Latest news with #Brazil-based
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Skechers shareholder sues footwear maker for details on $9.4 billion 3G buyout
By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) -A Skechers USA shareholder has sued the footwear maker for more details about its $9.4 billion buyout by private equity firm 3G Capital, saying the decision by Skechers' founder and controlling shareholder to sell raises "red flags." According to a complaint filed on Thursday in Los Angeles federal court, founder Robert Greenberg and his family, who hold about 60% of Skechers' voting power, appear to have "controlled the sales process to a single bidder and deprived the minority stockholders of any legitimate bidding process." Florida-based Key West Police Officers & Firefighters Retirement Plan said the buyout should not close until Skechers makes required disclosures with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to help shareholders decide if the terms are fair. The complaint cited a Reuters article in which Needham analyst Tom Nikic called the buyout "very surprising" because Skechers was considered a family business, and sources said the Greenbergs eschewed an auction because of their long ties to 3G. Known for comfort-first sneakers, Skechers is the world's third-largest footwear maker. Skechers spokeswoman Jennifer Clay declined to comment on Friday, saying the Manhattan Beach, California-based company does not discuss pending litigation. The vast majority of large U.S. corporate mergers are challenged in court. Lawsuits seeking greater disclosures often end with defendants paying legal fees to plaintiffs' lawyers, and plaintiffs recovering nominal payouts or nothing. According to a regulatory filing, Greenberg, 85, could collect more than $1 billion from the buyout, which is scheduled to close in the third quarter. The buyout values Skechers at $63 per share in cash, 20% below its 52-week high of $78.82 set on January 30. Like other footwear makers including Nike, Skechers faces pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. Many Skechers' products come from China, and the company withdrew its full-year financial guidance in April. Brazil-based 3G is known for stringent cost-cutting, including at such companies as Anheuser-Busch InBev and Kraft Heinz. The case is Key West Police Officers & Firefighters Retirement Plan v Skechers USA Inc et al, U.S. District Court, Central District of California, No. 25-04863. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
StoneCo vs. Block: Which Fintech Stock is a Smarter Buy for 2025?
Brazil-based StoneCo STNE and U.S.-headquartered Block XYZ are two standout fintech players in 2025. Both companies operate integrated payment and financial service platforms tailored for small- and medium-sized merchants. StoneCo is off to a strong start this year with first-quarter adjusted earnings beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.3% and improving 17.2% year over year. Effective repricing execution and lower average funding spreads fueled a 19% increase in gross profit, reinforcing the company's disciplined approach to profitability. Block, on the other hand, posted a 28% increase in adjusted operating income and a 15% rise in adjusted EBITDA in the first quarter of 2025. Its Square segment delivered a 9% jump in gross profit, supported by GPV growth and broader banking product adoption. Strategic investments in AI, upmarket seller acquisition and field sales highlight the company's focus on innovation and scale. So, which fintech stock is better positioned to deliver an upside in 2025, StoneCo with its strong regional execution, or Block with its global innovation strategy? Let's take a closer look. Year to date, StoneCo shares have surged 67.3%, significantly outpacing the Internet-Software industry's 14.7% gain and the S&P 500's 0.8% rise. In contrast, Block shares have declined 27.3% during this period, mainly weighed down by weaker-than-expected Cash App performance. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research StoneCo Displays Strong Growth Momentum, Outpaces 2025 Guidance in Q1: StoneCo reported 19% year-over-year revenue growth in the first quarter of 2025, driven by strong performance across its payments, financial services, and software segments. Repricing initiatives and resilient client demand lifted Financial Services revenues by 20%, while Software revenue rose 11% on the back of a growing client base and larger average ticket sizes. Earnings also reflected solid operational execution, with adjusted EPS up 17.2% and adjusted basic EPS surging 36% year over year. Gross profit climbed 19%, supported by repricing, lower funding spreads, and disciplined cost control, enabling margin expansion despite macroeconomic headwinds. The company has already exceeded key 2025 targets, with first-quarter gross profit and basic EPS growth outpacing full-year guidance, underscoring strong momentum and the effectiveness of its cash sweep funding strategy. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Disciplined Capital Deployment and Robust Shareholder Returns: Having identified R$3 billion in excess capital at the close of 2024, StoneCo has already returned approximately R$1 billion year to date through aggressive share repurchases. In first-quarter 2025 alone, StoneCo repurchased R$843 million worth of shares, contributing to a total of R$2.4 billion in buybacks over the past 12 months, driving a 12% distribution yield. The company also launched a new R$2 billion share repurchase program. Strong Momentum Across Square and Cash App Ecosystems: Square is regaining market share, with gross profit up 9% year over year and gross payment volume growing 8.2% on a constant currency basis. This reflects Block's effective product development and go-to-market strategies, including field sales, upmarket seller acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Cash App is set for network expansion, despite a soft quarter due to temporary tax refunds and spending shifts. Block is focusing on user growth among teens and families, while scaling Cash App Borrow after receiving FDIC approval for nationwide lending — a move expected to drive broader eligibility and better unit economics starting in the third quarter of 2025. Block is also unlocking new revenue streams. 'Cash App Afterpay,' a retroactive BNPL feature launched in February, is gaining early traction. Meanwhile, its Proto division plans to launch Bitcoin mining chips and systems in the second half of 2025, marking a bold step into digital asset infrastructure. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Disciplined Financial Management and Shareholder Return: XYZ continues to demonstrate strong financial execution and discipline, with adjusted EBITDA rising 15% and adjusted operating income increasing 28% year over year. The company generated $1.53 billion in adjusted free cash flow over the trailing 12 months, up from $1.07 billion a year ago. In addition, Block is returning capital to shareholders, having repurchased $600 million in stock through April 2025. Management signaled intentions to continue buybacks. StoneCo is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 8.75, above its one-year median of 8.20. Block's forward earnings multiple sits at 19.79, below its one-year median of 31.86. Meanwhile, both companies appear undervalued when compared with the industry's forward 12-month P/E of 37.59X. At present, STNE stays discounted compared to both XYZ and the industry. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Given its robust financial momentum, disciplined cost management, and superior earnings execution, StoneCo, a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), presents a more compelling investment opportunity compared to Block, which carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. StoneCo has consistently outperformed its own guidance, with first-quarter gross profit rising 19% year over year, exceeding the company's 14% target. On the other hand, while Block has shown positive signs of product innovation and is regaining momentum in Square, investor sentiment remains mixed due to Cash App's near-term softness and premium valuation. 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 StoneCo Ltd. (STNE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Block, Inc. (XYZ) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
New York Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Flight was already delayed 2 hours, but this unwelcome surprise made plane chaos even worse: ‘My worst nightmare'
Frustrated frequent flyers didn't quite get a fairy-tale ending. Traveling with kids can be a challenge, but for some, being stuck on a delayed flight with a kid singing Disney songs through the aircraft's intercom is torture worse than violent turbulence. 'This would send me over the edge,' spat a cynic beneath a trending clip of a little girl belting out 'How Far I'll Go' from the animated musical-adventure flick 'Moana' on a Delta plane to Orlando, Florida. Video of the skyway chaos has scored more than 1.8 million TikTok views. 3 Social media audiences were split over a little girl's mid-flight performance of a Disney song, though many found it too intrusive. Aliaksandr Marko – The viral visuals, shared by Romeu, a Brazil-based content creator, featured the tween's controversial crooning on the flight — which was delayed by two hours and then was forced to circle Orlando for two additional hours before landing. 'This is actually my worst nightmare and personal hell,' an equally unimpressed onlooker ranted, referring to the little princess's impromptu performance. 'I would cry tears of anger,' wrote another. 'Absolutely zero hate to this girl but major side-eye to her parents,' a separate naysayer said. 'Even if it were a professional singer, I do not want to be subjected to a concert without consent.' 3 'How Far I'll Go' from 2016's 'Moana' won a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media. AP At 30,000 feet, folks barely want to hear you speak. Bobbi Storm, 36, a Grammy-nominated gospel singer, was nearly booted off a 2023 Delta flight when she refused to stop performing her new single — which she insisted was just her 'doing what the Lord is telling me to do.' And Taylor Swift fanatics irked a plane-full of peeved people with their rendition of the pop star's 'Bad Blood' during a Southwest Airlines flight out of Colorado that same year. Footage of the ill-fated sing-along scared up 1.7 million TikTok views from annoyed online audiences. 3 Singing on airplanes has become a controversial issue in recent years. Farknot Architect – 'I would have to ask to be put on a different plane,' one cranky commenter crowed. 'I just wanna fly, not listen to a bunch of women sing.' But when it came to the mini Moana wannabe on Romeu's Orlando flight, a handful of cyber spectators did indeed appreciate the gal's sweet sounds. 'She's actually really good!!!!' wrote an emphatic fan. 'I think it's cute considering it's a flight to Orlando,' another agreed. 'Probably full of kids anxious to get to Disney.' 'I would've sung with her,' added a supporter. 'I love Moana.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Volga Reduces Control Panel Wiring Time by 66% with Rockwell Automation's EtherNet/IP In-cabinet Solution
MILWAUKEE, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced that Volga, a Rockwell Systems Integrator Partner and Brazil-based manufacturer of electrical panels and automation systems, reduced control panel wiring time by 66% using Rockwell Automation's newly released EtherNet/IP™ In-cabinet Solution. The result highlights how ethernet-enabled technology can help manufacturers more efficiently design and build sustainable, higher-quality control panels. Hardwiring a control panel can be a time-intensive, error-prone and costly process –particularly in markets where quick customer decisions and rapid delivery are crucial for maintaining a competitive advantage. As a manufacturer that has experienced these challenges, Volga was well-positioned to conduct a time study comparing traditional wiring methods to the new EtherNet/IP In-cabinet Solution. The results: a 66% reduction in wiring time, alongside a 36% smaller panel footprint and a 32% reduction in weight. "The EtherNet/IP In-cabinet Solution delivers exactly what panel builders and system integrators need today – faster deployment, simplified wiring and reduced material usage," said Kelly Passineau, global product manager at Rockwell Automation. "This new technology has proven to be a huge advantage in accelerating smart manufacturing while supporting sustainability goals." During the test, Volga's engineering team assembled two identical control panels. Panel 1, using conventional hardwiring, took over 20 hours to complete. Panel 2, using the EtherNet/IP In-cabinet Solution, was completed in less than 7 hours. "The feedback from our team was extremely positive," said Carlos Leopoldo, commercial director at Volga. "They found the technology easy to use and appreciated the reliability of the connections. Most importantly, they saw a clear improvement in productivity. This is a solution we're excited to bring to our customers because it supports faster delivery, lowers operational costs and helps meet sustainability goals." With less copper, cable and plastic use than conventional hardwiring methods, this new solution can also help support manufacturers' growing focus on eco-conscious operations. "For some of our customers, the first question is about sustainability," said Leopoldo. "This solution helps reduce our environmental footprint while improving delivery times – helping us keep our promise to make our customers' lives simpler." Volga's early adoption of the solution is part of its continued mission to lead with innovation and technology that delivers measurable customer value. Learn more about the Ethernet/IP In-cabinet Solution here. About Rockwell AutomationRockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 27,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries as of fiscal year end 2024. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise® to life across industrial enterprises, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Rockwell Automation, Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Volga Reduces Control Panel Wiring Time by 66% with Rockwell Automation's EtherNet/IP In-cabinet Solution
MILWAUKEE, May 27, 2025 /CNW/ -- Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced that Volga, a Rockwell Systems Integrator Partner and Brazil-based manufacturer of electrical panels and automation systems, reduced control panel wiring time by 66% using Rockwell Automation's newly released EtherNet/IP™ In-cabinet Solution. The result highlights how ethernet-enabled technology can help manufacturers more efficiently design and build sustainable, higher-quality control panels. Hardwiring a control panel can be a time-intensive, error-prone and costly process –particularly in markets where quick customer decisions and rapid delivery are crucial for maintaining a competitive advantage. As a manufacturer that has experienced these challenges, Volga was well-positioned to conduct a time study comparing traditional wiring methods to the new EtherNet/IP In-cabinet Solution. The results: a 66% reduction in wiring time, alongside a 36% smaller panel footprint and a 32% reduction in weight. "The EtherNet/IP In-cabinet Solution delivers exactly what panel builders and system integrators need today – faster deployment, simplified wiring and reduced material usage," said Kelly Passineau, global product manager at Rockwell Automation. "This new technology has proven to be a huge advantage in accelerating smart manufacturing while supporting sustainability goals." During the test, Volga's engineering team assembled two identical control panels. Panel 1, using conventional hardwiring, took over 20 hours to complete. Panel 2, using the EtherNet/IP In-cabinet Solution, was completed in less than 7 hours. "The feedback from our team was extremely positive," said Carlos Leopoldo, commercial director at Volga. "They found the technology easy to use and appreciated the reliability of the connections. Most importantly, they saw a clear improvement in productivity. This is a solution we're excited to bring to our customers because it supports faster delivery, lowers operational costs and helps meet sustainability goals." With less copper, cable and plastic use than conventional hardwiring methods, this new solution can also help support manufacturers' growing focus on eco-conscious operations. "For some of our customers, the first question is about sustainability," said Leopoldo. "This solution helps reduce our environmental footprint while improving delivery times – helping us keep our promise to make our customers' lives simpler." Volga's early adoption of the solution is part of its continued mission to lead with innovation and technology that delivers measurable customer value. Learn more about the Ethernet/IP In-cabinet Solution here. About Rockwell Automation Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 27,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries as of fiscal year end 2024. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise® to life across industrial enterprises, visit
