Wingstop: Q2 Earnings Snapshot
The Dallas-based company said it had profit of 96 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, were $1 per share.
The results topped Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of nine analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 88 cents per share.
The restaurant chain posted revenue of $174.3 million in the period, missing Street forecasts. Eight analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $174.4 million.
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Business Upturn
30 minutes ago
- Business Upturn
How Eckhart Tolle Turned Stillness into a Multi-Million Dollar Empire
In an era where noise equals value and attention is currency, Eckhart Tolle's quiet empire stands as a paradox: a low-key spiritual teacher who turned stillness into scalable revenue. The German-born, Vancouver-based author is best known for his transformational bestsellers The Power of Now and A New Earth , but few realize the depth and structure of the Eckhart Tolle business model behind his serene public presence. This article peels back the layers of a multimillion-dollar operation that monetises presence, awareness, and peace — not through mass consumerism, but via publishing royalties, digital subscriptions, high-ticket retreats, and a strategically limited brand ecosystem. Here's how Eckhart Tolle built one of America's most financially efficient spiritual businesses without ever appearing overtly commercial. The Foundation of Eckhart Tolle's Business: Books, Brand, and Digital Presence Eckhart Tolle's rise to fame began with the self-published release of The Power of Now in 1997. It was quietly passed from hand to hand until Oprah Winfrey featured it on her book club in 2000, turning the title into an international sensation. His follow-up, A New Earth (2005), cemented his place in the upper echelon of global self-help literature. The real engine here wasn't just sales — it was brand crystallisation. Tolle's persona became inseparable from the experience of the books: minimalist covers, philosophical prose, and his calm media appearances all built a recognisable brand asset. By focusing on timelessness and simplicity, Tolle didn't just write spiritual books—he created a lifestyle identity, turning his name into a marketable intellectual property in the U.S. personal growth ecosystem. He never diluted his message through excessive appearances or rapid releases. This calculated scarcity made his content — and by extension, his brand — feel more premium and essential. Monetising Awareness: How Tolle's Publishing and Royalties Model Works Tolle's publishing contracts, initially with Namaste Publishing and later with Penguin Group and New World Library, are reportedly based on above-standard royalty agreements — a likely outcome of Oprah-backed demand and consistent best-seller performance. In traditional U.S. publishing deals, authors earn about 10–15% in royalties from hardcover sales and 7–10% from paperbacks, but high-performing titles like The Power of Now , which has sold over three million copies in the U.S. alone, can trigger escalator clauses, enhanced royalty splits, or even profit-sharing models. Given his status, it is reasonable to estimate that Tolle's U.S. royalty earnings exceed seven figures annually just from books alone. Moreover, his titles have become evergreen staples in the $10.5 billion U.S. self-help publishing market, which continues to grow annually at 5–6%. Tolle's position in the spiritual/self-realisation subcategory ensures not only consistent sales but recurring passive income from reprints, translations, and audiobook versions. Beyond the Bookshelf: Eckhart Tolle TV and the Subscription-Based Content Model Perhaps the most strategically sophisticated aspect of the Eckhart Tolle business model is his digital platform, Launched as a proprietary content hub, the site offers exclusive video teachings, guided meditations, and discussions with Kim Eng (his teaching partner). Rather than relying on YouTube monetisation or open-access content, Tolle's team positioned the site as a premium subscription service, offering monthly access to digital stillness for a fee. As of mid-2025, subscription pricing sits at: $19.95/month $149/year (a ~38% discount) Content is released monthly, creating evergreen media assets with high retention potential. Monthly Membership Dynamics and Digital Scalability This subscription model offers a masterclass in high-margin, low-overhead business operations. Unlike book publishing, which includes printing, distribution, and retailer margins, digital content has virtually zero unit cost after production. Let's assume a conservative estimate of 50,000 active U.S. subscribers — which aligns with mid-tier subscription benchmarks for niche spiritual platforms. At $19.95/month, that alone equates to $1 million monthly recurring revenue or $12 million annually, with minimal infrastructure costs. More importantly, the lifetime value of a subscriber—typically measured as customer longevity × monthly payment—is far higher than that of a casual book buyer. If the average subscriber stays for just one year, that's $149, compared to a one-time $15 book sale. This model allows Tolle's business to scale quietly yet powerfully, leaning into digital infrastructure rather than celebrity tours or mass-market merchandise. Partnership with Oprah Winfrey: Turning Thought Leadership into Cultural Capital The single most pivotal inflection point in the Eckhart Tolle business model came through his collaboration with Oprah Winfrey. In 2008, they launched a 10-week live webcast series dissecting A New Earth , drawing over 35 million views globally — a media milestone in both spiritual and internet history. More than just exposure, the Oprah alliance turned Tolle into mainstream intellectual currency. He became a recurring guest on SuperSoul Sunday and co-created online courses that blended Oprah's audience reach with Tolle's conceptual gravity. This strategic alignment gave Tolle access to: Oprah's vast email marketing and CRM channels Global brand legitimacy beyond 'new-age' circles Immense traffic to his digital products and courses It was a cross-platform partnership, not a one-off appearance — a vital distinction in modern media monetisation. Selling Transformation: Tolle's Online Courses and Certification Revenues Tolle's team capitalised on the post-Oprah momentum by launching a suite of premium online courses, including: The Power of Presence ($197) Being the Light ($297) Living a Life of Presence (bundle packages up to $499) These courses are hosted on his website and third-party platforms like Sounds True, offering high-definition video teachings, downloadable workbooks, and multi-week learning journeys. While there is no official certification program akin to Deepak Chopra's wellness coaching franchise, affiliate commissions for resellers and partners suggest an informal influencer ecosystem. This lean approach allows Tolle to monetise transformation without commodifying his image through licensing or training programs. Event Economics: From Quiet Retreats to High-Ticket Mindfulness Gatherings Tolle's live appearances are few and far between — and that's by design. His in-person retreats are positioned not as motivational seminars, but as luxury immersive experiences, often hosted in upscale venues across California, Hawaii, or Europe. A typical retreat includes: 3–5 days of teachings Meditation and silent reflection sessions Premium accommodation and meals Ticket prices range from $895 (early bird, basic access) to over $2,500 for premium packages. Limited to a few hundred participants, these events function more like private masterminds than general public lectures. The Role of Scarcity and Exclusivity in Pricing This model hinges on scarcity economics. By offering few events, avoiding overexposure, and limiting ticket availability, Tolle maintains a high perceived value around his presence. This also shields the brand from dilution. Instead of turning teachings into mass-market spectacles (à la Tony Robbins), the exclusive access principle keeps demand high and costs manageable — no arenas, no giant production crews. It's minimalism as monetisation. E-Commerce and Merchandise: Silent Expansion Through Branded Calm Tolle's e-commerce presence is subtle but structured. His official store features: Guided audio meditations (avg. $15–$25) Journals and mindfulness prompts Digital downloads of past retreats Limited branded apparel and gift bundles Rather than flooding the market, his product strategy mirrors his teachings: less is more. Though merchandise is not the core revenue engine, it enhances average order value for website visitors and serves as an onboarding path for deeper offerings like subscriptions or courses. Affiliate Ecosystem and Cross-Brand Collaborations Interestingly, the Eckhart Tolle business model has largely eschewed commercial brand partnerships with wellness apps, meditation startups, or corporate sponsors — a notable divergence from peers like Sam Harris or Deepak Chopra. This may be a deliberate choice: to maintain brand purity and avoid the trap of over-commercialisation, which could compromise the trust of his philosophically-inclined audience. Yet the absence itself is telling — and strategic. By not monetising every opportunity, Tolle creates an aura of authenticity, reinforcing the value of what is offered. Stillness as a Service: The Paradox of Monetising Presence in America's Capitalist System The Eckhart Tolle business model may be one of the most counterintuitive case studies in modern entrepreneurship. It monetises silence, yet not cheaply. It preaches presence, yet thrives on subscription economics. It builds brand equity not through mass marketing, but through intentional digital scarcity and psychological alignment with its audience. In a hyperstimulated American attention economy, Tolle's model proves that stillness itself is a luxury—one that people will gladly pay for if packaged with care, consistency, and calm. His empire isn't spiritual capitalism in disguise. It's capitalism redesigned around non-urgency. And that, perhaps, is its most revolutionary feature. Final Takeaway: In a world of noise, Eckhart Tolle didn't sell enlightenment. He sold access to silence—strategically, sustainably, and profitably. That's not just a spiritual movement. That's a business model for the future of mindful commerce. This article is intended for informational and editorial purposes only. It does not constitute endorsement or promotion of any individual, company, or entity mentioned. Business Upturn makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided.
CNBC
39 minutes ago
- CNBC
Berkshire Hathaway operating earnings dip 4% as conglomerate braces for tariff impact
Berkshire Hathaway on Saturday reported a small decline in second-quarter operating earnings as Warren Buffett's conglomerate warns of negative impacts from steep U.S. tariffs. Berkshire's operating profit — those from the company's wholly owned businesses including insurance and railroads — dipped 4% year over year to $11.16 billion in the second quarter. The results were impacted by a decline in insurance underwriting, while railroad, energy, manufacturing, service and retailing all saw higher profits from a year ago. The Omaha-based conglomerate once again issued a stern warning of President Donald Trump's tariffs and the potential impact on its various businesses. "The pace of changes in these events, including tensions from developing international trade policies and tariffs, accelerated through the first six months of 2025," Berkshire said in its earnings report. "Considerable uncertainty remains as to the ultimate outcome of these events." "It is reasonably possible there could be adverse consequences on most, if not all, of our operating businesses, as well as on our investments in equity securities, which could significantly affect our future results," it said. Buffett's cash hoard fell slightly to $344.1 billion, from the $347 billion level at the end of March. The conglomerate didn't repurchase any stock in the first half of 2025 even as shares declined more than 10% from a record high. In May, the 94-year-old "Oracle of Omaha" announced that he's stepping down as CEO at the end of 2025 after experiencing the physical effects of aging. Greg Abel, Berkshire's vice-chairman of non-insurance operations, is set to take over as CEO, while Buffett will remain as chairman of Berkshire's board.
Newsweek
40 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Donald Trump Disapproval Rating Hits New 2025 High
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Donald Trump's disapproval rating has climbed to its highest level of the year, according to newly released polling data. The latest ActiVote poll, conducted between July 1 and 31 among 454 respondents, put Trump's disapproval rating at 52.1 percent, up from 51.5 percent last month. Meanwhile, his approval rating has remained at 44.5 percent. Why It Matters Voters have in particular raised concerns about the administration's handling of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's case, as well as Trump's tariffs policies and his impact on the economy more broadly. File photo: Donald Trump gestures as he departs from the South Lawn of the White House., Friday, August 1, 2025 in Washington, D.C. File photo: Donald Trump gestures as he departs from the South Lawn of the White House., Friday, August 1, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Jacquelyn Martin/AP What To Know The latest data marks a stark reversal from earlier in the year, when Trump held a net positive approval rating. In January, 52 percent of Americans approved of his performance, while 46 percent disapproved—a net approval of +6. But that lead evaporated by March, and his numbers have since trended steadily downward. By April, Trump's disapproval rating had begun to consistently outpace approval, with 45 percent approving and 51 percent disapproving. After a brief improvement in May, his net approval dropped to -7 in both June and July. Despite the decline, July's numbers remain higher than Trump's average approval rating during his first term (41 percent), and also above President Biden's full-term average (41 percent) and his final-year rating (40 percent). Trump also maintains a net positive rating among rural voters, men, older Americans (50-plus), Republicans, white voters, and those with lower incomes, all of whom were crucial to his victory in 2024. Meanwhile, the politically crucial centrist group shifted back into net positive territory for Trump in July, giving him a +4 approval rating, up from -6 last month. However, approval within his own base has slipped: support among the moderate right and right dropped to 82 percent, down 4 points from June. Epstein Scandal Rekindles Public Scrutiny The fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal continues to cast a shadow over Trump and his administration. Polls have shown that a bipartisan majority of voters, including MAGA supporters, now believe that the government should release all files related to Epstein, with many suspecting a cover-up. Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender, died by suicide in jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. There is no evidence that Trump was involved in Epstein's crimes. Trump has acknowledged knowing the man in the 1990s and early 2000s but maintains that he cut ties with him well before Epstein's 2006 arrest. A recent Wall Street Journal report uncovered a 2003 birthday card Trump allegedly sent to Epstein. The card included a drawing of a naked woman and the message: "We have certain things in common … may every day be another wonderful secret." The discontent intensified when a Justice Department memo last month confirmed Epstein died by suicide in 2019 and that the government does not possess a "client list"—directly contradicting conspiracy theories promoted by some Trump-aligned figures. Trump reportedly lashed out at his own supporters, calling them "weaklings" for being "duped" by what he called a "hoax" pushed by Democrats. He later walked back the comments and directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to begin the process of unsealing grand jury materials related to Epstein. Economic Worries Add To Pressure Economic concerns are also causing a headache for the Trump administration, with multiple recent polls showing a downward trend in the president's approval rating on his handling of the economy and inflation. Inflation rose to 2.7 percent in June, and job growth slowed sharply in July, with just 73,000 new jobs added—down from 147,000 the previous month, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.2 percent, though it remains near historic lows. Amid those concerns, other polls have also shown Trump's approval rating sliding to lows. The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that Trump's approval rating had dropped to 40 percent, with 56 percent disapproving, giving him a net approval rating of -16 points. The latest YouGov/Economist poll also showed Trump's approval rating at its lowest level yet, with 40 percent approving and 55 percent disapproving. And a new Zogby Strategies poll also showed Trump's overall approval rating had slipped to an all-time low, with just 43 percent of voters approving of his performance, while 54 percent disapproved, marking a net approval rating of -11 points. That is down from -8 net approval in June and -1 in May. Poll Date Approve Disapprove ActiVote July 1-31 45 52 RMG Research July 23-31 50 48 John Zogby Strategies July 28-29 43 54 YouGov/Economist July 25-28 40 55 Ipsos/Reuters July 25-27 40 56 Morning Consult July 25-27 47 50 McLaughlin and Associates July 21-24 47 54 Quantus Insights July 21-23 47 50 Emerson College July 21-22 46 47 Trafalgar Group/Insider Advantage July 22-23 50 48 But other polls show slight improvements: Morning Consult has Trump at 47 percent approval, with net approval rising to -3 from -7. Newsweek's poll tracker shows a similar uptick, with his net approval at -5 (46 percent approve; 51 percent disapprove), up from -7 yesterday and -10 last week. What Happens Next Trump's approval rating will continue to fluctuate throughout his term in office as he implements his policy agenda. Whether it falls enough to impact the Republican Party in the November 2026 midterms remains to be seen.
