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Forbes
19 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Best Mattress Sales: Mid-Summer Offers From Helix, Nectar And More
Buying a new bed is a big investment, so it's worth keeping an eye out for mattress deals before making your purchase. Our expert deals editors monitor the best mattress sales all year to keep you informed on when it's a good time to buy. We've found solid deals from popular brands like DreamCloud, Helix and Nectar this week—including $1,300 off our sleep team's favorite memory foam mattress, the Nectar Premier, and 27% off our favorite mattress overall, the Helix Midnight Luxe. We found the best mattress sales happening this week. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILER We're currently seeing offers on tons of sleep editor-tested picks, from top mattresses for side sleepers to the best beds for chronic back pain. And if your bedding could use a refresh, plenty of retailers are also hosting end-of-summer sales, like 20% off our favorite sheets overall from Boll & Branch and tons of discounts on dorm bedding essentials at Target. Below, find the best mattress sales and bedding discounts to help you upgrade your sleep setup. Saatva: Save up to $300 on a mattress with your order of $1,000 or more. After testing dozens of beds, our sleep editors (who also happen to be certified sleep science coaches) named 12 models the best mattresses of 2025. And many of their picks are currently on sale—as well as options from some of our other shopping guides. Here are some of the best options at a glance. Best Memory Foam Mattress Deals: Best Memory Foam Mattress: Nectar Premier (Queen): Now $949, Was $2,249 (58% Off) Nectar Premier (Queen): Now $949, Was $2,249 (58% Off) Best Memory Foam Mattress Without Fiberglass: WinkBeds The GravityLux (Queen): Now $1,499, Was $1,799 (17% Off) WinkBeds The GravityLux (Queen): Now $1,499, Was $1,799 (17% Off) Most Affordable Comfortable Mattress: Cocoon Chill (Queen): Now $899, Was $1,389 (35% Off, Plus A Free Sealy Bundle) Cocoon Chill (Queen): Now $899, Was $1,389 (35% Off, Plus A Free Sealy Bundle) Best Firm Mattress: Plank Firm (Queen): Now $999, Was $1,332 (25% Off) Plank Firm (Queen): Now $999, Was $1,332 (25% Off) Best Firm Affordable Mattress: Bear Original (Queen): Now $599, Was $855 (30% Off With Code SUMMER ) Bear Original (Queen): Now $599, Was $855 (30% Off With Code ) Best Memory Foam Mattress For Side Sleepers: Layla Memory Foam Mattress (Queen): Now $949, Was $1,099 (14% Off) Layla Memory Foam Mattress (Queen): Now $949, Was $1,099 (14% Off) Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress: Amerisleep AS5 (Queen): Now $1,849, Was $2,349 (21% Off With Code AS500 ) Amerisleep AS5 (Queen): Now $1,849, Was $2,349 (21% Off With Code ) Best Memory Foam Mattress For Couples: Leesa Original (Queen): Now $999, Was $1,332 (25% Off) Best Hybrid Mattress Deals: Best Mattress Overall: Helix Midnight Luxe (Queen): Now $1,751, Was $2,399 (27% Off With Code FORBES27 ) Helix Midnight Luxe (Queen): Now $1,751, Was $2,399 (27% Off With Code ) Best Mattress For Pressure Relief: The DreamCloud Luxe Hybrid (Queen): Now $1,399, Was $2,431 (42% Off) The DreamCloud Luxe Hybrid (Queen): Now $1,399, Was $2,431 (42% Off) Best Cooling Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe (Queen): Now $1,699, Was $2,265 (25% Off With Code SUMMER25 ) Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe (Queen): Now $1,699, Was $2,265 (25% Off With Code ) Best Value Mattress For Heavy People: Helix Plus (Queen): Now $1,094, Was $1,499 (25% Off With Code FORBES27 ) Helix Plus (Queen): Now $1,094, Was $1,499 (25% Off With Code ) Best Mattress For Back Pain: Saatva Classic (Queen): Now $1,839, Was $2,139 (14% Off) Saatva Classic (Queen): Now $1,839, Was $2,139 (14% Off) Best Hybrid Mattress For Side Sleepers: Nolah Evolution 15 (Queen): Now $1,595, Was $2,127 (25% Off) Nolah Evolution 15 (Queen): Now $1,595, Was $2,127 (25% Off) Best Hybrid Mattress Overall: Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid (Queen): Now $1,499, Was $1,999 (25% Off) Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid (Queen): Now $1,499, Was $1,999 (25% Off) Best Hybrid Mattress For Couples: Bear Elite Hybrid (Queen): Now $1,699, Was $2,427 (30% Off With Code SUMMER) Best Latex Mattress Deals: Best Organic Mattress For Combination Sleepers: Birch Natural (Queen): Now $1,362, Was $1,865 (27% Off With Code FORBES27 ) Birch Natural (Queen): Now $1,362, Was $1,865 (27% Off With Code ) Best Organic Mattress For Side Sleepers: Amerisleep Organica (Queen): Now $999, Was $1,499 (33% Off With Code AS500 ) Amerisleep Organica (Queen): Now $999, Was $1,499 (33% Off With Code ) Best Organic Mattress For Back Pain: Nolah Natural (Queen): Now $1,574, From $2,099 (25% Off) Nolah Natural (Queen): Now $1,574, From $2,099 (25% Off) Best Luxury Organic Mattress: PlushBeds Botanical Bliss (Queen): Now $1,849, Was $3,349 (45% Off) PlushBeds Botanical Bliss (Queen): Now $1,849, Was $3,349 (45% Off) Best Firm Organic Mattress: Plank Firm Natural Mattress (Queen): Now $1,599, Was $2,132 (25% Off With Code SUMMER25 ) Plank Firm Natural Mattress (Queen): Now $1,599, Was $2,132 (25% Off With Code ) Best Value Organic Mattress: Eco Terra Hybrid Latex (Queen): Now $999, Was $1,499 (33% Off) Mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon found this newly updated mattress to be 'soft and marshmallowy, and a bit more responsive to pressure than the previous Nectar Premier model.' It also offers excellent motion isolation and a lifetime warranty. If you're looking for an affordable memory foam design, we think it's a great option, especially at this price. More Deal Information: Although this discounted price has remained steady, Nectar increased the original price of this mattress in 2025—making the overall percentage off look higher. Our sleep editors were impressed by WinkBeds' plush Euro pillow top and its ability to deliver pressure relief without making you feel like you're sinking or overheating. It comes in three firmness levels, offers excellent motion isolation and feels more responsive and cooler than your average all-foam design. More Deal Information: This is a standard discount offered by WinkBeds. Score a highly rated, pressure-relieving mattress for $699 with this Cocoon sale. 'The Cocoon Chill provides all the features people love about memory foam, from its pressure-relieving feel to its motion isolating abilities, without retaining heat,' says Dillon. We recommend the hybrid iteration for sleepers around 230 pounds or more, but keep in mind that it is slightly more expensive than the classic memory foam option above. More Deal Information: This discounted price has remained steady for a few months now. For those looking for something supportive and firm, our sleep editors recommend this Plank mattress. Senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman says it's the firmest bed she's tested and that it 'offers exceptional back support and promotes neutral spinal alignment.' It's also flippable and has two firmness levels for versatility. More Deal Information: Plank offered 30% off sitewide for July 4, so this offer is slightly less impressive than the one we saw earlier this month. If you're seeking a comfortable and budget-friendly design, our sleep editors recommend the Bear Original. Our testers thought it did a great job isolating motion and that the bed fell around the medium-firm range on the mattress scale, which typically best accommodates back and stomach sleepers as well as some combination sleepers. More Deal Information: Bear offered 35% off for the 4th of July, but this is the next best price we'll likely see outside another holiday weekend. Side sleepers on the hunt for a good memory foam mattress should consider this Layla model. It offers a flippable design, so you can try out different firmness levels, and is made of copper-infused foam to help regulate temperature throughout the night. That said, it's worth noting that our testers said they 'wouldn't consider it actively cooling.' More Deal Information: This discount is a regular offer from Layla. If you're looking for a super-soft bed, we love Amerisleep's AS5. The extra-plush design contours to your body to keep you comfortable all night. ''My hips and shoulders feel hugged by the bed, which releases any pressure buildup,' says one tester. Plus, its cool-to-the-touch cover helps prevent overheating, a common problem with all-foam beds. More Deal Information: This $500 discount is a common offer from Amerisleep. It has offered $600 in the past, but this is typically the best price we see from the brand. The Leesa Original offers features that are helpful for couples, like excellent motion isolation and good edge support. These qualities help prevent disturbances throughout the night and make the bed feel more expansive. The medium feel of this bed also accommodates a variety of sleep styles. More Deal Information: Leesa offered 30% off select beds over July 4th, but this discount matches the best offer we saw over Memorial Day weekend. The Helix Midnight Luxe is at the top of our list for the best mattresses of 2025. Our sleep editors say that it's great for side and combination sleepers who prefer a bed with a medium feel. 'If you're against memory foam mattresses but want a more plush feel, I think the Helix Midnight Luxe will be especially appealing for you,' Dillon explains. More Deal Information: This mattress was $1,733 over Memorial Day. Since then, Helix has slightly increased the original price of the mattress, but this matches the best price we've seen since the increase. If you suffer from joint or back pain, this DreamCloud mattress is an excellent option. It's firm enough to offer plenty of support but has a plush top for a little extra comfort. "It has a very luxurious, plush feel that's slightly softer than the other two DreamCloud models,' says Chapman. More Deal Information: This mattress fell to a low of $1,299 over Memorial Day weekend, but this is the lowest price we've seen since the May sale. This hybrid model from Brooklyn Bedding delivers excellent temperature regulation and accommodates just about any sleeping style. It's available in three firmness levels, isolated movement well and, according to our tester, 'has a true cool-to-the-touch sensation that many brands advertise but don't deliver on.' More Deal Information: This mattress was 30% off over July 4, but this is likely the lowest discount we'll see until another holiday weekend. While the average mattress supports up to 200 to 250 pounds per side, the Helix Plus can hold up to 500 pounds per side (1,000 pounds total). It has a medium-firm construction, but executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers says, 'it felt plusher than most bed-in-a-box mattresses I've tried.' More Deal Information: The biggest discount we've seen from Helix is 30% off, but it hasn't beat 27% since earlier this year. My personal mattress, the Saatva Classic, employs both a classic innerspring design with a luxe European-style pillow top. It comes in three firmness levels and includes a generous warranty period and free white glove delivery—a major bonus for anyone who's ever struggled with what to do with their old mattress. More Deal Information: Saatva often offers $400 off over holiday weekends, but $300 is usually its best offer outside special sale events. The brand also increased the price of this mattress by $40 since our last update. Side sleepers typically need a mattress that cushions their hips and shoulders. During our sleep team's testing, this model proved to have superior cushion and pressure relief for side sleepers of various body sizes. 'It's difficult to find a mattress that doesn't cause at least some discomfort around my shoulder after lying on it for a while, but I haven't felt that at all with this one,' says Chapman, who tested the plush Nolah Evolution 15 Mattress in her home for over a month. More Deal Information: Nolah often offers 35% off for holiday weekends, so it may be worth waiting for Labor Day to save even more. The Leesa Sapira checks off all of our boxes for a great hybrid mattress: It feels luxurious and cushy with solid temperature regulation and motion absorption. Overall, our testers say the 'medium-firm model is a good middle ground for many sleeper types like back, stomach and combination sleepers.' More Deal Information: This discount matches the best price we've seen over the past two holiday weekends. This bed is plush enough to feel like a luxury hotel mattress and supportive enough to offer dependable motion isolation and edge support. It also comes with an impressive lifetime warranty. However, it may not provide enough support for sleepers who weigh over 250 pounds or primarily sleep on their back or stomach. More Deal Information: This mattress dropped by 40% over the 4th Of July holiday and was 35% for much of the month after, so you may want to wait for another holiday weekend to get the best deal. According to Dillon, the Birch Natural Mattress 'delivers a true latex foam feel that makes you feel lifted and supported with just enough cushion from the wool batting to provide ample comfort and pressure relief.' It's especially nice for combination sleepers who need a versatile medium-firm feel to accommodate their changing sleeping positions. More Deal Information: This exclusive Forbes Vetted code matches the best discount we saw over the 4th Of July weekend. Pressure relief is one of the most important features a side sleeper should seek from their mattress to help minimize stress on the hips and shoulders. Updates writer Alex Garret says, 'Amerisleep Organica is the most ideal organic option for avid side sleepers because it combines coils with wool and Talalay latex comfort layers to provide more pressure relief than you'd expect from a latex hybrid bed.' More Deal Information: Amerisleep regularly offers $500 off its beds, but the brand recently dropped the price of this mattress from $1,749 to $1,499, making this one of the best prices we've ever seen for the Organica model. Nolah Mattress If you have a lot of joint or back pain, we recommend the Nolah Natural mattress as it's a bit softer than your average latex foam design. 'It offers a bouncy, supportive latex foam feel with more pressure relief and cushion than other models I've tested—almost like it's a blend of memory foam and latex foam," says Dillon. More Deal Details: Nolah frequently offers 35% off over holiday weekends, so it may be worth waiting for a better discount if you're not in a rush. This PlushBeds design is perfect for sleepers seeking a little extra luxury. Chapman, who tested the medium model of the Botanical Bliss, says, 'It felt a little firmer at first, but as I settled into the bed, the layers cradled my joints—this mix of support and pressure relief felt especially comfortable back sleeping." More Deal Details: PlushBeds doesn't run sitewide promotions as often as some brands. However, it increased the original price of this bed in March, making this deal appear slightly larger than it really is. This current discount has also been live since Memorial Day. Firmer mattress are often best suited for back and stomach sleepers. If you're also concerned with allergies or sustainability, this is a great chance to save on a supportive and eco-conscious design. The Plank Firm Natural uses natural materials and offers a flippable design with two firmness levels: For back sleepers, our experts suggest the medium-firm side for cushioning and lift, while the firm side offers dedicated stomach sleepers the best overall support. More Deal Information: This mattress dropped to $1,492 earlier this month, so you may be able to save more if you're willing to wait for another holiday weekend. Latex mattresses are known for being on the pricier end of the spectrum, but you don't have to sacrifice your budget to get a great bed. This Eco Terra design is our experts' pick for the best value organic mattress. Not only does it have important organic certifications, like GOLS and GOTS, but you can pick one up for under $1,000 right now. Forbes Vetted senior baby gear editor Margaret Badore and her husband have been sleeping on this mattress for years and praise its balance of support and plushness, especially for the price. More Deal Information: The original price of this mattress has increased by $100 since 2024, but this $500 discount matches the best price we've seen for the bed in 2025. Shopping for a new mattress can feel overwhelming—it's a large purchase and an item that you'll ideally use nightly for years to come. There are a few important factors to consider that can help you find the perfect fit. Sleep Style Your sleeping style makes a huge difference in the type of mattress that will work best for you. For instance, side sleepers typically prefer softer models that provide ample pressure relief, while stomach sleepers will benefit from the all-around support of a firmer bed. Mattress Type Mattresses come in a variety of styles, like memory foam and innerspring. Knowing the type of mattress you want can help narrow down your search significantly. Hybrid: Hybrid designs combine a supportive coil base with a cozy foam top layer, making them a crowd-pleasing choice overall. They're a popular compromise for partners with varied sleeping styles. Hybrid designs combine a supportive coil base with a cozy foam top layer, making them a crowd-pleasing choice overall. They're a popular compromise for partners with varied sleeping styles. Memory Foam: Classic memory foam can be divisive. While the all-foam design excels at pressure relief, some sleepers describe the sinking sensation as claustrophobic. They're also known for trapping more heat than the average bed (though many modern designs now include cooling features). Classic memory foam can be divisive. While the all-foam design excels at pressure relief, some sleepers describe the sinking sensation as claustrophobic. They're also known for trapping more heat than the average bed (though many modern designs now include cooling features). Latex: Eco-conscious shoppers and sleepers who suffer from allergies may prefer a latex model. These mattresses have a similar feel to a memory foam bed, but the material is known for its long-lasting, organic properties. Eco-conscious shoppers and sleepers who suffer from allergies may prefer a latex model. These mattresses have a similar feel to a memory foam bed, but the material is known for its long-lasting, organic properties. Innerspring: The traditional innerspring bed is made up of a firmer coil base. It's a great option for sleepers who are seeking a firmer, supportive bed. Budget As with any major purchase, budget is a major deciding factor. Establish your budget early to help narrow your options and avoid overspending. After all, you won't be resting much easier on your new mattress if you feel like you've spent significantly more than you wanted. The Best Bedding Sales This Month In addition to mattress sales, you can find excellent deals on bedding right now. We've still got plenty of warm weather ahead, but it's also not too early to start thinking about fall. Whether you're looking for cooling sheets or cooler-weather layers, these are the best beddings sales we've spotted so far this week. Our Mattress Buying Guides If you want more in-depth advice, or you're looking to browse mattresses based on a specific concern, check out some of our curated mattress buying guides to learn more about which models might work best for you. How Do I Get The Best Deal On A New Mattress? If you're determined to get the best deal on a new mattress, we recommend marking your calendar and exercising some patience. Mattresses go on sale throughout the year, but long weekends and shopping holidays are typically when you'll see the best deals. If you're willing to wait, Black Friday and Cyber Monday generally bring the lowest prices of the year—allowing you to save an additional 5 to 10% compared to other holidays. Another way to get a good deal on a new mattress is by shopping previous years' models. Retailers like Tempur-Pedic and MattressFirm allow you to shop discontinued (but still perfectly viable) designs for a lot less than what 2025 beds are going for. What Is The Best Quality Affordable Mattress? On average, foam or hybrid beds are typically more affordable than their innerspring or organic counterparts. Our sleep editors named the hybrid Allswell the best mattress in a box under $500. You can get the queen-size version of this bed for under $300. The design is definitely on the firmer side of the spectrum, but offers a neutral feel and is well-made—especially considering its modest price tag. That said, the best quality affordable mattress ultimately depends on your unique needs and preferences. For instance, although organic mattresses tend to be more expensive, sleepers with bad allergies or who are concerned with sustainability may wish to adjust their budget to accommodate those features. The Eco Terra Hybrid Latex mattress is our pick for the best value organic mattress. It has similar certifications to higher-end organic models, comes in two firmness levels and is available for under $1,000 when it's on sale. What Is The Best Month To Buy A Mattress In? Holiday weekends often bring about great mattress sales, so January, February, May, July, August and November are some of the best months to find deals. There are still some lingering 4th Of July deals available right now or you can hold off for Labor Day at the end of August.
CNET
6 days ago
- General
- CNET
This Simple Bed Frame Took Me Less Than 5 Minutes to Put Together. Yes, I Timed It
CNET's key takeaways The Helix Madison bed frame, available in natural wood or white, is $929 for a queen before sales. It's straightforward to put together and requires no tools. That said, the frame is a little expensive and incompatible with headboards. My beautiful, four-poster bed frame broke a few months ago. Immediately afterward, as I was lying there, slowly sliding to the corner of my mattress that had plummeted to the ground (from a decent height, I might add), I cursed that antique frame. It was creaky to the point it would wake me up, and it was higher off the floor than frames are nowadays. Part of me was happy to be rid of it. As my boyfriend and I yanked the wooden side rails apart from the headboard, I realized I wasn't ready to start looking for a new bed frame. They're expensive, and many are so low-quality that they break while you're assembling them or after just a few months. Through the years, I've seen plenty of sleep products not live up to the hype, and I was unwilling to lug another one up the stairs to my bedroom. However, after a few days of floor sleeping, I was neck deep in research for my next bed frame. I've tested plenty of bed frames and mattresses during my career, but even I was a little overwhelmed by the many options. All I knew was that I was done with complicated bed frames. I wanted something simple. Then I started testing the Helix Madison bed frame, and I haven't looked back. My experience with the Helix Madison bed frame The Helix Madison is the perfect choice for people (like me) who don't want to deal with a bunch of screws and sacrifice time deciphering the illustrations in the instructions packet. It's hands down the easiest piece of furniture I've put together. I should mention that I'm not the best at that -- the desk I put together in college shook if you put any weight on it. The Madison bed frame is foolproof. It has a brilliant interlocking design that doesn't require any tools. Taylor Leamey/CNET The outer frame consists of four corner pieces and four pieces of wood that fit together without screws or dowels. The outside wood pieces are notched so you can tell how they interlock with the legs. Then, you add the center support beam and the slats, and you're done. I timed the setup, and it took less than 5 minutes. Um, 5 minutes! It took us at least 30 minutes to get our old bed frame apart, and we had to break it to do so. The old pieces were heavy and difficult to move out of the bedroom. The Helix Madison bed frame was a breeze to move. My partner and I could easily pick up the box and carry it upstairs. I can't imagine the average person would have a difficult time lifting the bed frame in the box or once it's put together. It took longer to take the Helix bed frame out of the box than it did to put it together. It was pretty snuggly packaged, so unpacking took a little longer than 5 minutes, but once it was out and I had the pieces sorted, putting it together was simple. Taylor Leamey/CNET As easy as it was to put together, I was a little worried about the quality and stability of the bed, mainly because it has no screws. But I've been sleeping on this bed frame for a few months now, and it's a night-and-day difference compared with my vintage four-poster. I no longer wake up from the creaks that echo around my room when my partner rolls over. The specs: Besides being easy to put together, this bed has a few other key features you should know about. 30-night sleep trial Free shipping and five-year limited warranty Available in natural (what I have) or white Tool-free assembly Bedrails: 100% Appalachian hardwood; slats: 100% southern yellow pine; legs: 100% Appalachian maple Available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and California king Not compatible with headboards CNET's buying advice The Helix Madison bed frame is a no-brainer if you don't want a fancy bed frame but want something slightly more elevated than a bare metal one. It's a little on the expensive side for how simple it is to put together, but with sales, I've seen the price of a queen drop from $930 to around $695. Helix often runs sitewide sales around big holidays like Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day. The discount will vary by holiday, though in my experience, Helix averages around 25% off. I can't ignore that even with sales, it's still a big investment, especially if you compare it with a basic metal frame that costs only $60 on Amazon. However, I can vouch for the quality of this bed frame. The novelty of being able to put it together in 5 minutes may also make it more appealing, if you can afford it. I've had plenty of heavy frames that were a pain to put together, and sometimes worse to take apart. The Helix Madison bed frame was a breath of fresh air, every step of the way. I've only noticed a little chip in the protective coating around the wood side rail, but nothing that's worried me about the stability. Overall, it's a solid bed frame that I'd recommend to anyone. The only thing that bums me out about this product is that it's not compatible with headboards. But if you don't care about that or want a simple frame for your guest bed, you'll like the Helix Madison bed frame.
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
SEVL-2815 labour contract in Western Québec region Français
Members ratify tentative agreement MONTRÉAL, July 24, 2025 /CNW/ - Videotron employees in Western Québec region represented by the Syndicat des employées et employés de Vidéotron (SEVL-2815) voted, Wednesday night, in favour of the tentative agreement reached on July 4, 2025 on renewal of their collective agreement, which expires on December 31, 2025. Videotron and the union, which represents more than 2,300 employees, are pleased with the early conclusion of the bargaining talks and the resulting agreement. The new contract will take effect on January 1, 2026 and run until 2030. "I would like to underscore the productive dialogue between the parties," said Pierre Karl Péladeau, President and CEO of Quebecor. "The mutual respect, spirit of cooperation and professionalism at the bargaining table enabled us to reach a strategic agreement for Videotron's future. The proactive approach made it possible to tackle the challenges facing our industry head-on, particularly talent attraction and retention. This agreement positions us to continue innovating and delivering outstanding service to our customers, while strengthening our leadership position and maintaining some of the best employment conditions in the industry." "This agreement is a step forward for our members, who will see a real increase in purchasing power in a challenging economic environment," said Roger Boudreau, president of SEVL-CUPE 2815. "It is the result of respectful and constructive dialogue and represents a collective victory for all the workers we represent." About CUPE CUPE represents 143,000 members in Québec, including more than 6,100 in the communications industry. It also represents workers in the following sectors: social services, schools, universities, energy, municipalities, government agencies and Crown corporations, air and ground transportation, the mixed economy sector, marine transportation, and firefighting. CUPE is the FTQ's largest affiliate. About Videotron Videotron, a wholly owned subsidiary of Quebecor Media Inc., is an integrated communications company engaged in television, entertainment, Internet access, wireline telephone and mobile telephone services. Videotron is Canada's fourth strong and competitive national mobile carrier, with 4,192,600 mobile lines as of March 31, 2025. Videotron is also a leader in new technologies with its Helix home entertainment and management platform. As of March 31, 2025, Videotron had 1,293,500 subscribers to its television service, 1,729,100 subscribers to its Internet service, and 593,200 connections to its wireline telephony service. In Léger's 2025 Reputation survey, Videotron was ranked the most respected telecom provider in Québec for the 19 th time since 2006. SOURCE Videotron Ltd.
Business Insider
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Helix Energy reports Q2 EPS (2c), consensus 3c
Reports Q2 revenue $302.29M, consensus $326.61M. Owen Kratz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Helix, stated, 'Our second quarter results reflect marginal seasonal increases in activity levels in the North Sea and Gulf of America shelf as well as a full quarter of operations on the Q7000 in Brazil. The quarterly improvements were more than offset by the negative impacts of the planned regulatory docking of the Q5000 and the return transit of the Q4000 from its Nigeria project. The macro and geopolitical volatility experienced during the second quarter has created significant uncertainties in the market, with customers scaling back spending and pushing work into 2026 and beyond. While we expect significant improvements in our third quarter financial performance, with a lack of visibility in the fourth quarter as projects get pushed to the right, we have risk-assessed our 2025 outlook accordingly. Even with a challenging and disappointing backdrop, we have positioned Helix to generate meaningful free cash flow this year, and we continued to execute our share repurchase plan with 4.6 million shares repurchased during the second quarter. We are seeing some positive signs in the market, with work starting to be secured in the North Sea well intervention market for 2026, a multi-year MSA with Exxon for our Shallow Water segment and a multi-year 800-day minimum commitment trenching contract secured in the North Sea for our Robotics segment.' Elevate Your Investing Strategy:
Business Wire
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Helix Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. ("Helix") (NYSE: HLX) reported a net loss of $2.6 million, or $(0.02) per diluted share, for the second quarter 2025 compared to net income of $3.1 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, for the first quarter 2025 and net income of $32.3 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, for the second quarter 2024. Helix reported Adjusted EBITDA 1 of $42.4 million for the second quarter 2025 compared to $52.0 million for the first quarter 2025 and $96.9 million for the second quarter 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, Helix reported net income of $0.5 million, or $0.00 per diluted share, compared to net income of $6.0 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2024. Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 2025, was $94.4 million compared to $143.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The table below summarizes our results of operations: Owen Kratz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Helix, stated, 'Our second quarter results reflect marginal seasonal increases in activity levels in the North Sea and Gulf of America shelf as well as a full quarter of operations on the Q7000 in Brazil. The quarterly improvements were more than offset by the negative impacts of the planned regulatory docking of the Q5000 and the return transit of the Q4000 from its Nigeria project. The macro and geopolitical volatility experienced during the second quarter has created significant uncertainties in the market, with customers scaling back spending and pushing work into 2026 and beyond. While we expect significant improvements in our third quarter financial performance, with a lack of visibility in the fourth quarter as projects get pushed to the right, we have risk-assessed our 2025 outlook accordingly. Even with a challenging and disappointing backdrop, we have positioned Helix to generate meaningful free cash flow this year, and we continued to execute our share repurchase plan with 4.6 million shares repurchased during the second quarter. We are seeing some positive signs in the market, with work starting to be secured in the North Sea well intervention market for 2026, a multi-year MSA with Exxon for our Shallow Water segment and a multi-year 800-day minimum commitment trenching contract secured in the North Sea for our Robotics segment.' Segment Results Well Intervention Well Intervention revenues decreased $41.6 million, or 21%, during the second quarter 2025 compared to the prior quarter primarily due to lower utilization and lower integrated project revenues in the Gulf of America, offset in part by higher utilization on the Q7000 in Brazil and higher seasonal utilization in the North Sea during the second quarter 2025. Revenues on the U.S.-based vessels decreased during the second quarter 2025 as the Q4000 spent approximately 45 days transiting back to the Gulf of America and demobilizing after completing its Nigeria project in early April, and the Q5000 underwent an approximate 57-day planned regulatory docking. Revenues on the Q4000 also decreased during the second quarter due to lower integrated project revenues following the completion of the Nigeria project. Revenues on the Q7000 increased as the vessel had a full quarter under contract in Brazil during the second quarter compared to the prior quarter where the vessel had only six days of revenue following its regulatory docking and mobilization. Revenues also increased in the North Sea as expected with seasonally higher utilization during the second quarter on the Well Enhancer, although the Seawell remained warm-stacked throughout the quarter. Overall Well Intervention vessel utilization increased to 72% during the second quarter 2025 compared to 67% during the prior quarter. Compared to the prior quarter, utilization during the second quarter included a higher number of paid transit, mobilization and demobilization days for which revenues have either been deferred or have already been recognized. Well Intervention operating income decreased $36.4 million during the second quarter 2025 compared to the prior quarter. The decrease was due primarily to lower segment revenues and higher costs on the Q7000 with a full quarter of operations, offset in part by cost deferrals on the Q5000 during its planned regulatory docking during the second quarter 2025. Well Intervention revenues decreased $61.0 million, or 28%, during the second quarter 2025 compared to the second quarter 2024. The decrease was primarily due to lower utilization on the Seawell and in the Gulf of America, offset in part by higher rates in Brazil during the second quarter 2025. Revenues decreased on the Seawell, which was warm stacked during the second quarter 2025 compared to being fully utilized during the second quarter 2024. Revenues were lower on the Gulf of America vessels due to fewer operational days on the Q4000, which incurred higher transit and demobilization days, and due to lower utilization on the Q5000, which underwent an approximate 57-day planned regulatory dry dock during the second quarter 2025. Revenues increased in Brazil during the second quarter 2025 as the Siem Helix 1 and Siem Helix 2 operated at higher contractual rates compared to the second quarter 2024. Overall Well Intervention vessel utilization decreased to 72% during the second quarter 2025 compared to 94% during the second quarter 2024. Well Intervention operating income decreased $45.7 million during the second quarter 2025 compared to the second quarter 2024 primarily due to lower revenues, offset in part by lower vessel costs from stacking the Seawell and cost deferrals on the Q5000 docking during the second quarter 2025. Robotics Robotics revenues increased $34.5 million, or 68%, during the second quarter 2025 compared to the prior quarter. The increase in revenues was due to seasonally higher vessel days and trenching and ROV utilization compared to the prior quarter. During the second quarter 2025, chartered vessel activity increased to 537 days, or 95% utilization, compared to 244 days, or 67% utilization, and ROV and trencher utilization increased to 62% compared to 51% during the prior quarter. Integrated vessel trenching increased to 157 days during the second quarter 2025 compared to 135 days during the prior quarter. During the second quarter 2025, we launched our third IROV boulder grab, and site clearance operations using our IROV boulder grabs generated 190 days of utilization compared to 21 days during the prior quarter. Robotics operating income increased $13.7 million during the second quarter 2025 compared to the prior quarter primarily due to higher revenues, offset in part by increased vessel charter costs, during the second quarter 2025. Robotics revenues increased $4.3 million, or 5%, during the second quarter 2025 compared to the second quarter 2024. The increase in revenues was primarily due to increased chartered vessel and site clearance activities, offset in part by a reduction in ROV and trencher utilization compared to the second quarter 2024. The second quarter 2025 included 537 chartered vessel days, which included 190 days of site clearance operations using three IROV boulder grabs, compared to 528 chartered vessel days, which included 78 days of site clearance operations using two IROV boulder grabs, during the second quarter 2024. The second quarter 2025 also included 91 days of trenching on a third-party vessel, whereas there was no trenching from a third-party vessel during the second quarter 2024. Offsetting the increases were reductions in integrated vessel trenching days and ROV utilization. Integrated vessel trenching decreased to 157 days during the second quarter 2025 compared to 232 days during the second quarter 2024, and ROV utilization decreased to 64% during the second quarter 2025 compared to 80% during the second quarter 2024. Robotics operating income decreased $9.4 million during the second quarter 2025 due to higher vessel costs and lower margins compared to the second quarter 2024. Shallow Water Abandonment Shallow Water Abandonment revenues increased $33.8 million, or 201%, during the second quarter 2025 compared to the prior quarter. The increase in revenues reflected seasonally higher activity levels and utilization across all asset classes during the second quarter 2025. Vessel utilization (excluding heavy lift) increased to 61% during the second quarter 2025 compared to 31% during the prior quarter. Plug and Abandonment ('P&A') and Coiled Tubing ('CT') systems activity increased to 798 days, or 34% utilization, during the second quarter 2025 compared to 264 days, or 11% utilization, during the prior quarter. The Epic Hedron heavy lift barge had 38% utilization during the second quarter 2025 compared to being idle during the prior quarter. Shallow Water Abandonment generated an operating loss of $0.4 million during the second quarter 2025, an improvement of $13.1 million compared to the prior quarter primarily due to higher seasonal revenues and related operating costs during the second quarter 2025. Shallow Water Abandonment revenues decreased $0.2 million during the second quarter 2025 compared to the second quarter 2024 primarily due to lower day rates on our vessels and P&A systems, lower heavy lift utilization and weaker contract performance during the second quarter 2025, almost entirely offset by higher system and vessel utilization (excluding heavy lift). The Epic Hedron heavy lift barge had 38% utilization during the second quarter 2025 compared 46% utilization during the second quarter 2024. Offsetting these decreases were higher utilization on P&A and CT systems, which increased to 798 days, or 34%, during the second quarter 2025 compared to 632 days, or 27%, during the second quarter 2024 and higher utilization on vessels (excluding heavy lift), which increased to 61% during the second quarter 2025 compared to 58% during the second quarter 2024. Shallow Water Abandonment operating losses increased $0.1 million in the second quarter 2025 primarily due to lower revenues compared to the second quarter 2024. Production Facilities Production Facilities revenues decreased $2.8 million, or 14%, during the second quarter 2025 compared to the prior quarter primarily due to lower oil and gas production and prices from the Droshky field. The Droshky field had a full quarter of production during the first quarter 2025 but was shut in for approximately one month during the second quarter 2025, and the Thunder Hawk field remained shut in during both quarters. Additionally, oil prices were approximately $6 per barrel lower during the second quarter 2025 compared to the prior quarter. Production Facilities operating income decreased $2.5 million during the second quarter 2025 primarily due to lower revenues compared to the prior quarter. Production Facilities revenues decreased $8.3 million, or 33%, during the second quarter 2025 compared to the second quarter 2024 primarily due to lower oil and gas production and prices during the second quarter 2025. During the second quarter 2025, the Thunder Hawk field remained shut in the entire quarter and the Droshky field was shut in for approximately one month, whereas both fields had a full quarter of production during the second quarter 2024. Additionally, oil prices were approximately $15 per barrel lower during the second quarter 2025 compared to the second quarter 2024. Production Facilities operating income decreased $4.7 million during the second quarter 2025 primarily due to lower revenues offset in part by lower production-related costs compared to the second quarter 2024. Selling, General and Administrative and Other Share Repurchases Share repurchases totaled approximately 4.6 million shares of our common stock for approximately $30.0 million during the second quarter 2025. Selling, General and Administrative Selling, general and administrative expenses were $18.1 million, or 6.0% of revenue, during the second quarter 2025 compared to $19.4 million, or 7.0% of revenue, during the prior quarter and $22.3 million, or 6.1% of revenue, during the second quarter 2024. The decrease in expenses during the second quarter 2025 was primarily due to lower compensation costs compared to the prior quarter and prior year. Other Income and Expense Other income, net was $0.4 million during the second quarter 2025 compared to other expense, net of $0.4 million during the prior quarter and other expense, net of $0.4 million during the second quarter 2024. Other income and expense, net primarily includes net foreign currency gains and losses, respectively, related to the British pound on our U.K subsidiaries' foreign currency positions. Cash Flows Operating cash flows were $(17.1) million during the second quarter 2025 compared to $16.4 million during the prior quarter and $(12.2) million during the second quarter 2024. Second quarter 2025 operating cash flows decreased primarily due to lower earnings and higher working capital outflows compared to the prior quarter. Second quarter 2025 operating cash flows decreased compared to the second quarter 2024 primarily due to lower earnings and higher regulatory certification costs on our vessels and systems during the second quarter 2025, offset in part by the payment of $58.3 million related to the Alliance earn-out and by higher working capital outflows during the second quarter 2024. Regulatory certifications for our vessels and systems, which are included in operating cash flows, were $16.1 million during the second quarter 2025 compared to $17.9 million during the prior quarter and $10.7 million during the second quarter 2024. Capital expenditures, which are included in investing cash flows, totaled $4.5 million during the second quarter 2025 compared to $4.5 million during the prior quarter and $4.0 million during the second quarter 2024. Free Cash Flow was $(21.6) million during the second quarter 2025 compared to $12.0 million during the prior quarter and $(16.2) million during the second quarter 2024. The decrease in Free Cash Flow in the second quarter 2025 compared to the prior quarter and the second quarter 2024 was due primarily to lower operating cash flows during the second quarter 2025. (Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP measure. See reconciliation below.) Financial Condition and Liquidity Cash and cash equivalents were $319.7 million at June 30, 2025. Available capacity under our ABL facility at June 30, 2025, was $70.5 million, and total liquidity was $374.9 million, excluding $15.3 million pledged toward our ABL facility. Consolidated long-term debt was $311.6 million at June 30, 2025, resulting in negative Net Debt of $8.1 million. (Net Debt is a non-GAAP measure. See reconciliation below.) Conference Call Information Further details are provided in the presentation for Helix's quarterly teleconference to review its second quarter 2025 results (see the Investor Relations page of Helix's website, The teleconference is scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time. Investors and other interested parties wishing to participate in the teleconference should dial 1-800-715-9871 within the United States and 1-646-307-1963 outside the United States. The passcode is "Staffeldt." A live webcast of the teleconference will be available in a listen-only mode on the Investor Relations section of Helix's website. A replay of the webcast will be available on Helix's website shortly after the completion of the event. About Helix Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is an international offshore energy services company that provides specialty services to the offshore energy industry, with a focus on well intervention, robotics and decommissioning operations. Our services are key in supporting a global energy transition by maximizing production of existing oil and gas reserves, decommissioning end-of-life oil and gas fields and supporting renewable energy developments. For more information about Helix, please visit our website at Non-GAAP Financial Measures Management evaluates operating performance and financial condition using certain non-GAAP measures, primarily EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow and Net Debt. We define EBITDA as earnings before income taxes, net interest expense, net other income or expense, and depreciation and amortization expense. Non-cash impairment losses on goodwill and other long-lived assets are also added back if applicable. To arrive at our measure of Adjusted EBITDA, we exclude gains or losses on disposition of assets, acquisition and integration costs, gains or losses related to convertible senior notes, the change in fair value of contingent consideration, and the general provision (release) for current expected credit losses, if any. We define Free Cash Flow as cash flows from operating activities less capital expenditures, net of proceeds from asset sales and insurance recoveries (related to property and equipment), if any. Net Debt is calculated as long-term debt including current maturities of long-term debt less cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash. We use EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow and Net Debt to monitor and facilitate internal evaluation of the performance of our business operations, to facilitate external comparison of our business results to those of others in our industry, to analyze and evaluate financial and strategic planning decisions regarding future investments and acquisitions, to plan and evaluate operating budgets, and in certain cases, to report our results to the holders of our debt as required by our debt covenants. We believe that our measures of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow and Net Debt provide useful information to the public regarding our operating performance and ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures and may help our investors understand and compare our results to other companies that have different financing, capital and tax structures. Other companies may calculate their measures of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow and Net Debt differently from the way we do, which may limit their usefulness as comparative measures. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow and Net Debt should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, but instead are supplemental to, income from operations, net income, cash flows from operating activities, or other income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP. Users of this financial information should consider the types of events and transactions that are excluded from these measures. See reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial information presented in this press release to the most directly comparable financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. We have not provided reconciliations of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to comparable GAAP measures due to the challenges and impracticability with estimating some of the items without unreasonable effort, which amounts could be significant. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, any statements regarding: our plans, strategies and objectives for future operations; any projections of financial items including projections as to guidance and other outlook information; future operations expenditures; our ability to enter into, renew and/or perform commercial contracts; the spot market; our current work continuing; visibility and future utilization; our protocols and plans; future economic or political conditions; energy transition or energy security; our spending and cost management efforts and our ability to manage changes; oil price volatility and its effects and results; our ability to identify, effect and integrate mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures or other transactions, including the integration of the Alliance acquisition and any subsequently identified legacy issues with respect thereto; developments; any financing transactions or arrangements or our ability to enter into such transactions or arrangements; our sustainability initiatives; our share repurchase program or execution; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to market conditions and the demand for our services; volatility of oil and natural gas prices; complexities of global political and economic developments, including tariffs; results from mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures or similar transactions; results from acquired properties; our ability to secure and realize backlog; the performance of contracts by customers, suppliers and other counterparties; actions by governmental and regulatory authorities; operating hazards and delays, which include delays in delivery, chartering or customer acceptance of assets or terms of their acceptance; the effectiveness of our sustainability initiatives and disclosures; human capital management issues; geologic risks; and other risks described from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, which are available free of charge on the SEC's website at We assume no obligation and do not intend to update these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their respective dates, except as required by law. HELIX ENERGY SOLUTIONS GROUP, INC. Comparative Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Six Months Ended (in thousands) 6/30/2025 6/30/2024 (unaudited) Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 474 $ 6,002 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 87,871 89,824 Deferred recertification and dry dock costs (33,931 ) (20,330 ) Payment of earnout consideration - (58,300 ) Losses related to convertible senior notes - 20,922 Working capital and other (55,105 ) 14,202 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (691 ) 52,320 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (8,958 ) (7,594 ) Proceeds from insurance recoveries - 363 Net cash used in investing activities (8,958 ) (7,231 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Repayments of long-term debt (4,537 ) (65,042 ) Repurchases of common stock (30,214 ) (10,189 ) Payment of earnout consideration - (26,700 ) Other financing activities (6,029 ) 405 Net cash used in financing activities (40,780 ) (101,526 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 2,142 (688 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (48,287 ) (57,125 ) Cash and cash equivalents: Balance, beginning of year 368,030 332,191 Balance, end of period $ 319,743 $ 275,066 Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands, unaudited) 6/30/2025 6/30/2024 3/31/2025 6/30/2025 6/30/2024 Reconciliation from Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA: Net income (loss) $ (2,598 ) $ 32,289 $ 3,072 $ 474 $ 6,002 Adjustments: Income tax provision (benefit) (5,997 ) 14,725 453 (5,544 ) 13,027 Net interest expense 5,875 5,891 5,706 11,581 11,368 Other (income) expense, net (437 ) 382 357 (80 ) 2,598 Depreciation and amortization 45,389 43,471 42,482 87,871 89,824 EBITDA 42,232 96,758 52,070 94,302 122,819 Adjustments: Loss on disposition of assets, net - - - - 150 General provision for (release of) current expected credit losses 198 137 (85 ) 113 (6 ) Losses related to convertible senior notes - - - - 20,922 Adjusted EBITDA $ 42,430 $ 96,895 $ 51,985 $ 94,415 $ 143,885 Free Cash Flow: Cash flows from operating activities $ (17,133 ) $ (12,164 ) $ 16,442 $ (691 ) $ 52,320 Less: Capital expenditures, net of proceeds from asset sales and insurance recoveries (4,470 ) (3,989 ) (4,488 ) (8,958 ) (7,231 ) Free Cash Flow $ (21,603 ) $ (16,153 ) $ 11,954 $ (9,649 ) $ 45,089 Net Debt: Long-term debt including current maturities $ 311,612 $ 318,629 $ 311,109 $ 311,612 $ 318,629 Less: Cash and cash equivalents (319,743 ) (275,066 ) (369,987 ) (319,743 ) (275,066 ) Net Debt $ (8,131 ) $ 43,563 $ (58,878 ) $ (8,131 ) $ 43,563 Expand
