Latest news with #Deloitte
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: A 2°C warmer Earth?
If you are wondering why we are being "baked" by heat, even inside our homes, the answer is in the report published last Monday by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO): the Earth is heating up like never before "primarily due to the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide reaching the highest level in 800,000 years". Canada is burning, with 166 fires reported to be sweeping across the country. Towns and cities are being smoked out by the wildfires. Some parts of France, Spain and Portugal are also experiencing record-breaking temperatures. Newspaper headlines sound the same alarm: unusually heavy rainfall causes floods and landslides in China, thunderstorms and tornadoes batter the United States Midwest and exceptional dry weather hits northern Europe. WMO warns that the 1.5°C increase above pre-industrial levels recorded last year could become more common. In fact, the report issues an even more ominous alarm: the global temperature could near the 2°C mark in the next five years, meaning the world has to be prepared for droughts, floods, forest fires and rising sea levels. Sadly, the international community, especially the rich countries, is not doing enough to reduce emissions or to adequately fund climate action. The plea of emerging economies, especially island states that face being swallowed by the rising sea, has been ignored from one COP to another. If previous climate change conferences were about declaring net-zero emissions by this or that year, this year — the year of COP30 — may not see countries chasing zero emissions or even quarrelling about energy transition. On the contrary, some developed countries will be increasing their investments in oil, gas and coal projects. In fact, they are already deep in it. Deloitte's "2025 Oil and Gas Outlook" says over the last four years, the industry has increased its capital expenditure by 53 per cent while the net profit has risen by 16 per cent. Fossil fuels paid good dividends, too: globally the industry distributed nearly US$213 billion to shareholders and US$136 billion in buybacks between January and mid-November 2024. Oilfield services companies, too, the report discloses, recorded the best performance in 2023 and 2024, beating a 34-year record. Little wonder that emissions continue to trump renewable energy. To be fair, renewable energy sources aren't ignored. The Climate Council, Australia's independent climate organisation, lists 11 countries that are leading the charge on renewable energy. Costa Rica has been producing 98 per cent of its electricity from renewables for the past seven years. Uruguay has similarly been generating about 98 per cent of its electricity from renewables for several years. Iceland, the land of fire and ice, uses a range of renewable resources, notably geothermal energy, to heat nine out of 10 homes. The list goes on, but 11 out of 198 countries means more must join the list. Some of these additional countries are fossil fuel producers investing in carbon capture, essentially capturing and storing the emissions produced by their oil and gas operations. A few are using stored emissions to produce more hydrocarbons. This goes against the grain of energy transition. The whole idea is to reduce carbon emissions, not to use it to produce more. A warm welcome to an unliveable world?
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
A 2°C warmer Earth?
If you are wondering why we are being "baked" by heat, even inside our homes, the answer is in the report published last Monday by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO): the Earth is heating up like never before "primarily due to the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide reaching the highest level in 800,000 years". Canada is burning, with 166 fires reported to be sweeping across the country. Towns and cities are being smoked out by the wildfires. Some parts of France, Spain and Portugal are also experiencing record-breaking temperatures. Newspaper headlines sound the same alarm: unusually heavy rainfall causes floods and landslides in China, thunderstorms and tornadoes batter the United States Midwest and exceptional dry weather hits northern Europe. WMO warns that the 1.5°C increase above pre-industrial levels recorded last year could become more common. In fact, the report issues an even more ominous alarm: the global temperature could near the 2°C mark in the next five years, meaning the world has to be prepared for droughts, floods, forest fires and rising sea levels. Sadly, the international community, especially the rich countries, is not doing enough to reduce emissions or to adequately fund climate action. The plea of emerging economies, especially island states that face being swallowed by the rising sea, has been ignored from one COP to another. If previous climate change conferences were about declaring net-zero emissions by this or that year, this year — the year of COP30 — may not see countries chasing zero emissions or even quarrelling about energy transition. On the contrary, some developed countries will be increasing their investments in oil, gas and coal projects. In fact, they are already deep in it. Deloitte's "2025 Oil and Gas Outlook" says over the last four years, the industry has increased its capital expenditure by 53 per cent while the net profit has risen by 16 per cent. Fossil fuels paid good dividends, too: globally the industry distributed nearly US$213 billion to shareholders and US$136 billion in buybacks between January and mid-November 2024. Oilfield services companies, too, the report discloses, recorded the best performance in 2023 and 2024, beating a 34-year record. Little wonder that emissions continue to trump renewable energy. To be fair, renewable energy sources aren't ignored. The Climate Council, Australia's independent climate organisation, lists 11 countries that are leading the charge on renewable energy. Costa Rica has been producing 98 per cent of its electricity from renewables for the past seven years. Uruguay has similarly been generating about 98 per cent of its electricity from renewables for several years. Iceland, the land of fire and ice, uses a range of renewable resources, notably geothermal energy, to heat nine out of 10 homes. The list goes on, but 11 out of 198 countries means more must join the list. Some of these additional countries are fossil fuel producers investing in carbon capture, essentially capturing and storing the emissions produced by their oil and gas operations.
Business Journals
12 hours ago
- Business
- Business Journals
AI in finance: Not a question of if, but when
Getting on board with AI — seemingly now an imperative — can feel like a big decision. For some areas of business, it can be exciting. For others, perhaps not so much. Some CFOs and their finance departments were, at first, slower to adopt. However, with an approximate 40% uptick in CFOs integrating AI into their operations between 2022 and 2025, finance is quickly catching up with functions like IT, customer experience, marketing and others. After 30+ years of performing professional services in the consumer and financial services industries for Deloitte, I've seen firsthand the value AI and Generative AI (GenAI) can deliver. The question isn't if AI will eventually be integrated into a business or finance department; it's likely when. And CFOs should be prepared for when their moment comes. The traditional finance mindset Historically, many CFOs and finance departments have steered clear of major experimentation projects unless there's an obvious ROI in sight. Accountants are handlers of capital — often cautious over curious — and finance departments are typically seen as cost centers, which can lead to a reluctance to invest in new technologies. Additionally, finance professionals generally tend to prefer proven methods over emerging solutions to keep spend at a minimum. This preference, coupled with common misconceptions, has contributed to most finance departments being later adopters of advanced technology. Separating fact from fiction One of the primary misconceptions about AI in finance is its perceived complexity and high cost, with some finance departments viewing AI as an expensive investment that may not generate immediate revenue. However, a perspective like this overlooks the possible long-term benefits and cost savings that AI can bring. By automating routine tasks and improving data accuracy, AI can enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. AI can also augment the capabilities of finance professionals, allowing them to focus less on manual tasks and focus more on higher-value projects. How AI can facilitate finance wins What are some of AI's possible short-term benefits for CFOs and their departments? First is automating manual — and cumbersome — tasks like invoice matching, shipping documents and spreadsheet calculations. AI can significantly reduce the time and effort required. The second is enhancing the accuracy and speed of financial reporting and analysis. AI has the power to provide CFOs and their teams with timely and reliable insights minus any human errors. For example, Generative AI can draft memos, perform detailed calculations, and generate insights that would otherwise take finance professionals much longer to produce. The long-term strategic advantages of AI are even more compelling. AI can completely transform business planning and strategy and one way is through analyzing large datasets to provide better customer insights and profitability analysis. For instance, a company could use AI to analyze customer data, revealing buying patterns and payment behaviors that were previously unnoticed. This can enable said company to pivot its sales strategy, focusing on more profitable products and markets. Insights like these can be game changers, helping businesses tweak long-term plans to drive growth and increase shareholder value. Unlocking Tampa Bay's AI potential The Tampa Bay area presents various challenges and opportunities for businesses. I've seen firsthand how the influx of companies over the past decade has intensified the competition for talent, making it difficult to find and keep qualified finance professionals. AI can help bridge this gap by enabling businesses to operate with leaner teams while maintaining high efficiency. Implementing advanced tech solutions can also help Tampa Bay businesses stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. At Deloitte, our multidisciplinary approach and depth and breadth of experience allow us to help clients address their unique needs. Deloitte professionals are equally passionate about and well-equipped to advise on a diverse range of offerings that can help fuel efficiency, productivity and strategic advantage. Finance's strategic advantage? AI adoption AI has the potential to reduce workloads, enhance accuracy and provide deeper insights, ultimately driving business growth. Remember that AI adoption probably isn't an if, but a when, and the sooner finance leaders prepare for AI adoption, the sooner they can likely improve efficiency and gain a strategic edge. As for the rapidly growing business community here in Tampa Bay, the potential benefits and continuous improvements of AI are endless. I look forward to seeing where they take us. This publication contains general information only and Deloitte is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. Deloitte shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this publication. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ('DTTL'), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as 'Deloitte Global') does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the 'Deloitte' name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How To Put $100 In Your Retirement Fund Each Month With Cintas Stock
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Cintas Corp. (NASDAQ:CTAS) provides corporate identity uniforms and related business services primarily in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. The 52-week range of Cintas stock price was $164.93 to $228.12. Cintas' dividend yield is 0.70%. It paid $1.56 per share in dividends during the last 12 months. Don't Miss: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — On March 26, the company announced its Q3 2025 earnings, posting EPS of $1.13, beating the street view of $1.06, as reported by sales of $2.61 billion, up 8.4% year-over-year outpaced the analyst consensus estimate of $2.60 billion. Cintas raised its full-year 2025 outlook, expecting revenues in the range of $10.28 billion to $10.31 billion, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.30 billion. The company projects EPS to be between $4.36 and $4.44, compared to the consensus of $4.32. Check out this article by Benzinga to learn how the market is feeling about Cintas. Trending: Invest Where It Hurts — And Help Millions Heal: If you want to make $100 per month — $1,200 annually — from Cintas dividends, your investment value needs to be approximately $171,429, which is around 771 shares at $222.29 each. Understanding the dividend yield calculations: When making an estimate, you need two key variables — the desired annual income ($1,200) and the dividend yield (0.70% in this case). So, $1,200 / 0.007 = $171,429 to generate an income of $100 per month. You can calculate the dividend yield by dividing the annual dividend payments by the current price of the stock. The dividend yield can change over time. This is the outcome of fluctuating stock prices and dividend payments on a rolling basis. , For instance, assume a stock that pays $2 as an annual dividend is priced at $50. Its dividend yield would be $2/$50 = 4%. If the stock price rises to $60, the dividend yield drops to 3.33% ($2/$60). A drop in stock price to $40 will have an inverse effect and increase the dividend yield to 5% ($2/$40). In summary, income-focused investors may find Cintas stock an attractive option for making a steady income of $100 per month by owning 771 shares of stock. Read Next: 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a ? Image: Shutterstock Send To MSN: 0 This article How To Put $100 In Your Retirement Fund Each Month With Cintas Stock originally appeared on 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
Forbes
15 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
What Executives Can Learn From Actors About The Power Of Networking
Business leaders networking in a cafe. Networking on LinkedIn may seem easy for executives, but growing and maintaining genuine relationships is more of a challenge. Many executives feel completely alone despite having hundreds of digital connections. Professional isolation isn't just an emotional challenge for executives; it also affects their performance. Thomas Saporito, CEO of the management consulting firm RHR International, wrote via the Harvard Business Review that 70% of new CEOs report loneliness in their roles. The impact of isolation on leadership is significant. A Deloitte survey in 2015 revealed 77% of professionals experience burnout due to a lack of support. A study by British scholars in 2023, published by Occupational Medicine, shows that feeling lonely at work has a direct impact on job performance and satisfaction, along with team relationships. While many executives recognize these challenges, traditional networking methods often fail to solve them. What's needed isn't more networking but a fundamentally different approach to building professional relationships. This offers a case where executives should consider strategies that are already effective in the entertainment industry. Actors work in similar high-stakes environments, but their approach to networking provides valuable lessons for business leaders. Actors don't just network for immediate benefits but also invest in relationships that become beneficial throughout their careers. They know that the production assistant they work with today might become a director tomorrow. At Southwest Airlines, Herb Kelleher's leadership looked beyond job titles, as he was known for treating each employee with equal respect and genuine curiosity. Like actors who understand the potential in every interaction, Kelleher saw the value in every individual. "I don't think you can be an effective actor if you're not curious about people and events," Meryl Streep said during a speech at the University of Texas, according to Cosmopolitan. Besides relationship-building, actors study the behaviors, motivations, and communication styles of everyone they meet, which they later use in their craft. Leaders who network with this curiosity will also gain insights they can incorporate into their leadership styles. Actors understand that location matters as much as the approach. Research published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that face-to-face requests are 34 times more successful than email. While executives often attend online events, actors tend to network through in-person classes and on-set experiences. Finding a variety of environments for networking will allow you to be both professional and authentic. Try these actor-inspired tactics for more meaningful conversations and connections: Observe with purpose: Like actors preparing for roles, see each interaction as a chance to study effective (and ineffective) behaviors. Memorize meaningful details: Note personal facts for new contacts and bring them up in future conversations, showing you value the relationship and what they have to say. Focus on listening: Instead of planning your next response or trying to sound interesting, truly listen to what others are saying. Doing this will take pressure off you and allow you to find things in common. Seek informal settings: There's a reason for the saying that more deals happen on the golf course than anywhere else—casual environments open up opportunities for real and honest conversations. Consider joining a cooking class, signing up for improv workshops, or volunteering to connect with others without the pressure of your professional role. When you network through shared interests, conversations flow more naturally, and relationships develop without the need for forced tactics. The most powerful relationships often begin when you're not trying to network at all, which is precisely what actors have been doing all along.
