Spin Master names board member Christina Miller as next chief executive
TORONTO — Toy company Spin Master Corp. has named Christina Miller as the company's new chief executive, effective July 7.
Miller, a independent director on Spin Master's board since May 2020, will succeed Max Rangel in the top job.
Rangel was appointed global president of Spin Master in January 2021 and became global president and chief executive in 2021.
The company says he will work with Miller over the next three months to ensure a seamless leadership transition for the business.
Miller is a former president of WarnerMedia's kids, young adults and classic division.
She was responsible for oversight of content development, production and franchise management for Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Boomerang and TCM.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 23, 2025.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Toronto Star
6 minutes ago
- Toronto Star
Premiers Smith, Moe disappointed by Trump's tariffs but most exports remain duty-free
REGINA - The premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan say they're disappointed by higher tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump but pleased the majority of their exports won't face duties. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says the Canada-United States-Mexico trade agreement remains in place, allowing 95 per cent of his province's exports to move into the United States tariff-free.
Globe and Mail
6 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
Amazon Stock Falls Despite Q2 Earnings & Revenues Beat Estimates
AMZN delivered second-quarter 2025 earnings of $1.68 per share, which increased 36.6% from the year-ago quarter and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 26.32%. AMZN's net income increased 34.8% year over year to $18.2 billion in the second quarter. Net sales of $167.7 billion rose 13% year over year, ahead of management's guidance of $159-$164 billion and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.32%. Excluding the $1.5 billion unfavorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates throughout the quarter, net sales increased 12% compared with the second quarter of 2024. Top-line growth was driven by solid momentum across the North America and International segments alongside steady growth in the Amazon Web Services ('AWS') segment. Amazon's strong global presence, growing Prime momentum and increasing efforts toward gaining strong traction among small and medium businesses are likely to drive its financial performance in the days ahead. However, geopolitical tensions, foreign exchange headwinds, inflation, interest rates and regional labor market constraints are concerning. Top-Line Details of AMZN Product sales (40.7% of sales) increased 10.8% year over year to $68.2 billion. Service sales (59.3% of sales) jumped 15.1% from the year-ago quarter to $99.4 billion. By segment, North America revenues (59.7% of sales) rose 11.1% from the year-ago quarter to $100 billion, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.3%. International revenues (21.9% of sales) gained 16.1% year over year to $36.7 billion, which beat the consensus mark by 8.55%. AWS revenues (18.4% of sales) rose 17.5% year over year to $30.8 billion, which beat the consensus mark by 0.71%. Strengthening relationships with third-party sellers remained another positive. In the reported quarter, sales generated by third-party seller services rose 11% on a year-over-year basis to $40.3 billion, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.64%. Sales from robust advertising services increased 23% year over year to $15.6 billion, which beat the consensus mark by 5.3%. AMZN experienced 8% year-over-year growth in its physical store sales, which were $5.59 billion in the reported quarter, up 7% year over year. The figure beat the consensus mark by 2.05%. The company's online store sales were $61.4 billion, up 11% year over year. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.63%. Amazon's Retail and Consumer Business in Q2 Amazon's Prime services demonstrated robust momentum in second-quarter 2025, with subscription services revenues reaching $12.2 billion, representing 12% year-over-year growth from the prior year's $10.8 billion. The figure beat the consensus mark by 2.48%. This performance underscores the continued strength of Prime's value proposition amid competitive pressures and economic uncertainties. The service's competitive positioning remained strong, with Prime Video maintaining market leadership dynamics and enhanced content offerings driving engagement. Infrastructure investments in delivery capabilities and digital services continued to support member satisfaction and retention. While Prime Day 2025 occurred after the quarter ended (July 8-11), management indicated it was the biggest Prime Day event ever, suggesting continued consumer enthusiasm. This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company's strategic focus on high-margin services like advertising and subscription offerings positions Prime services well for sustained growth, despite broader retail sector challenges and increased capital expenditure requirements for AI infrastructure development. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Amazon Strengthens AWS and AI Innovations in Q2 Amazon Web Services revenues climbed 18% in the second quarter, though this growth rate trails Microsoft MSFT Azure's 39% and Alphabet GOOGL -owned Google Cloud's 32% expansion in the same period. Despite maintaining market leadership, AWS faces intensifying competitive pressure as rivals demonstrate superior growth velocity. The cloud division generated $10.2 billion in operating income, indicating margin compression amid heavy infrastructure investments. The quarter marked a pivotal moment for Amazon's AI initiatives, with the company systematically embedding AI across its entire ecosystem. Key innovations included the launch of Kiro, an agentic IDE for developers, Bedrock AgentCore for secure AI operations, and S3 Vectors for cost-efficient AI storage. These tools represent Amazon's strategy to democratize AI capabilities while creating competitive moats through integrated solutions. The company's AI-driven logistics optimizations, including DeepFleet managing over a million robots, are driving operational efficiencies and supporting expansion of same-day delivery to more than 4,000 U.S. cities. Amazon's partnership strategy gained significant momentum during the quarter, with AWS securing new agreements with major enterprises, including PepsiCo PEP, Airbnb, Peloton, Nasdaq, London Stock Exchange, Nissan Motor, GitLab, SAP, Warner Bros. Discovery, and NatWest. These partnerships demonstrate the breadth of AWS' enterprise penetration and its success in positioning itself as the preferred infrastructure provider for digital transformation initiatives. However, the company faces near-term margin pressures from its ambitious AI investments. Amazon's $100+ billion capital expenditure plan for 2025, heavily focused on AI infrastructure, is expected to temporarily reduce AWS' operating margins to 35% from the previous 39.5%. Despite these headwinds, Amazon's advertising business provided a bright spot with 23% growth to $15.69 billion, reflecting successful AI-powered optimization of its advertising platform and growing market share in digital advertising. Operating Details Operating expenses were $148.5 billion, up 11.4% from the year-ago quarter. As a percentage of revenues, the figure contracted 150 basis points (bps) on a year-over-year basis to 88.6%. The cost of sales, fulfillment and technology and infrastructure expenses increased 9.5%, 10.2% and 21.8% year over year to $80.8 billion, $25.9 billion and $27.1 billion, respectively. Sales and marketing and other operating expenses were $11.4 billion and $199 million, up 8.6% and 105% year over year, respectively. General and administrative expenses declined 2.5% to $2.96 billion. Operating income increased 30.7% year over year to $19.1 billion in the first quarter. As a percentage of revenues, the figure expanded 150 basis points (bps) on a year-over-year basis to 11.4%. North America segment operating income was $7.51 billion, up 48.4% from the year-ago quarter. International segment operating income came in at $1.49 billion, up from $273 million reported in the year-ago quarter. AWS segment operating income was $10.1 billion, up 8.8% from the year-ago quarter. Balance Sheet & Cash Flow As of June 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $57.7 billion, down from $66.2 billion as of March 31, 2025. Marketable securities totaled $35.4 billion as of June 30, 2025, up from $28.3 billion as of March 31, 2025. The long-term debt was $52.6 billion at the end of the reported quarter, up from $53.3 billion at the end of the previous quarter. Operating cash flow increased 12% to $121.1 billion for the trailing 12 months compared with $108 billion for the trailing 12 months ended June 30, 2024. Free cash flow decreased to $18.2 billion for the trailing 12 months compared with $53 billion for the trailing 12 months ended June 30, 2024. Guidance Amazon stock dipped more than 7% in after-hours trading after projecting weaker-than-expected operating income for the third quarter and trailing the sales growth of its cloud rivals. Operating income is expected to be between $15.5 billion and $20.5 billion compared with $17.4 billion in the third quarter of 2024. For third-quarter 2025, Amazon expects net sales between $174 billion and $179.5 billion, or to grow in the range of 10-13% compared with third-quarter 2024. This guidance anticipates an unfavorable impact of approximately 130 basis points from foreign exchange rates. Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double" Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest. This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%. Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Inc. (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report Microsoft Corporation (MSFT): Free Stock Analysis Report PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP): Free Stock Analysis Report Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL): Free Stock Analysis Report
Globe and Mail
6 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
Markel's Q2 Earnings Surpass Estimates, Premiums Rise Y/Y
Markel Group Inc. MKL reported second-quarter 2025 net operating earnings per share of $25.46, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.9%. However, the bottom line decreased 1.9% year over year. Markel witnessed improved earned premiums and increased net investment income. Quarterly Operational Update of MKL Total operating revenues of $4 billion beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.7%. The top line increased 4.9% year over year. Earned premiums increased 3.1% year over year to $2.1 billion in the reported quarter. The figure was higher than our estimate of $2 billion. Net investment income increased 3% year over year to $230 million in the second quarter driven by a higher yield and higher average holdings of fixed maturity securities in 2025. The figure was lower than our estimate of $263.9 million. Total operating expenses increased 6.2% to $3.5 billion, owing to higher losses and loss adjustment expenses, underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses, product expenses, services and other expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets. MKL's combined ratio deteriorated 280 basis points (bps) year over year to 96.3 in the reported quarter. Segment Update Markel Insurance: Earned premiums increased 2.9% year over year to $2.1 billion. Total operating revenues rose 2.9% year over year to 2.1 billion. Operating income decreased 51.3% year over year to 60.3 million. The combined ratio for the reported quarter deteriorated 310 bps to 96.9 year over was primarily due to adverse development during the year on its run-off risk-managed directors and officers product lines, as well as on its Global Reinsurance division, which the company has announced is being placed into run-off. Investing: Operating income jumped 724.1% year over year to 822.4 million. This was primarily driven by higher net investment income, net investment gains and services and other revenues. Markel Ventures: Operating revenues of $1.6 billion improved 6.5% year over year, driven by the contributions from the acquisitions of Valor and EPI, as well as improved performance at the construction services businesses. Operating income of $207.8 million increased 17% year over year Financial Update Markel exited the second quarter of 2025 with cash and cash equivalents of $3.7 billion, up 0.8% from the 2024-end level. The debt balance increased 0.8% year over year to $4.4 billion as of June 30, 2025, from the 2024-end level. Shareholders' equity was $17.3 billion as of the second quarter of 2025, up 2.4% from 2024-end. Net cash provided by operating activities was $880.5 million in the first half of 2025, down 27.18% year over year, reflecting lower net premium collections. Zacks Rank Markel currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Performance of Some Other Diversified Operators Honeywell International Inc. HON reported second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $2.75 per share, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.64. The bottom line increased 10% year over year on an adjusted basis. On a reported basis, the company's earnings were $2.45 per share, up 4% year over year. Total revenues of $10.35 billion beat the consensus estimate of $10.02 billion. The top line increased 8% from the year-ago quarter, driven by strength in the Aerospace Technologies segment. Organic sales increased 5% year over year. 3M Company MMM reported second-quarter 2025 results, wherein revenues and earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. 3M delivered adjusted earnings of $2.16 per share, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.01. The company reported earnings of $1.93 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company reported net revenues of $6.34 billion in the quarter. The metric increased 1.4% year over year. Organic sales inched up 0.6%. Foreign currency translation had a positive impact of 0.8% while acquisitions/divestitures did not have any material impact. MMM's adjusted revenues of $6.16 billion beat the consensus estimate of $6.12 billion. On an adjusted basis, organic revenues increased 1.5% year over year. Danaher Corporation 's DHR second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $1.80 per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.64. The bottom line increased 4.7% year over year. Danaher reported net sales of $5.94 billion, which beat the consensus estimate of $5.84 billion. The metric increased 3.5% year over year, driven by impressive performance of all the segments. DHR's core sales increased 1.5% year over year in the quarter. Foreign-currency translations had a positive impact of 2%. Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double" Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest. This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%. Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Honeywell International Inc. (HON): Free Stock Analysis Report 3M Company (MMM): Free Stock Analysis Report Danaher Corporation (DHR): Free Stock Analysis Report Markel Group Inc. (MKL): Free Stock Analysis Report
