Latest news with #NDLS
Sunday World
22-07-2025
- Sunday World
Learner driver tried to ‘bypass' theory test by letting someone else sit it
Mother-of-two Maria Stan had since sat the test and got a full licence A learner driver fraudulently got a licence after trying to 'bypass' the theory test by letting someone else sit it 'on her behalf'. Mother-of-two Maria Stan (25) was issued with a learner's permit after deceiving authorities with a claim that she had passed the test herself. Judge Susan Fay adjourned the case, saying she would leave her without a criminal record if she made a €500 charity donation. There may have been some sort of breakdown in communication Stan, of Brackenwood Drive, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to deception by inducing a worker at the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) to issue a learner's permit in the belief she had successfully completed the driver's theory test. A garda sergeant told Dublin District Court that Stan went to the NDLS office at Omni Shopping Centre, Santry, on November 13, 2019, and submitted an application for a licence, including a declaration that she had completed the theory test. However, someone else had sat it 'on her behalf'. She returned the permit when this was discovered. Stan had no previous convictions. Maria Stan Stan was 'given an opportunity to bypass the theory test', she had 'limited English and there may have been some sort of breakdown in communication', defence solicitor Oscar Banahan said. She understood now that she put herself in a 'precarious situation', he added. Stan had since sat the test and got a full licence. Judge Fay remanded the accused on continuing bail to October 9, saying she will apply the Probation Act if the donation is made.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
3 Reasons NDLS is Risky and 1 Stock to Buy Instead
Over the last six months, Noodles's shares have sunk to $0.89, producing a disappointing 7.7% loss - a stark contrast to the S&P 500's 4.1% gain. This was partly due to its softer quarterly results and may have investors wondering how to approach the situation. Is there a buying opportunity in Noodles, or does it present a risk to your portfolio? Get the full stock story straight from our expert analysts, it's free. Why Do We Think Noodles Will Underperform? Despite the more favorable entry price, we're swiping left on Noodles for now. Here are three reasons why there are better opportunities than NDLS and a stock we'd rather own. 1. Shrinking Same-Store Sales Indicate Waning Demand Same-store sales show the change in sales at restaurants open for at least a year. This is a key performance indicator because it measures organic growth. Noodles's demand has been shrinking over the last two years as its same-store sales have averaged 1.9% annual declines. 2. Cash Burn Ignites Concerns Free cash flow isn't a prominently featured metric in company financials and earnings releases, but we think it's telling because it accounts for all operating and capital expenses, making it tough to manipulate. Cash is king. While Noodles's free cash flow broke even this quarter, the broader story hasn't been so clean. Noodles's demanding reinvestments have drained its resources over the last two years, putting it in a pinch and limiting its ability to return capital to investors. Its free cash flow margin averaged negative 4.2%, meaning it lit $4.17 of cash on fire for every $100 in revenue. 3. Short Cash Runway Exposes Shareholders to Potential Dilution As long-term investors, the risk we care about most is the permanent loss of capital, which can happen when a company goes bankrupt or raises money from a disadvantaged position. This is separate from short-term stock price volatility, something we are much less bothered by. Noodles burned through $18.45 million of cash over the last year, and its $282.2 million of debt exceeds the $1.40 million of cash on its balance sheet. This is a deal breaker for us because indebted loss-making companies spell trouble. Unless the Noodles's fundamentals change quickly, it might find itself in a position where it must raise capital from investors to continue operating. Whether that would be favorable is unclear because dilution is a headwind for shareholder returns. We remain cautious of Noodles until it generates consistent free cash flow or any of its announced financing plans materialize on its balance sheet. Final Judgment We see the value of companies helping consumers, but in the case of Noodles, we're out. After the recent drawdown, the stock trades at 1.4× forward EV-to-EBITDA (or $0.89 per share). This valuation tells us a lot of optimism is priced in - we think other companies feature superior fundamentals at the moment. We'd recommend looking at a fast-growing restaurant franchise with an A+ ranch dressing sauce. Stocks We Like More Than Noodles Donald Trump's April 2024 "Liberation Day" tariffs sent markets into a tailspin, but stocks have since rebounded strongly, proving that knee-jerk reactions often create the best buying opportunities. The smart money is already positioning for the next leg up. Don't miss out on the recovery - check out our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here. 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
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NDLS Q1 Earnings Call: Menu Transformation Fuels Sales Growth Amid Margin Pressures
Casual restaurant chain Noodles & Company (NASDAQ:NDLS) met Wall Street's revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, with sales up 2% year on year to $123.8 million. The company's outlook for the full year was close to analysts' estimates with revenue guided to $507.5 million at the midpoint. Its non-GAAP loss of $0.20 per share was 81.8% below analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy NDLS? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $123.8 million vs analyst estimates of $123.6 million (2% year-on-year growth, in line) Adjusted EPS: -$0.20 vs analyst expectations of -$0.11 (81.8% miss) Adjusted EBITDA: $1.61 million vs analyst estimates of $5.35 million (1.3% margin, 69.8% miss) The company reconfirmed its revenue guidance for the full year of $507.5 million at the midpoint Operating Margin: -5.2%, down from -3.4% in the same quarter last year Locations: 460 at quarter end, down from 469 in the same quarter last year Same-Store Sales rose 4.4% year on year (-5.4% in the same quarter last year) Market Capitalization: $38.94 million Noodles & Company's first quarter results reflected a significant shift in sales trends, with management attributing performance to the comprehensive menu transformation and increased marketing efforts. CEO Drew Madsen cited the introduction of five new dishes and four reimagined recipes as key factors in driving higher guest traffic and average check size, noting, 'Our new menu is selling better than it did in test market, particularly mac and cheese.' The company also invested in a broad-based media campaign and extensive employee training to support the rollout. CFO Michael Hynes emphasized that these initiatives led to higher one-time costs, including training and marketing expenses, which weighed on margins during the quarter. The company's focus on brand relevance and operational execution was evident in increased loyalty program signups and improved same-store sales performance. Looking forward, management's guidance centers on sustaining elevated sales growth through ongoing marketing investment and maintaining momentum from the new menu. CEO Drew Madsen explained the company is 'updating our media mix model and looking at whether additional investment like that throughout the course of the year would make sense,' signaling a willingness to adjust strategy based on consumer response. CFO Michael Hynes outlined plans to keep capital expenditures low and target further cost savings, aiming to strengthen the balance sheet and return to free cash flow positivity in the second half of the year. While management remains confident in the foundation built by the recent menu relaunch, they acknowledge the need for continued innovation and operational discipline to navigate input cost pressures and uncertain consumer sentiment. Management pointed to the comprehensive menu overhaul, targeted marketing, and operational investments as the main drivers of sales growth, while also flagging the impact of one-time costs on near-term profitability. Menu transformation impact: The rollout of five new dishes and four enhanced recipes in March was described by CEO Drew Madsen as 'the most comprehensive menu transformation in our nearly 30-year history,' and drove significant increases in both guest traffic and check size. The new mac and cheese offerings notably exceeded internal sales expectations. Marketing and brand relaunch: The company roughly doubled its marketing investment to promote the new menu, expanding beyond traditional paid search and social channels to include connected TV and digital out-of-home advertising. Early-stage campaigns, including influencer outreach and PR, led to double-digit increases in brand awareness and digital engagement, as well as loyalty program signups. Operational training investment: To prepare for the menu rollout, Noodles & Company instituted a four-week training program for all restaurant roles, achieving a 95% completion rate. This one-time training investment ensured consistent execution but contributed to higher labor and operating costs in the quarter. Cost pressures and margin decline: CFO Michael Hynes identified higher food costs from new menu items and increased third-party delivery fees as factors pressuring margins. Additionally, one-time expenses for training and marketing added to cost inflation, resulting in a lower restaurant-level margin compared to the prior year. Store network optimization: The company closed more locations than it opened in the quarter, reflecting ongoing efforts to optimize the restaurant footprint and reduce occupancy costs. Management noted that this approach, along with targeted capital spending reductions, is designed to support financial stability while focusing on core markets. Management expects future performance to hinge on sustained sales momentum, cost discipline, and strategic marketing investments as they navigate margin headwinds and evolving consumer trends. Sales momentum from new menu: Management emphasized the importance of maintaining guest interest in new and improved menu offerings, with CEO Drew Madsen stating sustained top-line sales growth is vital to supporting the business model and potential future unit growth. The ongoing success of the menu transformation and associated promotions, especially through digital and loyalty channels, is seen as central to revenue growth. Cost controls and capital allocation: CFO Michael Hynes outlined plans to keep capital expenditures low and pursue further cost savings, targeting over $5 million in annual savings. Management intends to limit new openings while closing underperforming stores, with a focus on strengthening the balance sheet and achieving free cash flow positivity in the second half of the year. Input cost and tariff risks: The company anticipates continued exposure to food cost inflation and tariffs on select imported ingredients, though over half of food purchases are locked in at fixed rates. Management expects these factors to be partially offset by operational efficiencies and smart sourcing strategies but acknowledges they could pressure margins if inflation persists. Looking ahead, the StockStory team will be monitoring (1) sustained customer engagement and repeat traffic following the menu transformation, (2) margin recovery as one-time launch costs subside and cost controls take effect, and (3) the pace of store closures relative to openings as the company optimizes its footprint. Effective execution on marketing strategies and response to input cost pressures will also be key signposts for progress. Noodles currently trades at a forward EV-to-EBITDA ratio of 1.3×. Should you double down or take your chips? See for yourself in our full research report (it's free). Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump's presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth. While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we're leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. 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Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
José Alvarado Suspension Leaves Phillies With Massive Hole in Already Suspect Bullpen
There have been few bright spots in the Phillies bullpen this season. José Alvarado was one of them. Not only did he have a 2.70 ERA and seven saves - both the best among Philly relievers - but he was also a local favorite, with moments that included meeting a young fan who mimicked his pitching motion and a special Mother's Day message on his cap. Advertisement Which makes his sudden PED suspension all the more hurtful. While the Phillies could still make a run to the Postseason without Alvarado available for the next 80 games, the real challenge will be in October. As part of his suspension, José is ineligible for any playoff games, when he would have been needed the most. José Alvarado during Game Four of the 2023 NDLS against the Atlanta Braves. He had a 1.13 ERA throughout that Streicher-Imagn Images During his career, Alvarado has been a lockdown arm in the playoffs. There have been a few blemishes, such as Game Six of the 2022 World Series and his sole appearance in the NLDS last year, but overall, he was very dependable over the past three runs. The Phils were already in need of some bullpen help, but now that issue has grown to alarming levels. Aside from Alvarado, their only lockdown arm has been Matt Strahm. Orion Kerkering has been good aside from two rough appearances, and Jordan Romano has returned to form this month, but either would be an enormous risk to lean on. The same can be said for any of the Phillies pitching prospects currently at Triple-A. Advertisement Even worse, Dylan Cease, who was supposed to be the top reliever on the trade market this summer, could be staying put as the St. Louis Cardinals make their own case for the playoffs. That leaves Kyle Finnegan, currently with the division rival Washington Nationals, as the most likely trade candidate - one who will attract a lot of leverage. Related: Phillies' Bryce Harper Reacts to Joining Prestigious Group of MLB Players
Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Op Sindoor: Special train from Jammu arrives in Delhi with students, tourists, army families
Hundreds of stranded tourists and families from Jammu and Kashmir arrived at New Delhi Railway Station late Friday night on a special train arranged for civilians who were escaping the missile strikes and drone attacks by Pakistan amid the ensuing border conflict. Students, tourists and families rushed to Delhi as Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced four special trains from Jammu on Friday. The Jammu Tavi Special reached Delhi's NDLS around 11.55 pm. Arya (no last name), a 21-year-old student from Central University of Jammu, said her parents have been calling her for the last two days. 'We were all in college and had not received any instructions on what to do. But what happened on Friday shook us. There were sirens, complete blackout, drones and missiles in the air and hardly any network. We thought we were all going to die. We decided to leave and when we found the special train, we immediately booked our seats. Our exams have been suspended, but we just escaped in the morning. It was difficult to get a bus to the railway station. The train was delayed. Even in the morning, it was scary. We heard several missiles were there. We had just locked ourselves in our dorm earlier and didn't step out. None of us even dared to look at the window.' Arya said she will now plan her journey to her hometown in Kerala with 40 other students from the state who were studying at Central University of Jammu. Afsana Sheikh (20), a botany student, and her friend Akshay Kumar (20) said the situation is getting worse. 'We have been receiving calls from civilians and our friends. Nobody is stepping out because of the serial attacks. We are just scared. The drones were seen close to a hospital near our campus. The train was supposed to leave at 10.45 am but left at 1 pm. For those 2 hours, I was sweating due to fear. I was just praying to get out and hoping that the train doesn't get cancelled. It was difficult to leave our college. We could see missile-like objects in the sky. All flights were cancelled. We couldn't leave immediately,' they said. Several tourists in Udhampur and neighbouring cities also rushed to catch the train and leave as they had been stranded for days. Mouly (27) and her friend had reached Katra and later travelled to Udhampur last week. 'We thought everything would get over in a day or two. And decided to stay. It was the worst decision we made. All I could see was firing from the hotel window. I don't know what it was. It felt like bombs were being dropped. My parents told me to come home but the airport had shut down. I had lost hope as only a few regular trains were available. Thankfully, I found the special train in time. I couldn't get a cab, taxi or anything. We had to take our bags, cover our heads and walk on the streets. We managed to reach the railway station. I just want to go home and hug my mother,' she said. The special train was also booked by army families who were made to leave Army Cantonment because of the attacks. Neetu Yadav held her 7-year-old daughter and cried as her brother received her at NDLS. Her husband is posted as a naik in Indian Army. 'I didn't want to leave but the situation at Army Cantt was getting worse. Pakistan was continuously attacking the Cantt area. Nobody was safe. We were told to leave. I felt so helpless leaving my husband. But I'm proud of him. None of us suffered any harm because he's fighting at the the border I know God will protect him. I was scared because there were no lights, weak internet and drone attacks. My mother and in-laws were calling us after they saw the news on TV. We are now going to Farrukhabad,' she said. Urmila Devi (40), whose husband is posted as a havildar in the Indian Army, said, 'We couldn't sleep because of the sirens and missiles. After the attack, there was this complete silence in the air and then again, we would hear sirens and firing. Civilians are suffering because of Pakistan. They are targetting residential colonies. I hope the war gets over soon. I have so many friends who are stranded and can't leave. Not everyone has a bunker and can get killed.'
