Latest news with #StrategicPartnerships
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A.O. Smith lifts annual profit forecast, considers China partnership
(Reuters) -Water heater maker A.O. Smith will consider strategic partnerships and other alternatives for its China business, it said on Thursday after raising its annual profit forecast. "We believe the China market has substantial long-term prospects and are committed to realizing the potential upside inherent in the company's China business for our company," CEO Steve Shafer said. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based company is banking on higher market share in the second half of the year and cost savings from its restructuring actions. It now expects annual adjusted earnings per share to be in the range of $3.70 to $3.90, compared with its previous forecast of $3.60 to $3.90. Analysts on an average expected $3.78 per share for 2025, according to data compiled by LSEG. But second quarter revenue fell about 1% from a year ago to $1.01 billion. Sales from other parts of the world, including China and India, also fell nearly 2% to $240.1 million. Net income for the quarter ended June 30 was $152.2 million billion, or $1.07 per share, compared with $156.2 million, or $1.06 per share, a year earlier.
Reuters
24-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
A.O. Smith lifts annual profit forecast, considers China partnership
July 24 (Reuters) - Water heater maker A.O. Smith (AOS.N), opens new tab will consider strategic partnerships and other alternatives for its China business, it said on Thursday after raising its annual profit forecast. "We believe the China market has substantial long-term prospects and are committed to realizing the potential upside inherent in the company's China business for our company," CEO Steve Shafer said. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based company is banking on higher market share in the second half of the year and cost savings from its restructuring actions. It now expects annual adjusted earnings per share to be in the range of $3.70 to $3.90, compared with its previous forecast of $3.60 to $3.90. Analysts on an average expected $3.78 per share for 2025, according to data compiled by LSEG. But second quarter revenue fell about 1% from a year ago to $1.01 billion. Sales from other parts of the world, including China and India, also fell nearly 2% to $240.1 million. Net income for the quarter ended June 30 was $152.2 million billion, or $1.07 per share, compared with $156.2 million, or $1.06 per share, a year earlier.
Fast Company
11-07-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
13 tips for navigating your department's freelance work agreements
Freelancers and contractors have become essential contributors to today's flexible workforce. But managing those relationships requires a different playbook than hiring full-time staff. Department leaders must strike the right balance of collaboration, structure, and adaptability to build high-performing partnerships. To help, 13 Fast Company Executive Board members each share their best advice for negotiating freelance and contract-based work arrangements. Here's how they recommend handling your department's contractor agreements for mutual success. 1. SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS UPFRONT. It is important to set clear expectations from the start. We want to ensure that both parties are on the same page about deliverables, timelines, and compensation. There is flexibility, but there is also structure. Once you complete documented agreements that are clear, and both parties understand the scope of the work, you will be better able to cooperate. – Asad Khan, LambdaTest Inc. Subscribe to the Daily newsletter. Fast Company's trending stories delivered to you every day Privacy Policy | Fast Company Newsletters 2. TREAT CONTRACTOR RELATIONSHIPS LIKE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS. Department leaders should treat freelance and contract negotiations like strategic partnerships, not transactions. Be sure to understand the contractor's strengths, what motivates them, and how their goals align with the team's. Then, be clear on deliverables, timelines, and expectations up front—clarity avoids confusion later. – Pedro Barboglio, Remote Team Solutions 3. TIE PAYMENTS TO ESTABLISHED MILESTONES. Given the nature of the relationship, department leaders should schedule weekly check-ins to ensure that there are clear expectations around deliverables, timelines, and governance. Contracts should tie payments to meeting previously agreed-upon milestones. Ideally, the payment amount is also linked to specific outcomes to align incentives and ensure accountability. – Alejandro Botto, Kyte Systems Inc. 4. WORK WITH FRACTIONAL TALENT PARTNERS Reach out to fractional executive services that can navigate the selection process for you. When you talk to them, they will ask you questions about your goals, market approach, and pain areas, then guide you toward candidates that fit your needs. You don't have to do it alone. – Rich DePencier, Talking Rain Beverage Company 5. ASSESS AND MANAGE RISK CAREFULLY. Go in thoroughly understanding the current market and clearly define the project's scope, milestones, and deadlines before negotiating. Building genuine relationships and offering contractors autonomy within defined boundaries fosters accountability and success. Assess and manage risk carefully by ensuring contracts reflect realistic terms to protect the project and the company. – Larry Brinker Jr., BRINKER 6. TREAT FREELANCERS LIKE COLLABORATORS Treat freelancers like collaborators, not vendors. Be clear on scope, timelines, and communication upfront, but also ask about their goals and working style. At SLTC, we've found that mutual transparency builds trust, which leads to better work, stronger partnerships, and fewer surprises down the line. – Sharon Lee Thony, SLT Consulting 7. BALANCE AUTONOMY WITH ACCOUNTABILITY Department leaders can navigate freelance and contract negotiations by being clear about expectations, timelines, and deliverables from the start. It's important to strike a balance between flexibility and structure, offering autonomy while ensuring accountability. Building a relationship based on trust and open communication goes a long way in making these partnerships successful. – Gianluca Ferruggia, DesignRush advertisement 8. NEGOTIATE FLEXIBLE TIMEFRAMES Earlier in my career, I'd always negotiate a clear start and end date with freelancers. Now I've learned it's smarter to build in flexibility—especially in a world where client needs can shift overnight. Don't lock yourself into a three-month contract when the work might wrap in six weeks. Instead, set mutual expectations and agree upfront on a fair and respectful 'out' clause for both sides. – Matt Hofherr, Barrett Hofherr 9. CLARIFY SUCCESS METRICS EARLY Make sure you can measure success clearly. If you're bringing on a freelancer or contractor, you need to know what success looks like, how you'll track it, and when it's being delivered. Clear goals, simple metrics, and regular check-ins make the relationship productive for both sides. – Travis Schreiber, 10. ALIGN CONTRACTORS WITH TEAM CULTURE Department leaders should approach freelance and contract negotiations with a clear focus on aligning deliverables to business outcomes while maintaining flexibility and cost efficiency. It's also just as important for leaders to integrate contractors into the team culture to foster collaboration, accountability, and a shared sense of purpose. – Brad Rosenfeld, Allvue Systems 11. NEGOTIATE AROUND MINDSET AND AGILITY Go beyond experience and skillset and look at mindset. Negotiate around levels of ownership and quality contribution. Negotiate around flexibility to adapt to fluctuating circumstances and collapsing or expanding times. Negotiate across pacing and operating with urgency when needed. Explore levels of agility to change behaviors when required. Negotiate tolerances for compliance with risk levels. – Jay Steven Levin, WinThinking 12. INVITE FREELANCERS TO CO-CREATE Imagine you are a skilled chef in a bustling kitchen. Instead of ordering ingredients, create a collaborative recipe. Invite freelancers to co-design projects, blending their flavors with your team. Emphasize flexibility and experimentation, like tasting dishes during preparation. Foster an open dialogue, transforming negotiations into a culinary adventure where input spices up the final dish. – Shawn Galloway, ProAct Safety, Inc. 13. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS, NOT JUST CONTRACTS Negotiate relationships, not just rates. Cultivate collaborations, not just contracts. Start with a shared vision, not scope. Beyond deliverables, invest time to understand what success means for both sides to build trust. Create rituals like weekly check-ins, celebrating small wins, and honest retrospectives. The best freelancers become partners when you nurture growth, not just manage output. – Dr. Camille Preston, AIM Leadership, LLC
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Moneda Capital Announces Executive Shareholding and Launch of Dual Asset-Backed Bonds
LONDON, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Moneda Capital is pleased to announce a major evolution in its leadership structure and investment platform. Four senior executives—Rene Wang (CFO), Troy Hubbard (COO), Lyande Kaikai (Director of Strategic Partnerships), and Gaurav Tiwari (CMO)—have been appointed as equal shareholders. This shift reflects the company's commitment to aligning strategic and operational leadership with long-term investor value. The new structure promotes transparency and accountability, with each executive bringing complementary expertise across finance, investment, partnerships, and marketing. Their shared stewardship enhances agility and reinforces Moneda's mission-driven approach to resilient investment delivery. Executive Biographies: Rene Wang, Director & Chief Financial Officer – Oversees Moneda Capital's prudential/financial strategy and structuring. As a Director, she has played a central role in developing the internal frameworks and investor protections underpinning the firm's bond programmes. Rene holds an MBA with Distinction in Global Business and an MA in Educational Leadership, ensuring analytical precision and high standards of compliance across all financial operations. Troy Hubbard, COO – Leads operational delivery and portfolio execution. He has two decades of experience in private investments and structured lending, having started his career in property-focused roles at Foxtons. Lyande Kaikai, Director of Strategic Partnerships – Brings a consultancy background across institutional and government clients in the UK and West Africa, advising on capacity-building and programme design. Gaurav Tiwari, CMO – A marketing strategist with a global background in fintech and brand communications. He drives investor engagement and brand alignment at Moneda Capital. Strategic Expansion: Vienna-Listed Investment Bonds Now Live In tandem with the new structure, Moneda Capital is proud to announce the successful listing of two asset-backed, fixed-rate bonds on the Vienna Stock Exchange—marking a significant milestone in our expansion of structured investment solutions. These new instruments are designed to meet demand for transparent, income-oriented investments backed by tangible assets and robust governance frameworks: Keystone Bond (UK Real Estate): ISIN CH1450435859 A listed security offering investors exposure to the UK's resilient residential and commercial property markets. Backed by physical assets and protected via legal charge structures, the bond is structured to prioritise predictable income streams, benefitting from high housing demand and milestone-based fund deployment. Oakwood Bond (Premium Indian Whisky): ISIN CH1450435826 Provides access to India's fast-expanding premium whisky market. The bond is secured against stock, trade receivables, and intellectual property. Demand is buoyed by strong global trends and trade advantages stemming from the recent UK-India trade agreement, which streamlines tariffs and export potential—enhancing the profile of this asset-backed investment. This bond issuance reflects Moneda Capital's mission to deliver thematic investment opportunities. Investors now have a new avenue to engage with compelling, real-world asset classes through a visible exchange framework. Leadership Updates Moneda Capital also confirms two key promotions: In addition to becoming a shareholder, Troy Hubbard has been appointed Chief Operating Officer to lead day-to-day delivery across investment and operational functions. Moneda Capital is also pleased to announce the promotion of Naren Narayanan to Chief Compliance & Risk Officer (CRCO), effective May 2025. Naren originally joined the company as Head of Compliance & MLRO, following senior risk and compliance leadership roles at major financial institutions including Bank of America, GE Capital, and Fidelity International. With nearly two decades of experience, his appointment further supports Moneda's regulatory ambition in the UK. Quote "These developments reflect Moneda Capital's commitment to structured growth, investor alignment, and operational excellence," said Rene Wang, Director. Logo - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Moneda Capital Asset Management
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Citroen C3 now available with brand-authorised CNG retrofitment option
Citroën India has announced the availability of a brand-authorised CNG retrofitment kit for its C3 hatchback. The retrofitment will be offered across authorised dealerships at an additional cost of ₹93,000, starting from the Live variant. The development is part of the company's strategy to provide lower-cost, fuel-efficient options for private and institutional customers. The CNG kit offers dual fuel flexibility with claimed mileage of up to 28.1 km/kg, aiming to reduce both tailpipe emissions and running costs. The vehicle allows switching between petrol and CNG, and Citroën claims a running cost of ₹2.66 per kilometre using CNG. The retrofitment is compatible with 1.2 NA variants of the C3, including Live, Feel, Feel(O), and Shine. The system includes factory-calibrated fuel management, redesigned rear suspension components, and integration of the CNG nozzle within the petrol filler port. The company will offer a 3-year/100,000 km warranty on the vehicle along with coverage for CNG components. Focus on fleet operators and growing CNG ecosystem The CNG-enabled C3 targets institutional and high-usage customers. The retrofitment process will follow certified protocols and include safety inspections such as leak detection and cylinder checks. The move comes as India's CNG infrastructure expands, with over 7,400 stations expected by FY25. Shishir Mishra, Business Head and Director – Strategic Partnerships & Institutional Business, Stellantis India, said, 'The CNG-enabled C3 is a strategic step forward for institutional customers, especially fleet operators, ride-share drivers, and last-mile mobility providers who value operational savings without compromising on quality and reliability.'
