appearances on Amazon Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football” postgame show. Glaser said before last Thursday’s game between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers that doing her “Late Hits” segment was a no-brainer following her success at the Brady roast. Leaving Thunder, Bucks off the NBA's Christmas game list has those teams feeling snubbed Oklahoma City leads the Western Conference and has a MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Milwaukee has the NBA’s leading scorer in Giannis Antetokounmpo. They were the teams that made their way to the NBA Cup final. By any measure, they’re both very good teams. And neither will play on Christmas Day this year. Bah, humbug. The NBA faces the same challenge every summer, figuring out which 10 teams will get the honor of playing on Christmas Day. But the Bucks and Thunder are right to feel snubbed.
Evonik Industries (OTCMKTS:EVKIF) Stock Price Up 7.7% – Time to Buy?
Scheifele scores as the Jets beat the Blackhawks 4-2 in Sorensen's first game
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Voters dejected by the presidential election results need to find a way to give back and remain involved, Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton said Saturday as they celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Clinton presidential library. The former president urged audience members in a packed theater to remain engaged and find ways to communicate with those they disagree with despite a divisive political time. The two spoke about a month after former President Donald Trump's win over Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential election. “We’re just passing through, and we all need to just calm down and do something that builds people up instead of tears them down,” Bill Clinton said. Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state who was defeated by Trump in the 2016 election, said she understands the next couple of years are going to be challenging for voters who don't agree with the decisions being made. "In addition to staying involved and staying aware, it’s important to find something that makes you feel good about the day because if you’re in a constant state of agitation about our political situation, it is really going to shorten your life," she said. The Clintons spoke during a panel discussion with journalist Laura Ling, who the former president helped free in 2009 when she was detained in North Korea with another journalist. The event was held as part of a weekend of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the Clinton Presidential Library's opening in Little Rock. The library is preparing to undergo an update of its exhibits and an expansion that will include Hillary Clinton's personal archives. Hillary Clinton said part of the goal is to modernize the facility and expand it to make it a more open, inviting place for people for convene and make connections. When asked about advice he would give for people disappointed by the election results, Bill Clinton said people need to continue working toward bringing people together and improving others' lives. “If that's the way you keep score, then you ought to be trying to run up the score,” he said. “Not lamenting the fact that somebody else is winning a different game because they keep score a different way." “And in addition, figure out what we can do to win again,” Hillary Clinton added, eliciting cheers. The program featured a panel discussion with cast members of the hit NBC show “The West Wing” and former Clinton White House staffers. The weekend amounted to a reunion of former Clinton White House staffers, supporters and close friends, including former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and adviser James Carville. McAuliffe said he and Carville ate Friday at Doe's Eat Place, a downtown restaurant that was popular with Clinton aides and reporters during Clinton's 1992 White House run. He said he viewed the library and its planned expansion as important for the future. “This is not only about the past, but it's more importantly about the future," McAuliffe said. “We just went through a very tough election, and people are all saying we've got to get back to the Clinton model.”
