Gross profit totaled $3.8 billion, up 3.9%, while gross margin increased to 18.3%. Adjusted operating expenses were $3 billion, or 14.4% of sales, a 15-basis-point increase from the prior year. Cheung said the increase reflected planned investments (fleet, building expansion, and sales headcount) and the lapping of $16 million in incentive compensation from the year-ago quarter, which he said negatively impacted adjusted operating expenses by about 60 basis points and adjusted EPS growth by about 270 basis ...

Core Insights - CBM India has provided critical relief and recovery support to 2,000 families affected by floods, landslides, and cloudbursts in Chamoli (Uttarakhand) and Jalandhar (Punjab), focusing on marginalized groups including persons with disabilities, women, elderly people, and children [1][2][6] Group 1: Relief Efforts - CBM India distributed dry food and health and hygiene kits to 2,000 individuals, including essential food staples like wheat, rice, pulses, oil, and spices, along with hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, and sanitary napkins [3] - The initiative aims to support families in restoring their homes and livelihoods, reinforcing ongoing relief efforts by the government and other agencies [2] Group 2: Future Support and Training - Assistive devices will be provided to persons with disabilities to replace those lost or damaged in the disaster, emphasizing inclusion throughout the recovery process [4] - Disaster management training will be conducted, covering topics such as post-disaster recovery, community roles as first responders, early warning systems, and psychosocial well-being, ensuring participation of persons with disabilities [4] Group 3: Educational and Livelihood Support - In Chamoli, the initiative will support education by providing school supplies and uniforms to 250 children, and essential household items to 125 families [5] - CBM India will assist 75 individuals in rebuilding or initiating income-generating activities such as beekeeping, farming, and animal husbandry, aiming to help families regain their means of earning and avoid deeper poverty [5] Group 4: Organizational Commitment - CBM India's Executive Director emphasized the importance of inclusive humanitarian action, stating that support should continue beyond the immediate aftermath of a disaster to help communities regain stability [6] - The organization has a history of responding to major disasters and has been involved in various initiatives, including a mangrove restoration project in the Sundarbans, planting over 30,000 saplings to enhance coastal community resilience [6]