Oracle Corp. reported disappointing sales growth in its cloud computing business, with cloud revenue rising 25% in the latest quarter, compared to a 30% gain in the previous quarter. This slowdown has raised concerns among investors about Oracle's ability to compete in the competitive cloud market. The company remains optimistic, citing strong customer demand.
Paycom Software's stock (PAYC) plummeted by 38.5% after reporting a revenue miss for the third quarter and providing weak sales guidance for 2024. The company attributed the weak results to cannibalization of services revenue and acknowledged the challenges it faces in a competitive human capital management market. Paycom's earnings for Q3 were $1.77 per share, up 39% YoY, with revenue increasing by 22% to $406.3 million. However, the company's outlook for 2024 predicts revenue growth of only 10% to 12%, significantly lower than consensus estimates of 21% growth. The disappointing report also affected shares of Paylocity Holding, Paychex, and Workday.
The USDA has announced the final rule for the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS), which establishes clear and consistent standards for organic livestock and poultry production. The rule aims to level the playing field for organic farmers and promote fairer, more competitive markets for their products, while providing consumers with transparency about their purchases. The new standards cover areas such as outdoor space requirements, living conditions, stocking densities, preventative health care practices, physical alterations, euthanasia, and transport, handling, and slaughter. The implementation of OLPS will support the growth of the organic market and increase consumer trust in the USDA organic seal by aligning the standards with animal welfare preferences.