Latest news with #ProjectElevate
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sappi concludes $500m expansion project at Somerset Mill in Maine, US
Sappi North America has announced the completion of Project Elevate, which involved a $500m investment to convert and expand Paper Machine No. 2 (PM2) at its Somerset Mill located in Maine, US. This development comes as a response to the growing demand for quality, fibre-based sustainable packaging solutions. The company is now poised to deliver commercial products to customers, with qualification processes underway and full production volumes expected by 2026. The expansion doubles the production capacity of PM2 and transforms Somerset into an advanced site for producing solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paperboard. Sappi North America president and CEO Michael Haws said: 'With PM2, we have delivered the largest rebuild in our company's history, doubling the machine's capacity and positioning Somerset as a leader in sustainably manufactured paperboard. 'This investment goes beyond machinery; it's about laying the foundation for long-term innovation, sustainable growth, and lasting impact.' As Sappi North America gears up for full-scale production, the investment is expected to yield an annual capacity of approximately 470,000 tonnes (t) of SBS paperboard. This includes a range of high-performance grades suitable for folding cartons, cups, and foodservice boards. The company will now be able to support both domestic and international packaging customers with the latest technology. Sappi North America manufacturing vice-president Kirk Ross said: 'Product from the new machine is now commercially available, delivering the same high standards of quality and performance our customers expect, while expanding our range of applications. 'With increased capacity and a focus on improved service, we're able to meet growing demand with greater speed, consistency, and responsiveness.' The PM2 conversion began in 2022, after the PM1 rebuild in 2018. "Sappi concludes $500m expansion project at Somerset Mill in Maine, US" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. 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
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Dollar General Quietly Winning With Its Remodel Strategy?
Dollar General Corporation's DG remodel initiative may not have grabbed the headlines, but its financial and operational impact is harder to overlook. In the first quarter of fiscal 2025 alone, the company remodeled a staggering 1,227 stores — 668 through Project Elevate and 559 under Project Renovate. These efforts are part of a broader plan to execute approximately 4,885 real estate projects in 2025, including 2,000 Project Renovate and 2,250 Project Elevate the cost of these upgrades is substantially lower than building new stores, Dollar General expects impressive first-year annualized comp sales lifts of 6-8% for Project Renovate and 3-5% for Project Elevate, converting the mature store base into a growth makes this remodel strategy powerful is its dual benefit — revitalizing aging stores and improving the in-store experience with category updates and merchandising enhancements. This boosts store productivity per square foot. Additionally, with remodels targeting nearly 20% of the store base each year, DG maintains a continuous refresh cycle without overextending General's ability to complete most of these remodels by the third quarter also allows for extended sales benefits throughout the fiscal year. With improved shelf availability, leaner inventory and better store standards accompanying these remodels, the company is achieving significant operational store construction costs up 40% since 2019, Dollar General's strategic pivot toward remodeling over rapid expansion appears well-calculated. If the early indicators hold, DG may be rewriting the playbook on how to grow without adding square footage. Dollar General's Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates Dollar General stock has rallied 50.4% over the past six months against the industry's decline of 2.4%. The company has also comfortably outperformed key peers such as Target Corporation TGT and Costco Wholesale Corporation COST. During the same period, Target shares have declined 24.4%, while Costco has seen a 4.6% drop. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Dollar General's forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 17.60 reflects a lower valuation compared to the industry's average of 31.65. DG carries a Value Score of A. DG is trading at a premium to Target (with a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 13.28) but at a discount to Costco (47.31). Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dollar General's current financial-year sales suggests year-over-year growth of 4.4%, while estimates for earnings per share imply a decline of 2.5%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Dollar General currently carries 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 Target Corporation (TGT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Dollar General Corporation (DG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
Globe and Mail
30-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Is Dollar General Quietly Winning With Its Remodel Strategy?
Dollar General Corporation 's DG remodel initiative may not have grabbed the headlines, but its financial and operational impact is harder to overlook. In the first quarter of fiscal 2025 alone, the company remodeled a staggering 1,227 stores — 668 through Project Elevate and 559 under Project Renovate. These efforts are part of a broader plan to execute approximately 4,885 real estate projects in 2025, including 2,000 Project Renovate and 2,250 Project Elevate remodels. While the cost of these upgrades is substantially lower than building new stores, Dollar General expects impressive first-year annualized comp sales lifts of 6-8% for Project Renovate and 3-5% for Project Elevate, converting the mature store base into a growth engine. What makes this remodel strategy powerful is its dual benefit — revitalizing aging stores and improving the in-store experience with category updates and merchandising enhancements. This boosts store productivity per square foot. Additionally, with remodels targeting nearly 20% of the store base each year, DG maintains a continuous refresh cycle without overextending capital. Dollar General's ability to complete most of these remodels by the third quarter also allows for extended sales benefits throughout the fiscal year. With improved shelf availability, leaner inventory and better store standards accompanying these remodels, the company is achieving significant operational improvements. With store construction costs up 40% since 2019, Dollar General's strategic pivot toward remodeling over rapid expansion appears well-calculated. If the early indicators hold, DG may be rewriting the playbook on how to grow without adding square footage. Dollar General's Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates Dollar General stock has rallied 50.4% over the past six months against the industry 's decline of 2.4%. The company has also comfortably outperformed key peers such as Target Corporation TGT and Costco Wholesale Corporation COST. During the same period, Target shares have declined 24.4%, while Costco has seen a 4.6% drop. Dollar General's forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 17.60 reflects a lower valuation compared to the industry's average of 31.65. DG carries a Value Score of A. DG is trading at a premium to Target (with a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 13.28) but at a discount to Costco (47.31). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dollar General's current financial-year sales suggests year-over-year growth of 4.4%, while estimates for earnings per share imply a decline of 2.5%. Dollar General currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. #1 Semiconductor Stock to Buy (Not NVDA) The incredible demand for data is fueling the market's next digital gold rush. As data centers continue to be built and constantly upgraded, the companies that provide the hardware for these behemoths will become the NVIDIAs of tomorrow. One under-the-radar chipmaker is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. It specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don't build. It's just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be. See This Stock Now for Free >> 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 Target Corporation (TGT): Free Stock Analysis Report Dollar General Corporation (DG): Free Stock Analysis Report Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST): Free Stock Analysis Report
Associated Press
30-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Harte Hanks, Inc. Appoints David Fisher as President to Lead Next Phase of Client Innovation and Growth
Proven transformation leader and former CTO David Fisher to spearhead Harte Hanks' next chapter of innovation, efficiency, and client-centric growth CHELMSFORD, MA / ACCESS Newswire / June 30, 2025 / Harte Hanks, Inc. (NASDAQ:HHS), a leading global customer experience company, today announced the appointment of David Fisher as President. This leadership transition comes at a strategically significant time, as the Company advances its transformation initiatives, deepens its commitment to delivering long-term client value, and positions itself to drive sustained EBITDA growth. Fisher's appointment underscores Harte Hanks' focus on disciplined execution, operational efficiency, and market expansion across high-potential business segments. Mr. Fisher initially joined Harte Hanks in March 2023 as a strategic development advisor focused on identifying operational inefficiencies and unlocking growth across business segments. On January 29, 2024, he was named Chief Transformation Officer and launched 'Project Elevate,' a company-wide initiative driving EBITDA stability, service innovation, and execution discipline. Recognizing his performance and vision, the Company appointed him Interim Chief Operating Officer on January 28, 2025, to oversee enterprise alignment during a pivotal transition period. 'I'm honored to step into this role at such an exciting time for Harte Hanks,' said David Fisher. 'Over the past year, I've seen firsthand the ingenuity, dedication, and customer focus that define our team. We're building on a foundation of strong business fundamentals while embracing the power of AI to deliver exceptional client service. By combining deep industry expertise with evolving technologies, we're uniquely positioned to solve complex challenges and help our clients succeed. Through Project Elevate, we are also operating more efficiently and effectively, and are fully aligned around EBITDA growth, innovation, and client-centric outcomes. I'm proud to help shape the future of a company that has been serving clients through over a century of innovation.' This leadership transition positions Harte Hanks to accelerate growth by deepening services with existing clients, adding new client relationships, and expanding our footprint in key sectors, including fulfilment and customer care. Jack Griffin, Chairman of the Board, commented: 'David's leadership has been nothing short of transformational. He brings a rare combination of strategic vision, operational rigor, and entrepreneurial focus. He's precisely the kind of leader we need to capitalize on market opportunities and deliver sustainable EBITDA growth. David has already reshaped how we operate, compete, and win, and we're confident in his ability to steer Harte Hanks through its next stage of expansion.' In his new role, Mr. Fisher will lead day-to-day operations and drive strategic execution in partnership with Harte Hanks' executive leadership team. About Harte Hanks: Harte Hanks (NASDAQ: HHS) is a leading global customer experience company whose mission is to partner with clients to provide them with CX strategy, data-driven analytics and actionable insights combined with seamless program execution to better understand, attract and engage their customers. Using its unparalleled resources and award-winning talent in the areas of Customer Care, Fulfillment and Logistics, and Marketing Services, Harte Hanks has a proven track record of driving results for some of the world's premier brands, including GlaxoSmithKline, Unilever, Pfizer, Max, Volvo, Ford, FedEx, Midea, and IBM among others. Headquartered in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Harte Hanks has over 2,000 employees in offices across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific. For more information, visit As used herein, 'Harte Hanks' or 'the Company' refers to Harte Hanks, Inc. and/or its applicable operating subsidiaries, as the context may require. Harte Hanks' logo and name are trademarks of Harte Hanks, Inc. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Our press release may contain 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. All such statements are qualified by this cautionary note, provided pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements other than historical facts are forward-looking and may be identified by words such as 'may,' 'will,' 'expects,' 'believes,' 'anticipates,' 'plans,' 'estimates,' 'seeks,' 'could,' 'intends,' or words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on current information, expectations and estimates and involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to vary materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. In that event, our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity could be materially adversely affected and investors in our securities could lose part or all of their investments. These risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors include: (a) local, national and international economic and business conditions, including (i) market conditions that may adversely impact marketing expenditures, (ii) the impact of economic environments and competitive pressures on the financial condition, marketing expenditures and activities of our clients and prospects, (iii) the demand for our products and services by clients and prospective clients, including the willingness of existing clients to maintain or increase their spending on products and services that are or remain profitable for us, and (iv) our ability to predict changes in client needs and preferences; (b) economic and other business factors that impact the industry verticals we serve, including competition, inflation and consolidation of current and prospective clients, vendors and partners in these verticals; (c) our ability to manage and timely adjust our facilities, capacity, workforce and cost structure to effectively serve our clients; (d) our ability to improve our processes and to provide new products and services in a timely and cost-effective manner though development, license, partnership or acquisition; (e) our ability to protect our facilities against security breaches and other interruptions and to protect sensitive personal information of our clients and their customers; (f) our ability to respond to increasing concern, regulation and legal action over consumer privacy issues, including changing requirements for collection, processing and use of information; (g) the impact of privacy and other regulations, including restrictions on unsolicited marketing communications and other consumer protection laws; (h) fluctuations in fuel prices, paper prices, postal rates and postal delivery schedules; (i) the number of shares, if any, that we may repurchase in connection with our repurchase program; (j) unanticipated developments regarding litigation or other contingent liabilities; (k) our ability to complete reorganizations, including cost-saving initiatives; and (l) other factors discussed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under 'Item 1A. Risk Factors' in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 which was filed on March 17, 2025. The forward-looking statements in this press release, if any, are made only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement, even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future. Investor Relations Contact: David Garrison [email protected] SOURCE: Harte Hanks, Inc. press release
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dollar General (DG) Delivers Market-Beating Returns in 2025
Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:DG) is one of the Best Dividend Stocks of 2025, surging by more than 49% since the start of the year. A busy shopping aisle filled with discounted items in a retail store. After experiencing several years of declining market share to competitors like Walmart and weakening profits, DG faced challenges in its stock performance. However, the company's 'Back to Basics' turnaround plan, combined with economic disruptions from the trade war, played a key role in restoring both revenue and profit growth. This recovery was reflected in a 16% single-day surge in the stock following the release of its fiscal first-quarter earnings in early June. In the first quarter of 2025, Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:DG) reversed its profit decline trend, reporting a gross margin increase of 78 basis points to 31.0%, driven by lower shrink and higher inventory markups. On the other hand, selling, general, and administrative expenses rose by 77 basis points to 25.4%, mainly due to increased labor costs, higher incentive payouts, and spending on repairs and maintenance. Analysts believe that Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:DG) remains well-positioned for further growth, supported by ongoing store openings and updates to current locations through its Project Elevate and Renovate initiatives. The company offers a quarterly dividend of $0.59 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.10%, as of June 26. While we acknowledge the potential of DG as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: and . Disclosure. None. Sign in to access your portfolio
