Latest news with #NorthAmerican
Int'l Business Times
15 minutes ago
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Airline Chiefs Meet In India Amid Turbulence Of Trump
Airline bosses meet from Sunday in New Delhi at their annual industry conference, battling to mitigate the impact of Donald Trump's policies that have hit travel to the United States and potentially raised costs for aviation. Trump's bid to impose tariffs on the United States' trading partners have upended commercial flows, with legal challenges against his plan adding to uncertainties. The tense atmosphere in the United States, from Trump's plans to revoke foreign students' visas to reports of travellers detained at US borders, has also put a dampener on tourism. "The airline sector is always sensitive to the economic and political climate," Paul Chiambaretto, professor of strategy and marketing at France's Montpellier Business School, told AFP. "Any form of uncertainty will reduce traffic," he added, noting that "especially" impacted business travellers, the most profitable segment. The influential International Air Transport Association (IATA) is due to update its traffic and profitability projections as the delegates from the group gathering 350 airlines hold their talks. In December it forecast a record 5.2 billion air journeys in 2025 -- up 6.7 percent from an already unprecedented 2024. It predicted carriers would generate $36.6 billion in cumulative net profit, on revenue exceeding $1 trillion. However, the US president's "Liberation Day" tariff blitz and his administration's stance on issues from immigration to education could throw a spanner in the works. As early as March, the North American air transport market, which represents 23 percent of global traffic, began to decline and several US-based airlines warned they would not meet their financial targets. A study released this month by the World Travel and Tourism Council and Oxford Economics found that the United States was on track to lose some $12.5 billion in revenue from foreign tourists this year owing to worries about travelling to the country. The group, made up of leading travel firms, said this "represents a direct blow to the US economy overall, impacting communities, jobs, and businesses from coast to coast". "While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the US government is putting up the 'closed' sign," WTTC president Julia Simpson said. Didier Brechemier, an airline industry expert at Roland Berger, said: "Today, bookings for the North Atlantic are lower than they were at the same time last year." IATA Director General Willie Walsh noted on Thursday "some signs of fragility of consumer and business confidence with continued weakness in the US domestic market and a sharp fall in North American premium class travel". Air transport has for decades benefited from the removal of import taxes, rising living standards -- particularly in Asia -- and open borders, with the number of air trips tripling since 2000. But the return of protectionism is endangering the industrial model of aircraft manufacturers, whose assembly lines mobilise suppliers worldwide, with costs likely to increase, putting more of a burden on carriers. There's good news for carriers, though, with oil prices falling owing to an anticipated slowdown in economic growth. That could help firms reduce their fuel bills -- representing between a quarter and a third of their operational costs -- by hundreds of millions of dollars. Washington's new Republican administration is also fully supporting the development of fossil fuels, in contrast to that of Democratic former president Joe Biden, who subsidised Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Sustainable development "has largely disappeared from the airline industry's immediate priorities", says Jerome Bouchard, a partner at consultants Oliver Wyman. Also likely on the agenda for IATA will be the impact of geopolitical tensions on the industry. India is experiencing explosive growth, with the number of airports and passengers in the world's most populous nation doubling over the past decade, while major airlines IndiGo and Air India have hundreds of aircraft on order. But the country's recent deadly spat with neighbour Pakistan, which saw the two sides impose airspace bans on each other, highlighted the fragility of civil aviation in the face of such upheavals. The row poses an additional complication for connections to Asia, as Russia has banned US and EU aircraft overflights in retaliation for sanctions linked to its invasion of Ukraine.
Time of India
22 minutes ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Alfa Romeo could postpone launch of new Stelvio SUV, sources say
Alfa Romeo is set to postpone the launch of the new version of its Stelvio large SUV as it reassesses its strategies amid tepid demand for electric vehicles, two sources told Reuters on Thursday. The new Stelvio, which is due to be produced in Cassino, central Italy, will not start deliveries before September or October next year, one of the sources said. It was previously set to be unveiled later this year and sold in the first quarter of 2026. Alfa Romeo - part of the Stellantis group which also owns Fiat, Jeep and Peugeot - is developing a hybrid version of the model, which was initially planned to be sold only in full-electric (EV) guise, a second source said. The rescheduled launch could slow, at least in the short term, a wider plan to revive production and jobs in Italy that Stellantis presented to the Italian government at the end of last year. Stellantis on Wednesday appointed its North American chief Antonio Filosa as its new CEO. Earlier this month, the head of the automaker's European operations said the company was working on an update of the plan. Although the new Stelvio is based on Stellantis' multi-powertrain "STLA large" platform, it will take some time for the group to also develop its hybrid version, the second source said. Assessments of powertrain options are not currently affecting plans for the new version of Alfa Romeo's Giulia sport sedan, whose launch is foreseen for next year, the same source added. A spokesman for Stellantis said the revision of the group's plan for Italy "includes an expansion and reshaping of activities in the country, in light of current market conditions, uncertainties surrounding EU regulations, and the impact of tariffs". Demand for EVs is struggling to pick up in Europe and many expect the European Union could slow the shift towards electrification in the industry. In the U.S., which accounts for around 15% of Alfa Romeo's volumes, tariffs could impact sales of the brand's European-made cars. Stellantis earlier this year hired consultant McKinsey to advise on the effects of U.S. tariffs on Alfa Romeo and its Maserati luxury brand.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Who's Winning the Avocado Clash: Mission Produce or Calavo Growers?
In the fast-growing world of fresh produce, no fruit has captured the market's imagination quite like the avocado, and two names stand out in the race to dominate the global supply chain — Mission Produce Inc. AVO and Calavo Growers Inc. CVGW. Both companies have carved out powerful positions in the avocado industry, but their strategies, scale and market approaches set them on distinctly different face-off takes you inside the competitive dynamics between these two avocado titans, comparing their market shares, positioning and business models. AVO leans on a vertically integrated, global footprint with a sharp focus on operational efficiency and international sourcing. Then again, CVGW blends avocado distribution with a broader portfolio that includes value-added fresh foods and prepared consumer demand for healthy, fresh options continues to rise and global supply chains grow more complex, the question arises: Which company is better positioned to scale, adapt and lead in the premium produce category? Join us as we unpack the strengths, strategies, and prospects of AVO and CVGW in this all-green battle for avocado dominance. AVO continues to cement its position as a global leader in the avocado industry, attracting investor interest with its scale, strategic clarity and consistent execution. The company opened fiscal 2025 with strong momentum, driven by impressive gains in its Marketing & Distribution segment despite supply disruptions in Mexico, its primary sourcing region. This performance underscores Mission Produce's agility in navigating market volatility while maintaining pricing power and meeting rising consumer demand. With sourcing operations across Mexico, Peru, Colombia and Guatemala, AVO commands a meaningful share of the global avocado supply and is steadily expanding into complementary high-growth categories like blueberries and the core of Mission Produce's growth strategy is its vertically integrated model, diversified sourcing, and product expansion. Its multi-category portfolio, anchored by health-forward staples, positions the company to benefit from long-term consumer trends. AVO is investing heavily in infrastructure, including new acreage for blueberries and a growing mango program, as well as optimizing its North American distribution network for cost efficiency. This operational flexibility allows Mission Produce to shift sourcing when needed, ensuring service continuity and reinforcing its reputation as a reliable, high-quality supplier in a competitive the financial front, AVO is showing disciplined, profitable growth. Adjusted earnings and EBITDA have improved, backed by strong asset utilization and expanding farming operations. The company is also investing in digital innovation to enhance efficiency across its logistics and supply chain. However, tariff uncertainties remain a variable, especially given Mexico's central role in sourcing. Temporary tariffs earlier this year created margin pressure and underscored the value of Mission Produce's global diversification. With alternative sourcing regions like Peru, Colombia and others, and a resilient supply network, the company is well-equipped to absorb geopolitical shocks, strengthening its case as a long-term growth player in the global produce sector. CVGW, a long-established leader in the avocado and fresh food space, is making a strong comeback with a sharpened focus on profitability, margin expansion and operational efficiency. In its latest quarter, the company delivered its best first-quarter adjusted net income since 2019, signaling a turning point after years of restructuring. The Fresh segment, led by avocados, saw a significant surge in profitability despite a slight dip in volume, driven largely by stronger average pricing and lower fruit costs. This pricing power reflects Calavo Growers' deep industry relationships and disciplined sourcing strategy. As a major player in the avocado market, CVGW's influence remains critical, with its branded products and private-label offerings reaching a broad base of retail and foodservice sets Calavo Growers apart is its dual-segment portfolio, combining its core Fresh segment with a stable, if challenged, Prepared segment that includes ready-to-eat guacamole and fresh-cut fruit. While the Prepared segment faced margin pressure in first-quarter fiscal 2025, it remains a strategic lever as convenience trends grow. The Calavo brand itself stands for freshness, trust and health, resonating especially with health-conscious, time-strapped by a vertically integrated supply chain and long-standing grower partnerships, CVGW continues to strengthen its operational backbone. The company's targeted cost discipline, evidenced by a significant drop in SG&A expenses, and a tripling of adjusted EBITDA, underscores its renewed commitment to sustainable others in the produce industry, CVGW faces uncertainty regarding tariff dynamics, particularly regarding Mexican avocado imports. While tariffs briefly posed additional cost pressures, the company's management remains confident that the nutritional value and affordability of avocados will preserve demand resilience. More importantly, Calavo Growers' long-standing sourcing presence in Mexico, paired with adaptive pricing and logistics strategies, offers it a buffer against short-term disruptions. With a strong balance sheet, growing momentum, and a clear focus on shareholder value, CVGW is emerging as a streamlined, high-potential investment in the evolving global produce landscape. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Mission Produce's fiscal 2025 sales and EPS implies year-over-year declines of 6.6% and 32.4%, respectively. EPS estimates have been unchanged in the past 30 days. AVO's annual sales and earnings are slated to decrease 3.2% and 6% year over year, respectively, in fiscal 2026. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Calavo Growers' fiscal 2025 sales and EPS suggests year-over-year growth of 7.2% and 78.1%, respectively. EPS estimates have been unchanged in the past 30 days. CVGW's annual sales and earnings are slated to increase 5.1% and 24.1% year over year, respectively, in fiscal 2026. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Mission Produce and Calavo Growers have experienced stable estimates in the past 30 days. However, CVGW holds an edge, supported by stronger projected year-over-year sales and EPS growth, compared with the anticipated year-over-year declines in Mission Produce's sales and EPS. In the past three months, the CVGW stock had the edge in terms of performance, having recorded a total return of 16.8%. This has noticeably outpaced the benchmark S&P 500's return of 1.2% and AVO's 12.3% decline. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation perspective, Mission Produce trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 26.89X, which is above its 5-year median of 20.5X. Moreover, the AVO stock trades above Calavo Growers' forward 12-month P/E multiple of 12.49X and a 5-year median of 21.87X. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research At current levels, CVGW appears attractively priced relative to AVO, offering a compelling case for value-focused investors. While Calavo Growers' lower valuation may reflect lingering market skepticism, it suggests an opportunity the market has yet to fully recognize, particularly considering the company's recent operational turnaround. With improving profitability, expanding margins and disciplined cost management, Calavo Growers is demonstrating meaningful progress that supports a stronger earnings outlook without the elevated price contrast, AVO trades at more than double Calavo's current forward P/E multiple and sits above its 5-year median, signaling a valuation that already reflects much of its growth potential. While Mission Produce's premium is supported by its global sourcing footprint, multi-category strategy and digital innovation, the stock leaves less room for upside surprises and offers less of a cushion in a volatile market this dynamic, CVGW offers a more favorable risk-reward profile, especially for investors seeking exposure to the avocado sector with a margin of safety. With a well-known brand, stabilized operations, and improving financial performance, Calavo Growers' undervalued stock could represent a more prudent and timely entry point, particularly as valuation discipline becomes increasingly important in today's market. Calavo Growers emerges as the more compelling pick, particularly for investors seeking a balanced blend of value and growth. While Mission Produce stands out for its global footprint and diversified category strategy, Calavo Growers' recent performance suggests a company on the a robust three-month return, a leaner cost structure and clear signs of a successful operational turnaround, CVGW is capturing attention not just for what it is today but also for where it is headed. Its significantly lower valuation, especially when compared with AVO's premium pricing, underscores the market's relative underappreciation, offering an attractive entry to CVGW's appeal is the positive momentum in analyst sentiment. Positive forward estimates signal growing confidence in the company's earnings potential, suggesting the turnaround is not only real but sustainable. While AVO may offer long-term strategic advantages through diversification and scale, CVGW currently presents a more favorable risk-reward investors focused on capitalizing on both recovery and value, Calavo Growers is making a strong case as the stock to watch in the avocado space. AVO and CVGW currently carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. 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 Calavo Growers, Inc. (CVGW) : Free Stock Analysis Report Mission Produce, Inc. (AVO) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Effettua l'accesso per consultare il tuo portafoglio
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Buildots raises $45M to help companies track construction progress
In the construction industry, managers can easily become disconnected from what's happening on-site. Among the many tasks to juggle are staying apprised of costs, communicating with all stakeholders, and assessing risk related to aspects like contractor billing and performance. Buildots wants to change all of that through AI and computer vision. Founded in 2018 by Roy Danon, Aviv Leibovici and Yakir Sudry, the Chicago startup offers a platform that tracks construction progress by processing images captured from 360-degree cameras mounted on managers' hard hats. The system doesn't just observe; it also forecasts. Teams can use a chatbot to ask questions about a project's status, and check a predictive tool that alerts them to possible delay risks or pacing issues that could turn into costly problems. "It's transformative for site managers, construction executives, and other stakeholders," said Danon, Buildots' CEO, who tells TechCrunch the company's clients include Intel and around 50 construction firms. "[They're] able to make informed decisions based on real, measurable data as opposed to information trickling in at different times from different sources and with different levels of reliability." To build on its momentum, Buildots has raised $45 million in a Series D funding round led by Qumra Capital, with participation from OG Venture Partners, TLV Partners, Poalim Equity, Future Energy Ventures, and Viola Growth. The new cash brings the company's total raised to $166 million. According to Danon, the capital will mainly be used to expand Buildot's product to "cover more stages of the construction life cycle." The plan is to use historical data to train AI models to further benchmark — and optimize — construction project performance. Buildots isn't the only company applying AI in the construction domain. Others include BeamUp, which is developing an AI-powered building design platform, and Versatile, which — like Buildots — captures and analyzes data across the construction site to provide a picture of construction progress. With over 230 employees, Buildots ranks among the larger players in the space — and it's planning to expand its North American operations this year, with a focus on growing its R&D teams. "[Our] differentiation is strong due to our operations-focused platform and our approach to performance management in construction," Danon said. "The funding will accelerate all of [our] initiatives, but more importantly, it validates that the market is ready for the transformation that we're bringing." This article originally appeared on TechCrunch at Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Power enclosure maker AVL to establish its first US plant
This story was originally published on Manufacturing Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Manufacturing Dive newsletter. Canada-based AVL Manufacturing has agreed to invest $56 million to establish its first U.S. production facility in Charlotte, North Carolina, to make industrial enclosures for large-scale power generators. The 232,000-square-foot plant, expected to open in September, will create about 300 jobs for the area, according to AVL. Hiring is set to begin in June. AVL's custom enclosures are part of a growing market segment in North America, fueled by the proliferation of data centers to meet surging artificial intelligence demand. Industrial enclosures are often used by technology companies to protect their generator sets — also known as 'gensets' — from weather, dust and other environmental factors. Data centers rely on these enclosures for their backup power. The global genset market was valued at $66.84 billion last year and is projected to cross $130.8 billion by 2037 due to increasing demand for power, according to Research Nester, a market research group based in New York City. The North American market is likely to account for 45% of global revenue in the next 12 years, driven by the huge number of data centers across the continent, according to Research Nester. These data centers, which support cloud computing and internet connectivity, consume roughly 10 times more power than the average American household. Some of the major players in the U.S. market are Schneider Electric, Emerson Electric Co. and Hubbell Inc. Additionally, Switzerland-based ABB recently pledged to invest $120 million in two U.S. manufacturing sites. It has a strong relationship with China, previously landing a contract to make genset enclosures for the country's largest shipping company. AVL, headquartered in Hamilton, Ontario, is expanding into the United States as chipmakers, drug companies and others pledge to expand or relocate their operations domestically in the face of volatile tariffs. 'After considering many markets, we are thrilled that AVL's entrance into the US market is in Charlotte, a vibrant, tech-forward city perfect for us to lay down roots,' AVL President Vince DiCristofaro said in a statement. 'We are excited to tap into this talent pool as we establish our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and create meaningful careers for the residents of this city.' The company established its AVL USA division as part of the move. It will receive a performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund, after creating 122 jobs in the Charlotte area, according to the state's commerce department. The average salary for those jobs will be about $90,000 compared to the average Mecklenburg County wage of $86,830. Recommended Reading Samsung to acquire cooling systems provider FläktGroup to meet data center demand Erreur lors de la récupération des données Connectez-vous pour accéder à votre portefeuille Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données
