Key Takeaways ASH will shut Parlin and Chatham sites, shifting output to Virginia and Massachusetts facilities. The $60M optimization aims to lower costs, boost efficiency, and scale HEC technology. ASH completed HEC optimization and upgraded its Hopewell site to meet rising global demandAshland Inc. (ASH) has provided an update on its $60 million plan to optimize its manufacturing network, a key part of its execute strategy. To improve operational efficiency, profitability and the competitiveness of its ...

WILMINGTON, Del., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) today provided an update on its $60 million manufacturing network optimization plan, a key initiative under its "execute" strategy. As part of ongoing efforts to enhance operational consistency and profitability, and improve the competitive position of core technologies, the company announced the closure of its manufacturing facility in Parlin, New Jersey, and the transfer of its hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) production from Parlin ...

Core Insights - Kroger reported a 3.2% growth in identical sales excluding fuel and an adjusted EPS of $1.49, up 4% for Q1 FY2025, while raising guidance for identical sales to 2.25%-3.25% for the fiscal year [1][9] Store Network Optimization - The company plans to close approximately 60 underperforming stores over the next 18 months, following a pause on annual real estate reviews during the failed merger with Albertsons [2] - This strategy aligns with the completion of 30 major store projects and anticipates an acceleration in new store openings targeting high-growth areas starting in FY2026 [2][3] E-Commerce Performance - E-commerce sales increased by 15% year over year, but the segment remains unprofitable despite improvements in operational efficiency [4][5] - The company acknowledges the need for further optimization or strategic partnerships to achieve sustainable profitability in e-commerce [5] Gross Margin and Pricing Strategy - FIFO gross margin rate, excluding fuel, increased by 79 basis points, aided by lower shrink and supply chain costs, despite challenges from lower-margin pharmacy sales [6] - The company implemented price reductions on over 2,000 items, which contributed to better sales and gross margin, demonstrating operational leverage [7] Future Outlook - Full-year guidance for identical sales excluding fuel has been raised to 2.25%-3.25%, with the second quarter expected to be at the midpoint of this range [9] - The completion of a $5 billion accelerated share repurchase program is targeted for Q3 FY2025, with plans to resume open market buybacks under a remaining $2.5 billion authorization [9]

Key Takeaways Verizon is driving customer growth through pricing flexibility and expanded fiber network investments. Comcast's rollout of DOCSIS 4.0 enables multi-gigabit speeds over its existing broadband infrastructure. CMCSA's diversified business model supports stability amid macroeconomic pressures.Verizon Communications, Inc. (VZ) and Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) are major players in the telecommunications market. Verizon, the leading wireless carrier in the United States, delivers communication serv ...

Keller Jordan，OpenAI 深度学习团队主要成员之一，用一篇博客就撬开了 OpenAI 的大门。 这篇名为《 Muon: An optimizer for hidden layers in neural networks 》的博客发布于 2024 年 12 月，而 Keller Jordan 入职 OpenAI 的时间恰好也在此时。 机器之心报道 机器之心编辑部 「许多博士（包括过去的我）都陷入了这样一个误区：认为只有在顶级会议上发表论文才是终极目标。」AI 云服务商 Hyperbolic CEO Yuchen Jin 如是说。 但现在，发表论文并不与学术影响力直接画等号了。 在这篇博客中，Keller Jordan 提出并构建了一种用于神经网络隐藏层的优化器 Muon，其能够在保证神经网络（包括 Transformer 和 CNN）的准确度的前提上大幅 提升其训练速度。 为何只发了博客，而不是发表一篇正式的 arXiv 论文，Keller Jordan 这样解释：能否发表一篇关于新优化器的论文，且包含大量看起来不错的结果，和这个优化器 是否真的有效之间没有任何联系。「我只相信速通。」 一直以来 ...

Core Viewpoint - The company reported solid sales growth in Q1 2025, driven primarily by strong performance in France and the EMEA region, while facing challenges in Asia due to network optimization efforts in China [2][6][13]. Sales Performance - Total sales for Q1 2025 reached €297 million, reflecting a 2.6% organic growth compared to €287 million in Q1 2024 [6]. - Sales by region: - France: €102.1 million, up 4.0% organically [4]. - EMEA (excluding France): €98.0 million, up 9.2% organically [7]. - America: €43.9 million, up 2.0% organically [9]. - APAC: €52.7 million, down 9.5% organically [11]. - Sales by brand: - Sandro: €147.5 million, up 4.2% organically [6]. - Maje: €110.7 million, up 0.8% organically [6]. - Other brands: €38.4 million, up 2.3% organically [6]. Market Dynamics - The company is gaining market share in France and EMEA, with a positive trend in the U.S. market despite a challenging environment [2][6]. - The strict full-price strategy is being emphasized, particularly at Maje, leading to a decrease in the average discount rate by three points compared to Q1 2024 [6][9]. - The action plan in Asia is starting to show results, with stabilization in sales performance in Chinese stores [11]. Network Optimization - The company recorded nine net store closures in Q1 2025, primarily at Claudie Pierlot, as part of its network optimization strategy [5][10]. - The total number of points of sale (POS) decreased to 1,640, with significant closures in Canada and APAC [19]. Future Outlook - The company approaches the upcoming months with cautious confidence, focusing on cost control, operational agility, and sustainability to maintain profitable growth [2][13].