I'm having an issue with my plasma table. Could you please advise what the problem might be. >> Sure.To fix it, just open up your drawing file and check what layers you actually have. >> I'm a steel worker, not an IT guy. Reno Salvage has been around for 80 plus years.[music] You wonder what happens to all the junk. Here it is, dude. >> My grandfather started the business and we always did everything on paper.It's a little cringeworthy. [laughter] We have to change this now. With so many antiquated [music] ...

The Bank of England needs to cut jobs in order to improve its forecasts and ramp up investment in outdated technology infrastructure, according to the official in charge of its modernization efforts https://t.co/68mFAgCswB ...

Core Insights - Scott's Miracle Grow is focusing on balancing innovation with sustainability while modernizing its legacy brands to attract younger consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z [1][2][3] - The company reported a loss in its latest earnings, but positive EBIT and a significant margin recovery of almost 500 basis points over the past year, indicating operational improvements [1][2] - The decision to exit the cannabis business through its Hawthorne subsidiary is driven by a challenging market environment, with plans to find a partner outside the company [3][4] Financial Performance - The company experienced a loss in Q4, which is typical due to its seasonal business model, with profits primarily generated in fiscal Q2 and Q3 [1][2] - Free cash flow for the most recent period was just under $275 million, with a focus on deleveraging and reducing historical debt levels [13][15] - The company aims for $150 million in supply chain cost savings over three years, with a significant portion driven by technology improvements in demand planning and forecasting [4][5] Consumer Engagement and Target Demographics - The company is targeting two main demographics: older consumers (baby boomers and Gen X) focused on traditional lawn aesthetics, and younger consumers (millennials and Gen Z) who prioritize health, wellness, and creating engaging outdoor spaces [2][3] - Younger consumers are increasingly interested in indoor gardening and sustainable practices, leading the company to adapt its messaging and marketing strategies to resonate with this audience [2][3][4] - The company recognizes the need for authenticity in its branding and is shifting its marketing efforts towards digital platforms to better engage younger consumers [2][3] Product Development and Sustainability - Scott's Miracle Grow is committed to increasing the proportion of natural and organic products, with a goal of having at least 25% of its point-of-sale offerings be natural or organic within the next three to four years [3][4] - The company is exploring partnerships and research into biological solutions to reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals, aiming for a more sustainable product line [3][4] - Modernization efforts include updating packaging aesthetics to appeal to younger consumers and developing products tailored to regional needs, particularly in areas with different climate challenges [3][4][12] Strategic Focus and Future Plans - The company is prioritizing its core lawn and garden business while considering small tuck-in acquisitions to enhance its brand portfolio [15][16] - There is an emphasis on improving e-commerce presence, with plans to launch a new website that is more engaging and educational for consumers [3][4] - The management is open to exploring larger transformational opportunities in the lawn and garden sector, while maintaining a cautious approach to capital allocation [20][21]

Africa’s policymakers have relied on outsiders to set their priorities. The end of the old era should create the space for African elites to think more ambitiously about modernising their countries on their own terms. Read why in The World Ahead https://t.co/X43BxMER6C ...

Company Overview - EPAM Systems, Inc. is valued at a market cap of around $10 billion and is a global provider of digital platform engineering and software development services, offering solutions in cloud and data services, customer experience design, cybersecurity, and full-cycle product development across various industries including financial services, retail, technology, healthcare, and media [1] Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, EPAM shares have declined by 26.2%, while the S&P 500 Index has increased by 11%. Year-to-date, EPAM shares have dipped 22.6%, compared to the S&P 500's 12.3% return [2] - EPAM's stock has underperformed the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund, which has seen over a 17% increase in the same period [3] Recent Financial Results - On November 6, EPAM reported stronger-than-expected Q3 2025 adjusted EPS of $3.08 and revenue of $1.39 billion. The company raised its full-year adjusted EPS forecast to between $11.36 and $11.44 and increased its expected revenue growth for 2025 to 14.8% - 15.2%, driven by strong demand in AI, cloud, automation, and modernization spending [4] Analyst Expectations - For the fiscal year ending in December 2025, analysts expect EPAM's EPS to rise 1.9% year-over-year to $9.04. The company has a promising earnings surprise history, having beaten consensus estimates in the last four quarters. Among 17 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy," with 10 "Strong Buy" ratings, one "Moderate Buy," and six "Holds" [5] Price Target and Analyst Ratings - Mizuho analyst Sean Kennedy increased EPAM's price target to $228 while maintaining an Outperform rating. The mean price target of $209.40 represents a 15.7% premium to EPAM's current price levels, and the Street-high price target of $255 suggests a potential upside of 40.9% [6]

Core Insights - Live Ventures Incorporated's portfolio company, Precision Marshall Steel, has achieved a 99.98% same-day shipment rate on qualifying orders and launched a new 24/7 customer portal as part of its modernization efforts [1][4][5] - Precision Marshall, acquired in 2020, specializes in decarb-free tool steel and alloy products, serving a network of distributors and service centers [2][6] - The company has invested in new equipment and digital tools to enhance customer service and support time-sensitive manufacturing environments [2][4] Company Performance - The same-day shipment performance of 99.98% helps distributors maintain production schedules and reduce downtime [3][5] - The newly launched customer portal provides 24/7 access to account information, order history, and shipping documents, aiming to streamline the ordering process [4][5] - Precision Marshall's operations are rooted in a long-standing trust with customers, with relationships spanning 60 to 70 years [5][6] Strategic Focus - Live Ventures focuses on acquiring durable, cash-generative industrial businesses and investing in their modernization [4][7] - The company aims to strengthen the broader supply chain and create shareholder value through technology and operational improvements [5][7] - Future plans include exploring additional digital enhancements and targeted investments in equipment for high-growth markets [5][6]

Core Insights - The 2025 Finance and Accounting Technology Expo highlighted the evolving role of CFOs and the finance tech landscape, focusing on modernization, data governance, and AI adoption [1][2][3] Group 1: Technology Vendor Interactions - Decision makers are demanding clearer and more concrete answers from technology vendors regarding data extraction, integration failure rates, and reporting liabilities, indicating a shift towards higher transparency and due diligence in tech stacks [4] - Trust in cloud-based systems is increasingly dependent on the surrounding technology environment, with organizations favoring a single system of record to minimize complications from multiple tools [5] Group 2: ERP Implementation and Legacy Systems - A recurring theme in discussions was the integration of new technologies with existing systems like NetSuite, reflecting a reliance on legacy vendors for flexibility in finance functions [6]

RT Josh Swihart 🛡 (@jswihart)We create, and supplant archaic constraints with modern tools.So it is with banks.The new bank will offer the security and ease of archaic banks, without bankers who know your balance and constrain your activity.So it will be with @zashi_app and ZEC. ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported $6.6 billion in orders for the quarter, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 1.2, with revenue of $5.7 billion reflecting strong organic growth of 10% [11][12] - Segment operating margin was 15.9%, up 20 basis points, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of sequential margin expansion [11][12] - Non-GAAP EPS was $2.70, up 10% year over year, with pension-adjusted EPS up 15% [12] - Free cash flow was approximately $450 million, with expectations for strong cash performance in the fourth quarter [12][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Communication Systems (CS) delivered revenue of $1.5 billion, up 6%, with an operating margin of 26.1% [12][13] - Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) revenue was $1.7 billion, up 17% organically, with an operating margin of 12% [12][13] - Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) revenue reached $1.8 billion, up 7%, with an operating margin of 12.1% [12][13] - Aerojet Rocketdyne achieved organic growth of 15%, marking its second consecutive quarter of double-digit growth, with record revenue and an operating margin of 12.7% [12][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing increased international demand, particularly in the defense sector, with significant contracts awarded, including a $2.2 billion deal from South Korea [15][16] - The international business is expected to grow from 22% to 25% of the company's base, reflecting strong NATO support and increased budgets in key countries [74] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transforming its acquisition processes to enable a fast-moving industrial base, aligning with the Department of Defense's priorities [3][4] - Investments are being made in expanding manufacturing capacity across various states to meet national defense demand [8][9] - The company is committed to delivering innovative solutions and maintaining a balanced approach to capital allocation, focusing on both growth and responsible returns [10][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving increased 2025 guidance, with expectations for durable, profitable growth beyond 2026 [4][21] - The ongoing government shutdown and budget challenges are seen as temporary hurdles, with management prepared to execute swiftly once funding is released [8][81] - The company is optimistic about the future, citing strong demand signals and a robust backlog, particularly in missile production and space propulsion [64][93] Other Important Information - The company is actively engaging with emerging technology firms to co-develop AI-enabled mission systems and enhance its capabilities [10][20] - A strategic partnership with Palantir is expected to improve program execution through the Digital Cockpit platform, which aggregates data for real-time decision-making [19][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on ISR segment and recent wins - Management noted significant improvements in the ISR segment, with a backlog that has doubled in 12 months and positive outlook due to increased international interest and new awards [27][29] Question: Managing collaboration with smaller companies - The company has focused on empowering leadership and streamlining processes to maintain agility while collaborating with smaller, nimble firms [34][35] Question: Outlook for space-based competitions - Management expressed confidence in capabilities for missile defense architecture and readiness to compete for upcoming contracts once the government reopens [37][39] Question: Aerojet Rocketdyne's growth and backlog - The company anticipates significant growth at Aerojet Rocketdyne, with a focus on increasing production capacity and formalizing demand signals into multi-year contracts [63][64] Question: International business expansion and teaming operations - The company is actively partnering globally to support indigenous capabilities while expanding its international market share, with a focus on resilience and interoperability [73][74] Question: Multi-year contracts and their impact on margins - Management emphasized the need for multi-year contracts to support significant production ramp-ups, with optimism about the government's receptiveness to this approach [86][87]

Core Insights - The article discusses the dangers of organizational complacency, highlighting how refusal to modernize can lead to technological decay and competitive disadvantages [2][3][30] Group 1: Japan's Bureaucratic Complacency - Japan's reliance on fax machines in 2025 exemplifies a significant technological disconnect, with thousands of government procedures still dependent on outdated technology [2][5] - The cultural and bureaucratic inertia in Japan is rooted in established workflows that require physical documentation and personal seals, making modernization a complex challenge [6][11] - The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of this complacency, as the reliance on fax machines hindered timely information flow, impacting public health [9][10] Group 2: Kodak's Downfall - Kodak's failure to embrace digital technology, despite inventing the first digital camera in 1975, illustrates the consequences of short-term thinking and fear of cannibalization [12][14] - The company's management prioritized immediate profit margins over long-term innovation, leading to its eventual bankruptcy in 2012 [15][16] - Kodak's story serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of ignoring disruptive technologies and the importance of adapting to market changes [29] Group 3: U.S. Banking System and COBOL Crisis - The U.S. banking system's reliance on COBOL, a programming language from 1959, highlights systemic technological decay, with 220 billion lines of COBOL code still in use [17][18] - The aging workforce of COBOL programmers poses a significant risk, as their knowledge and expertise are disappearing, leading to a talent black hole [19] - The inflexibility of COBOL systems complicates modernization efforts, as banks face astronomical costs and risks associated with replacing outdated technology [20][22] Group 4: The Anatomy of Complacency - Complacency is characterized by denial, cultural inertia, and short-termism, which hinder organizations from recognizing the need for change [23][24][25] - The article emphasizes that modernization is not merely a technical choice but a cultural and strategic imperative for organizations to thrive [26][27] - The true cost of complacency is ultimately bankruptcy, as organizations that fail to adapt do so at their own peril [28][30]