Latest news with #Latham
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Top 10 pick reveals Jim Harbaugh said Chargers were selecting him in 2024 NFL draft
Top 10 pick reveals Jim Harbaugh said Chargers were selecting him in 2024 NFL draft The Chargers struck gold with the selection of Joe Alt with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. But there was a possibility that they were going to go in a different direction, as told by the player who thought he was going to end up in Los Angeles. Titans' JC Latham was a recent guest on the podcast Bussin With The Boys, and he went on to reveal that Jim Harbaugh told him that the Bolts were going to take him with the fifth pick. "When I met with the Chargers, Harbaugh said we're taking you," Latham said. "Harbaugh said we're taking you. You're our guy and we want you at right soon as I left, Mel Kiper tweeted out that the Chargers said they are taking Latham at five." Latham said at that point he wasn't sure if Harbaugh was joking when he said that they were going to pick him. His agency told him that the word around the Chargers building was that they were going to take him. However, it did not come to fruition. "When the fifth pick came up, I'm in the green room and 30 cameras came right in front of me," Latham added. Right in front of my face. Phone is in my lap. And then I realized that this was going to happen, and then they pick Joe Alt." It remains to be seen whether the Chargers were targeting Latham with the pick, assuming Alt was not going to be available. Or if Harbaugh was joking all along. Los Angeles did seem to show high interest in Latham, as offensive line coach Mike Devlin worked with the former Alabama product at his pro day. Nonetheless, the Chargers seemed to get it right by taking Alt, who had a sensational rookie season. Latham dealt with more growing pains than Alt as he transitioned to left tackle in his first year. He is going back to his natural right tackle position, though.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Latham Group, Inc. to Participate at Upcoming Conferences in June 2025
LATHAM, N.Y., May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Latham Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWIM), the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, today announced that management will attend the following investor conferences: On June 3, 2025, Scott Rajeski, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Oliver Gloe, Chief Financial Officer, will host investor meetings at the Stifel 2025 Cross Sector Insight Conference. This event will take place at the InterContinental Boston in Boston, MA. On June 4, 2025, Scott Rajeski, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Chris Daley, Vice President – Finance, will host a fireside chat at 2:35pm ET at the Baird 2025 Global Consumer, Technology & Services Conference. This event will take place at the InterContinental New York Barclay in New York, NY. Latham's management team will also host investor meetings throughout the day. On June 5, 2025, Oliver Gloe, Chief Financial Officer, and Joshua Rickaby, Fiberglass Sales – Sand States, will deliver a presentation at 8:40am CT at William Blair's 45th Annual Growth Stock Conference. This event will take place at the Loews Chicago Hotel in Chicago, IL. Interested parties can access the live webcast, archived replay, and the accompanying investor presentation by visiting under the 'Events & Presentations' section. Latham's management team will also host investor meetings throughout the day. About Latham Group, Group, Inc., headquartered in Latham, NY, is the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Latham has a coast-to-coast operations platform consisting of approximately 1,850 employees across around 30 locations. Contact:Lynn MorgenCasey KotaryADVISIRY Partnerslathamir@ 212-750-5800
CTV News
22-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
‘Summer is a make-or-break moment': Young Ontarians share challenges looking for work as seasonal employment dwindles
An attendee places their resume in a drop box at the Albany Job Fair in Latham, New York, US, on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024. Photographer: Angus Mordant/Bloomberg After applying to dozens of job postings—193 to be exact—Tom Chekan has still not landed a job for the summer. So far, the 20-year-old university student says he has only landed seven interviews, meaning Chekan has roughly a four per cent success rate in getting to the next step. It is a situation that many young Ontarians are increasingly finding themselves in, with one recent analysis published by job site Indeed suggesting that summer job postings on its platform are down 22 per cent compared to this time last year. Meanwhile, data from Statistics Canada shows that 14.1 per cent of 15-to-24-year-olds were without work in April, more than double the Canada-wide jobless rate of 6.9 per cent. 'A lot of the time, when I'm in the interview, the last question I ask (is…) 'When am I expected to hear back?'' Chekan told CTV News Toronto, noting one fast food restaurant told him he would hear by the end of the following week. 'By the end of (the) next week, I did not get the job.' Each day, Chekan says he scours six different job boards in the hopes of finding something that falls within his skillset and experience level—as well as in close enough proximity to where he lives in Ottawa. He says that he has looked at fast food, landscaping, retail and summer student roles and makes a habit of cycling through the new postings for each industry every day, noting one position he applied for was to be a grave digger. Chekan said that he has a goal of applying to at least five jobs daily and typically ends up applying to more. He says he even has a whiteboard in his room tallying the number of jobs he has applied to so far, as a motivator to keep going and not give up. 'I like seeing the number go up because, well, at least I'm trying my hardest and also, if I try my hardest, my parents can't get on my back,' Chekan says. He adds his parents have been understanding though, as he says they recognize his determination and efforts in a tough job market for young people. 'They're like 'No, you are trying your hardest, do not worry. This is not a reflection of you, this is a reflection of the job market,'' Chekan said. Chekan was one of more than a dozen young people who contacted CTV News Toronto about their struggles finding work following the publication of a story about the dismal state of the job market on Tuesday. In an interview with CTV News Toronto, Indeed economist Brendon Bernard says employers got most of their hiring done during a strong job market in mid-2022 to early 2023 and have been more selective as the economy has weakened. He says youth employment is 'particularly sensitive to the state of the hiring market,' as many younger Ontarians are going in and out of school and looking for seasonal work in high-turnover sectors. Bernard also pointed to the 7.2 per cent population growth among youths since July 2024 and said that new jobs have not been created to keep up with that influx of young people. 'One thing we've seen is that youth unemployment has deteriorated more notably—even more notably than we'd expect by just looking at unemployment rates of older age groups,' Bernard said. 'A make-or-break moment for me' Initially, Chekan started his job hunt searching for a co-op position as part of his program requirements at the University of Ottawa, which Chekan says plays into why he has applied to so many positions this spring. Chekan says he was unable to land a placement for the summer but is not discouraged as he has another co-op term in winter of 2026. But as the job hunt has dragged on, Chekan has gotten more frustrated and concerned about his financial situation. Jérémy Tellier can relate to Chekan's poor luck in not being able to find a paid internship as part of his program requirements, as he says he needs to complete one this summer under the post-production program at Humber College. 'I began networking in the fall by attending industry event sand trying to make connections, but unfortunately, nothing meaningful came from it,' Tellier wrote in an email to CTV News Toronto. 'This spring, I applied to dozens of paid internships through online postings and a dedicated class designed to support our job hunt. After three months of applying, I was ghosted by nearly every employer except for two.' Tellier says he landed an unpaid internship, meaning he now has to find a paid job in order to pay his bills. Ideally, the 24-year-old says he would stay in Toronto as there are more opportunities in his field here as opposed to his hometown of Elliot Lake, Ont. 'OSAP currently allows me to afford residence but once summer ends, that support will no longer be available. This summer is truly a make-or-break moment for me,' Tellier wrote, hoping to not face the same dead end as he had before at home. Grappling with the exorbitant costs of Toronto while looking for stable employment for the summer has also been weighing on Sarah Mooallem, as she says she will have to dip into her savings if she can't find work soon. The 24-year-old professional communications student says looking for work has been harder than in any previous spring. 'Usually by the end of April I'll typically have something confirmed, or at least a couple of strong leads,' Mooallem told CTV News Toronto in an interview on Wednesday. But as it stands near the end of May, Mooallem says there is one job she has reached the interview stage at in the communications industry and another where the employer is now contacting her references, though in a field she hasn't worked in for some time. 'It's been a while since I've really worked in (early childhood education) since I've been back in school,' Mooallem said, adding that is has served as a nice backup since it has been pretty competitive landing a communications role. How youth can navigate this job market Bernard says it typically boils down to timing—which is something that is not within a person's control. But the economist says his general advice to those looking for work is to look inward and acknowledge what your skills and overall goals are for both the near and far future. 'What are you interested in? What are you good at? What are your skills that you're both confident in but also enjoy using?' Bernard advised, noting that is stage one of the job-hunting process. Then, Bernard says to do research by looking into what opportunities are out there, tapping into your network of friends, family, former colleagues, classmates and teachers, to see if they have any idea of what positions are available—and also to see what advice they have. 'Every individual field is unique, and getting some firsthand knowledge of different sectors can also be helpful,' Bernard said. And if by then it is tough to land work, Bernard says to make the most out of a bad situation and try to develop new skills. 'It's unfortunate that now's the downtime for the labour market, but the labour market is also really cyclical and conditions today might be challenging, but when it comes to developing skills and networks, these are things—activities—that hopefully don't just benefit in the near-term but also have some longer-term payoff as well,' Bernard said.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SWIM Q1 Earnings Call: Latham Focuses on Sand States Expansion and Operational Efficiency
Residential swimming pool manufacturer Latham (NASDAQ:SWIM) met Wall Street's revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, but sales were flat year on year at $111.4 million. The company's full-year revenue guidance of $550 million at the midpoint came in 2.5% above analysts' estimates. Its non-GAAP loss of $0.04 per share was in line with analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy SWIM? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $111.4 million vs analyst estimates of $111.3 million (flat year on year, in line) Adjusted EPS: -$0.04 vs analyst estimates of -$0.05 (in line) Adjusted EBITDA: $11.14 million vs analyst estimates of $10.94 million (10% margin, 1.8% beat) The company reconfirmed its revenue guidance for the full year of $550 million at the midpoint EBITDA guidance for the full year is $95 million at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of $90.47 million Operating Margin: -4.4%, down from -1.9% in the same quarter last year Free Cash Flow was -$50.33 million compared to -$39.86 million in the same quarter last year Market Capitalization: $723.8 million Latham's first quarter results were shaped by stable demand for residential pools, with management highlighting sequential improvements in business activity through March and April. CEO Scott Rajeski pointed to relative strength in fiberglass and automatic pool covers, as well as early traction from the company's Sand States expansion strategy, which targets underpenetrated markets like Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California. The company also reported a 190 basis point improvement in gross margin, attributing this to ongoing lean manufacturing and value engineering initiatives. Looking ahead, Latham reaffirmed its full-year revenue and EBITDA guidance, with management emphasizing expectations for increased operating leverage as the year progresses. CFO Oliver Gloe noted that while tariff-related uncertainties remain, the company has taken steps to mitigate cost pressures through inventory pre-purchases, supply chain adjustments, and targeted price increases. Management also cited growing consumer engagement and dealer expansion in key markets as factors supporting its outlook for the rest of the year. Management's commentary focused on product mix, operational progress, and market expansion efforts rather than headline financials. The following themes emerged as central to Latham's performance in the first quarter: Fiberglass Pool Momentum: Latham observed ongoing market share gains in fiberglass pools, driven by consumer interest in cost, ease of installation, and lower labor requirements compared to concrete pools. Management expects fiberglass to capture additional share in the in-ground pool market this year. Auto Cover Growth and M&A: The automatic pool cover segment benefited from both organic growth and the integration of recent Coverstar dealer acquisitions. Auto covers are being promoted for cost savings, maintenance, and especially safety, with a new partnership aimed at raising water safety awareness. Sand States Expansion: The company's strategy to build presence in high-growth states like Florida and Texas is showing early success, including partnerships with major builders and the launch of new fiberglass models suited to these markets. Targeted marketing campaigns have increased brand engagement and web traffic in these regions. Lean Manufacturing and Value Engineering: Latham delivered an improvement in gross margin through operational efficiencies, which management views as structural and key to its ability to drive operating leverage as industry conditions normalize. AI-Driven Dealer Tools: The rollout of the Measure by Latham platform, which uses artificial intelligence to streamline pool liner and cover measurements, has attracted new dealers and is expected to support market share gains in these categories. Management's outlook for the remainder of the year centers on continued operational discipline, targeted market expansion, and the ability to offset inflationary and tariff-related pressures through pricing and supply chain actions. Sand States Penetration: The expansion into Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California is expected to drive incremental growth, with management citing early gains in dealer partnerships and product alignment for these markets. Tariff Mitigation: Latham's approach to managing tariff exposure includes pre-purchasing inventory, negotiating with suppliers, and implementing targeted price increases, with the goal of protecting margins even as raw material costs fluctuate. Marketing and Dealer Engagement: Increased investment in marketing and AI-powered dealer tools is intended to raise brand visibility and support higher conversion rates, particularly in regions where Latham has historically been underrepresented. Ryan Merkel (William Blair): Asked about expectations for SG&A leverage and margin expansion as the year progresses; management replied that SG&A growth should moderate, with leverage improving in the second half as sales increase. Andrew Carter (Stifel): Inquired about risks and opportunities in quick-install fiberglass pools; CEO Scott Rajeski emphasized that the pool buying journey is lengthy, with affluent customers driving steady demand and no signs of order cancellations. Robert Schultz (Baird): Questioned the timing and effectiveness of tariff-related price increases; CFO Oliver Gloe explained that seasonal price hikes and additional targeted increases are intended to match the cadence of tariff impacts. Greg Palm (Craig-Hallum): Asked whether recent marketing investments are driving immediate or longer-term sales conversions; management responded that brand awareness is rising, with some sales impact this year, but most benefits expected over the longer term. Sean Callan (Bank of America): Requested a breakdown of organic versus acquisition-driven growth in auto covers; management disclosed that both factors contributed, with approximately $3 million in growth attributed to recent acquisitions. In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will track (1) whether Latham's Sand States expansion drives accelerating dealer growth and market share, (2) the sustainability of margin improvements amid tariff and supply chain headwinds, and (3) the impact of marketing investments on consumer demand and dealer conversions. Additional signs of progress in AI-enabled dealer platforms and the integration of acquired businesses will be key indicators of execution. Latham currently trades at a forward P/E ratio of 44.9×. Should you load up, cash out, or stay put? Find out in our free research report. The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump's presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025. While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we're homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver's seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 176% over the last five years. Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. 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Globe and Mail
13-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
‘We're Delivering Real Progress Toward Profitability:' Is Plug Power Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold After Earnings?
In a world racing toward cleaner energy, hydrogen has emerged as a quiet powerhouse. Used in everything from industrial processes to fueling next-gen vehicles, global demand reached 97 million metric tons in 2023, and it is only climbing. With projections pointing toward 150 million metric tons by 2030, the hydrogen sector is poised to become a cornerstone of the energy transition. Plug Power (PLUG) sits right at the center of this shift, building hydrogen fuel cells and the infrastructure to move hydrogen from production to end use, like forklifts, backup generators, and large-scale industrial systems. Plug aims to drive the hydrogen economy forward. But despite its bold vision, profitability has remained elusive, and 2025 has been brutal for the stock. But with its first-quarter results ready to digest, let's see if the months ahead could be better for PLUG. About Plug Power Stock Plug Power (PLUG), founded in 1997 and based in Latham, New York, is a key player in the hydrogen energy space. The company designs and manufactures hydrogen fuel cell systems and infrastructure, targeting the material handling and stationary power markets. Focused on PEM fuel cell and hybrid technologies, Plug delivers end-to-end clean energy solutions - from hydrogen production and storage to fueling and power generation. Its product suite - GenDrive, GenFuel, GenCare, ReliOn, and GenKey - supports major industrial clients seeking to replace traditional batteries with hydrogen-powered alternatives. Plug's market cap currently stands at $880 million. PLUG stock has been in the trenches. Shares are down 65% over the past 52 weeks and 58% in 2025 alone. But late April flipped the script. A fresh $525 million loan and upbeat preliminary Q1 numbers sent shares rocketing over 25% in a single day. It was a rare spark in a long stretch of red. With hydrogen demand climbing and clean energy in focus, Plug's rally hit at just the right moment. Plug Power Reports Wider Loss Than Expected Plug Power reported its first-quarter results on Monday, May 12. Revenue of $133.7 million was up 11% year-over-year and beat the consensus estimate for revenue of $132.2 million. And although its loss per share of $0.21 missed the consensus estimate for a loss of $0.19, it reflected a dramatic improvement from a loss of $0.46 in the year-ago quarter. As CEO Andy Marsh said on the earnings call, Plug Power is deliving 'real progress toward profitability,' a feat that has eluded the company since its founding. On that note, the company shared that it launched 'Project Quantum Leap' in Q1 with the goal of achieving $200 million in annualized savings. Net cash used in operating activities declined to $152.1 million in the quarter from $288.3 million last year. 'In 2025, we are focused on three core areas: material handling, electrolyzers, and hydrogen supply. These are the businesses where Plug holds competitive advantages – and where we believe we can deliver the most meaningful impact for our customers and investors.' Looking ahead, Plug is targeting Q2 revenue between $140 million and $180 million. A key driver of improved performance will likely be its new Louisiana hydrogen plant, which it says it remains focused on leveraging. Analysts are guiding for a loss per share of $0.17 in Q2, a more than 50% improvement year-over-year. What Do Analysts Expect for Plug Power Stock? Plug Power's turnaround is catching attention. The stock has a consensus 'Hold' rating overall. Of the 25 analysts covering the stock, six recommend a 'Strong Buy,' 14 suggest a 'Hold,' and the remaining five have a 'Strong Sell' rating. More excitingly, the stock's mean price target of $2.25 suggests that it could rally as much as 150% from the current price levels. The Street-high of $5 implies potential upside of 455%.
