Verizon Communications is planning to cut up to 15,000 jobs this month as new Chief Executive Dan Schulman launches an aggressive cost-cutting drive to make the company leaner.  The cuts, expected to begin as soon as next week, will primarily impact non-unionized positions across all segments of the company, a source familiar with the matter told FOX Business. Rich Young, a spokesperson for Verizon, said nothing has been finalized and that the company does not comment on rumors or speculation.  VERIZON NAME ...

Core Insights - PepsiCo is facing significant challenges in the U.S. market due to shifting consumer preferences, leading to a restructuring plan that includes plant closures and job losses [1][2][6] Company Actions - The company has closed multiple manufacturing facilities over the past two years, resulting in hundreds of job losses amid ongoing inflation and economic uncertainty [2][11] - Pepsi's net revenues increased by 2.6% in Q3 of fiscal 2025, but the North American Food division saw a decline of 3%, primarily due to a 4% drop in volume [2] - CEO Ramon Laguarta emphasized the need to accelerate growth and optimize the cost structure, introducing a pipeline of innovation and adjusting the cost base to fund activities [3][8] - Two Frito-Lay facilities in Orlando, Florida, are set to close, affecting 500 employees, with operations ceasing on May 9, 2026 [3][4] Industry Context - Pepsi's restructuring efforts are part of a broader trend in the food and beverage industry, where competitors like General Mills and Post Holdings are also closing facilities to cut costs amid weakening demand [9][10] - The labor market is experiencing challenges, with a notable slowdown in job creation and rising unemployment rates, making it difficult for laid-off workers to find new positions [11][12] - Research indicates that relying on layoffs to address temporary economic shifts can lead to long-term costs that undermine company stability and performance [13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q3 adjusted net earnings from continuing operations were $71.7 million, up approximately 10% from $64.9 million in Q3 2024 [11] - Adjusted net earnings per share for Q3 were $0.09, up 13% from $0.08 in Q3 2024 [12] - Net earnings for the regulated services group increased year-over-year, driven by approved rate implementations and favorable weather [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net earnings for the Hydro Group were essentially flat for the quarter [11] - The corporate group saw a decrease of $14.7 million primarily due to the removal of dividends from the company's investment in Atlantica, which was sold in Q4 2024 [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has pending rate requests totaling $326.4 million, with $73.6 million related to two specific cases [6] - The company is committed to balancing necessary investments with affordability for customers [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a back-to-basics pure-play regulated strategy, emphasizing cost reduction, operational performance, and stakeholder engagement [9] - Future opportunities must enhance the regulated pure-play strategy, either through EPS accretion or risk reduction [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the financial outlook remaining unchanged despite some expected reversals in operating expenses in Q4 [5][18] - The company is committed to improving customer service and transparency in regulatory proceedings [6][8] Other Important Information - A leadership update was announced, with Robert Stefani joining as Chief Financial Officer effective January 5, 2026 [4] - The company is in the early stages of restructuring efforts, with expectations for gradual roll-off of restructuring costs [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: What were the main drivers of OpEx improvement and is it sustainable? - Management indicated ongoing cost-cutting measures and improvements in efficiency, but noted a potential reversal in Q4 [17][18] Question: Any updates on conversations with data center players or large projects? - Management stated they are focused on increasing transmission capacity and stabilizing the generation portfolio but did not disclose specific customer conversations [19][20] Question: Should we expect the $9 million of cost reductions to push into Q4? - Management acknowledged that timing aspects for Q4 would be an item to consider, but the exact amount is uncertain [22] Question: When do you expect restructuring costs to roll off? - Management indicated they are still in the early innings of restructuring efforts, suggesting it could be a multi-year process [23][24] Question: Did the portfolio optimization review consider the company's domicile? - Management confirmed that domicile is an active consideration as part of their strategy for sustainable value [26] Question: Are the settlements at various utilities better or worse than expected? - Management refrained from commenting on specific outcomes but emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement before regulatory filings [27][28] Question: How does the company plan to update the market on cost-cutting and rate cases? - Management indicated that updates would be considered if there were material changes, especially with the new CFO starting in January [32] Question: How is the customer and billing system operating currently? - Management expressed encouragement regarding progress made in customer service improvements and system operations [36][37]

Core Insights - New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. reported a 6.1% year-over-year revenue increase to $1.52 billion for the first quarter of its fiscal year, with operating profit rising 6% to $310 million, but net profit declined by 1.9% to $240 million, disappointing investors [2][3][4] Financial Performance - Revenue from overseas test preparation and overseas study consulting grew by only 1% and 2% year-over-year, respectively, while domestic exam prep for adults and university students increased by 14.4% and new educational initiatives grew by 15.3% [3][10] - The company’s revenue for the fiscal year through May is projected to reach up to $5.4 billion, with current quarter revenue guidance between $1.13 billion and $1.16 billion, indicating 9% to 12% year-over-year growth [8][13] Market Reaction - Following the profit decline, New Oriental's U.S.-listed shares fell over 9% intraday, closing down 3.4% at $58.56, while Hong Kong shares also dropped [4][5] - Despite the selloff, the stock is trading over 20% higher than its six-month lows, indicating some investor confidence remains [5] Strategic Focus - In light of limited revenue growth potential, the company is prioritizing cost optimization and operational efficiency to improve profits, as stated by CFO Yang Zhihui [11][12] - New Oriental aims to maintain discipline in cost management across all business lines for sustainable growth [12] Growth Challenges - The growth of overseas test preparation and study consulting services has significantly slowed, with expectations of flat revenue for overseas study consulting and only 5% to 10% growth for overseas test preparation in the current fiscal year [9][16] - Ongoing U.S.-China tensions and protectionist policies are creating uncertainty for the overseas study business, which is a major revenue source for New Oriental [9][15] Valuation and Leadership - The current stock price gives New Oriental a forward P/E ratio of 25, reflecting steady operations but lacking immediate growth catalysts [17] - CEO Yu Minhong's leadership is highlighted as a key asset, with a strong track record in navigating regulatory challenges, positioning the company for future opportunities [18]

Core Insights - Westlake Corporation (WLK) reported a significant loss of $782 million or $6.06 per share for Q3 2025, contrasting with a profit of $108 million or 83 cents per share in the same quarter last year [1][8] - Adjusted loss per share, excluding one-time items, was 29 cents, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of earnings of 18 cents [1] Financial Performance - Sales decreased approximately 8.9% year over year to $2,838 million, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,939.1 million, primarily due to lower sales volumes and average selling prices [2] - The Performance and Essential Materials segment saw a 13.5% decline in sales to $1,747 million, with an operational loss of $902 million compared to a loss of $9 million in Q3 2024 [3] - The Housing and Infrastructure Products segment generated sales of $1,091 million, down 0.6% year over year, with income from operations decreasing by $51 million from the previous year [4] Cash Flow and Financial Position - Operating activities generated $182 million in net cash, while capital expenditures were $239 million, resulting in a free cash outflow of $57 million for the quarter [5] - As of September 30, 2025, the company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1.93 billion and long-term debt of $3.9 billion [5] Strategic Outlook - Westlake anticipates improved profitability in the coming year, implementing cost-cutting measures to counteract weak global demand, targeting $200 million in cost savings for 2026 [6][8] - Footprint optimization, including the shutdown of the Pernis facility, is expected to eliminate about $100 million in annual losses, contributing to profitability enhancements in 2026 [6] Market Position - Westlake currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), indicating a less favorable outlook compared to other stocks in the basic materials sector [7]

The BP logo is displayed on a petrol tanker delivering fuel at a petrol station in Shepton Mallet on October 20, 2025 in Somerset, England.British oil giant BP on Tuesday reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter profit, citing progress on divestments and its cost-cutting program.The London-listed oil and gas major posted underlying replacement cost profit, used as a proxy for net profit, of $2.21 billion for July-September period. That beat analyst expectations of $2.03 billion, according to an LSEG-co ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Civeo reported total revenues of $170.5 million for Q3 2025, with a net loss of $0.5 million or $0.04 per share [10] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $28.8 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase primarily driven by cost-cutting measures in Canada and contributions from Australian acquisitions [10][11] - The net leverage ratio as of September 30, 2025, was 2.1 times, with total liquidity of approximately $70 million [12][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Australian segment revenues increased by 7% year-over-year to $124.5 million, with adjusted EBITDA growing by 19% to $26.7 million [10][11] - Canadian segment revenues decreased to $46 million from $57.7 million in Q3 2024, but adjusted EBITDA improved to $8 million from $3.4 million due to cost-reduction measures [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Australia, billed rooms increased by 18% year-over-year to 763,000, while the daily room rate in U.S. dollars decreased from $79 to $77 due to a weakened Australian dollar [11] - Canadian billed rooms totaled 383,000, down from 484,000 in Q3 2024, with a stable daily room rate of $100 [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on growing its integrated services business in Australia, aiming for AUD 500 million in revenue by 2027 [5][16] - In Canada, the strategy includes leveraging mobile camp assets for infrastructure projects, with a focus on cost-cutting and operational efficiency [8][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the Australian business despite expected modest occupancy softness due to seasonal factors and market conditions [5][16] - In Canada, management noted that the operating environment remains challenging but highlighted the success of cost-cutting initiatives [7][19] Other Important Information - Civeo repurchased approximately 1 million shares during the quarter, bringing the year-to-date return of capital to shareholders to $52 million [4][12] - The company plans to use no less than 100% of annual free cash flow for share repurchases and maintain a net leverage ratio in the two-times range [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for 2026 and year-over-year expectations - Management expects 2026 to show year-over-year growth, with Australian-owned villages' occupancy remaining stable and integrated services showing top-line growth [23] Question: Opportunities for mobile camp assets - Management confirmed active bidding for mobile camp projects in both Canada and the U.S., with a focus on LNG and infrastructure-related opportunities [25] Question: Capital allocation preferences - The company is committed to completing its share repurchase authorization while remaining open to attractive acquisition opportunities [26] Question: Growth opportunities in Australia - Management remains optimistic about reaching the AUD 500 million target by 2027, emphasizing organic growth and potential acquisitions [30] Question: Staffing challenges in Australia - Staffing remains a challenge, particularly for chefs, but management is making progress in recruitment [42] Question: Future cost-cutting initiatives in Canada - Management indicated that while initial cost-cutting measures have been successful, ongoing efforts will continue to adapt to the new operating reality [46][48]

Core Viewpoint - Amazon is planning to cut approximately 14,000 corporate jobs, representing 4% of its 350,000 corporate staff, as part of a broader effort to reduce expenses and streamline operations [1][5]. Group 1: Job Cuts and Workforce Impact - The company announced the job cuts in a post to employees, indicating that most affected employees will have 90 days to seek new roles internally [2]. - The layoffs are part of a two-year initiative to cut costs and address overhiring that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic [5]. - This reduction would mark the largest job cuts in Amazon's corporate history, surpassing the previous cuts of approximately 27,000 positions from late 2022 to early 2023 [6]. Group 2: Strategic Focus and Future Hiring - Despite the layoffs, Amazon plans to continue hiring in key strategic areas while also seeking to improve efficiency and reduce organizational layers [3]. - CEO Andy Jassy has emphasized the importance of cost-cutting and has indicated that efficiency gains from AI could lead to further reductions in corporate staff [7]. Group 3: Broader Context and Industry Implications - A report from Reuters initially suggested a higher figure of 30,000 job cuts, highlighting the scale of the layoffs across nearly all business units [4]. - The total workforce of Amazon, including its supply chain network, was reported to be 1.5 million full-time and part-time employees as of December 31, 2024 [4].

Core Insights - The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC) is a major global food and beverage entity with a market capitalization of $30.2 billion, formed from the merger of Kraft Foods and H.J. Heinz in 2015, and is known for brands like Kraft, Heinz, Oscar Mayer, and Philadelphia [1] Financial Performance - KHC is expected to announce its fiscal third-quarter earnings for 2025 on October 29, with analysts predicting a profit of $0.57 per share, a decrease of 24% from $0.75 per share in the same quarter last year [2] - For the current fiscal year, analysts forecast an EPS of $2.57, down 16% from $3.06 in fiscal 2024, but expect a slight recovery with an EPS of $2.62 in fiscal 2026, reflecting a 2% year-over-year increase [3] Stock Performance - Over the past year, KHC shares have declined by 29%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which gained 14.1%, and the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund, which fell by 2.8% [4] - Since February 2017, KHC's stock has lost over 70% of its value, attributed to a focus on cost-cutting, slow adaptation to healthier consumer trends, increased competition, and tighter household budgets [5] Recent Earnings and Market Reaction - Following the Q2 earnings release on July 30, KHC's stock experienced a slight dip, reporting a 2% drop in organic sales and a 1.9% decline in revenue to $6.35 billion, with adjusted operating income falling 7.5% to $1.3 billion; however, adjusted EPS of $0.69 exceeded expectations by 7.8% [6] Analyst Sentiment - The consensus among analysts regarding KHC stock is cautious, with a "Hold" rating overall; out of 22 analysts, 2 recommend a "Strong Buy," 19 suggest a "Hold," and 1 proposes a "Moderate Sell," with an average price target of $28.24, indicating a potential upside of 10.7% from current levels [7]

Core Insights - Jeff Bezos' ownership stake in Amazon has fallen below 10% for the first time in the company's history, now holding approximately 9% of outstanding shares after selling over 100 million shares in the past year [1][4][20] Ownership Changes - A year ago, Bezos owned about 10.1% of Amazon, down from over 43% when the company went public in 1997 [2][7] - Bezos' divestments are part of a broader stock-selling spree that began after he stepped down as CEO in 2021, when he held about 14% of the company [4][23] - In February, Bezos filed to sell 25 million shares, potentially netting around $5 billion, followed by another filing in August for an additional 25 million shares worth an estimated $5.4 billion [5][4] Financial Performance - Amazon's stock has increased by 38% since late April, providing a favorable opportunity for Bezos to liquidate portions of his holdings [5] Wealth Status - Despite the sell-offs, Bezos remains one of the world's wealthiest individuals, with a net worth of approximately $240 billion, trailing only Elon Musk and Bernard Arnault [8] Focus on Other Ventures - Following his exit from Amazon's CEO position, Bezos has shifted focus to other ventures, including The Washington Post and Blue Origin, both of which have seen management changes recently [12][13] - Bezos aims to revitalize The Washington Post, which has undergone significant restructuring, including staff cuts and a shift to a digital-first approach [14][20] Philanthropic Activities - Bezos has donated over 500,000 Amazon shares to charity in recent months and has expressed intentions to give away most of his wealth during his lifetime [5][16] Ex-Wife's Stake Reduction - MacKenzie Scott, Bezos' ex-wife, has also reduced her Amazon stake by about 42% over the past year, equating to roughly $12.6 billion [17][19]