Business Reshaping
Search documents
Standard Chartered weighs future of credit card business in India – report
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-19 12:16
Group 1 - Standard Chartered is evaluating options for its retail credit card operations in India as part of a broader business reshaping strategy in the region [1] - Initial discussions with stakeholders have begun, and a decision may be reached within this year, although plans could change or be postponed [1][2] - The bank is considering a potential sale of its credit card segment, which would signify a reduction in its retail presence in India [2] Group 2 - A Standard Chartered executive indicated a willingness to let go of certain credit card customers who do not engage with other banking products in India [2] - The bank maintains that credit cards are a key component of its wealth and retail banking strategy in India, which focuses on offering multiple products supported by international banking services [3] - Foreign banks, including Citigroup, have been reducing their retail activities in India, with Citigroup transferring its entire Indian consumer business to Axis Bank in 2023 [3][4] Group 3 - Deutsche Bank is also in negotiations to sell its retail and wealth management businesses in India, with binding offers submitted by Kotak Mahindra Bank and Federal Bank [4] - Standard Chartered has previously reduced its exposure to consumer lending in India, including the sale of its personal loan portfolio [4]
Whirlpool Misses Fiscal Q2 Earnings Mark
The Motley Fool· 2025-07-29 00:49
Core Insights - Whirlpool reported Q2 2025 results with ongoing earnings per share (non-GAAP) of $1.34, missing the consensus estimate of $1.68, and revenue of $3,773 million, below the expected $3,846.88 million [1][2] - Both ongoing earnings per share and revenue showed declines compared to Q2 2024, with ongoing earnings per share down 43.9% and revenue down 5.4% year over year [1][2] - Management attributed the quarter's performance to competition from Asian imports and weak consumer demand, while maintaining its full-year outlook [1] Financial Performance - Ongoing earnings per share (non-GAAP) fell from $2.39 in Q2 2024 to $1.34 in Q2 2025, a decrease of 43.9% [2][5] - GAAP net earnings dropped by 70.5% year-over-year, with operating cash flow (GAAP) and free cash flow (non-GAAP) both negative, at ($856 million) for the first half of 2025 compared to ($713 million) in the prior year [2][5][6] - The ongoing EBIT margin remained stable at 5.3%, but net earnings were significantly impacted by a $19 million loss from a Beko Europe equity investment [6] Business Strategy - The company focuses on reshaping its business portfolio, accelerating product innovation, and optimizing costs, including divesting low-margin operations and launching over 100 new products in 2024 [4][7] - The company has exited its European major appliance operations and continues to prioritize portfolio simplification despite legacy costs affecting results [7] - New product launches, such as the KitchenAid induction cooktop and JennAir built-in wall oven, have supported direct-to-consumer sales growth, particularly in small appliances [7] Market Performance - North American major appliance sales declined by 4.7%, with EBIT down 11.7% year-over-year, while Latin America saw a 10.0% sales decline [6] - In Asia, sales fell by 5.9% year-over-year, but profits increased by 11.2% year-over-year, indicating a mixed performance across regions [6] Capital Structure and Outlook - The company refinanced $1.2 billion in term debt at an interest rate of approximately 6.3%, with net debt remaining elevated and cash reserves at $1.07 billion [8] - Management reaffirmed FY2025 guidance for ongoing earnings per share between $6.00 and $8.00, ongoing EBIT margin of approximately 5.7%, and free cash flow guidance set at $400 million for the full year [10] - The company plans to monitor cash flow, debt repayment, and inventory normalization as the year progresses [11]