Unprofitable Microlending Fintech Makes Big Bet On Global Expansion https://t.co/E7BacQMpNF (Photo: Robert Gallagher for Forbes) https://t.co/qda9e3vOOJ ...

Business Overview - Unprofitable microlending fintech makes a big bet on global expansion [1] Industry Trend - Microlending fintech focuses on global expansion [1]

Neobank Revolut has announced a $13bn (£10bn) investment plan over the next five years to drive its global expansion. This investment is anticipated to generate 10,000 jobs worldwide, with a portion, $4bn (£3bn), allocated to the UK market, which is expected to create over 1,000 new jobs. Investments will also be channelled into established and emerging markets, including $1.2bn (£880m) for its Western Europe operations centred in France and $500m (£375m) to enhance its US presence. Revolut has official ...

LVMH is ramping up its expansion in South Korea, with the luxury conglomerate looking to diversify its global presence as geopolitical and economic uncertainties hurt the consumer spending outlook in the US and China https://t.co/0skJ9TgyNS ...

Core Insights - Deckers Outdoor Corporation (DECK) reported strong first-quarter fiscal 2026 results, driven by flagship brands HOKA and UGG, with revenues of $964.5 million, a 17% year-over-year increase, and earnings per share rising 24% to 93 cents, indicating robust consumer demand [1][11] Group 1: Brand Performance - HOKA emerged as the primary growth driver, achieving record quarterly revenues of $653.1 million, a 19.8% increase from the prior year, supported by global wholesale expansion and strong international demand [2][11] - UGG experienced 18.9% growth, reaching $265.1 million, marking its largest June quarter in history, with success attributed to diversification into men's footwear and year-round styles [3][11] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - The company’s 365 initiative has successfully broadened UGG's consumer base while maintaining its iconic appeal, aided by strong wholesale momentum and new product launches [3][11] - Deckers has implemented selective price increases and operational efficiencies to counteract rising tariffs and freight costs, although these measures may impact near-term profitability [4][5] Group 3: Future Outlook - For second-quarter fiscal 2026, net sales are projected between $1.38 billion and $1.42 billion, with HOKA expected to grow by 10% and UGG anticipated to see mid-single-digit growth [6] - Deckers is well-positioned for continued long-term growth, with HOKA leading performance in running and UGG evolving into a versatile lifestyle brand [5]

Core Insights - Zoom Communications is evolving from a pandemic-focused video meeting platform to a diversified collaboration provider, offering solutions like Zoom Phone, Contact Center, Workvivo, and AI-driven Zoom Workplace [1] Financial Performance - In Q2 of fiscal 2026, Zoom reported revenue of $873.97 million from the Americas, a 4.6% year-over-year increase; EMEAC contributed $200 million, up 5.7%; and Asia Pacific generated $148.3 million, growing 4.2% [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimates for Q3 fiscal 2026 revenues are $870.53 million for the Americas (up 3%), $194.32 million for EMEAC (up 4%), and $149 million for Asia Pacific (up 3.2%) [4] - Zoom shares have appreciated 2.4% year to date, while the Zacks Internet – Software industry and the Zacks Computer and Technology sector have increased 26.5% and 22.4%, respectively [6] Strategic Initiatives - Zoom is expanding its market reach through new distribution channels and strategic partnerships, including collaborations with AWS and PwC, to enhance enterprise penetration globally [3][8] - The company is focusing on AI-driven product enhancements, such as AI Companion 3.0, to resonate with multinational and hybrid workforces [3][8] Competitive Landscape - Competitors like Microsoft and Cisco are also expanding their global reach, with Microsoft leveraging its Office 365 ecosystem and Cisco investing in local data centers for Webex [5] - Zoom differentiates itself through AI-driven innovation and platform flexibility, which is crucial for building global momentum [5] Valuation Metrics - Zoom's stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month Price/Sales ratio of 5.14X, compared to the industry's 6.01X, indicating a relatively favorable valuation [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q3 fiscal 2026 earnings is $1.42 per share, reflecting a year-over-year improvement of 2.9% [13]

Core Viewpoint - Everest Group, Ltd. (EG) is trading at a discount compared to the industry, with a price-to-book value of 0.93X versus the industry average of 2.53X, and holds a Value Score of A [1] Group 1: Price Performance - Shares of Everest Group have declined by 7.9% year-to-date, underperforming the Finance sector and the Zacks S&P 500 composite, which grew by 13.6% and 13.4% respectively [3] - The market capitalization of Everest Group is $13.9 billion, with an average trading volume of 0.4 million shares over the last three months [3] Group 2: Financial Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Everest Group's 2025 revenues is $17.7 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 2.3% [5] - The consensus estimate for current-year earnings is $45.51 per share, indicating a growth of 52.6% from the previous year [5] - Projections for 2026 earnings per share and revenues suggest year-over-year increases of 33.6% and 4.8% respectively [5] Group 3: Business Strategy and Growth - Everest Group is diversifying its products and regions, which supports steady and sustainable growth, while reducing reliance on North America [8][12] - The company is expanding its presence in Asia, Latin America, and Europe, enhancing underwriting agility and risk-adjusted returns [12] - A conservative investment strategy, with over 75% of assets in investment-grade fixed income, positions the company to benefit from a higher-rate environment [14] Group 4: Financial Health - Everest Group's debt-to-capital ratio is 19.3%, significantly lower than the industry average of 34.2%, indicating strong financial flexibility [15] - The times interest earned ratio stands at 447x, compared to the industry average of 11.5x, showcasing a disciplined approach to leverage [15] Group 5: Profitability Metrics - The return on equity for Everest Group is 5.9%, which is below the sector average of 14.8%, highlighting challenges in capital efficiency [17] - The combined ratio for the second quarter increased by 10 basis points year-over-year to 90.4%, indicating ongoing exposure to catastrophic losses [16] Group 6: Shareholder Value - The company has raised dividends four times in the past five years, resulting in an annualized growth rate of 11.7% and a current payout ratio of 40% [18] - A $10 million share repurchase program has been authorized, reflecting a commitment to rewarding investors [18] Conclusion - Overall, Everest Group is supported by product diversification, higher premium volumes, and disciplined financial management, but faces challenges related to catastrophe losses and profitability metrics [19]

Core Viewpoint - VinFast Auto Ltd. is actively pursuing expansion in the global electric vehicle market, securing significant loans to support its growth initiatives [1][2][3][4] Group 1: Financing Activities - VinFast has secured a $150 million loan from Barclays Plc to support its working capital needs [1] - The company is also set to announce a $200 million loan from Indian state-owned banks, following a $510 million private credit loan obtained in July and a $112 million syndicated facility secured in April for a factory project in Indonesia [3] Group 2: Market Expansion - Despite facing stiff competition from Chinese manufacturers and other challenges, VinFast is focusing on international growth, recently launching its first electric vehicles in India [2] - The company is prioritizing its expansion in Asia over North America and Europe, having opened its first overseas factory in Tamil Nadu, India, with an initial production capacity of 50,000 vehicles per year [4] - VinFast plans to open a plant in Indonesia by October, further solidifying its commitment to expanding its manufacturing footprint in Asia [4]

(Reuters) -Chipotle Mexican Grill plans to foray into Asia next year by opening restaurants in South Korea and Singapore, as the bowls and burritos maker seeks to expand its global footprint amid easing consumer spending on dining out in key U.S. market. The California-based company will open the restaurants through a joint venture with South Korea-based food company, SPC Group, it said on Wednesday. "With a rapidly evolving dining-out business, fueled by preferences for variety and convenience, expandi ...

Core Insights - Ulta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA) continues to lead in the beauty retail sector by integrating mass, prestige, and luxury products into a dynamic shopping experience, demonstrating strong traffic growth in both physical and digital channels [1] Expansion Strategy - Ulta Beauty has opened its first stores in Mexico, marking its international brick-and-mortar debut and a significant milestone in its growth strategy [2] - The company collaborates with Axo to provide an exclusive retail experience in Mexico, focusing on expanding its global presence [2][9] Product Offering - The new stores in Mexico feature a curated selection of 35 beauty brands, including exclusives like Isima by Shakira and local Mexican labels such as AHAL and AloeVida [5][9] - The stores will offer a variety of products across makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrance, and wellness, along with trend-driven displays and beauty services [3][5] Market Presence - The first store was inaugurated on August 21 at Antara Fashion Hall in Mexico City, followed by another opening on August 30 at Galerías Metepec, with more locations planned throughout the year [4] Growth Potential - Ulta Beauty's strategy focuses on five key areas: enhancing product assortment, increasing social relevance, improving digital experiences, leveraging its loyalty program, and evolving promotional strategies [7] - The company's efforts in influencer marketing and social media have significantly boosted brand awareness and customer engagement, contributing to a 45.7% increase in shares compared to the industry's 22.8% growth [7]