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So there's a lot of noise about AI, but time's too tight for more promises. So let's talk about results. At IBM, we work with our employees to integrate technology right into the systems they need. Now a global workforce of 300,000 can use AI to fill their HR questions, resolving 94% of common questions, not noise. Proof of how we can help companies get smarter by putting AI where it actually pays off, deep in the work that moves the business. Lets create smarter business.
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IBM here's your morning TNB Tech Minute for Monday, August 3rd. I'm Imani Moise for the Wall Street Journal. Visa is acquiring fraud reduction platform BioCatch for $2.4 billion in cash. The Israeli company uses AI to detect fraud and distinguish legitimate users from attackers in real time, and says it protects 1.8 billion devices and 760 million users globally. Visa has been increasing its use of AI to fight fraud, spending $13 billion on fraud, technology and infrastructure over the past five years. The deal is expected to close by the end of Visa's fiscal second quarter of 2027. Shares in AstraZeneca tumbled, while Bristol Myers Squibb stock climbed after reports that the two drug makers held merger talks. The Financial Times reported that AstraZeneca held discussions with Bristol about a tie up in recent months, citing unnamed sources. A potential deal between the two companies would create a pharma giant with a combined market value of roughly $400 billion and more than $100 billion in annual sales. An AstraZeneca spokesman declined to comment, while Bristol didn't respond to a request to comment. And Nissan has reported its first quarterly net profit in two years, The Japanese carmaker said today sales grew in US And Japanese markets, while cost cuts and foreign exchange gains helped boost its bottom line. However, the company is now projecting an 11% drop in sales in China, steeper than the 8.7% decline it had previously forecast. Nissan attributed weaker Chinese sales to slowed economic growth and an accelerated shift to electric vehicles due to higher fuel costs caused by the Iran war. Its CEO said elevated logistics costs and continued geopolitical uncertainty or will likely moderate profitability until supply chains normalize. And that's your TNB Tech Minute. We'll be back this afternoon with more.
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So there's a lot of noise about AI, but time's too tight for more promises, so let's talk about results. At IBM, we work with our employees to integrate technology right into the systems they need. Now a global workforce of 300,000 can use AI to fill their HR questions, resolving 94% of common questions, not noise proof of how we can help companies get smarter by putting AI where it actually pays off, deep in the work that moves the business. Let's create smarter business IBM.
Date: August 3, 2026
Host: Imani Moise (Wall Street Journal)
In this concise Tech Minute, Imani Moise breaks down the day’s biggest technology business news, led by Visa's major acquisition in the AI-powered fraud detection space. The episode also covers important developments in the pharmaceutical and automotive sectors, highlighting big mergers and market shifts.
[00:29]
Deal Details:
BioCatch’s Reach:
Visa's Broader AI Strategy:
Deal Timeline:
Notable Quote:
"Visa is acquiring fraud reduction platform BioCatch for $2.4 billion in cash. The Israeli company uses AI to detect fraud and distinguish legitimate users from attackers in real time, and says it protects 1.8 billion devices and 760 million users globally." — Imani Moise [00:29]
[01:15]
Merger Talks Revealed:
Statements from the Companies:
Notable Quote:
"A potential deal between the two companies would create a pharma giant with a combined market value of roughly $400 billion and more than $100 billion in annual sales." — Imani Moise [01:24]
[01:50]
Earnings Overview:
Outlook in China:
CEO’s Caution:
Notable Quote:
"Nissan attributed weaker Chinese sales to slowed economic growth and an accelerated shift to electric vehicles due to higher fuel costs caused by the Iran war." — Imani Moise [02:10]
For listeners who missed the episode, this Tech Minute provides a succinct, numbers-driven snapshot of critical business and technology developments headed by Visa’s latest AI-powered fraud prevention move, big pharma merger buzz, and a nuanced look at an auto giant’s shifting fortunes.