Latest news with #Russell2000Index
Mint
8 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
Sweetgreen Shares Tumble After Ripple Fries Fail to Thrill
(Bloomberg) -- Sweetgreen Inc. is discontinuing its ripple fries, a menu item that it promised customers could 'feel good about,' after only five months. The move comes as the chain booked a second consecutive quarterly sales drop. Shares plummeted 23% Friday in New York for their biggest decrease on record. Sweetgreen's fries were meant to appeal to customers looking for a healthier option than what's offered at other restaurants. They were air fried and made with avocado oil instead of seed oils, which have become a target of US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., despite limited evidence that they cause harm. But without the fry volume of, say, a McDonald's, Sweetgreen's fries would often sit on the counter and the fresh taste would suffer. Many customers drawn to the chain for salad and healthy fare weren't coming to the restaurant for the $4.95 fries, which the company promised would 'redefine fast food.' Sweetgreen said customers liked the fries, but they added too much complexity to restaurant operations, Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Neman said Thursday on a call with analysts. 'Starting next week, we will be discontinuing ripple fries in order to focus on our core' products such as chicken and vegetables, he said. The salad chain is struggling to improve operations and lure diners back to its $15 salads and bowls. On Thursday, the chain slashed its sales guidance after its restaurants posted a 7.6% drop in second-quarter comparable sales. The company now anticipates that sales at restaurants open for at least a year will drop between 4% and 6% this year, a big step down from prior expectations that the measure would be flat. The stock had already lost about 61% of its value this year through Thursday's close, compared with a decline of less than 1% for the Russell 2000 Index. Sweetgreen said its sales pullback was more pronounced in several of the company's large urban markets and that it would work on how customers perceive the value of its meals. In May 2024, the chain launched steak as a protein option, which drew in diners and boosted sales numbers thanks to its higher price tag. This time around, traffic declined and people switched to cheaper alternatives, according to the company. Neman said comparable sales have improved modestly so far in the third quarter. The chain has boosted chicken and tofu portions by 25%, upgraded some recipes to improve taste and quality, and started $13 limited-time offers, he added. In July, it reintroduced its seasonal menu after finding that the novelty appeals to frequent customers. It also launched a new loyalty program to draw people in. --With assistance from Tonya Garcia. (Updates with closing share price in second paragraph.) More stories like this are available on
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gates Industrial Corporation Plc (GTES) Surged on a Demand Uptick in Automotive Replacement
The London Company, an investment management company, released 'The London Company Small Cap Strategy' second quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Following a significant downturn in the first quarter, U.S. equities saw a double-digit rise in the second quarter. The small-cap portfolio appreciated 2.7% (2.4% net) in the second quarter, lagging behind the Russell 2000 Index's 8.5% gain. Sector allocation contributed to the relative performance, while stock selection was a headwind. Please review the fund's top 5 holdings to gain insight into their key selections for 2025. In its second quarter 2025 investor letter, The London Company Small Cap Strategy highlighted stocks such as Gates Industrial Corporation plc (NYSE:GTES). Gates Industrial Corporation plc (NYSE:GTES) manufactures and distributes engineered power transmission and fluid power solutions. The one-month return of Gates Industrial Corporation plc (NYSE:GTES) was 8.04%, and its shares gained 42.47% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On July 28, 2025, Gates Industrial Corporation plc (NYSE:GTES) stock closed at $25.26 per share with a market capitalization of $6.511 billion. The London Company Small Cap Strategy stated the following regarding Gates Industrial Corporation plc (NYSE:GTES) in its second quarter 2025 investor letter: "Gates Industrial Corporation plc (NYSE:GTES) – GTES was a top performer after delivering a strong quarter, driven by robust automotive replacement demand despite tariff challenges. Management reaffirmed guidance, leveraging pricing power and operational efficiencies to offset tariff costs. The stable replacement channel and margin gains from cost reductions and footprint optimization enhanced performance. We remain attracted to its strong margin profile, and low capital needs continue to drive robust free cash flow. Management's disciplined capital allocation, balancing buybacks and deleveraging, enhances long-term shareholder value." A factory worker in a safety vest tightening a V-belt on a power transmission assembly. Gates Industrial Corporation plc (NYSE:GTES) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 40 hedge fund portfolios held Gates Industrial Corporation plc (NYSE:GTES) at the end of the first quarter, which was 39 in the previous quarter. In the first quarter, Gates Industrial Corporation plc (NYSE:GTES) reported 848 million in total sales, representing a core growth of 1.4%. While we acknowledge the potential of Gates Industrial Corporation plc (NYSE:GTES) 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. In another article, we covered Gates Industrial Corporation plc (NYSE:GTES) and shared Heartland Value Plus Fund's views on the company in the previous quarter. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q2 2025 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. 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
29-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Should You Expect a Demand Recovery for Matson (MATX)?
The London Company, an investment management company, released 'The London Company Small Cap Strategy' second quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Following a significant downturn in the first quarter, U.S. equities saw a double-digit rise in the second quarter. The small-cap portfolio appreciated 2.7% (2.4% net) in the second quarter, lagging behind the Russell 2000 Index's 8.5% gain. Sector allocation contributed to the relative performance, while stock selection was a headwind. Please review the fund's top 5 holdings to gain insight into their key selections for 2025. In its second quarter 2025 investor letter, The London Company Small Cap Strategy highlighted stocks such as Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX). Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX) provides ocean transportation and logistics services. The one-month return of Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX) was -5.68%, and its shares lost 18.35% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On July 28, 2025, Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX) stock closed at $107.92 per share, with a market capitalization of $3.523 billion. The London Company Small Cap Strategy stated the following regarding Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX) in its second quarter 2025 investor letter: "Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX) – MATX was a bottom name due to concerns around tariff-related uncertainties impacting China. Markets that are protected by the Jones Act, which form the majority of its business, remain stable and offer a buffer against tariff-related uncertainties in China. Management is focused on maintaining reliable, on-time shipping, expecting a demand recovery as inventories dwindle." A processional line of imposing cargo ships in a large port, capturing the scope of the company's ocean transportation business. Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 31 hedge fund portfolios held Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX) at the end of the first quarter, which was 36 in the previous quarter. In Q1 2025, Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX) reported a remarkable year-over-year net income growth of 100.3%, reaching $72.3 million, with diluted earnings per share increasing 109.6% to $2.18. While we acknowledge the potential of Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX) 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. In another article, we covered Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX) and shared the list of best shipping and container stocks to invest in. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q2 2025 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ACI Worldwide (ACIW) Slid on Investors' Concerns Over Unchanged Guidance
The London Company, an investment management company, released 'The London Company Small Cap Strategy' second quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Following a significant downturn in the first quarter, U.S. equities saw a double-digit rise in the second quarter. The small-cap portfolio appreciated 2.7% (2.4% net) in the second quarter, lagging behind the Russell 2000 Index's 8.5% gain. Sector allocation contributed to the relative performance, while stock selection was a headwind. Please review the fund's top 5 holdings to gain insight into their key selections for 2025. In its second quarter 2025 investor letter, The London Company Small Cap Strategy highlighted stocks such as ACI Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACIW). ACI Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACIW) is a software company that develops, installs, and supports a wide range of software products and solutions to facilitate digital payments. The one-month return of ACI Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACIW) was -3.09%, and its shares gained 4.07% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On July 28, 2025, ACI Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACIW) stock closed at $44.52 per share, with a market capitalization of $4.67 billion. The London Company Small Cap Strategy stated the following regarding ACI Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACIW) in its second quarter 2025 investor letter: "ACI Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACIW) – ACIW was a bottom performer due to investor disappointment over unchanged guidance, despite robust results. The company's stable business, underpinned by a high proportion of recurring revenues and nearly a year of revenue visibility from its contracted backlog, supports our positive outlook. Sustained organic growth and insider buying by the CEO during the stock pullback reinforce confidence in ACIW's long-term potential." A businesswoman using a digital tablet, making a payment using the company's payment processing technology. ACI Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACIW) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 29 hedge fund portfolios held ACI Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACIW) at the end of the first quarter, which was 35 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of ACI Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACIW) 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. In another article, we covered ACI Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACIW) and shared the list of Aristotle Capital Small Cap Equity Strategy's views on the company. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q2 2025 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Business Wire
21-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Forge Announces Employment Inducement Awards in Accordance With NYSE Rule 303A.08
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Forge Global Holdings, Inc. ('Forge') (NYSE: FRGE), a leading provider of marketplace infrastructure, data services, and technology and investment solutions for the private market, today announced that on July 18, 2025 the Compensation Committee of Forge's Board of Directors granted an aggregate of 176,663 restricted stock units ('RSUs') of Forge's common stock to six employees as a material inducement for such employees to accept employment with Forge. The RSUs were granted under Forge's Amended and Restated 2025 Inducement Plan (the 'Plan') and vest over three years, subject to each employee maintaining a Service Relationship (as defined in the Plan) with Forge through the applicable vesting date. Up to 105,999 RSUs may vest subject to time-based vesting conditions ('Time Based RSUs'), up to 61,331 RSUs may vest subject to the achievement of Forge's revenue and Adjusted EBITDA goals in fiscal year 2025 ('Performance RSUs'), and up to 9,333 RSUs may vest subject to Forge's total shareholder return over a three-year period from 2025 to 2027 as measured against the Russell 2000 Index ('TSR RSUs'). 46,665 of such RSUs were awarded under the Plan to James Nevin, Forge's new Chief Financial Officer, as inducement pursuant to his offer of employment and employment agreement, of which 18,666 are Time Based RSUs, 18,666 are Performance RSUs, and 9,333 are TSR RSUs. 53,333 of such RSUs were awarded under the Plan to Greg Lee, Forge's new head of trading and data platform, as inducement pursuant to his offer of employment, of which 32,000 are Time Based RSUs and 21,333 are Performance RSUs. The remaining RSUs were awarded under the Plan to four other employees as inducement to accept employment offers with Forge in connection with the recently completed Accuidity acquisition. The RSUs were granted in reliance on the employment inducement exemption under the NYSE's Listed Company Manual Rule 303A.08, which requires public announcement of inducement awards. Forge is issuing this press release pursuant to Rule 303A.08. About Forge Forge (NYSE: FRGE) is a leading provider of marketplace infrastructure, data services and technology and investment solutions for the private market. Forge Securities LLC is a registered broker-dealer and a member of FINRA that operates an alternative trading system.
