Top 5 Stock Market Updates for April 2025: Disney Battle, Intel Losses, Paramount Takeover, Cal-Maine Surge & Taiwan Earthquake Impact

April 3, 2024 Market Highlights

Investors are closely watching Disney (DIS) as CEO Bob Iger prepares to face activist investors at the company's annual shareholder meeting. Intel (INTC) shares dip following widening losses in its semiconductor foundry business. Paramount Global (PARA) gains momentum amid exclusive takeover discussions with Skydance. Cal-Maine Foods (CALM) experiences a sharp rise due to robust egg sales boosting earnings. Meanwhile, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSM) shares slip as Taiwan recovers from its strongest earthquake in 25 years. U.S. stock futures show a downward trend. Here’s what you need to know today.

1. Disney’s Proxy Battle and Streaming Strategy Under Spotlight at Annual Meeting

Disney’s annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday is a focal point for investors, especially with the ongoing proxy fight between CEO Bob Iger and activist hedge fund Trian Fund Management led by Nelson Peltz. Shareholders will vote on board directors amid this high-stakes battle. Reuters reports Disney holds enough votes to maintain its current board, despite Trian’s push. Notably, Elon Musk has publicly endorsed Nelson Peltz’s inclusion on Disney’s board via a post on X. Disney shares have risen approximately 35% this year and remain steady in premarket trading.

2. Intel Faces Declining Foundry Sales and Expanding Losses

Intel’s stock dropped over 4% premarket after revealing increased losses and falling sales in its semiconductor foundry segment. Under CEO Patrick Gelsinger, Intel is expanding chip production for external clients and recently onboarded Microsoft (MSFT) as a customer. New CFO Lorenzo Flores anticipates foundry losses to peak this year, with a break-even target set between now and 2030’s end.

3. Paramount Shares Rise on Exclusive Takeover Talks with Skydance

Paramount Global shares climbed about 2% following reports from The New York Times that the company is nearing exclusive negotiations with Skydance for a potential acquisition. Skydance CEO David Ellison has been in talks with Shari Redstone, who controls Paramount through National Amusements, for over a year. Additionally, Apollo Global Management has proposed an $11 billion bid for Paramount’s movie studio. Ellison recently met with Paramount’s board to discuss the deal.

4. Cal-Maine Foods Surges on Strong Egg Demand and Earnings Beat

Cal-Maine Foods shares surged nearly 7% in premarket trading after reporting fiscal third-quarter earnings of $3.01 per share, surpassing analyst expectations of $2.45. Despite a decline in egg prices, strong demand helped lift earnings. The company’s revenue reached $703.1 million, exceeding forecasts of $692 million.

5. Taiwan’s Earthquake Disrupts Semiconductor Production; TSMC Shares Dip

Taiwan experienced its strongest earthquake in 25 years, causing significant damage and at least nine fatalities. This natural disaster disrupted semiconductor operations, impacting Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chipmaker. TSMC’s American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) fell about 1% premarket. The company confirmed all employees are safe and evacuated workers are gradually returning to production lines.

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