When a married couple builds a thriving company together, it can feel like safe, financial security. But one Nashville woman is now living with the opposite. Joy once earned around $20,000 a month from a manufacturing business she co-owned with her husband. But now, during a bitter divorce, she says she’s been completely locked out, reduced to $2,500 a month in support while awaiting legal resolution. Must Read On The Ramsey Show, Joy described how her husband allegedly shut her out of the business afte ...

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of accelerating high-level technological self-reliance and innovation in response to the recent Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, highlighting the role of education and technology in driving new productive forces [1] Group 1: Technological Advancements - Liaoning's materials laboratory has achieved significant breakthroughs in metal material enhancement, which can greatly improve material performance with broad applications in aerospace and high-end equipment manufacturing [1] - The Fourth Plenary Session calls for strengthening original innovation and tackling key core technologies, instilling confidence in researchers for future studies [1] Group 2: Innovation and Development Strategy - During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Liaoning is accelerating the construction of a technological innovation framework, establishing four provincial laboratories focusing on new materials, intelligent manufacturing, clean energy, fine chemicals, and high-end equipment manufacturing [1] - The annual growth rate of technology contract transaction volume in Liaoning exceeds 24%, with numerous advanced results transitioning from laboratories to production lines, transforming into productive forces [1] - In line with the Fourth Plenary Session's spirit, Liaoning aims to deepen reforms in the scientific and technological system, enhance autonomous innovation capabilities, and promote the development of new productive forces [1]

Core Insights - The ongoing strategic review has led to significant divestitures, simplifying Matthews' business mix and strengthening its balance sheet [1][2][3] - The company has received another notice of director nominations from Barington Capital, following an unsuccessful proxy contest in 2025 [1][10] - Shareholder proposals for the upcoming 2026 Annual Meeting will include board declassification and majority voting [10][11] Strategic Initiatives - The Board engaged J.P. Morgan in November 2024 to assist with a review of strategic alternatives, leading to decisive actions to enhance shareholder value [2] - Recent divestitures are aimed at reducing debt towards a long-term net leverage ratio goal of 2.5x [3] - The company is focusing on growth in the Memorialization and energy storage solutions markets, leveraging competitive technologies [3] Financial Performance - Recent fourth quarter earnings showed higher EBITDA and adjusted EPS compared to the previous year, excluding the impact of the SGK divestiture [5] - The Memorialization segment reported increased revenues and adjusted EBITDA year-over-year [5] - The company reduced total debt by $65.6 million during the fiscal year and returned over $12 million in share repurchases and $32 million in dividends [8] Recent Transactions - The sale of SGK Brand Solutions to Propelis generated $350 million in upfront consideration and a 40% stake in Propelis [6] - The Warehouse Automations business was sold to Duravant for $230 million, with cash consideration of $223.3 million [6] - Other transactions include the acquisition of The Dodge Company and pending sales of European packaging and tooling businesses [6] Board and Governance - The Board has been refreshed with four new directors since 2023, enhancing its expertise and experience [9] - The company has engaged constructively with Barington, despite the latter's attempts to run a proxy contest [9][13] - Shareholders are not required to take action at this time regarding the upcoming Annual Meeting [11]

Core Viewpoint - Reko International Group Inc. has declared a cash dividend of $0.20 per common share, payable on January 16, 2026, to shareholders of record on December 16, 2025 [1] Company Overview - Reko International Group Inc. is a diversified, technology-driven manufacturing company located in Southwestern Ontario, specializing in robotic automation equipment and precision machining services [3] - The company serves various industries including power generation, automotive, aerospace, rail, mining, offsite construction, infrastructure, and capital equipment [3] - Reko aims to be a pillar and protector of sustainable North American manufacturing and production [3]

Soft Bank's chief executive reportedly wants to help the Trump administration build out American manufacturing capacity. The Wall Street Journal says that SoftBank CEO Masan is working on a plan under which SoftBank would help create factory clusters in the United States using hundreds of billions of dollars pledged by the Japanese government in its recent trade deal with America. That report says that Trump branded industrial parks would be built on federal land and owned by the US government once they're ...

Economic Activity - German factory orders surged in October [1] - This surge boosts the idea that Europe's biggest economy eked out growth in the final quarter [1]

Core Insights - The banking industry is focusing on how to accurately serve high-risk, asset-light technology companies, with Hengfeng Bank's approach showcasing a blend of systematic and flexible financial services [1][2] Group 1: Banking Strategies - Hengfeng Bank's technology loan balance is projected to grow by approximately 10% by the end of November 2025, indicating a strong commitment to supporting technology enterprises [1] - The Shenzhen branch of Hengfeng Bank aims to penetrate the market by focusing on leading technology companies and providing tailored financial solutions, exemplified by its partnership with Dazhong Laser Technology Group [2][7] - Hengfeng Bank has provided Dazhong Holding with a total of 500 million yuan in working capital loans, increasing the credit limit from 500 million yuan to 800 million yuan [2] Group 2: Financial Solutions - The bank offers customized financial solutions rather than standard loans, understanding the specific needs of technology companies during critical phases of their development [2][8] - Hengfeng Bank's collaboration with ZTE Corporation demonstrates its capability to provide comprehensive financial services, including bond financing and supply chain finance, amounting to 2 billion yuan in off-balance-sheet business this year [7][8] Group 3: Risk Management - Hengfeng Bank is developing a long-term mechanism to address the unique characteristics of technology companies, focusing on creating a "willing to lend" environment [8] - The Guangzhou branch integrates financial products with industrial park ecosystems to efficiently reach and manage risks associated with small and micro technology enterprises [9][11] - The bank has successfully provided over 100 million yuan in loans to 24 small and micro enterprises in the industrial park, with 50% of these companies achieving their first financing breakthrough [11][12]

Dec 4, 2025 4:47 PM Eastern Standard Time IDEX Corporation Appoints Sean Gillen as SVP, Chief Financial Officer Share NORTHBROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IDEX Corporation (NYSE:IEX) today announced the appointment of Sean M. Gillen as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective January 5, 2026. Akhil Mahendra, who has served as the Company's interim Chief Financial Officer since May 2025, will return to his role as Vice President, Corporate Development. Mr. Gillen brings exten ...

Dec 4, 2025 4:30 PM Eastern Standard Time Owens Corning Announces 15% Dividend Increase Share TOLEDO, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Owens Corning (NYSE: OC) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.79 per common share, a 15% increase compared to the prior quarterly dividend. The dividend will be payable on January 21, 2026, to shareholders of record as of January 5, 2026. Future dividend declarations will be made at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will b ...

Core Viewpoint - The company remains confident in its long-term growth trajectory despite facing challenges and headwinds in the manufacturing sector, particularly due to long supply chains extending to Asia [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Targets - The company aims for mid-single-digit top line growth, a gross margin exceeding 35%, and an EBITDA margin in the high teens or better [1]. - Tariffs have delayed the company’s progress by approximately 12 months, but price adjustments have been made to offset these tariffs [2]. Group 2: Mitigation Strategies - The company is actively pursuing mitigation strategies to recover margins affected by tariffs, indicating a proactive approach to managing costs and maintaining profitability [2]. - There is a desire for a more stable and construction-friendly environment to support business operations [2].