Latest news with #SW
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Arv Private Wealth Launches with Support from LPL Strategic Wealth
SAN DIEGO, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LPL Financial LLC announced today that financial advisors Christian Reuter, James 'Scott' Robinson and Michael Capeder have launched a new independent practice, Arv Private Wealth, through affiliation with LPL Financial's supported independence model, LPL Strategic Wealth. They reported serving approximately $330 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and join LPL from RBC. Based in San Diego, Reuter and Robinson have been collaborating since 2012 and bring a combined six decades of financial industry experience to the practice. Capeder, who entered the financial industry in 2018, completes the team. Together, they aim to create an independent practice focused on helping clients work towards a more secure financial future. The firm's name is a nod to the Danish word for 'legacy' and 'heritage,' serving as a guidepost for providing a holistic and integrated experience for their clients. 'Clients face a myriad of situations throughout their lives — both good and bad — and it's our responsibility to be there for them,' Reuter said. 'Not just as financial advisors, but as trusted confidants, friends and someone they can turn to for guidance. For us, it's not just about managing their wealth; it's about being there for our clients when they need us most.' Why they made the move to LPLThe team chose to affiliate via LPL's comprehensive supported independence solution, LPL Strategic Wealth Services (SW), which combines the freedom and flexibility of entrepreneurship with hands-on business services and support to help practices thrive, both operationally and strategically. In addition to having access to LPL's innovative wealth management platform and sophisticated resources, SW advisors benefit from a truly integrated service that includes simplified pricing, technology and dedicated support to launch their practice. Then, after the transition is complete, SW teams receive ongoing operations support managed by their team of experienced professionals including a business strategist, marketing partner, CFO and administrative assistant. Advisors have one point of contact, a dedicated team and priority access to advocacy and project management for complex business issues, ultimately allowing them to stay focused on the enduring needs of their clients and the culture and evolution of their practice. 'From our first meeting, it was clear that everything LPL offers is designed with the advisor in mind,' Reuter said. 'From LPL's Admin Solutions which will allow our clients to schedule appointments quickly and easily, to ClientWorks, where they can access all their accounts with a single sign on, we will be able to create our ideal independent practice and deliver a next-level client experience.' Scott Posner, LPL Managing Director, Business Development, said, 'We welcome the Arv Private Wealth team and congratulate them on going independent with LPL Strategic Wealth. At LPL, we believe in providing the strategic support and innovative resources advisors can use to deliver differentiated client experiences. We look forward to supporting this team for years to come.' RelatedAdvisors, learn how LPL Financial can help take your business to the next level. About LPL Financial LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports over 29,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.8 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 7 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC ('LPL Financial'), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Throughout this communication, the terms 'financial advisors' and 'advisors' are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial. We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the 'Investor Relations' or 'Press Releases' section of our website. *Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2024. Media Contact: Tracking #743659Error 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
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Smurfit Westrock to Gain From Asset Optimization Amid Cost Woes
Smurfit Westrock Plc SW is gaining from its focus on asset optimization and business improvement initiatives. The company has been undergoing significant transformation since 2023, wherein it has closed underperforming facilities, divested non-core assets and streamlined operations to drive efficiency and cost savings. These efforts are expected to position the company for long-term growth and SW is facing headwinds from merger-related costs, and higher freight and chemicals costs. These are likely to persist and impact its margins in the coming quarters. Labor shortages and supply-chain issues are other woes. Combined Potential to Enhance Growth: Smurfit Westrock was formed by the merger of two major paper and packaging industry players, Smurfit Kappa and WestRock, on July 5, is set to deliver the combined potential of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock. Smurfit WestRock has an unmatched geographic reach spanning 42 countries. Given this scale, and equipped with both WestRock's and Smurfit Kappa's highly complementary portfolios and innovative sustainability capabilities, the merged entity is likely to be the global 'Go-To' packaging partner for companies and customers across the company boasts a well-invested asset base with numerous opportunities identified across its operations. In the first quarter of 2025, Smurfit Westrock made investments in containerboard, corrugated and consumer systems across three regions. Smurfit Westrock expanded its Bag-in-Box offering in Spain and the United States, upgrading mill systems in several countries for efficiency, capacity and environmental improvements, and implementing state-of-the-art converting equipment to reduce costs and enhance innovative Westrock is already seeing the initial results of the actions taken. After the first quarter of 2024, SW affirmed its $400-million synergy target for the first year of on Asset Optimization: The company is focused on comprehensive asset optimization and business improvement initiatives. In sync with that, Smurfit Westrock closed underperforming facilities, including 32 packaging facilities, closed three mills and divested four mills since the start of 2023. In the first quarter of 2025, SW closed four mills with a capacity reduction of approximately 600 Westrock also optimized its packaging footprint through significant restructuring actions, including plant closures in Portland, Oregon and Chicago, IL, alongside consultations at two German plants. These moves are expected to drive operational efficiencies, yield cost savings and enhance resource allocation for the company by focusing on core facilities. This is likely to position SW for long-term growth and for Packaging Solutions: Smurfit WestRock will gain from the growing demand for sustainable, fiber-based packaging solutions. Its consumer business remains robust, with growth in beverage, healthcare, and retail and food. SW's overall packaging business is gaining from strong demand, and the implementation of containerboard and boxboard price company also stands to gain from strong growth in e-commerce activities that continue to support demand for packaging solutions. SW is focused on developing sustainable packaging solutions for its customers to help them reduce their environmental footprint. Smurfit Westrock will benefit from solid demand for corrugated packaging, containerboard, food and beverage consumer packaging, and industrial preference for environmentally friendly biodegradable packaging materials is witnessing a steady rise globally, courtesy of customers' increasing awareness of environmental issues. According to Statista, global e-commerce revenues are expected to reach $4.32 trillion in 2025, and witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.02% between 2025 and 2029. In the first quarter of 2025, Smurfit WestRock's cost of sales soared 173.9% year over year. Its selling, general and administrative costs also increased. The company recorded transaction and integration-related costs of $395 million associated with the collaboration in 2024. The merger-related costs are expected to be worrisome for SW in the upcoming quarters and disrupt the free cash flow Westrock continues to face higher freight, wage and chemical costs. This will continue to impact its margins. Meanwhile, labor shortages and supply-chain issues have been disrupting production and impacting shipments to customers. This situation is anticipated to persist and impair SW's ability to meet the high demand. Moreover, the unfavorable impacts of currency translations are expected to hurt its EBITDA performance. Shares of the company have declined 14.8% in the past six months compared with the industry's 8% fall. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Smurfit Westrock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Some better-ranked stocks from the basic materials space are Carpenter Technology Corporation CRS, SSR Mining Inc. SSRM and Idaho Strategic Resources IDR. Carpenter Technology currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), whereas SSR Mining and Idaho Strategic Resources carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks Technology has an average trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 11.1%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CRS's 2025 earnings is pegged at $7.20 per share, which indicates year-over-year growth of 51.9%. Carpenter Technology shares have skyrocketed 111% in the last Mining has an average trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 58.8%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SSRM's 2025 earnings is pegged at $1.14 per share, implying year-over-year growth of 307%. SSR Mining's stock has soared 88.6% in the last Strategic has an average trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 21.7%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Idaho Strategic's 2025 earnings is pegged at 78 cents per share, indicating year-over-year growth of 16.4%. IDR shares have jumped 24.5% in the last year. 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 Carpenter Technology Corporation (CRS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Silver Standard Resources Inc. (SSRM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. (IDR) : Free Stock Analysis Report Smurfit Westrock PLC (SW) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kim leads but Scheffler heads contenders jostling up stacked leaderboard at US PGA
Live coverage of day three at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2 commentary available here SW Kim -7 (6) Hisatsune -6 (10), DeChambeau -6 (9), Scheffler -6 (6) Vegas -6 (6), Fitzpatrick -5 (5) McIlroy +1 (6*) Local storms delay start and change groups from two-ball to three-ball with split tees Kim leads but Scheffler heads contenders jostling up stacked leaderboard at US PGA
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Yahoo
21-year-old Canton man shot and killed on Clarendon Avenue SW. Police looking for shooter
CANTON ‒ Police are searching for the suspect in Thursday night's fatal shooting of 21-year-old city resident Stephon J. Dunn. Police Chief John Gabbard said in a prepared statement that the suspect is Malachi L. Fortner, 18, of Canton. Gabbard said Dunn appeared to have been shot in the back in the 1500 block of Clarendon Avenue SW. Dunn, of 14th Street NW, did not appear to be conscious or breathing when officers found him lying in a front yard at 8:51 p.m. One officer performed CPR on the victim. A man told police that while he was arguing with the victim, he heard a "pop" noise and the victim fell to the ground. A woman at the scene told police the suspected shooter left southbound in a silver Ford Fusion. Another witness said that after the victim was shot, he walked north in the yard toward a fence, walked back south and collapsed in the yard in front of the door. Bryson Barksdale Sr. case: 3 Canton teens facing murder charges tied to gang-related fatal drive-by shooting The first call about the shooting was received at 8:47 p.m. The city's dispatch center received numerous calls about the incident. They had no description of the shooter at the time of call. Canton Fire Department medics took over care of the victim when they arrived. They took Dunn to Aultman Hospital, where he died a short time later. Family members at his home declined to speak to a reporter who visited Friday. Funeral arrangements are pending. The investigation is continuing. Dunn's is the second homicide of the year in Canton. Anyone with any information regarding this crime or the whereabouts of the suspect is asked to contact the Canton Police Communications Center at 330-649-5800 or the Canton Police Detective Bureau at 330-489-3144. Anonymous tips can also be sent to Tip411 or the Stark County Crime Stoppers. Sign up for Tip411 at (This breaking news story will be updated as more information becomes available.) Reach Nancy at 330-580-8382 or This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton police looking for Malachi Fortner in shooting of Stephon Dunn
The Hindu
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Andor': Understanding the politics of sexual violence in ‘Star Wars' and its backlash from fans
A curious phenomenon has always plagued the Star Wars fandom. It's this frustrating reverence for rebellion and the fantasy of resistance neatly repackaged for family-friendly consumption without the stomach for reality. But in the third episode of Andor's second season, showrunner Tony Gilroy commits an act more transgressive than anything we've witnessed so far from this galaxy far, far away, by making fascism cross the line and exposing it for how systemic, grotesque, and gendered, it always has been. The scene in question involves Adria Arjona's Bix Caleen, a woman already brutalised by the Empire in season one, cornered once more by a predatory Imperial Lieutenant Krole. He offers her freedom in exchange for sex, and when she resists, he attempts to take what he wants by force. She kills him in self-defence. 'He tried to rape me,' she screams, and the word is finally spoken aloud in a franchise that had relegated it to subtext in the galaxy's coded vocabulary of oppression until now. Then, almost predictably, came the backlash. For some viewers, this was a bridge too far — as if genocide, torture, slavery, and child murder were within the acceptable bounds of imperial evil and sexual violence somehow exceeded the mythic palette. 'It has no place in Star Wars. Period. Unnecessary,' read one viral post. 'Vader wouldn't tolerate that s**t nor does the Empire condone it'. The irony of invoking Anakin Skywalker's iconic masked war criminal who strangled subordinates for sport and once slaughtered a room full of children as some sort of galactic HR enforcer is of course almost too rich to parody. SA in SW feels unnecessary. You can portray power dynamics and making the audience hate the empire in other ways without taking it to such a disgusting place. Vader wouldn't tolerate that shit nor does the Empire condone it. It has no place in Star Wars. Period. Unnecessary. — StarWarsTheory (@realswtheory) April 23, 2025 What these criticisms seem to reveal isn't simply discomfort with the act itself but a willful misunderstanding of the Empire itself. Fascism, historically or otherwise, is invasive, bureaucratic, and yes, it is often sexually violent. Gilroy seemed to have anticipated the pushback. 'The history of civilisation, there's a huge arterial component of it that's rape,' he told The Hollywood Reporter. 'All of us who are here — we are all the product of rape.' It's a staggering admission for a Disney-backed storyteller, but also an honest one. Gilroy's Empire is systemically evil and is far from interested in giving us fascists with boundaries who politely abstain. 'I mean, armies and power throughout history [have committed rape]. So to not touch on it, in some way… it just was organic and it felt right.' What Gilroy understands, and what many fans refuse to reckon with, is that sexual violence is not an aberration of war; rather, the logic of power taken to its inevitable, fleshly conclusion. Yet, amid the disbelief, a barrage of infantilised fans clutch their lightsabers and argue canon over consequence. For them, the Empire can enslave but not rape. Jabba can chain Leia to his throne in a bikini, but say the word aloud and the illusion shatters, as though Star Wars has always been a bloodless, ahistorical fantasy free of the grim textures of real-world power. What they truly object to is not the act itself, but its clarity, and that kind of cognitive dissonance feels dangerously naive. It's also deeply privileged. Because, for countless women crossing borders, surviving war zones, or living under suffocating regimes, what happens to Bix is routine. To ignore that reality, even in the context of speculative fiction, is to perpetuate the silence that survivors have long been forced to live within. What Andor achieves in just one very necessary scene is not gratuitous trauma, but fidelity to lived realities. It's bold enough to enquire what it actually means to live under occupation and demonstrates the mechanics of how evil operates and preys on the powerless. To depict this is not to sully the franchise. It is to elevate and stretch its familiar mythology into terrain that reflects the complexities of the real world. Andor is the first time Star Wars has truly asked: what does resistance cost? For Mon Mothma, it's her daughter. For Bix, it's her body. For embittered fans watching, it might just be the comfort of pretending that evil comes without violation. Perhaps that's what some fans truly mourn. Not the supposed loss of innocence in the franchise, but rather the loss of their insulation from reality. They came for pew-pew space battles and got a mirror reflecting something that made them wince. To those squirming in their seats, good. In some imagined, syntax-challenged wisdom of Master Yoda: 'Discomfort the enemy is not. The teacher, it is.' When it's firing on all cylinders, Star Wars was never just a bedtime story about hope. It was also about the machinery that hope has to claw its way through. If Andor has the guts to call that machinery by its true name, then it isn't 'too political' or 'woke'. It's just finally doing what Star Wars has always promised but seldom delivered throughout its PG-13 existence — telling the truth, no matter how much it burns going down. After all, the galaxy was never that far, far away. New episodes of Andor stream every Wednesday on JioHotstar
