Latest news with #ZestLabs
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Walmart (NYSE:WMT) Partners With Megan Thee Stallion For Exclusive Hot Girl Summer Swimwear
Megan Thee Stallion's launch of her swimwear brand, Hot Girl Summer, marked a significant collaboration with Walmart, with her collection debuting in stores and online. Walmart's share price moved significantly, rising 5% over the last month. This performance could be linked to the vibrant retail initiatives such as Megan's launch, alongside continuous expansion of products like LK's allergen-conscious meat sticks and Women's health lines, potentially boosting consumer interest. Despite strong corporate earnings and a favorable market climate marked by a 1.6% climb over recent days, Walmart's legal challenge from Zest Labs may have tempered investor optimism slightly. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 2 weaknesses for Walmart you should know about. The end of cancer? These 23 emerging AI stocks are developing tech that will allow early identification of life changing diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. The recent collaboration between Megan Thee Stallion and Walmart with the launch of Hot Girl Summer swimwear suggests a boost in consumer engagement and potentially higher short-term sales. However, the long-term performance of Walmart shares provides a broader perspective. Over the past five years, the company's total returns, including dividends, have surged 154.26%. This robust performance contrasts with the shorter-term gains highlighted in the introduction. In comparison, Walmart's 1-year return outpaced the US Consumer Retailing industry, which saw a 32% increase. The collaboration and product expansion with lines like LK's allergen-conscious meat sticks and women's health products might not just impact immediate revenue but could signal a sustained push into higher-margin sectors. This aligns with expectations that Walmart's operational shifts into areas like e-commerce and strategic supply chain investments could bolster top-line growth. Analysts expect revenue growth at 4.1% annually over the next three years with projected earnings of US$25.8 billion by 2028. However, challenges such as ongoing legal issues with Zest Labs and broader inflationary pressures might temper these expectations. The share price's recent rise offers an alignment with the consensus analyst price target of US$107.01, which is about 7.9% higher than the current price of US$98.55. The nearly 10% discount to the price target suggests that there might be room for appreciation if the company meets expected earnings and revenue targets. Investors should weigh these projections against potential risks in the wider market environment and Walmart's specific operational challenges. Review our growth performance report to gain insights into Walmart's future. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:WMT. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ 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
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Walmart (NYSE:WMT) Faces US$222 Million Verdict In Trade Secrets Dispute With Zest Labs
Walmart recently faced a $222 million verdict in a trade secrets dispute with Zest Labs, adding a notable layer of legal challenges. Despite this, its stock saw a 2% increase over the past month, in line with the general market trend. This growth occurred amidst strong market performance, with indices like the S&P 500 extending winning streaks. Walmart's earnings report showed a slight decline in net income but maintained steady revenue, potentially reinforcing investor confidence. New product launches and distribution initiatives further supported positive sentiment, aligning with broader market gains. We've discovered 1 weakness for Walmart that you should be aware of before investing here. The best AI stocks today may lie beyond giants like Nvidia and Microsoft. Find the next big opportunity with these 29 smaller AI-focused companies with strong growth potential through early-stage innovation in machine learning, automation, and data intelligence that could fund your retirement. The recent $222 million verdict against Walmart in a trade secrets dispute with Zest Labs is a significant financial setback, potentially affecting its legal expenses and earnings. However, the 2% increase in Walmart's stock over the past month seems to show resilience, likely supported by its expansion into higher-margin ventures like membership and advertising. In a broader context, Walmart's shares have achieved a total return of 148.67% over the five years leading up to 2025, highlighting a strong long-term performance. Walmart's recent performance outpaced the US Consumer Retailing industry, which returned 32.1% over the last year. This could enhance investor sentiment despite the recent negative news. However, the legal verdict might pressure revenue forecasts if further legal costs arise. Earnings forecasts could also be impacted if the company needs to set aside reserves for potential future lawsuits or settlements, which could detract from operational gains from supply chain investments and e-commerce advancements. With analysts setting a consensus price target of US$107.01, the current share price nearing this target at US$98.55 suggests that Walmart is considered fairly priced by many in the market. This assessment reflects expectations for continued revenue and earnings growth despite legal challenges. Investors should remain cautious of execution risks related to ongoing expansions and the potential impact on net margins. Navigate through the intricacies of Walmart with our comprehensive balance sheet health report here. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:WMT. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@
Miami Herald
15-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Walmart to pay tech company $222M over trade secret misappropriation
Dive Brief: An Arkansas federal jury found on Wednesday that Walmart owes technology company Zest Labs more than $222 million over claims that the mass retailer stole Zest Labs' technology that extends the shelf life of produce. The jury concluded that Zest Labs proved its claim of "trade secret misappropriation" and found Walmart's misappropriation was "willful and malicious," according to court vowed to appeal the verdict, which nearly doubles the amount the retailer was ordered to pay Zest Labs following a previous trial. Dive Insight: Walmart owes Zest Labs $72.7 million in compensation for damages caused by Walmart's trade secret misappropriation and $150 million for exemplary damages, the jury decided. "We strongly disagree with the verdict and believe it's not supported by the facts. Zest Lab's unethical behavior has compromised the integrity of this case from the start. We expect our suppliers to uphold the highest ethical standards and will continue to advocate for fairness and justice," a Walmart spokesperson said in an emailed statement. Zest Labs originally filed a civil lawsuit against Walmart in 2018, with a jury awarding Zest Labs $115 million in a verdict delivered three years later. An Arkansas federal judge granted Walmart's request for a new trial in late 2023 after finding that Zest Labs withheld relevant evidence in the original trial. Zest Labs first claimed seven years ago Walmart stole its cold-chain management technology that extends produce shelf life. The company said it demonstrated the technology to Walmart executives in early 2014 and then entered into a confidentiality agreement a few months later. In early 2018, Zest Labs claimed the retailer released a solution called Eden that the company stated "looks, sounds, and functions" like its own produce shelf life solution. The jury's decision on Wednesday was unanimous and is "one of the largest verdicts in Arkansas history and likely the highest trade secret verdict in the history of the state," according to a press release from Bartko Pavia LLP, the firm that represented Zest Labs. "This legal victory is a small but crucial triumph for small businesses that often face exploitation by larger corporations, robbing them of the opportunity to bring their innovative solutions to the market," Zest Labs Manager Gary Metzger said in a statement. Copyright 2025 Industry Dive. All rights reserved.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Walmart faces $222m verdict for Zest Labs' trade secrets theft
US retail giant Walmart has been ordered to pay more than $222m to technology start-up Zest Labs for allegedly stealing trade secrets, following a retrial in an Arkansas federal court. The jury's decision concluded that Walmart is liable for misappropriating trade secrets related to food preservation technology - an accusation that had been levelled by Zest. The technology startup was awarded $72.7m in compensatory damages and $150m in punitive damages. The verdict was based on findings that Walmart improperly used Zest Labs' trade secrets after the latter confidentially disclosed its proprietary Zest Fresh food preservation tech for reducing food waste under an agreement that included non-disclosure terms. Zest Labs initiated legal action against Walmart in 2018, accusing the retailer of appropriating the process, which monitors the freshness of produce from farms to stores. Zest Fresh process was expected to cut the amount of perishable food discarded by between 30% and 33%, Zest Labs manager Gary Metzger stated. Evidence presented during the trial suggested that Walmart then shifted from being a customer of Zest Labs and became a competitor. It allegedly developed a similar technology using the trade secrets obtained from Zest and filed a patent for it without disclosure. Gary Metzger stated: "Zest Labs developed groundbreaking technology aimed at addressing a significant humanitarian issue: food waste. But Walmart's misuse of Zest's trade secret has hindered our ability to achieve the necessary scale to make a substantial impact and help feed the world. This legal victory is a small but crucial triumph for small businesses that often face exploitation by larger corporations, robbing them of the opportunity to bring their innovative solutions to the market. It marks a significant step toward ensuring justice and fair play in the business world." Walmart maintains that its Eden produce-tracking technology was independently developed. The retailing giant vows to appeal the ruling and states that Zest's "unethical behaviour has compromised the integrity of this case from the start". "Walmart faces $222m verdict for Zest Labs' trade secrets theft" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, 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
Reuters
14-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Walmart hit with $222 million US verdict in food preservation trade secret case
May 14 (Reuters) - A jury in Arkansas federal court found that Walmart (WMT.N), opens new tab owes technology startup Zest Labs more than $222 million following a retrial on allegations that Walmart stole its trade secrets for reducing food waste, Zest said in a press release on Wednesday. Zest said the jury on Tuesday awarded the company $72.7 million in compensatory damages and $150 million in punitive damages, finding that Walmart had misused its trade secrets after Zest shared its technology for improving food preservation with the retail giant. Zest won $115 million from Walmart in a separate trial in 2021. An Arkansas federal judge ordered a new trial in 2023 after finding that Zest had withheld relevant evidence before the first trial. Walmart said in a statement on Wednesday that it would appeal the new verdict and that Zest's "unethical behavior has compromised the integrity of this case from the start." Zest Labs manager Gary Metzger said in a statement that the verdict was a "small but crucial triumph for small businesses that often face exploitation by larger corporations." Zest Labs sued Walmart in 2018 for allegedly stealing its Zest Fresh technology, which tracks produce freshness from farms to stores. Zest said it worked with Walmart and shared proprietary information with the retail giant until 2017. Walmart denied the allegations and argued that it developed its "Eden" produce-tracking technology independently. The case is Zest Labs Inc v. Walmart Inc, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas, No. 4:18-cv-00500. For Zest: Patrick Ryan, Adam Mitzner, Sean McTigue, and Andrew Ryan of Bartko Pavia For Walmart: John Keville and Robert Green of Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton Read more: Lawsuit claims Walmart stole technology to keep produce fresh Walmart hit with $115 million verdict over food-waste trade secrets
