Latest news with #HiddenValley
ABC News
5 days ago
- Climate
- ABC News
North Queensland residents struggle with restrictions on damaged road
There is growing frustration among residents of a rainforest community north of Townsville who are struggling with a permit system to return home each night. The Mount Spec Road, leading to the townships of Paluma and Hidden Valley, was cut by landslips during record-breaking monsoon rain in February. Alternative routes increase travel times by more than two hours along roads mainly suitable for four-wheel drives. Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has not provided a timeline for fully reopening the road. It last month introduced a permit system for full-time residents to access Mount Spec between 6am and 6pm. "We assure the community that we are working as quickly and safely as possible to progress critical repairs," a spokesperson said. Traffic controllers monitor entrances and the road is shut and monitored by cameras outside permitted hours. Tourism operators said the impact had been "devastating", with one business estimating more than $100,000 in lost bookings. Rhett Harrison, who lives between Paluma and the Hidden Valley, said the permit system had been challenging. "After you work an eight-hour day, by the time you travel into town, you really haven't got a lot of time to be able to live your life, get groceries and you have to pretty much hope there's not an accident on the way back to the range road," he said. Mr Harrison worked from home and homeschooled his son while Mount Spec Road was closed, and relocated to his sister's house in Townsville to reduce travel times. "We would come back in and stay at her place for the entire week, all in one bedroom," he said. "Pretty much so that we could go to work, so that he could have some level of normalcy of being able to return to school." He said he wanted access hours to Mount Spec Road reviewed. "I actually think that road is safer to drive at night because if there are any vehicles oncoming I can see them because of the headlights," he said. Paluma and District Community Association president Jamie Oliver said part-time residents were being denied access to their homes and the community was growing frustrated. "For those people who work in town and finish by around 5:30pm, it's very difficult to get to the start of the road by six," he said. "It's still extremely inconvenient even for those permit holders to get up." Mr Oliver said residents wanted TMR to release geotechnical expert assessments so they could understand the key data and logic behind the department's decisions. "Repeatedly we get nothing but vague information that is contained in the road reports," he said. "It really is infuriating and insulting to be held in this kind of disregard." A TMR spokesperson acknowledged the residents' frustration and said public safety had remained a top priority throughout the planning process. The spokesperson said the department would continue to update the community. "Engineering reports are complex technical documents and uncontrolled distribution can lead to misinterpretation and misinformation," they said. The authority said it was complying with conditions outlined by geotechnical experts, which included limiting the number of vehicles travelling on the road to reduce the risk of further landslips. They said the 6am-to-6pm timeframe provided drivers with the "best opportunity" to react to oncoming hazards. "TMR anticipates changes may be made to the conditions once restoration works occur and the risk of the slope sites reduces," they said. "Traffic data is being monitored and if volumes remain within safe limits, TMR would be able to issue further permits to other residents within the area, including those who reside there part-time."
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Chipotle is releasing its first new dip in five years
Chipotle (CMG) is tapping into America's seemingly never-ending obsession with ranch dressing. Beginning June 17, the chain is permanently adding Adobo Ranch to its menu. The dip, a variation on classic ranch, is seasoned with adobo pepper, sour cream and other herbs and spices that Chipotle says will give its food a 'craveable kick,' the company announced Monday. The addition of Adobo Ranch is the first time Chipotle has added a new dip in five years. In 2020, the chain rolled out a reformulated queso, which immediately boosted sales. The company is likely hoping for the same success as it deals with a slowdown in consumer spending. Sales fell during the first three months of the year, which Chipotle says is due to customers cutting back restaurant visits over concerns about the economy, echoing other chains' concerns. Chipotle (CMG) shares are down 12% for the year. Ranch, in particular, is popular among younger eaters and has increasingly appeared on more menus in recent years. Taco Bell added a spicy ranch created with Hidden Valley to accompany its crispy chicken nuggets, KFC features five ranch flavors at its new Saucy concept restaurant and Burger King once offered an 8-ounce ranch dipping cup. Chipotle acknowledges that ranch has 'become a cultural phenomenon, especially among Gen Z, who are finding creative ways to enjoy it beyond the traditional salad,' Chris Brand, the company's president and chief brand officer, said in a press release. Ranch also is well-known to consumers, giving them 'permission to experiment,' according to Maeve Webster, president of consulting firm Menu Matters. She adds that it's a sauce everyone is familiar with so 'that fear of wasting money, wasting time, or just generally not enjoying an experience will be mitigated.' Adobo Ranch will be available at Chipotle's US and Canada restaurants, and will be offered to members of its rewards program for free on launch day. 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
CNN
6 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Chipotle is releasing its first new dip in five years
Chipotle is tapping into America's seemingly never-ending obsession with ranch dressing. Beginning June 17, the chain is permanently adding Adobo Ranch to its menu. The dip, a variation on classic ranch, is seasoned with adobo pepper, sour cream and other herbs and spices that Chipotle says will give its food a 'craveable kick,' the company announced Monday. The addition of Adobo Ranch is the first time Chipotle has added a new dip in five years. In 2020, the chain rolled out a reformulated queso, which immediately boosted sales. The company is likely hoping for the same success as it deals with a slowdown in consumer spending. Sales fell during the first three months of the year, which Chipotle says is due to customers cutting back restaurant visits over concerns about the economy, echoing other chains' concerns. Chipotle (CMG) shares are down 12% for the year. Ranch, in particular, is popular among younger eaters and has increasingly appeared on more menus in recent years. Taco Bell added a spicy ranch created with Hidden Valley to accompany its crispy chicken nuggets, KFC features five ranch flavors at its new Saucy concept restaurant and Burger King once offered an 8-ounce ranch dipping cup. Chipotle acknowledges that ranch has 'become a cultural phenomenon, especially among Gen Z, who are finding creative ways to enjoy it beyond the traditional salad,' Chris Brand, the company's president and chief brand officer, said in a press release. Ranch also is well-known to consumers, giving them 'permission to experiment,' according to Maeve Webster, president of consulting firm Menu Matters. She adds that it's a sauce everyone is familiar with so 'that fear of wasting money, wasting time, or just generally not enjoying an experience will be mitigated.' Adobo Ranch will be available at Chipotle's US and Canada restaurants, and will be offered to members of its rewards program for free on launch day.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best gold stocks
Many investors look to gold as a way to preserve wealth against economic uncertainty and inflation. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to gain exposure to the precious metal, such as gold ETFs and physical gold. Another way to add gold exposure to your portfolio, and to take advantage of its rising price, is to buy stocks of companies that mine gold or are involved in the production of gold. As gold prices go up, the profit margin tends to widen for mining companies. Here are five of the best gold stocks based on their year-to-date performance and how you can start investing in these companies. The best gold stocks were selected based on these criteria: Stocks listed on a major U.S. exchange. Companies that have a market cap of at least $2 billion. (The performance data below is as of April 21, 2025, via Morningstar.) Harmony Gold Mining Co. is a South African gold mining and exploration company that has operations in South Africa and Papua New Guinea. The company has several mining projects — including Hidden Valley, Joel and Masimong — and produces gold, silver and copper. YTD performance: 115.3 percent Five-year annualized returns: 45.3 percent P/E ratio: 17.7 Trailing 12-month dividend yield: 1 percent Market cap: $10.9 billion Orla Mining Ltd., a Canadian company, explores new mineral deposits and currently operates two gold mines: Camino Rojo in Mexico and Musselwhite in Canada. Orla is also exploring mining in Panama and the U.S. YTD performance: 103.4 percent Five-year annualized returns: 45.1 percent P/E ratio: 44.7 Trailing 12-month dividend yield: N/A Market cap: $3.7 billion AngloGold Ashanti is one of the biggest gold mining companies in the world. Its mining operations span across four continents, including Africa, Australia and the Americas. Most of the company's money comes from its African mines. YTD performance: 90.4 percent Five-year annualized returns: 15.4 percent P/E ratio: 18.4 Trailing 12-month dividend yield: 2.1 percent Market cap: $22.1 billion Gold Fields Ltd. is a South African mining company that operates nine gold mines in South Africa, Australia, Ghana, Chile and Peru and is exploring mining gold in Canada. YTD performance: 83 percent Five-year annualized returns: 45 percent P/E ratio: 17.7 Trailing 12-month dividend yield: 2.3 percent Market cap: $21.7 billion Colorado-based SSR Mining Inc. currently mines gold and other precious metals in the U.S., Canada and Argentina. It owns and operates three gold mines — Marigold in Nevada, Cripple Creek and Victor in Colorado and Seabee in Canada — along with a silver mine in Argentina. YTD performance: 55.8 percent Five-year annualized returns: -5.1 percent P/E ratio: 42.95 Trailing 12-month dividend yield: 0 Market cap: $2.1 billion If you're looking to invest in gold stocks, you have two options. Individual stocks: You can purchase and hold gold stocks in a brokerage account or a retirement account, such as an IRA. Some brokerages even let you buy fractional shares of stocks. Gold ETFs: Through gold ETFs, you can invest in funds that hold shares in gold mining companies, including small-cap operations like Harmony. Before you buy, consider how investing in gold stocks fits into your long-term investing strategy, research the companies you may want to hold and keep your asset mix in mind. Need an advisor? If you're looking for expert guidance when it comes to managing your investments or planning for retirement, Bankrate's AdvisorMatch can connect you to a CFP® professional to help you achieve your financial goals. As gold continues to hit all-time highs, there are a few ways to gain exposure, including owning physical gold, opening a gold IRA or buying into the production side through mining stocks. Each asset, though, is affected by the rise and fall of gold prices, other factors aside. Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Clorox Company (CLX): A Bull Case Theory
We came across a bullish thesis on The Clorox Company (CLX) on Substack by Business Model Mastery. In this article, we will summarize the bulls' thesis on CLX. The Clorox Company (CLX)'s share was trading at $136.80 as of April 16th. CLX's trailing and forward P/E were 37.28 and 18.52 respectively according to Yahoo Finance. Dima Sidelnikov/ Clorox stands as a textbook example of a company with deep-rooted brand strength, operational resilience, and a finely tuned innovation engine—all of which make it a consumer staples powerhouse hiding in plain sight. Over 80% of its revenue is anchored in products that dominate their respective categories, including household names like Clorox, Glad, Kingsford, and Hidden Valley Ranch. This kind of brand leadership doesn't just win shelf space—it commands loyalty. Cleaning products alone made up 43% of fiscal year 2024 sales, a testament to enduring consumer reliance on trusted hygiene solutions. Glad's product line, accounting for around 15% of sales, adds another layer of stability—underscoring Clorox's edge in essentials that remain in demand even during economic downturns. That durability gives Clorox a unique advantage: it doesn't have to chase fads or cyclical trends to maintain momentum. Instead, it compounds strength by nurturing core brands and leveraging their scale across every retail format imaginable. Clorox's dominance goes hand-in-hand with its tight-knit relationships with major retailers. Walmart alone accounts for 25% of sales, and the top five customers contribute nearly half of total revenue. While some might see this concentration as a risk, it actually provides leverage—allowing Clorox to secure optimal shelf placement, cross-brand promotions, and joint marketing opportunities that competitors struggle to match. Its omnichannel reach spans over 100 markets, from mass retail and grocery to e-commerce and warehouse clubs. This strategic breadth ensures that whether consumers are shopping in-store or online, Clorox products remain omnipresent. This adaptability is not just defensive—it's forward-thinking, as the company expands digital capabilities to mirror consumer behavior shifts and meet demand wherever it emerges. What amplifies this retail execution is Clorox's disciplined approach to innovation. Through its IGNITE strategy, launched in 2021, the company introduced a steady stream of new SKUs in FY 2024, from Scentiva disinfecting mists to Brita Refillable Systems and new Hidden Valley flavors. These launches may seem incremental, but taken together they form a crucial growth driver—keeping consumers engaged and competitors at bay. Backing this is a robust $560–$580 million digital transformation initiative that empowers Clorox to act with more speed and precision. Real-time data and improved enterprise planning enhance everything from product development to supply chain management, reinforcing a feedback loop that links consumer trends directly to execution. In effect, Clorox has built a platform for innovation that multiplies the impact of every brand it owns. None of this would matter if profitability couldn't keep pace—but that's where Clorox's operational excellence shines. Despite pressures like inflation and raw material costs, Clorox has maintained healthy gross margins through programs like the Trademark Cost Savings initiative. This initiative systematically targets cost reduction across procurement, logistics, and manufacturing, allowing Clorox to remain competitive even during disruptive events like the FY 2024 cyberattack. The company not only recovered quickly but used the moment to double down on efficiency—protecting margins while investing further in price optimization, vendor relationships, and digital infrastructure. A streamlined operating model launched in 2024 is expected to generate $100 million in annual savings, building on earlier gains and reinforcing a key advantage: scale-powered cost control that few rivals can match. Clorox's ESG leadership adds another layer to its moat. The company operates on 100% renewable electricity in the U.S. and Canada and ranks #1 on Barron's Sustainability list for the second year. This kind of alignment isn't just cosmetic—it's strategic. Consumers increasingly favor brands that reflect their values, and Clorox's portfolio includes lifestyle labels like Burt's Bees and Brita that speak directly to this demand. Trust built on environmental and social responsibility helps the company maintain long-term relevance, while enhancing the stickiness of its brands. All told, Clorox offers investors a compelling blend of stability, margin strength, and innovation, all supported by a platform that compounds value over time. It's not just a defensive stock—it's a franchise with multiple offensive levers, capable of outperforming across market cycles. The Clorox Company (CLX) is not on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 54 hedge fund portfolios held CLX at the end of the fourth quarter which was 41 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the risk and potential of CLX as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than CLX but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 8 Best Wide Moat Stocks to Buy Now and 30 Most Important AI Stocks According to BlackRock. Disclosure: None. This article was originally published at Insider Monkey. Sign in to access your portfolio
