Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of using checklists in investing, highlighting that not all checklists are equally effective. The DO-CONFIRM approach is preferred over the READ-DO approach for investment analysis [2][3]. Group 1: Understanding the Business - Investors should be able to explain a company's business model in simple terms, akin to explaining it to a 12-year-old. This understanding should precede any analysis of financial statements [4][5]. - The financial statements should align with the business narrative. Revenue is crucial as it is the lifeblood of any business, and discrepancies between management claims and revenue performance should be investigated [6][7]. Group 2: Financial Health and Growth - A strong business should finance its own growth through sufficient free cash flow, which indicates the ability to fund expansion without external assistance [8][9]. - The balance sheet's strength is vital for a company's agility and resilience. Excessive debt can hinder a company's ability to navigate challenges [10][11]. Group 3: Strategic Positioning and Risk Management - Companies with multiple avenues for growth, or optionality, are more attractive investments. This includes having assets that can support new business lines [12][13]. - Concentration risk can be hidden at various levels, such as reliance on a few customers or suppliers, which can pose significant threats to stability [14][15]. Group 4: Resilience and Adaptability - Companies that have demonstrated resilience during real-world challenges, such as the pandemic or economic shifts, are more likely to be robust investments [15][16]. - Acknowledging unknowns and potential risks is crucial for investors. Overconfidence can lead to overlooking vulnerabilities [17][18]. Group 5: Continuous Improvement - Investors should refine their checklists based on experiences, learning from both mistakes and successes. A disciplined approach is more beneficial than relying solely on intelligence [18][19].

How To Keep Going In Business When It Feels Really Tough https://t.co/71vePhI9wQ https://t.co/71vePhI9wQ ...

Business Strategy & Resilience - The article discusses how to persevere in business when facing challenges [1] - It provides guidance on maintaining momentum during difficult times [1]

Business Strategy - The article discusses how to persevere in business during challenging times [1] External Resources - The article links to an external resource on the topic [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net revenues decreased by 2.9% year over year, primarily due to a challenging macroeconomic environment [8][10] - Consolidated gross margin declined by 353 basis points, impacted by the depreciation of the Mexican peso and increased costs of goods [10] - Consolidated EBITDA decreased by 29.1%, reflecting weaker sales volumes and compressed gross margins [10][12] - Consolidated EPS decreased by 48.7%, driven by lower sales and overall profitability [12][13] - Free cash flow was negative for the quarter, with historical conversion rates affected by seasonality and increased working capital [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Better World Mexico revenue fell by 9.8% year over year, with a significant decline in associates [9][10] - Jafra's growth decreased from double digits to single digits due to margin compression and promotional expenditures [9][10] - EBITDA for Better World Mexico fell by 31.6%, while Jafra's Mexico EBITDA decreased by 25.2% [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Mexican peso depreciated around 20% year over year, affecting import costs and overall profitability [8][9] - Consumption trends in Mexico showed signs of softening, particularly in discretionary categories [3][4] - Disruption in consumption was noted in the US and China, impacting overall sales [4][5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company operates with a low fixed expense and asset-light model, allowing for better cash flow management during challenging times [4][5] - A focus on pricing strategies, promotional activities, and sales force engagement techniques to drive growth [16][18] - Plans to monitor and adapt sourcing strategies in response to geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding manufacturing in China [18][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the current macroeconomic challenges but expressed confidence in the long-term growth fundamentals of the business [3][24] - The company maintains its full-year guidance for 2025, expecting net revenue and EBITDA growth in the range of 6% to 9% [15][24] - Management emphasized the importance of internal strategies and market share growth opportunities to navigate economic uncertainties [44][45] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors proposed a MXN 200,000,000 dividend for Q1 2025, reflecting a commitment to shareholder returns [14][13] - The company is taking proactive steps to protect revenue and margins while ensuring financial health [21][53] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inventory management and future cash flow - Management noted that the increase in inventory was due to branding renovations and innovation preparations, expecting a decrease in inventory levels going forward [26][27] Question: Opportunities from China - Management confirmed that container prices are decreasing, which could be advantageous, but could not confirm improved pricing from Chinese manufacturers at this time [28][33] Question: Q1 performance and future trends - Management observed a softening in consumption as Q1 progressed, with expectations for stabilization rather than a rebound in the near term [39][40] Question: Confidence in guidance despite challenges - Management highlighted strong internal fundamentals and market share growth opportunities as reasons for maintaining guidance, despite economic uncertainties [44][45] Question: US expansion pause - Management clarified that the pause in US expansion refers specifically to Betterware, while continuing to operate and invest in Jafra U.S. [46][47]