Is Nomad Foods' Pricing Power Enough to Offset Protein Costs?
ZACKS· 2025-06-18 14:05
Key Takeaways NOMD saw Q1 gross margin rise to 27.8%, but adjusted EBITDA fell 1.8% amid protein cost inflation. NOMD is experiencing input inflation in key protein categories like chicken and red meat. Pricing actions are underway but expected to lag rising protein costs in the near term.Nomad Foods Limited (NOMD) is contending with mounting input cost pressures, particularly in protein categories like chicken and red meat. In the first quarter of 2025, the company flagged a rise in protein inflation, at ...
Can TOST's Tech-Driven Recipes Spice Up its Profitability & Revenue?
ZACKS· 2025-06-18 14:01
Key Takeaways TOST is targeting enterprise chains and now supports 140,000 restaurant locations globally. AI features helped boost order sizes, ad returns and guest engagement across multiple restaurant types. TOST raised the 2025 EBITDA outlook to $550M with a 31% margin, citing fintech and subscription profit growth.Toast Inc. (TOST) is on a mission to expand its footprint across geographies, verticals and segments, empowering restaurants of all sizes with digital tools that streamline operations. While ...
What Drove Bath & Body Works' Q1 Margins Despite Tariff Pressures?
ZACKS· 2025-06-18 14:01
Core Insights - Bath & Body Works (BBWI) reported a strong start to fiscal 2025, with gross profit reaching $646 million, a 6.6% year-over-year increase, and a gross margin of 45.4%, improving by 160 basis points compared to the previous year [1][11]. Financial Performance - The improvement in gross margin was primarily driven by a 100-basis-point rise in merchandise margin, attributed to low single-digit increases in mix-adjusted average unit retail (AUR), reflecting a stronger product mix and value engineering enhancements [2][11]. - Operating income for the first quarter reached $209 million, an 11.8% increase from the prior year, with the operating margin expanding by 120 basis points to 14.7% [5][11]. Operational Changes - The company strategically exited a third-party fulfillment center to streamline operations and reduce costs, expecting continued financial and customer service benefits [4]. - A re-evaluation of store assets' useful life led to reduced depreciation expenses, contributing to margin improvement [4]. Cost Management - Bath & Body Works faced external cost pressures from tariffs, with approximately 10% of its global spend exposed to China. However, the company effectively mitigated these impacts through an agile, predominantly U.S.-based supply chain and proactive cost management strategies [8]. - For the second quarter of fiscal 2025, the company anticipates a gross margin of approximately 41%, flat compared to the prior year, factoring in ongoing tariff impacts and licensing expenses from collaborations [9]. Valuation - BBWI is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 0.76, significantly lower than the industry average of 1.64 and the sector average of 1.58, indicating a favorable valuation position [12].
U.S. Steel ceases trading on the NYSE as Japan's Nippon finalizes takeover
CNBC· 2025-06-18 14:01
Rolls of steel are seen before the US president speaks during a rally at US Steel - Irvin Works in the Pittsburgh suburb of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, on May 30, 2025.U.S. Steel shares stopped trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday after Japan's Nippon Steel completed its acquisition of the iconic American industrial name. President Donald Trump has insisted for weeks that the companies would form a "partnership" in which U.S. Steel would remain American owned. But the New York Stock Exchange ...
Ally Financial schedules release of second quarter 2025 financial results
Prnewswire· 2025-06-18 14:01
CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) has scheduled the release of its second quarter financial results for Friday, July 18, 2025, at approximately 7:30 a.m. ET. The results will be available on the Ally Press Room website (http://media.ally.com).Ally will host a conference call at 9 a.m. ET to review the company's performance. You may listen to the call via webcast or dial-in. The webcast will be live on Ally's Investor Relations website in the Events & Presentatio ...
Amazon CEO says AI will cut corporate workforce
Proactiveinvestors NA· 2025-06-18 14:00
About this content About Angela Harmantas Angela Harmantas is an Editor at Proactive. She has over 15 years of experience covering the equity markets in North America, with a particular focus on junior resource stocks. Angela has reported from numerous countries around the world, including Canada, the US, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, and South Africa for leading trade publications. Previously, she worked in investor relations and led the foreign direct investment program in Canada for the Swedish government ...
New Duckbill Research Reveals Americans Are Overwhelmed, Out of Time, and Going At it Alone
Prnewswire· 2025-06-18 14:00
More than half of Americans say they're just "getting through the day," as guilt and time scarcity keep them from asking for help.BOSTON, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey from Duckbill and The Harris Poll reveals that at a moment when life is supposed to be getting easier, as AI and digital tools promise greater efficiency, many Americans are experiencing the opposite. Over half of adult Americans (55%) admit that, most of the time, they're simply trying to "get through the day, instead of enjoyin ...
Solventum Named a Best Company to Work for by U.S. News & World Report
Prnewswire· 2025-06-18 14:00
Recognized among the top 25 percent of companies in healthcare and research, and top 25 percent of companies in the Midwest in just 14 months as a new companyAward highlights success in phase one of Solventum's three-phased Transformation PlanST. PAUL, Minn., June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Solventum (NYSE: SOLV), a global leader in innovative medical technology and solutions, today announced U.S. News & World Report has named the company among its 2025-2026 list of Best Companies to Work For, earning top ho ...
VINFAST SIGNS FIRST DEALERSHIP IN CALIFORNIA
Prnewswire· 2025-06-18 14:00
Core Insights - VinFast has opened its first authorized dealership in California, marking a significant step in its strategy to expand its dealership network across the U.S. [1][5] - The company aims to drive the green transportation revolution in the U.S. by providing high-quality electric vehicles and exceptional services to American consumers [1][6]. Dealership Expansion - The new dealership in San Diego will officially begin operations this month, allowing consumers to explore and purchase or lease the VF 8 and VF 9 electric SUVs [2][4]. - VinFast is actively seeking additional dealership opportunities throughout California, recognizing the state's significant electric vehicle growth potential [4][5]. Sales Model Transition - In late 2023, VinFast introduced a dealership sales model and is transitioning to a franchise dealership model across all 50 states to enhance business efficiency [5]. - The company has established over 30 authorized dealerships in 15 key states, including California, Texas, and New York [5]. Product Offering and Pricing - The VF 8 is priced at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $39,900 for the Eco trim and $44,900 for the Plus trim, with leasing options starting at $269/month [6]. - The VF 9 has an MSRP starting at $62,900, with leasing programs beginning at $449/month, and both models are eligible for 0% interest financing [6]. After-Sales Services - The San Diego dealership will provide comprehensive after-sales services, including warranty support, maintenance, and genuine parts [3]. - VinFast is committed to training its dealership staff to ensure a highly skilled workforce knowledgeable in VinFast products and services [3]. Warranty and Market Strategy - All VinFast EV models in the U.S. come with a 10-year or 125,000 miles warranty for the vehicle and a 10-year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery under non-commercial use [7]. - The company is focused on adapting its strategies based on market analysis while pursuing its vision to drive the global green revolution [9]. Global Expansion - VinFast is expanding its presence in high-potential markets such as Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and the Middle East, building on its established presence in North America and Europe [8]. - The company aims to make electric vehicles accessible to everyone, with a diverse product lineup that includes various electric SUVs [10].
OppFi: Fintech's Dark Horse Is Charging Ahead
Seeking Alpha· 2025-06-18 14:00
OppFi (NYSE: OPFI ) is quietly rewriting the rules of credit underwriting with a model that sees beyond surface-level risk. At the core of this transformation is Model 6, its proprietary credit engine designed to prioritize long-term borrower behavior overHi, I'm Yiannis. Spotting winners before they break out is what I do best.Experience: Previously worked at Deloitte and KPMG in external/internal auditing and consulting. Education: Chartered Certified Accountant, Fellow Member of ACCA Global, with BSc and ...