According to financial information company Sageworks, US clothing retailers have been more profitable in recent years, despite slowing sales growth. Privately held apparel shops have posted a net profit margin of almost 7 percent, on average, in 2013. That figure is about twice what it was during the preceding two years. Sales however showed slower… Continue Reading
It is expected that Ben Hollowell’s legal training will help him greatly as he begins to take his place as the new president of ATG (formerly Applied Technology Group.) Hollowell, graduate of Wynne High School in Arkansas, was promoted to president of ATG USA after working there as the chief financial officer since April 2007.… Continue Reading
In a move that could affect as many as 5,300 employees, Toyota will be moving its US headquarters from Torrance, outside Los Angeles, to a suburb of Dallas, Texas. The move will strategically locate the car manufacturer’s head office close to where the majority of its US product is built. Jim Lentz, chief executive of… Continue Reading
After working in the non-profit sector for over 35 years, Ed Sayres launched his own firm, Sayres Consulting, in Millbrook, New York. Sayres’ firm offers advice to non-profit directors and senior management on crucial activities such as fundraising, board development, strategy, financial and crisis management. From 2003 until 2013 Sayres was the president and CEO… Continue Reading
As part of a wider, international recall the giant Japanese automobile manufacturer, Toyota, is recalling 1.8 million vehicles for a variety of safety reasons. By the time the global recall is over at least6.39 million vehicles will have been sent back to the factory for repairs. In the United States the recall involves 1.3 million… Continue Reading
The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and Symantec recently launched a survey of US small businesses which revealed that although most believe they are safe from hackers and malware, their online security policies are extremely weak. As a result, small businesses are especially vulnerable. The survey offers eight tips for improving online safety and ensuring… Continue Reading
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. recently announced an impending investment of $692 million in a Chinese department store operator. The Chinese e-commerce empire is hoping to expand its reach to customers who prefer to shop in-store. The investment in Intime Retail Co. Ltd. will come in two parts. Alibaba will purchase $214 million in shares as… Continue Reading
Customized managed portfolio strategies involving low-cost exchange traded funds (ETFs) are continuing to attract advisors and investors in 2014. A recent report from Morningstar revealed that ETF-managed portfolios saw a 40% increase in assets last year, reaching $96 billion. Other strategies with more than half of their assets in ETFs had similar results. ETFtrends.com explains… Continue Reading
American Express recently announced its plans to sell 50% of its Global Business Travel division for $900 million. Though American Express will hold on to a 50% stake, the venture will split from the rest of the company and be managed by an investor group led by Certares LP. Other group members include Qatar Holdings,… Continue Reading
Investment tycoon Warren Buffet recently shared an exclusive clip from his letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, in which he lists the “fundamentals of investing”. Fortune Magazine shared Buffet’s points with the following bullets: You don’t need to be an expert in order to achieve satisfactory investment returns. But if you aren’t, you must recognize your… Continue Reading