Latest news with #Immersion
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Now The Time To Put Immersion (NASDAQ:IMMR) On Your Watchlist?
The excitement of investing in a company that can reverse its fortunes is a big draw for some speculators, so even companies that have no revenue, no profit, and a record of falling short, can manage to find investors. Unfortunately, these high risk investments often have little probability of ever paying off, and many investors pay a price to learn their lesson. Loss-making companies are always racing against time to reach financial sustainability, so investors in these companies may be taking on more risk than they should. So if this idea of high risk and high reward doesn't suit, you might be more interested in profitable, growing companies, like Immersion (NASDAQ:IMMR). While profit isn't the sole metric that should be considered when investing, it's worth recognising businesses that can consistently produce it. We've discovered 3 warning signs about Immersion. View them for free. How Fast Is Immersion Growing? If you believe that markets are even vaguely efficient, then over the long term you'd expect a company's share price to follow its earnings per share (EPS) outcomes. Therefore, there are plenty of investors who like to buy shares in companies that are growing EPS. Recognition must be given to the that Immersion has grown EPS by 47% per year, over the last three years. Growth that fast may well be fleeting, but it should be more than enough to pique the interest of the wary stock pickers. Careful consideration of revenue growth and earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margins can help inform a view on the sustainability of the recent profit growth. On the revenue front, Immersion has done well over the past year, growing revenue by 338% to US$163m but EBIT margin figures were less stellar, seeing a decline over the last 12 months. So it seems the future may hold further growth, especially if EBIT margins can remain steady. In the chart below, you can see how the company has grown earnings and revenue, over time. For finer detail, click on the image. NasdaqGS:IMMR Earnings and Revenue History May 7th 2025 See our latest analysis for Immersion Since Immersion is no giant, with a market capitalisation of US$235m, you should definitely check its cash and debt before getting too excited about its prospects. Are Immersion Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders? It's said that there's no smoke without fire. For investors, insider buying is often the smoke that indicates which stocks could set the market alight. This view is based on the possibility that stock purchases signal bullishness on behalf of the buyer. However, small purchases are not always indicative of conviction, and insiders don't always get it right.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Immersed in Knoxville, the world finds common ground through the sounds of Big Ears 2025
Durations, signatures, tempos and rhythms. So much about music has to do with time. But just as musicians booked March 27-30 across Big Ears Festival 2025 have set themselves apart by innovating outside the agreed-upon standards, the concept of time danced between familiar and what felt like figments on the final day of the festival in Knoxville, Tennessee. In the middle of the day, a dark theater renovated for vaudeville in the early 1900s hosted an electronic Icelandic group that innovated in the early 2000s, a buffer between two equally unique musical exhibitions. As East Tennessee mandolin prodigy Wyatt Ellis was performing across town at a former train depot where people his age go to prom, influential singer-songwriter and composer Rufus Wainwright was using his platform at the "Scruffy City's" Civic Auditorium to speak to an international audience about the tensions between the Canadian-American's home countries. Whether you were there and part of the moments that made this year special or you're just curious what this critically acclaimed, yet under-the-radar festival is all about, we have you covered with our favorite moments from Knoxville. KEEP SCROLLING THROUGH PHOTOS BELOW AND READ THEIR CAPTIONS FOR THE FULL STORY Walking into a Big Ears venue can feel like walking into another world. And if you had to pick a theme for this year's festival, "immersive" would do the trick. Several performances across the weekend pulled audiences out of reality, taking them on a visual journey and deeply drawing them further into the music through coordinated lighting, traditional attire and, in some cases, an overwhelming amount of sound. Hitting the theme right on the head, the aptly named duo Immersion took the Regas Square crowd on a journey through the desert to the tropics and from the clouds to the deep sea. While virtuosic jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding appeared to the Knoxville Civic Auditorium as nothing but a silhouette formed by blue backlighting, light was projected onto the walls of Church Street United Methodist and reflected off the stained glass windows as ambient artist Steve Roach paired up with the Brooklyn-born "Age of Reflections" project to paint the already stunning sanctuary with an array of colorful designs synced to the sounds of the influential composer. It wasn't anything in the sushi tacos or meatballs that were set out. The "secret sauce" of Big Ears is the city that hosts it, said festival founder and Knoxville native Ashley Capps, who's made it a tradition to invite those who make the festival possible to the Knoxville Museum of Art to kick off the festival weekend each spring. Fans of the music the festival puts on − including the artists themselves − are just as much fans of the four-day event, as the renowned Knoxville concert promoter has built a reputation among artists, industry professionals, music enthusiasts and aficionados for fostering collaborations that wouldn't happen elsewhere. Pianist Lara Downes, pictured alongside Capps, was the musical guest of the event and was selected, in part, because of her pre-festival arrival in Knoxville to meet with a variety of local groups to learn what the founding principles of the Declaration of Independence mean to them ahead of the country's 250th anniversary. Downes' culminating performance of "The Declaration Project" will take place July 2026 at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York. "What the hell? A 1 p.m. show? Who's even going to show up," EMEL reflected upon while speaking to the jam-packed crowd at Jackson Terminal just past noon. The Tunisian-American singer-songwriter's signature voice, paired with heavy beats, rocked all four walls and made fans move all four limbs during an awe-inspiring sonic and visual exhibition. Not only do Big Ears fans show up, but they arrive from all over the world. "Like many of you here, I'm from Brooklyn," said "Age of Reflections" co-founder Bob Maynard to a Knoxville crowd more than 700 miles away from New York. Knox News had a chance to hang out with Mike Yaeger, one of Big Ears' biggest fans, who told us he's come to know 120 people by name at Big Ears after making it a point to travel to Knoxville for the world-renowned festival every chance he gets. We also set up shop at The Emporium all weekend to share fun facts about Knoxville, provide recommendations and share how to find our festival photos. Strolling down Gay Street on Big Ears weekend, you noticed conversations about March Madness replaced by debates over musical arrangements, philosophical dialogue about the effects of music on the mind and the excited name-dropping of anticipated artists who might sound unfamiliar but whose music is masterful and widely acclaimed. When the sun goes down, the party heats up at Big Ears, and things get wonderfully wild and weird. But to think that for a second we believed Les Claypool − pictured right and later self-identified as "Steve" for some reason − as he filled in fans on some news they must have missed. Something about modern technology being used to discover beneath Egyptian pyramids 'the biggest Buc-ee's you've ever heard of.' The father of flamenco-style bass that slaps and taps in its quirky Claypool way was joined at The Mill & Mine on March 28 by a 'Bastard Jazz' band, also pictured, that matched the eccentric energy of its leader, Les. It was all so delightfully strange, funky and fun. The following night, with a crowd salivating for something high energy, hip-hop group clipping cut through the careful listening norms to get Big Ears bouncing at Jackson Terminal until Saturday became Sunday. With a repertoire that's seemingly unending, Daveed Diggs traded his planet-saving role in the TV show "Snowpiercer" and his Tony-winning "Hamilton" personas for the experimental sounds of his hip-hop project, which packed the room wall-to-wall for the sweatiest, steamiest set we saw all weekend, as fans let loose and heated up the venue. With the Scruffy City being Big Ears' "secret sauce," it's only fitting the world and Knoxville find ways to come together through the festival's programming. Pretentious in the Old City hosted a jam session among artists signed to Joyful Noise, as well as the collaborative "Molten Soundscapes." This glass-blowing performance by owner Matthew Cummings, whose shop makes the glasses you drink from at his brewery next door, was accompanied by music from Texas-based percussionist Thor Harris. And with the festival winding down, the Knoxville Opera Gospel Choir took Knoxville to church on Sunday while making some personal history by collaborating with another vocal group for the first time in its 15-year history. After being joined by the Dedicated Men of Zion quartet at the special open-to-the-public event at the Civic Auditorium, choir director Jeanie Turner Melton told Knox News she "felt the energy here." "We just came together in love and in peace and harmony and so, in the spirit of things, I think that the whole concert was excellent," she said. "I would look forward to doing it again next year." While we'll have to wait and see what next year's lineup has in store, Big Ears will be back. And when it returns, so will the world. Knox News reporters Hayden Dunbar and Keenan Thomas contributed to this report. Ryan Wilusz is the business growth and development editor. Phone: 865-317-5138. Email: Instagram: @knoxscruff. Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208. Joanna Hayes is the restaurant and retail reporter. Email: | Sign up for the free Eat65 newsletter Support strong local journalism by subscribing at This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Big Ears Festival brings world together for musical Knoxville weekend
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Immersion (NASDAQ:IMMR) Is Paying Out A Dividend Of $0.045
The board of Immersion Corporation (NASDAQ:IMMR) has announced that it will pay a dividend of $0.045 per share on the 25th of April. The dividend yield will be 2.4% based on this payment which is still above the industry average. View our latest analysis for Immersion If the payments aren't sustainable, a high yield for a few years won't matter that much. Immersion is quite easily earning enough to cover the dividend, however it is being let down by weak cash flows. With the company not bringing in any cash, paying out to shareholders is bound to become difficult at some point. EPS is set to fall by 14.4% over the next 12 months. If the dividend continues along recent trends, we estimate the payout ratio could be 22%, which we consider to be quite comfortable, with most of the company's earnings left over to grow the business in the future. The dividend hasn't seen any major cuts in the past, but the company has only been paying a dividend for 2 years, which isn't that long in the grand scheme of things. Since 2023, the annual payment back then was $0.12, compared to the most recent full-year payment of $0.18. This means that it has been growing its distributions at 22% per annum over that time. It is always nice to see strong dividend growth, but with such a short payment history we wouldn't be inclined to rely on it until a longer track record can be developed. Some investors will be chomping at the bit to buy some of the company's stock based on its dividend history. Immersion has impressed us by growing EPS at 64% per year over the past five years. A low payout ratio gives the company a lot of flexibility, and growing earnings also make it very easy for it to grow the dividend. Overall, we don't think this company makes a great dividend stock, even though the dividend wasn't cut this year. While Immersion is earning enough to cover the payments, the cash flows are lacking. We would be a touch cautious of relying on this stock primarily for the dividend income. It's important to note that companies having a consistent dividend policy will generate greater investor confidence than those having an erratic one. Meanwhile, despite the importance of dividend payments, they are not the only factors our readers should know when assessing a company. Just as an example, we've come across 4 warning signs for Immersion you should be aware of, and 2 of them are a bit concerning. Is Immersion not quite the opportunity you were looking for? Why not check out our selection of top dividend stocks. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A Vision For The Future: A Conversation With JAGSOM's New Director Venkatesh Sunkad
Venkatesh Sunkad is the new director of JAGSOM Jagdish Sheth School of Management (JAGSOM) in India has built a reputation for its progressive approach to business education. Now, under the leadership of Venkatesh Sunkad, the institution is set to take another step forward. With a strong background in technology, AI, and management, Sunkad brings a fresh perspective on how JAGSOM will prepare future leaders for an ever-changing world. In this interview with Poets&Quants Founder John A. Byrne, he shares his thoughts on the school's unique approach, the role of AI in business education, and how JAGSOM is evolving in a rapidly shifting landscape. John A. Byrne: You've been in this role for about two months. What excites you most about leading JAGSOM? Venkatesh Sunkad: It's been a fast-paced and exciting transition. I started in mid-December, so I've had about two months to get a feel for the institution. But JAGSOM isn't new to me—I've been connected to its sister institution, Vijaybhoomi University, so I already had a good sense of the vision and mission. What excites me most is the opportunity to shape business education in a way that blends technical skills with personal growth. We're not just training students in finance, marketing, or strategy; we're preparing them to be adaptable, socially conscious leaders who can thrive in any environment. Byrne: What sets JAGSOM apart from other business schools in India and beyond? Sunkad: We take a very holistic approach to management education. It's not just about learning core business subjects; it's about enhancing the personality of each student. We want them to graduate with a deep understanding of their industry, but also with the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and work seamlessly in diverse teams. Our Personality Enhancement Program (PEP) is designed to build leadership and soft skills, while the Social Immersion Program (SIP) ensures students engage with real-world societal challenges. Another key differentiator is our customizable learning experience. Students aren't locked into rigid tracks. They can mix and match disciplines based on their interests. For example, a marketing student might also study HR analytics, giving them a broader skill set that makes them more marketable. Byrne: Technology and AI are disrupting nearly every industry. How is JAGSOM preparing students for this shift? Sunkad: AI is changing the way we work, and we see it as a tool to enhance productivity and decision-making rather than something to fear. We're incorporating AI into nearly 80% of our courses by the end of this year—not to turn students into programmers, but to ensure they know how to leverage AI in finance, marketing, HR, and business strategy. A big part of my role is integrating technology into management education in a meaningful way. We want our students to be comfortable using AI to analyze data, optimize processes, and even enhance their creativity. The key is teaching them how to use AI effectively without losing their human intuition and leadership skills. Byrne: Some people view AI as just a tool, while others see it as a true collaborator. Where do you stand? Sunkad: It depends on the context. In some cases, AI is just a tool—like in legal research, where it can scan thousands of cases to find relevant precedents. But in fields like medicine, AI works as a true collaborator, offering insights that complement human expertise. The way we teach AI at JAGSOM is based on this idea: understand when AI is a tool and when it's a partner. For example, in HR analytics, AI can help recruiters shortlist candidates, but human judgment is still crucial for final hiring decisions. Byrne: Empathy is often overlooked in business education. How do you develop this in your students? Sunkad: Empathy is critical for leadership, and we cultivate it through experiential learning. Our Social Immersion Program sends students into real-world environments where they engage with communities they wouldn't typically interact with. One of my favorite examples is a project where our students tackled human-elephant conflicts in rural areas. Instead of resorting to traditional barriers, they came up with a sustainable solution—strategically placing honeycombs along village borders, as elephants naturally avoid bees. That's problem-solving with empathy. We also have the Personality Enhancement Program (PEP), which tracks students' growth beyond academics. We measure not just technical proficiency, but also communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. Byrne: What's your vision for JAGSOM in the short and long term? Sunkad: In the short term, I want to integrate AI and emerging technologies into the curriculum so that students are future-ready. In the long term, I want JAGSOM to be known for producing leaders who are not just skilled, but adaptable and ethical. The world is changing rapidly, and business schools need to train students for jobs that don't even exist yet. That means teaching them how to think across disciplines, embrace new technology, and lead with empathy. Byrne: You spent 21 years in the U.S. before returning to India. Many academics stay in the U.S. and have created amazing successful careers, often going to the very top of their organizations. Why did you go back? Sunkad: I left India in 1991, just before the country opened up economically. By 2012, I saw India going through another transformation, and I wanted to be part of it. India is a place of tremendous opportunity, and I knew my global experience could make a difference here. Byrne: Many young professionals in India struggle with whether to study abroad or stay in India. What's your advice? Sunkad: If you have the opportunity, studying abroad is a fantastic way to gain global exposure. But India today offers immense potential for applying what you learn. My advice? Go abroad, gain experience, but come back to make an impact. Byrne: Did you enjoy your time in America? Sunkad: Absolutely. I loved my time in America. I was single. I was 22-years-old and had just finished my undergrad. Whatever I learned I learned in America to be fair. Byrne: That had to be daunting, to leave your families, your friends, and all that you know. Sunkad: One of the things I love most about America is that it is a country which is so open to outsiders and that is something. I really hope it continues. I can never forget America. It was so open, especially in education. You know it's like a UN. You meet students from all over the world, not just from India. You know I have friends from China. I have friends from Poland because we became friends when we were students in university, and the friendships have continued. Byrne: Sustainability and social impact are becoming major priorities for MBA students. How does JAGSOM address this? Sunkad: Sustainability isn't just a talking point for us—it's a core part of our curriculum. Every course has a sustainability component, and we ensure that our students work on projects with measurable social impact. Since we are AACSB-accredited, we align with global best practices in responsible management education. Byrne: What are the biggest challenges you see for JAGSOM? Sunkad: Our biggest challenge is getting JAGSOM's name out there globally. We have a strong curriculum, great faculty, and a dynamic student body, but we need to expand our brand presence. We're working on strategic partnerships, alumni engagement, and thought leadership initiatives to elevate our reputation. Byrne: When you look back five years from now, you probably will in part measure some of your success on the growth of the institution. Sunkad: Absolutely. Obviously, we'll have to grow, and there's no question about it. But growth can be in multiple ways. Growth can be in students, programs, and degrees. One of the things we're looking into right now is a Phd program. We are trying to collaborate with multiple universities. So growth can be in multiple factors and multiple facets. DON'T MISS: The post A Vision For The Future: A Conversation With JAGSOM's New Director Venkatesh Sunkad appeared first on Poets&Quants.
