Firms in America are focusing not on building better products, but on how best to deal with Donald Trump. For many, that means shut up, suck up and think twice before standing up to the president https://t.co/FC6s7q0eSs ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated sales increased at the high end of the guided range, with adjusted EBITDA margin expanding by 60 basis points to 21.4% and adjusted diluted EPS growing by 6.5% [3][4] - SG&A growth moderated to the low single-digit percentage level, in line with expectations, driven by control of general and administrative expenses [4][6] - The company returned $864 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Paint Stores Group sales increased by a mid-single-digit percentage, with price mix up at the high end of low single digits and volume up low single digits [6][7] - Consumer Brands Group sales exceeded expectations, with price mix up low single digits and volume down mid-single digits, reflecting continued softness in North America DIY [8][9] - Performance Coatings Group sales were in line with expectations, with volume, acquisitions, and FX all increasing by low single digits, but offset by unfavorable price mix [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company outperformed the market in all segments served, with residential repaint sales growing by mid-single digits despite negative existing home sales [6][7] - Commercial sales were up mid-single digits, even as multifamily completions were down double digits [7] - The company opened 23 net new stores in the quarter and 61 year-to-date, ahead of last year's pace [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on differentiated solutions that enhance customer productivity and profitability, particularly in a competitive environment [5][6] - The acquisition of Suvinil is expected to provide profitable growth opportunities and enhance the Consumer Brands Group's portfolio in Latin America [9][40] - The company plans to continue investing in growth initiatives, including new stores and sales representatives, to capture market share [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management indicated that the demand environment is expected to remain soft for an extended period, with minimal positive catalysts currently visible [15][42] - The company anticipates raw material costs to increase by low single digits and healthcare costs to rise by low double digits [16] - Management expressed confidence in their strategy and ability to adapt to market conditions while focusing on customer success [18][19] Other Important Information - The company temporarily paused matching contributions to its 401(k) plan to preserve jobs and protect the company amid prolonged demand uncertainty [11][12] - The company expects to open 80 to 100 North American paint stores for the year and will manage production and inventory closely [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color on the 7% price increase for Paint Stores Group? - Management explained that the price increase is driven by higher year-over-year costs and the need to balance volume growth with price effectiveness [21][23] Question: What mortgage rates are needed to catalyze demand in the Paint Stores Group? - Management indicated that around 6% mortgage rates could drive stronger existing home turnover, as there is significant pent-up demand [27][28] Question: Can you discuss the investment spending and its efficiency? - Management emphasized a disciplined approach to investments, focusing on returns and adjusting spending based on market conditions [31][32] Question: What are the expected synergies from the Suvinil acquisition? - Management expressed excitement about the acquisition, expecting it to enhance sales and profitability in the Consumer Brands Group [39][40] Question: What is the outlook for pricing capture in 2026? - Management indicated that pricing capture will depend on market dynamics, but they plan to be aggressive in balancing volume growth with price increases [51][52] Question: How is the company addressing negative operating leverage in Performance Coatings? - Management noted that unfavorable mix by region and business impacted margins, but they expect moderation in this dynamic moving forward [60][62]

Strategy & Focus - Companies that succeed are those that understand what information to disregard [1]

Core Insights - Leigh Angman's book "SPRUCTIS - From Insight to Action: A Success Framework for Small to Medium-Sized Businesses" has achieved 1 ranking on Amazon in multiple categories, indicating a strong demand for practical strategies among small and medium-sized enterprises [1][2][10] Book Achievements - The book ranks 1 in Strategic Management, 1 in Business Teams, 1 in Home-Based Businesses eBooks, and 4 in Business Systems and Planning on Amazon [2] Market Relevance - The success of the book highlights the increasing need for experience-driven strategies in a competitive business environment, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses facing economic uncertainty [6][8] Content Overview - "SPRUCTIS" serves as a comprehensive guide for entrepreneurs, providing step-by-step methods to manage operations, resolve issues, and achieve long-term success [6][8] - The book includes real-world examples and proven strategies to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and build resilient organizations [7][8] Author Background - Leigh Angman has over two decades of entrepreneurial experience and has founded or co-founded six companies since 2002, showcasing his expertise in various industries [9][11] - His leadership roles in companies like Mondofi Technology and Peak Hospitality demonstrate his capability to innovate and address industry challenges [9][11]

Core Insights - The Accounting & Business Show Asia 2025 is set to be a major event for over 4,000 professionals in the accounting and finance sectors, taking place on October 22-23, 2025, at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore [1][3] - The event aims to address challenges such as rising costs, digital disruption, and global competition, providing solutions and strategies for business leaders [2] Event Details - The show will feature more than 130 solution providers showcasing innovations across various sectors including accounting, finance, HR, payroll, payments, digital banking, e-commerce, and cross-border growth [5] - Attendees will have the opportunity to earn CPD credits, access all sessions, and network with peers [3] Speaker and Program Highlights - The event will host over 180 expert speakers, including notable figures from various industries, providing insights on employee engagement, cross-border expansion, and sustainable success [5] - New stages dedicated to 'People' and 'Customer & Commerce' will focus on key topics relevant to SME leaders [5]

Business Strategy & Information Gathering - In business settings, social events involving alcohol consumption are often used as a tactic to extract sensitive information [1] - The information obtained through these means can be used strategically against individuals or companies [1] - Professional alcohol consumption is presented as a necessity for success in business [1] Financial Implication - Failure to engage in social drinking and information gathering may lead to financial disadvantage [1]

Core Insights - Time Finance reported a profit before tax (PBT) of £7.9 million ($10.6 million) for the year ending 31 May 2025, marking a 34% increase from the previous year's PBT of £5.9 million ($8 million) [1] - The company's lending book value reached £217.4 million, reflecting an 8% growth, while deal origination increased by 5% to £96.5 million [1] - The asset finance division grew by 31% to £111 million, and the invoice finance division saw an 8% increase to £70 million [1] Financial Performance - The financial performance for the final year of the four-year strategy was strong, with revenue, profit before tax, and earnings per share all experiencing double-digit growth, with PBT and EPS both exceeding 30% growth [3] - The balance sheet strengthened, with record highs in the lending book and net tangible assets as of 31 May 2025, while arrears and write-offs remained controlled [4] Strategic Developments - Time Finance has introduced a specialist Materials Handling team to expand into new markets [2] - Following the completion of its four-year strategy initiated in June 2021, the company has launched a new three-year plan titled 'Continuing the Journey' aimed at enhancing lending book growth and improving operational efficiencies [2] - The company announced an expansion of its lending capabilities, with total facilities exceeding £250 million [4] Funding and Capacity - Growth has been supported by the renewal of contracts with a consortium of eight funding partners, providing an additional financial capacity of over £95 million [5]

Core Insights - The article highlights Davi Drummond's journey from Brazil's tech sector to pursuing an MBA at Copenhagen Business School (CBS) to enhance his strategic and business leadership skills [1][3][11] - Davi emphasizes the importance of innovation as a mindset for leading meaningful change, rather than merely a technological implementation [4][11] Group 1: Background and Motivation - Davi, an industrial engineer, transitioned from supply-chain roles to client-facing positions at Oracle and Salesforce, focusing on technology-driven solutions in Latin America [2] - The MBA program at CBS provided Davi with mentorship and networking opportunities, particularly through connections with influential business leaders [1][3] Group 2: Learning and Development - CBS's emphasis on contextual learning allowed Davi to frame his existing knowledge within a European context, enhancing his understanding of different governance models and cultural attitudes towards innovation [5][7] - The MBA experience helped Davi connect innovation with business strategy, enabling him to think critically about scaling ideas and embedding innovation sustainably within organizations [7][11] Group 3: Practical Application - Davi participated in a Strategy Project at CBS, collaborating with a Danish sports tech scale-up to develop a go-to-market strategy for Latin America, bridging his past experience with future goals [6] - His role at Accenture as an Experience Transformation Consultant allows him to implement technology solutions end-to-end, reflecting a natural evolution of his skills [6][11] Group 4: Cultural Insights and Comparisons - Davi notes the contrasts between Brazilian and Danish business practices, highlighting Brazil's flexibility and creativity versus Denmark's structured governance that supports long-term innovation [8] - He recognizes that innovation creates value differently depending on the business and societal context, reinforcing his ambition to act as a bridge between technology and business [8][11] Group 5: Advice for Future Participants - Davi advises prospective MBA students to understand their goals while remaining open to new directions, emphasizing the importance of cultural context in building relationships in Denmark [10]

Business Growth & Mindset - Traditional business growth to $10 billion used to take 100 years, but now, with technology and system changes, it can be achieved in 5-10 years, and even 3-5 years in some cases [1][2] - Many business owners stagnate at certain revenue levels (e g, $5 million, $20 million, $50 million, $500 million) due to lack of investment in learning and development [1] - Unlike professionals like doctors, lawyers, and engineers who invest significantly (e g, ₹1 crore or approximately $12,000 USD for MBBS) and 3-5 years in education, business owners often invest nothing officially in their learning [1] - Upgrading mindset and doubling business speed can be achieved by hiring a mentor or guide, similar to how athletes use coaches [2] Key Business Strategies (TRAIN) - The "TRAIN" framework for business success includes Technology, Resources, Adaptability, Innovation, and Networking [2] - Technology implementation can significantly improve manufacturing efficiency, as seen in a case where doubling manufacturing output and profit was achieved within 3 months [2] - Adaptability to change is crucial for survival, as businesses that don't adopt new technologies risk being overtaken by competitors [2] - Innovation is essential for reaching a ₹10,000 crore (approximately $120 million USD) target, but resistance from older generations can hinder progress [3] - Networking with successful business owners (10x, 20x, 50x more successful) can help businesses reach the next level [3] Customer Service & Market Speed - Delivering faster service than the market allows for premium pricing (25% extra for 25% faster delivery, 50% extra for 50% faster delivery) [3] Company's Mission - The company's mission is to guide the 65 million MSME (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) business owners in India to the next level, helping them build ₹10,000 crore companies [3] - The company, RPS World Class Business Coaching, has changed the lives of 100+ businesses in the last 5 years, improving inventory, automating operations, and multiplying profits (2x, 3x, 5x) [3]

Core Viewpoint - Exxon Mobil has no plans to resume operations in Russia, as stated by Chief Executive Darren Woods in an interview with the Financial Times [1] Group 1 - Exxon Mobil's Chief Executive confirmed the company's stance on not returning to Russian operations [1]