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Sony CEO Lays Out New Plans to Make Company Profitable
April 12, 2012 11:08 AM
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Sony CEO Kazuo Hirai
Changes to digital imaging, games, mobile and TV are on the list
Sony CEO Kazuo Hirai announced his "One Sony" approach today, which consists of a series of initiatives that aim
to turn the company around
Hirai, who became CEO starting April 1, has quite an agenda for the sinking ship he has inherited. He laid out five key ideas for transforming Sony's electronics business, including strengthening core businesses (digital imaging, games and mobile); turning around the television business; expanding business in emerging markets; creating new businesses and accelerating innovation, and realigning the business portfolio and optimizing resources.
Hirai announced previously that the three core pillars of Sony's business would be digital imaging, games and mobile. In today's "One Sony" presentation, he noted that he hopes to generate 70 percent of total sales and 85 percent of operating income for the entire business from these three pillars by fiscal year 2014 (FY14), which is the year ending March 31, 2015.
To break it down further, Sony hopes to leverage key digital imaging technologies like image sensors, lenses and signal processing via consumer products and has a total sales target of 1.5 trillion yen for the consumer, professional and image sensor businesses by FY14.
As far as games go, Sony will continue offering gaming experiences through its PlayStation hardware as well as the PlayStation Network, but plans to expand its catalog of downloadable game titles and subscription services. Sony hopes for one trillion yen and an operating income margin of 8 percent by FY14.
With mobile, Sony wants to pull its VAIO, smartphone and Sony Tablet businesses together to offer superior mobile devices that feature the Sony Entertainment Network. Sony is looking for sales of 1.8 trillion yen in FY14.
While the three core pillars remain the primary focus of the company, the TV business still holds a special place in Hirai's heart. He has said before that he wants to turn it around after years of consecutive losses, and even said he'll be directly running this unit himself.
correct the TV business
, Hirai plans to improve design engineering efficiency, reduce the number of models by 40 percent from FY11 to FY12, and enhance the quality of its BRAVIA LCD televisions with OLED and Crystal LED Displays. Hirai hopes to make the TV unit profitable by FY13 by reducing fixed business costs by 60 percent and operating costs by 30 percent from FY11 to FY13.
Other changes that Hirai plans to implement around the company is increased sales of electronics in emerging markets from 1.8 trillion yen in FY11 to 2.6 trillion yen in FY14; entry into the medical industry by creating medical equipment, targeting sales of 50 billion yen in FY14, and implementing overall restructuring costs of 75 billion yen in FY12.
By completing all of the above, Sony hopes to generate 6 trillion yen and operating income margin of 5 percent for its electronics business in FY14. It also hopes for sales of 8.5 trillion yen and operating income margin of over 5 percent for the Sony Group overall in FY14.
Sony could certainly use all the help it could get. One of its worst issues was the LCD TV business, which had eight years of consecutive losses. After
shaking up this unit
in 2011, Sony finally sold its 50 percent manufacturing stake to Samsung in their LCD joint venture called S-LCD Corporation.
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services confirmed an unfavorable outlook on
Sony's long-term corporate credit rating
long-term corporate credit and senior unsecured debt ratings dropped from an "A-" to "BBB+."
To make matters worse, Sony then announced that it would
cut 6 percent of its global workforce
as soon as the end of 2012. It then announced that it expected an
annual net loss of $6.4 billion USD
This article is over a month old, voting and posting comments is disabled
RE: Key points
4/12/2012 2:22:31 PM
Unfortunately, leaked documents currently show Sony's plan as:
1. Tell everyone we are "laying out plans to become profitable"
RE: Key points
4/12/2012 2:43:56 PM
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Wall Street continues to weigh in on Facebook, but Cowen & Co. Analyst John Blackledge was not as optimistic about the social network as his counterpart at J.P. Morgan, Doug Anmuth, assigning the company a neutral rating.
Almost 60% of businesses use some form of content marketing. Starting December 8, get hands-on content marketing training in our online boot camp! Through an interactive series of webcasts, content and marketing experts will teach you how to create, distribute, and measure the success of your brand's content. Register now!
The bad news related to Facebook stock continues to roll in, with analysts for two of the social network’s largest underwriters, Morgan Stanley and J.P. Morgan, lowering their price targets, according to reports.

domain: news


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TrueCar.com’s daily industry news summary for Friday, July 20, shares the most important news from across the automotive industry.
TrueCar in the News
Some automakers push 2013 cars, others selling 2011 leftovers -- Sacramento Bee
Already? Two recalls of new Escape leave Ford with egg on face -- Forbes
Analysts: Ford’s ‘proactive’ approach to 2013 Escape recalls is commendable -- MLive.com
Ford recalls some 2013 Escapes, says: Stop driving them -- Los Angeles Times


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Via Mark Gurman in the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Apple suppliers are gearing up to begin mass production of the new AirPods, starting in May. AirPods 3 will be replaced by a new lineup of two models.
The new AirPods models represent a new two tier lineup for the non-Pro buds. They will both get an updated design, improved fit and charge via USB-C. The higher-end of the pair will also sport active noise cancellation and Find My locating for the case, similar to AirPods Pro.
Gurman says that the two models are codenamed B768E and B768M. They are intended to replace the current product lineup where Apple sells both the second-generation AirPods for $129, and the third-generation for $179 simultaneously.
After weaker-than-anticipated sales of the AirPods 3, Apple is expecting these new revisions to be a hit. Gurman writes that Apple will produce 20-25 million units of the new models, which would be the biggest launch ever for new AirPods. You can probably expect them to arrive alongside the debut of the iPhone 16 in the fall.
A new hardware generation of AirPods Pro is not expected to arrive until 2025, although some new software features are in the pipeline like a hearing aid mode.
Later this year, AirPods Max will get revised with a USB-C port for charging — and seemingly no other new features.
Nearer term, we are expecting Apple to announce new iPad Pro and iPad Air models imminently. Then, attention will turn to WWDC in June where Apple will announce the next major versions of its operating systems, including iOS 18 for iPhone packed with new artificial intelligence features.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.


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Love locks ‘help heal’ if locked safely
The permanence of love locks has created debate over potential public safety issues, but Southern Utahns involved in the love lock trade said with citizen-city cooperation, they needn’t be banned.
Love locks, or love padlocks, are an item people often lock to structures like bridges, fences or gates, engraving personal messages, tossing the key to symbolize an unbreakable bond.
Debbie Peysar, co-founder of LoveLocks Inc., based out of Hurricane, said recent controversies like Paris removing 20 million love locks from the Pont des Arts bridge could be taken care of if cities and people work out where love locks can be placed in a respectful manner.
Paris city officials cited damages to the bridge under the locks’ weight as the reason for removal.
Peysar said love locks’ origins are debated, but the practice has been traced to China’s Great Wall.
They became popular in France and Italy in 2006, and soon people worldwide purchased love locks to symbolize relationships or memories, Peysar said.
“There’s been a lot of healing behind the locks,” she said.
LoveLocks Inc. distributes love locks across the world, but Peysar said the trend particularly thrives in Southern Utah because of designated areas for people to place the locks — or “Lovescapes.”
Lovescapes provide people a spot to lock the love locks where they can do so safely, which helps avoid issues like in Paris, she said.
“Because we’ve put up these structures, people are being respectful and aren’t putting them in places where they shouldn’t,” Peysar said. “There are just all kinds of different structures people lock to.”
Peysar said Lovescapes in the area include a gate at 223 S. Main St. in St. George and in Springdale near Toaquim’s Village, 145 Zion Park Blvd.
Kaitlin Heaton, employee at Toaquim’s Village, said the shop sells love locks; they’re priced around $20, and customers can have them engraved there.
Heaton said the business began selling them to encourage people to lock the padlocks in designated areas.
Before, tourists put the locks within Zion National Park, a move discouraged and potentially harmful, she said.
Toaquim’s Village employees let customers know about the Lovescape nearby, so they can lock the item in a safe spot.
Toaquim’s Village owner Darren Heaton said the Lovescape overlooks the Virgin River.
Love lock sales have increased in each of the 5 years the shop has sold them, and with that demand, he hopes LoveLocks builds an additional Lovescape in Springdale to complement the current one.
In addition to those Southern Utah Lovescapes, Peysar said more are in the works, and at lovelocksonline.com, a map also shows people Lovescape locations.
Peysar said the current controversies in regards to love locks prove counterproductive and ultimately just show the items’ appeal: People wish to deploy love locks, so the conversation shouldn’t be about banning them, but rather about creating more spots for people to lock.
And for citizens, a bit of respect goes a long way, she said.
“It’s a matter of being respectful; cities take the locks down, and they show back up,” Peysar said. “There is a desire to do this, so cities should install a Lovescape. It would show they are willing to work with people in this tradition.”
There’s a lot of hate in the world, and the concept of love locks combats that, so Peysar said support of the practice would keep an activity based on “love, friendship and coping with heartbreak” to continue.
“With the world the way it is, love locks can’t be looked at as harmful,” she said.
Along with Toaquim’s Village, people can purchase love locks locally at Bella Donna Boutique, 2 W. St. George Blvd.; Boulevard Home Furnishings, 390 N. Mall Drive; and at LoveLocks Inc.’s Hurricane shop, 473 Old Highway 91.
Follow Payton Davis,@SpectrumDavis. Call him at 435-674-6218.
Money, arsenic factor into proposed Gunlock water plant
Washington County residents to choose fate of recycling plan


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This time of year can be challenging for someone who just lost a loved one. Here's how you can help.
From Goopy to gimmicky, these gifts are perfect for those conflicted about Gwyn.
Mental health professionals share how they handle frustrating relatives, heated dinner conversations and more.
A slightly deceptive list of fashion and beauty items for him — and you.
The former Wisconsin governor and other Republicans are livid over the science-themed holiday tree in the state Capitol.
Attention caffeine addicts and conservatives: The cups are back again.
Here are the best ways to set boundaries with your relatives and protect your mental health.
"This Is How (We Want You To Get High)" will be featured on the soundtrack of the upcoming romantic comedy "Last Christmas."
The actor previously dropped some key Halloween advice about the best kind of costume.
The network is launching its holiday romance programming almost a week before Halloween.
"All I Want For Christmas Is You" just crept back onto the iTunes charts.
The president's son offers up an oddly timed holiday shout-out.
We found 2019's funniest Halloween costumes for dogs from Chewy, Amazon and more.
Check out the year's top Halloween costumes and the season's spookiest treats for your home.
"Don’t forget baby Jesus in a cage," responded one person on Twitter.
The organization, tweeting about the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, mischaracterizes the holiday and its traditions.
New tariffs are already leading to higher prices for holiday lights and decorations -- and more increases could follow.


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Bournemouth-based renewable energy supplier iSupply will pay £1.5m to industry watchdog Ofgem for overcharging its customers.
The firm, which has supplied domestic customers since 2012, overcharged around 4,400 customers who were on price-cap protected default tariffs.
Between January and March 2019, iSupply overcharged customers £36,270 in total.
iSupply has since refunded customers it overcharged and has agreed to pay £1.5 million into Ofgem’s voluntary redress fund for its failings.
In January Ofgem’s price cap for default tariffs came into force, protecting 11m customers. Senior employees at iSupply were aware of the breach, but did not report it to the regulator.
Ofgem launched an investigation into iSupply after it was approached by a whistleblower. Its inquiry found that the supplier had insufficient governance in place to address such non-compliance.
The firm confirmed it had taken steps to improve its governance and would continue to invest in its processes.
Ofgem will not take formal enforcement action against iSupply due to the steps the company has already taken.
Anthony Pygram, director of conduct and enforcement at Ofgem, said: “If a licensee breaches the rules, it quickly needs to tell Ofgem and put things right for its consumers. However, iSupply has admitted it failed to do so in this instance.
“The action we have taken against iSupply sends a strong message that all suppliers must treat their customers fairly and quickly address known harm so that customers are protected, or face the consequences.”
In a statement, iSupply said it had repaid all overcharges in October and November, as well as a further £5 as a “goodwill gesture.”
The company said it had “fallen short”, and would “make sure the same or similar things can never happen again”:
“We’re grateful to Ofgem for the way they’ve engaged with us. We have learnt from this process and are now better placed to consistently service all our customers in the right way”, the statement ended.
Peter Earl, head of energy at comparethemarket.com, said: “The actions of iSupply do little to restore faith in an energy market plagued with problems, including an excess of supplier collapses and a price cap not fit for purpose.
“Whilst we applaud Ofgem for taking action against this supplier for misconduct, the issues of consumers being confused by the price cap and the complexity of their energy bill will rumble on in 2020.”
Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, welcomed the move: “We’re pleased to see that iSupply has not only refunded the customers it overcharged, but is also paying this voluntary amount into Ofgem’s redress fund.
“This is the second time in a year that iSupply has failed to charge customers correctly. It underlines why Ofgem’s proposed stricter regulations for new and existing suppliers should be put into effect as soon as possible.”


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The National Association of Realtors just released its existing home sales numbers for June and the housing market looks mixed.
For the month, housing sales fell by a substantial amount — 5.1%. The good news is that, at 5.27 million U.S. homes entering into purchase contracts in May (down from 5.66 million in May), the housing market is 9.8% higher than the 4.89 million home sales pace we saw back in June 2009.
But there is a catch in the June numbers. With the $8,000 new homeowners tax credit extended until September (for homes purchased but not legally closed with a contract) we’re still seeing artificially high numbers as many homebuyers who got the tax credit closed their homes in June. Expect to see less and less of those buyers as we draw closer to September, when the well runs dry for homebuyers using the tax credit.
Lawrence Yun, NAR's chief economist, says, “June home sales still reflect a tax credit impact with some sales not closed due to delays, which will show up in the next two months." Of course, left unsaid is that after those two months are up, the market will no longer get that shot in the arm from credit-happy homebuyers.
Adds Yun: “Broadly speaking, sales closed after the home buyer tax credit will be significantly lower compared to the credit-induced spring surge. Only when jobs are created at a sufficient pace will home sales return to sustainable healthy levels.”
The end of the tax credit fits a recurring pattern for the U.S. economy — for every one step we seem to step forward, we wind up taking two steps backwards as the economy just refuses to cooperate with any positive news. The latest batch includes a lousy consumer confidence number from Citi (Stock Quote: C) and Hart Research, with about two-thirds of Americans (62%) saying the economy has not hit bottom yet.
As the Citi survey points out, that 62% number is a three-point decline from March, and takes us all the way back to consumer confidence levels last seen in September 2009 (the Citi/Hart survey number back then was 63%).
That’s what we mean with the “one step forward, two-steps back” mantra. It’s a stance that the Great American Consumer has grudgingly accepted. According to the Citi survey, 62% of Americans believe “it will be at least two or three years, if not longer, and more than one quarter (28%) believing it will be four or more years until the economy stabilizes for their household.”
Politicians in Washington and the money masters on Wall Street were hoping that a negative consumer mindset wouldn’t become entrenched. But as the Citi/Hart survey shows, we’re well past that point now.
For the week, here’s the skinny on mortgage rates, as measured by the BankingMyWay Weekly Mortgage Rate Tracker.
Description This Week Last Week
One-Year ARM 3.826% 3.478%
Three-Year ARM 4.153% 3.912%
Five-Year ARM 3.805% 3.867%
15-Year Mortgage 4.151% 4.218%
30-Year Mortgage 4.728% 4.742%
As always, check out the best rates at BankingMyWay’s Mortgage Rate Search. Week-to-week, it’s your best bet for finding the best mortgage rate deal possible.
—For the best rates on loans, bank accounts and credit cards, enter your ZIP code at BankingMyWay.com.


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myFlow Workshop at Scientifica 2021
Enough lab testing - let’s present the product to the people!
Last weekend, the myFlow team was able to attend the Scientifica 2021, which opened the opportunity to present the novel technique of myFlow to the general population.
The Scientifica is a two-day event of the University of Zurich and the ETH Zurich, where the two universities open their doors and invite the public to experience science on-site.
The myFlow team presented the innovative technology in a series of six workshops. After an introduction to the science behind myFlow, the visitors were given the opportunity to test the device on site.
All 'try-it-out' sessions were fully booked and filled with people from the age of 5 to 80. The team gained valuable insights through the physical testing and subsequent interesting discussions with the participants.
Across the board, people were very impressed by the product. Moreover, the product found equal popularity with people from the sports sector, private individuals, and business executives, as well as parents and persons from the education sector. This diverse group of people identified both familiar and new applications for myFlow and stated that they would be happy to continue using myFlow in the future.
The experiences at the Scientifica 2021 showed once more that mental training is a pressing topic, and that many people have a great need to grow and educate themselves in this area. The valuable customer feedback gathered throughout the workshops brings the myFlow team one step closer to their overall goal: to create a consumer product that adds value to every single person and can be used in everyday life.
Photos: T. Baechinger


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CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW) — The Cleveland Indians have teamed up with Perry’s Ice Cream Company to introduce its first-ever official co-branded Cleveland Indians ice cream flavor Doughing, Doughing, Gone!™.
Available for purchase at Progressive Field, Giant Eagle, other local retailers and ice cream stands in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York, the new flavor is made up of chocolate cookie dough ice cream with crushed cookie swirls and cookie dough pieces, according to a Perry’s Ice Cream Company news release.
The family size 1.5-quart package features a special letter to the fans, calling out memories of 455 consecutive sellouts and the longest win streak in the American League.
“Having Doughing, Doughing, Gone!™ available at Progressive Field will be an exciting highlight for fans as they return to the ballpark for the 2021 season,” said Indians Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Premium Hospitality Ted Baugh.
April 1 is opening day against Detroit Tigers on the road. The Indians’ home opener will host Kansas City scheduled for Monday, April 5 with Ace Shane Bieber as the starting pitcher.
With every retail purchase of the ice cream, $.05 will be donated to Cleveland Indians Charities.
“We are pleased to see a portion of the sales of Doughing, Doughing, Gone!™ benefit Cleveland Indians Charities,” said Robert Denning, president and CEO of Perry’s Ice Cream. “By making a purchase, Cleveland fans can directly impact many valuable community programs, youth organizations, and non-for-profits.”
The flavor will also be available online for consumer purchase and shipping across the continental U.S.
Doughing, Doughing, Gone!™ is the 5th official co-branded flavor in the Perry’s lineup. Other partners include: Columbus Blue Jackets, 5th Line Crunch; Buffalo Sabres, Let’s Dough Buffalo!®; Buffalo Bills, Brownie Blitz; Syracuse University Athletics, ‘CUSE® 44.


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The attacks come after state and local ransomware attacks in New York, Louisiana, Maryland and Florida resulted in the loss of significant sums.Technologyread more
Stocks are bouncing higher but could be trapped in a range longer term, until there's a resolution of the trade wars.Market Insiderread more
Powell will have the opportunity if not to walk back the "midcycle" assessment then to at least provide some further explanation about what it means.Economyread more
The report comes as Trump in recent days has lashed out over media reports about growing recession fears.Politicsread more
The Business Roundtable, led by Jamie Dimon, gives a new definition of the "purpose of a corporation."Marketsread more
Tilman Fertitta told CNBC on Monday that he is doing things in a "very conservative way" amid fears of a recession.Marketsread more
Saudi Aramco sent a request for proposal to several banks, people familiar with the matter told CNBC on Monday.Marketsread more
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With the indexes breaking records, including the Dow Jones industrial average's all-time high on Tuesday, CNBC's Jim Cramer wanted to pause and investigate what's not working in this market.
"Even if the greatest bull run in ages is going on, there are losers and there are laggards, and they help define the action as much as the winners do," the "Mad Money " host said. "That's why we need to address the left-behind sector that is the consumer staples cohort, an important group that really hasn't participated in the last leg of this rally."
So Cramer called in technician Ed Posni, managing director of Barchetta Capital Management and Cramer's colleague at RealMoney.com, to help him unpack the charts for a better view of the consumer goods group.
Posni began with the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund, an exchange-traded fund that follows most major consumer goods companies including Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, Philip Morris International, PepsiCo, Altria, CVS, Wal-Mart, Costco, Walgreens and Colgate-Palmolive.
While its performance hasn't been totally dismal, the consumer staples ETF, also known as the XLP, has traded flatly since February while the rest of the stock market has rallied to new highs.
And according to Posni, some of the XLP's technical indicators in its daily chart signal more negativity ahead. The technician pointed to its recent head-and-shoulders formation, one of the most bearish stock patterns in existence. The stock just broke below the "neckline," which is often a sign that a drastic pullback could be in the works.
What's worse, Posni noted that the XLP is already trading below its 50-day moving average and its 200-day moving average, both key tools for measuring where a stock is headed. Moreover, its 50-day moving average is about to cross below its 200-day moving average, which means the XLP's short-term outlook is weaker than its long-term outlook.
"That's an extremely negative sign, so negative that technicians like to call it the death cross," Cramer said. "It's very difficult to fight a bad chart and it's doubly difficult to fight a death cross. In short, based on what Ponsi's seeing here, the consumer staples ETF is in trouble."
To get to the heart of the issue, Cramer looked at some specific stocks dragging the ETF down, like Kraft Heinz. Given the competition in the supermarket space and Amazon's encroachment, grocery stocks have been pummeled of late.
In particular, "pantry plays" like Kraft Heinz have been sold off because consumers increasingly want organic, fresh food, not packaged, artificial goods like Kraft Heinz's Velveeta, Cramer said.
Looking at Kraft Heinz's daily chart, Posni said the stock has been making lower highs and lower lows, an indication that it's experiencing a downtrend. Its moving averages also made a "death cross" in August, and since then, shares have fallen from $86 to $77, breaking below their former floor of support at $80.
"Broken support is another one of these things technicians don't want to see. [It] often signals a further nasty decline," Cramer said. "In short, Ponsi says it's an ugly chart."
General Mills' daily chart does not provide a much better outlook. Posni found the stock stuck in a bearish channel, trapped below its 200-day moving average for a whole year.
Worse yet, General Mills shares recently passed under their $53 support level. At $51, the stock's downward-facing trading range is signaling more pain ahead, Cramer said.
But as ugly as the consumer staples' charts are, the "Mad Money" host maintained that the market's losers are just as important as its leaders.
"If you want a healthy bull market, the consumer staples stocks are exactly the ones we need to leave behind. These are classic, recession-proof names that investors buy when they're worried about a slowing economy. The fact that they're being sold indicates Wall Street is more confident about the future," Cramer said. "Bottom line: the charts, as interpreted by Ed Ponsi, suggest that the consumer staples cohort and, in particular, the food stocks could have more downside. That's an absolutely essential component if the bull herd can continue to thunder."


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The line between highly regulated foods and not so highly regulated dietary supplements is blurring these days, as everyday foods containing a cornucopia of herbal ingredients are suddenly turning up on grocery store shelves.
At least one national consumer group wants the FDA to pull the plug on dozens of so-called functional foods -- products that contain ingredients not on the agency's "generally recognized as safe" list.
A few examples: iced tea with kava kava (an herb used as a tranquilizer); ice cream smoothies with echinacea (an herb that is used to strengthen the immune system) and tortilla chips with St. John's wort (an herb used as an antidepressant).
The Food and Drug Administration requires testing of any additive that goes in a food product, unless it is generally recognized as safe. But dietary supplements, though they must be labeled, are allowed on the market until the FDA proves them unsafe.
Dietary supplements cannot be represented as conventional foods under the regulations. That means manufacturers should not be able to put unapproved herbs into food products and simply label them as dietary supplements.
Nonetheless, these new hybrid products seem to be falling between the cracks. The FDA has been handling the situation on a case-by-case basis for the past year.
With the rapid influx of more and more of these kinds of products on the market, the Center for Science in the Public Interest is calling on the FDA to halt the sale of many of these products and to order foodmakers to stop making false and misleading claims.
"Food companies are spiking fruit drinks, breakfast cereals and snack foods with illegal ingredients and then misleading consumers about their health benefits," said Bruce Silverglade, CSPI legal affairs director. "It's shameful that respected companies are selling modern-day snake oil."
Some recent studies indicate that some herbs can lessen the effects of prescription drugs or clash dangerously with these drugs.
In February, the FDA issued a safety alert that a study by the National Institutes of Health that showed a significant drug interaction between St. John's wort and indinavir, a protease inhibitor used to treat HIV infection.
In March, a report presented to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology indicated echinacea may precipitate asthma attacks, hives or potentially fatal reactions.
"Herbs are medicines that don't belong in soft drinks, breakfast cereals and snack chips," said Varro Tyler, a professor emeritus at Purdue University and an expert on herbal medicine.
Christine Winter can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.org or 561-243-6555.


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ANAZON customers could receive a share of £900 million in compensation following the launch of a legal claim.
A legal claim has been launched against the retail giant for allegedly breaking competition law and causing shoppers to pay higher prices.
It is being lead by Julie Hunter, who alleges that Amazon's buy box – which contains the "add to basket" and "buy now" buttons – prevents customers from finding the best deals.
The legal action, to be filed in the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London, claims that the box conceals potentially cheaper offers by third-party retailers, in favour of products it sells itself.
The collective action is due to be filed before the end of the month.
Ms Hunter, a consumer advocate, claims Amazon uses "tricks of design to manipulate consumer choice and direct customers towards the features offers in its buy box".
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She added: “Online shoppers have a right to be treated fairly and to be able to make informed decisions.
"This lack of transparency and manipulation of choice is an abuse of consumers’ trust, as well as a raid on their wallets.
"Amazon occupies an incredibly powerful position in the market, making it impossible for consumers to take individual action.
"Amazon shouldn’t be allowed to set the rules in its favour and treat consumers unfairly. That is why I am bringing this action.”
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I tried toy advent calendars like Lego and Disney – my favourite will save you
Inflation hits 10.1% as food and energy prices soar – what it means for your money
Lesley Hannah, partner at Hausfeld & Co LLP, who along with partner Anna Morfey is leading the litigation, argues Amazon's buy box means customers aren't presented with "a fair range of choices".
She added: “Competition laws are there to protect everyone.
"They ensure that individuals can make genuine and informed choices, and are not simply led into making selections which benefit the companies they interact with.
"Fairness is at the heart of competition law and consumers are not being treated fairly by Amazon.”
If ten million people could prove they have shopped at Amazon in the past six years, each could be eligible for £67 compensation, according to The Times.
The Sun has approached Amazon for comment and we will update this article once we hear back.
Who could get compensation?
Lawsuits that result in compensation for many people are often referred to as "class action".
You don't need to do anything as you'll automatically be part of it if you're affected.
Anyone who lives in the UK, and made purchases on Amazon or the Amazon app since October 2016, could be eligible for a payout if the claim is successful.
But there's a long way to go before anyone could see any payout, as these types of cases can take years in the courts.
In England and Wales a Group Litigation Order (GLO) is often used for this kind of lawsuit,
Collective action has been made easier under the UK’s Consumer Rights Act 2015.
It means the courts can treat similar claims as one, rather than having hundreds or even thousands of separate individual claims.
There are a number of stages to bringing this kind of lawsuit, including the courts needing to give permission for a GLO.
Both sides can also appeal decisions at various stages making it a lengthy process with no guarantee of a payout.
Collective actions are rare – there have only been around 100 cases since 2000 according to the HM Courts and Tribunals Service.
Read More on The Sun
I’m skinny-shamed for my no-cup boobs… but trolls won’t stop me wearing sexy tops
Ulrika Jonsson wows fans with sexy late night bed selfie
In May, A £600 million class action claim against BT is alleged that elderly and low-income customers were overcharged by the firm.
And in 2021, Mastercard faced the first case of its kind in the UK.
Source: Read Full Article


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JSW Paints, part of the JSW Group, has launched a new campaign for its luxury range of Halo Wall Finishes. Conceptualised by TBWA, it features actors Alia Bhatt and Ayushmann Khurrana.
Through this, JSW Paints encourages consumers to make an informed choice. It began with Sawalia questioning ‘Why pay extra for colour’.
In this campaign, Sawalia questions consumers to find out if they are getting all the benefits they can get in their best paint.
The TVC will be promoted digitally during the IPL 2023 season and on all the television channels.
Sundaresan AS, Joint MD and CEO, JSW Paints, said, “As we build the paint company of the future, our aim is to help consumers make an informed choice. The insight behind this campaign is that often consumers blindly go ahead with what is being offered, without knowing what they get. Sawalia, an agent provocateur, continues to nudge consumers to ask the right questions and make the right choice! The campaign aims to assure its audience that it is indeed possible for a single paint brand to have it all. However, the only way to find out the benefits is by taking the initiative to ask.”
Govind Pandey, CEO, TBWA India, said, “Consumers in this category tend to be "sleep buyers" and make purchases based on perception or repeating past usage. JSW Paint’s innovations have enabled a range of paints complete with a far superior set of benefits. The JSW Paints Halo Campaign is a way to awaken the Indian consumers and get them to demand more from their paint by asking questions.”


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Ben & Jerry aren’t a gay couple, but they support LGBT rights.
To commemorate the legalization of same sex marriage in Vermont, the ice cream moguls are temporarily renaming one of their most iconic flavors: Chubby Hubby. For 30 days, it’ll be known as “Hubby Hubby” to raise awareness and support for LGBT equality.The move is in partnership with Freedom to Marry, a marriage equality advocacy group.
Ice cream fans won’t be able to find it in the grocery store, because a Ben & Jerry’s spokesman said it takes about a year to change labels across the board. Hubby Hubby will be available in Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops, and a wedding-themed Ben & Jerry's truck will handed out free ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢”šÂ¬Ã…”Hubby HubbyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢”šÂ¬Ã‚Â across Vermont September 1, the day Vermont’s gay marriage law took effect.
ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢”šÂ¬Ã…”At the core of Ben & Jerry's values, we believe that social justice can and should be something that every human being is entitled to,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢”šÂ¬Ã‚Â said Walt Freese, Chief Executive Officer of Ben & Jerry's. ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢”šÂ¬Ã…”From the very beginning of our 30 year history, we have supported equal rights for all people. The legalization of marriage for gay and lesbian couples in Vermont is certainly a step in the right direction and something worth celebrating with peace, love and plenty of ice cream.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢”šÂ¬Ã‚Â


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ITPRO TODAY: HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WILL EVOLVE IN 2023
ORIGINALLY POSTED: 04 JAN 2023
What’s ahead for the ongoing AI boom? In an article by ITPro Today, Beyond Limits AI Solutions Director Michael Krause shares his predictions, along with 5 other experts, on how AI will evolve in 2023.
“But generative AI models are not just good at creating digital images like DALL-E does. They are being used to discover new materials for battery design, carbon capture, and loads of other innovations, Krause said, who predicts that generative models will reach new heights in 2023.”
Read the Full Article – HERE.


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A groundbreaking announcement from Ramp, a rising star in the fintech industry, has further punctuated the company’s ongoing mission to revolutionize the financial landscape. By expanding their platform’s compatibility, Ramp has added an impressive 40 new fiat currencies to its service. This comes as an unprecedented stride in the realm of digital finance, positioning Ramp to be a pivotal player in the growing intersection of cryptocurrency and traditional finance.
Cryptocurrency on-ramps, like Ramp, act as the bridge between conventional fiat currencies and the often mystifying world of digital currencies. These platforms allow users to purchase or acquire digital assets using traditional money forms. Conversely, off-ramps provide the gateway for users to convert their crypto holdings back into regular, spendable money.
With this move, Ramp has effectively expanded its global reach to 150 countries, accommodating transactions between digital assets and 43 fiat currencies. This expansion includes currencies from both developed and emerging markets, such as the Bermudian dollar, Costa Rican colón, Hungarian forint, Mexican peso, Singapore dollar, and Swiss franc. As such, it marks a significant step in democratizing access to cryptocurrencies, breaking down financial barriers, and empowering individuals worldwide.
While cryptocurrencies continue to grow in both popularity and market value – with $68.30 billion traded daily at the time of writing – there remain significant barriers to entry for many potential participants. This is where platforms like Ramp step in to facilitate ease of entry and exit from the crypto market. They enhance accessibility, liquidity, and integration, which are key to bridging the gap between the crypto ecosystem and the traditional financial system.
In a recent conversation with Cointelegraph, Bitcoin self-custody advocate and software developer, Jameson Lopp emphasized the importance of on-ramps in driving cryptocurrency adoption. The expansion of on-ramps, such as Ramp’s recent announcement, is vital for stimulating economic activity within the digital currency space.
In summary, this development from Ramp is much more than a routine service expansion. It is a testament to the financial industry’s growing acceptance and integration of cryptocurrencies. As the world gradually shifts towards a more digitized economy, one thing remains clear: the future of finance is here, and it’s riding on the ‘ramp’ of digital innovation.


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Deal Enhances IWCO Direct’s Standing
CHANHASSEN, MN—Completing a process that began last summer, IWCO Direct has entered into a definitive purchase agreement to acquire Transcontinental Direct's U.S. operations, a high-volume direct mail organization with a network of facilities throughout the United States. Terms of the deal, which is expected to close soon after receiving regulatory approval, were not revealed.
IWCO Direct will acquire Transcontinental Direct's U.S. operations in Warminster and Hamburg, PA; Downey, CA; and Ft. Worth, TX. Transcontinental's U.S. direct mail group generated revenues of $153 million in 2009 and employs about 1,200 people, according to the company. The acquisition builds IWCO Direct into the sales range of roughly $380 million.
Jim Andersen, IWCO Direct president and CEO, told Printing Impressions that Transcontinental had actually expressed an interest in acquiring IWCO Direct on two different occasions (IWCO Direct was eventually taken over by Citigroup Venture Capital, and then Avista Capital Partners). But the third time around, it was Andersen who broached the subject of acquiring Transcontinental's U.S. direct mail holdings with François Olivier, Transcontinental president and CEO.
"I see a lot of value in the two companies coming together," Andersen says of the deal. "We'll be able to leverage technology and the best practices between the two companies. Plus, we believe we're going to enhance our postal promise on reducing postal costs for our customers, along with enhancing the distribution and reducing cycle time to get mail in-home faster."


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Selling over five million copies since its release in 2000, FINAL FANTASY IX proudly returns on smartphones and PC! Now you can relive the adventures of Zidane and his crew in the palm of your hands!
"With high-definition graphics, newly added achievements, auto-save, high speed mode, and several game boosting features, the game is easy to pick up and play no matter where you go."
Take a look at the teaser trailer below. We'll let you know when a launch date is announced.
Read More [via TA]


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Monday 15th December 2008
|Text too small?|
The ReStart package, which will be backdated until November 8, covers as many as 70,000 people losing their jobs. Beneficiaries will be low-income families and those who can't meet mortgage payments after being made redundant.
The package is designed to give some breathing space to families hit by redundancy, said Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.
The assistance includes $60 a week for families with up to three children who are no longer eligible for the In-Work tax credit and an extra $15 a week for each additional child.
A further payment of up to $100 a week is available to those who qualify for the maximum accommodation supplement. Payments are to start in the New Year and only apply to people made redundant, not those who left their jobs for other reasons.
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30th November 2021 Morning Report
Serko Limited (NZX: SKO) Announces Opening of NZ$10 Million Retail Offer
Rua Bioscience Limited (NZX: RUA) Rua to Accelerate Growth with Proposed Acquisition of Zalm
The New Zealand Refining Company Limited (NZX: NZR) Successfully Completes Placement
NZME Limited (NZX: NZM) Acquires BusinessDesk to Supercharge Digital Growth
Cannasouth Limited (NZX: CBD) Acquisition of Outstanding Stake in Cultivation JV Complete
Geneva Finance Limited (NZX: GFL) Half Year Results
The New Zealand Refining Company Limited (NZX: NZR) NZ announces equity raising
Asset Plus Limited (NZX: APL) Result for the six months ended 30 September 2021
Me Today Limited (NZX: MEE) 30 September 21 Results and Conditional Placement


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In recent months, Vitamin D deficiency has become the talking point of the natural health movement. There have also been umpteen medical studies so that even mainstream medical experts are starting to look at Vitamin D deficiency with fresh eyes.
And what is the main source of Vitamin D?
The most recent study is from the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota, which has found that rheumatoid arthritis is on the increase among Caucasian women with the culprit likely to be an environmental one, like vitamin D deficiency, rather than a genetic one.
According to Dr. Serine Gabriel, one of the authors of the study, she says: "It's pretty unlikely that the genetic makeup of a population changed that quickly." Gabriel suggests that women who smoke stop the habit, and that women in general get their vitamin D levels checked. Together, these proactive steps should help to stave off serious diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
There have been many other studies with these conclusions
• Overweight people are more successful in losing weight when their Vitamin D levels are increased.
• Vitamin D has been linked to its ability to prevent diabetes, depression and heart disease.
• Vitamin D prevents 77% of all cancers while women with breast cancer have tested as having low vitamin D levels while women who are deficient in vitamin D (at the time they are diagnosed with breast cancer) are nearly 75% more likely to die from the disease than women with sufficient vitamin D levels, and their cancer is twice as likely to spread.
• From bone pain to muscle pain to back pain, these could be caused by a vitamin D deficiency as its cause - this is not a well known fact.
• Children who develop multiple sclerosis have substantially lower levels of vitamin D than children who do not develop the disease.
• Insufficient blood levels of vitamin D may cause adolescent girls to have weaker muscles.
• Almost half of critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are deficient in vitamin D.
• Women who are short on vitamin D are more likely to have a cesarean section delivery while women (who do not get enough vitamin D when pregnant) place their children at increased risk for tooth enamel defects and early childhood tooth decay.
• One in seven US teenagers are deficient in vitamin D while levels in the general population are falling - vitamin D deficiency is now common in the US.
• Those females who are over fifty, post-menopausal and prone to breaking bones could be because of a vitamin D deficiency rather than actual osteoporosis.
• Deficiency of vitamin D is also linked with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• There is a strong correlation between Vitamin D deficiency and Parkinson's disease.
• Vitamin D deficiency is widespread among infants and toddlers in the US.
How to raise your vitamin D levels
The best way to get vitamin D is through sunlight exposure, but foods like oily fish and raw milk are also rich in the vitamin. If you need to use a supplement, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere during the long winter minths, Vitamin D3 supplements in the form of cholecalciferol are a good option.
Vitamin D is a critically important nutrient in our daily lives but the present deficiency has been made much worse by so many people spending time indoors at their computers under fluorescent lighting. This is not confined to adults either. Whereas children used to be out and about with their friends in all kinds of weather, they are now often living an isolated lifestyle bound to their home computer. When adults and children do get outdoors, they have been so programmed to cover up and apply sun block to their skin that any sunlight they are exposed to is immediately banished.
This is so unfortunate when Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is linked to so many vital health functions and benefits. In addition to those listed above, it boosts immune function and improves absorption of calcium thereby contributing to strong and healthy bones.
Sunshine makes us feel good too as it lifts the spirit
It is said that even tanning beds can stimulate the body to produce vitamin D, according to research conducted by Michael Holick of the University of Boston and published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
It is in the interests of every single one of us to find out as much as we can about the benefits of Vitamin D. An excellent source of information is the web site - www.vitamindcouncil.org -
I would suggest you check this out.
You will not be wasting your time.


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After years of fans hoping for it to happen, there are now credible signs that a collaboration between the popular battle royale game Fortnite and the iconic anime/manga series One Piece is in development.
The leaks come from known video game insiders Shpeshal_Nick and Xboxera who have previously accurately revealed other upcoming Fortnite crossovers before they were officially announced.
Additional Fortnite leakers and data miners like ShiinaBR, iFireMonkey, and Hypex have also hinted at the One Piece crossover on social media.
Though exact details remain unclear, the scale of the collaboration is expected to be substantial given the massive global popularity of One Piece. Epic Games has gone all out on previous crossover events for well-known franchises, so they likely aim to do the same here to excite fans.
BREAKING: One Piece is rumored to be coming to Fortnite soon! 🔥
— Shiina (@ShiinaBR) February 11, 2024
While fans eagerly await more concrete information, the reports from trusted sources in the gaming industry suggest that after years of hoping, the long-rumored Fortnite and One Piece crossover may soon become a reality.
Potential One Piece and Fortnite Crossover
While full details on the rumored Fortnite and One Piece crossover are still unknown, some predictions can be made about what it might involve based on how Epic Games has handled major anime collaborations in the past.
Given the sheer global popularity and influence of the One Piece series, Epic will likely aim to make this an especially ambitious crossover event. There will probably be new One Piece-themed cosmetic items and skins for various characters made available in the item shop.
Significant characters like Monkey D. Luffy could also appear as interactive NPCs on the Fortnite map for players to meet and get quests from.
With One Piece being such a unique anime property, it would be exciting to see signature elements from the series incorporated into Fortnite’s weapons and abilities as well.
Hearing Luffy’s infamous “Gum-Gum Pistol” battle cry ring out amidst a hectic match while stretching out a punch to hit opponents would be quite hilarious and fun.
There is also a strong chance that a new One Piece-themed landmark or named location could be added to the map, perhaps a recreation of the Straw Hat Pirates’ ship – The Going Merry.
This would be similar to how Spider-Man’s Daily Bugle building was added during the Marvel crossover.
Fortnite Exciting Collaborations on the Horizon
Aside from the rumored One Piece crossover, the leaks from reputable gaming insiders Shpeshal_Nick and Xboxera indicate that several other high-profile collaborations are in development for Fortnite.
ONE PIECE x FORTNITE IS RUMORED TO BE HAPPENING 🔥 [VIA @xboxera]
No known dates, but they also talked about MORE COLLABS ‼
• Spider-Man (Doc Ock)
• Final Fantasy
• Masters of the Universe (He-Man)
• Peace Maker
• The Fantastic 4
• Cyclops pic.twitter.com/5QVUZHPcrQ
— HYPEX (@HYPEX) February 11, 2024
The list of additional franchises they claim are planned for integration includes both newer pop culture properties and beloved classic series:
- Avatar – Potentially coinciding with the long-awaited sequels on the horizon
- Spider-Man additions like Doc Ock
- Final Fantasy – An iconic video game franchise
- Masters of the Universe with He-Man characters
- DC’s recent Peacemaker series
- Marvel’s Fantastic Four
- DC’s Robin
- Magneto and Cyclops of the X-Men
Many of these possible crossovers have been rumored or requested by fans previously. So while full details remain unknown, the Fortnite community has reacted with enthusiasm about the possibilities.
When To Expect One Piece X Fortnite
While these new Fortnite leaks offer the first concrete signs that a One Piece crossover really is in development after years of rumors, determining an exact timeline for when it could launch remains challenging.
Past examples like the recently debuted Family Guy collaboration with Peter Griffin show that some leaked crossovers can take well over a year to finally materialize in-game.
However, whispers of a potential One Piece crossover have persisted in the community since all the way back in Chapter 2 Season 8.
Given that this latest leak comes from proven insiders who correctly revealed other major collaborations ahead of their surprise launches, there is a chance this long-requested anime mashup could manifest sooner than the years it took for Family Guy.
Though the exact timing is still up in the air, some optimistic fans speculate the One Piece collaboration could happen before the end of the currently running Chapter 5 season.
But for now, all players can do is wait eagerly for more concrete details to emerge from Epic Games on when exactly they can finally expect to see Luffy, Zoro, and the Straw Hat crew arrive on the island.


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Build-A-Bear Workshop enjoyed an 18% spike in revenues for the first quarter of 2007. The retailer of customized stuffed animals generated sales of US$116.8 million during the period, compared to US$98.6 million last year. Meanwhile, first quarter net income rang in at US$8.1 million, down from US$8.3 million last year.
Acquisitions in the UK had an impact on the bottom line this time around, however, the opening of four new stores in North America and two new outlets in the UK really drove the sales increase. Online sales also proved to be a bright spot, shooting up 24.1% to US$3.1 million.
Currently the retailer operates 237 stores in North America and 40 in the UK.


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It wasn’t too many years ago that smart-home technology was thought to be the stuff of the Jetsons – sci-fi products that we might see some day in the far distant future. Well, the future is now. And the trend could have widespread implications for those people thinking about selling their home this year or shopping for a new home themselves.
Smart home products are quickly catching on with consumers, everything from remote controlled thermostats and lighting to home monitoring cameras and security systems to advanced entertainment systems and even refrigerators that let you see what’s inside without opening the door – and then ordering groceries right from the door itself!
The Coldwell Banker® Smart Home Marketplace Survey, which polled more than 4,000 Americans in advance of last month’s big Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, found that just under half (45 percent) of all Americans either own smart home technology or plan to invest in it in 2016, while eight out of 10 consumers using smart home products said they would be more likely to buy a home if smart technology was already installed.
“From the living room to the yard, consumers are embracing smart home technology,” said Lindsey Turrentine, editor-in-chief of CNET.com, which is partnering with Coldwell Banker on a smart home test in Kentucky. “This market will continue to develop as the technology becomes even more mainstream. This innovation has made its way into homes faster than many expected, and that once a homeowner tries a connected device, that person is ready to experiment with more smart products.”
According to the Consumer Technology Association, smart home technology represents a $1.2 billion market this year, up 20 percent from year a year ago.
“The connected home is here, and its influence on everything from home pricing to curb appeal to how we move through our daily lives is transforming right before our eyes,” said Coldwell Banker Chief Marketing Officer Sean Blankenship.
The Coldwell Banker survey confirms that many of today’s buyers are expecting smart home features when they shop for a home. Consumers are seeing the convenience and benefits of products such as automated lighting and temperature control, understanding how this technology makes the home more comfortable, convenient and energy-efficient. And with more buyers favoring homes with smart features, the survey found more sellers say they plan to upgrade their home with smart home products.
CNET and Coldwell Banker are partnering on a test smart home in Kentucky, a “living laboratory” where its editorial team will explore how smart home products behave, interact and test in everyday environments.
But homeowners don’t have to wait for the findings of those tests to learn what type of smart products consumers favor. Here are some of today’s most popular smart home devices as determined by the recent Coldwell Banker survey:
- Entertainment systems. The most popular type of smart home technology that people already own is smart entertainment, such as smart TVs and speaker systems, according to the Coldwell Banker survey. Some 44 percent of people surveyed already have these devices in their home.
- Home security systems. The next most popular type of smart home technology that people currently have installed in their home according to the survey is smart home security (31 percent). In addition to traditional systems, these may include video monitors inside and outside the house that you can view on a smart phone from anywhere you happen to be.
- Smart temperature controls. According to the Coldwell Banker survey, 30 percent of consumers polled already have devices like smart thermostats. These smart devices can be programmed remotely via your computer or mobile device so that the temperature is just right when you get home. And many quickly learn your habits so they will soon be able to turn themselves up or down at just the right time and just the right amount, based on what you’ve done in the past. Some related products on the market now include water and humidity monitors to alert you to any leaks in your house while you’re away.
So as you can see, the smart home of the future is already here today.


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Hanania Automotive to open Infiniti dealership
The dealership, which is expected to open in February or March, will be the second Infiniti dealership in Jacksonville. The first, which is owned by another dealer, is the Atlantic Infiniti on Atlantic Boulevard.
“I think Infinity has got a big opportunity to grow even more in North America,” said President and CEO Jack Hanania. “We had a hard fought battle to get Infiniti. We were up against a lot of good dealers.”
But the company has been growing. Last year Hanania added a Fiat dealership and announced agreements to acquire an Acura dealership in Miami from the Esserman Automotive Group, which is the company’s first dealership outside of Northeast Florida.
The company also announced plans for the only Maserati dealership between Orlando and Atlanta. It is expected to open in April.
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Media agencies’ reaction to Facebook’s latest transparency overtures
Facebook has pivoted its ad server Atlas (which it bought for hundreds of millions from Microsoft in 2013) to be used as a measurement tool, a development which emerged amid much controversy for the social network. In the first of a two-part analysis, The Drum probed some of the industry’s largest media spenders to gauge their reaction.
Facebook’s rise has not been without its bumps
Facebook’s meteoric propulsion to the very top tier of the media landscape has been fuelled by its reach, frequency of usage by over a billion people, and more crucially the richness of its audience data.
So much so, that Sir Martin Sorrell, chief executive of the largest media investment unit in the world forecasts that before 2018 Facebook will become the second-largest media owner in the world by media spend (overtaking ‘legacy’ media outfits, but still trailing some way behind Google).
Although, speaking recently with The Drum he did press the need for such outfits to provide more transparent measurement if they are to continue to justify such levels of spend. Speaking about Facebook in particular, he said: “We’re hearing from the Proctor & Gambles, and Unilevers – from Marc Pritchard and Keith Weed – about the inadequacies of measurement, such as Facebook’s three-second view, with 50 per cent of the time the sound is turned off, equating to a 15, or 30 second view,” he explains.
This issue was further exacerbated when the following week the scale of this inaccuracy was reported in the popular press, with some of the biggest spending brands in the advertising industry calling for enhanced third-party oversight of Facebook’s measurement performance.
The latest marketing news and insights straight to your inbox.
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Why was Atlas retired as a standalone ad server?
This also coincided with Facebook shifting its ad server Atlas – which launched in earnest during 2015, but is widely understood to have failed to meet initial expectations in terms of uptake – into its marketing sciences marketing services vision, which will be headed up by measurement vice president of Brad Smallwood.
Furthermore, a recent call from Association of National Advertisers (ANA) chief, Bob Liodice, for third-party auditing of Facebook’s measurement processes, prompted the below public statement from Facebook.
“We are currently in dialogue with the ANA about how we can work more closely together. Trust and transparency with our partners are paramount to the operation of our company,” it read.
“Our focus has always been on driving business results for our clients, and we strongly believe in third-party verification. We have a history of working with industry leaders including Nielsen, Moat, and comScore - and we continue to explore more partnerships.”
Facebook’s third-party outreach
Of course, in the week ahead of the most recent controversy, Facebook announced further tie-ups with MarketShare; Nielsen; Oracle and Visual IQ, in a bid to show advertisers that it is not ‘grading its own homework’, according to Facebook’s Smallwood. In particular, the latest developments aimed at helping advertisers calculate how spend on the social network helps drive in-store sales, and ultimately how spend on Facebook should sit within their media mix modelling.
The Drum consulted a number of the UK’s leading media agency staff for their opinion on the latest product launches*, with all parties consulted welcoming the overtures. Although, not all were necessarily convinced that Facebook will go 100 per cent of the way to meeting the requirements articulated by ANA chief Bob Liodice.
Facebook can no longer prescribe the measure of success
Danny Hopwood, Publicis Media, vice president solutions and platforms operations, EMEA, said the recent changes in Facebook’s public posturing represent a massive shift from the initial stance it took upon first entering the market with the Atlas proposition.
“Facebook is learning iteratively that it can’t prescribe the success metric, but it’s likely to still be a controlled environment,” he said. “They’re definitely more open to third-party measurement, but I still feel that they’re doing it to their own benefit, which is going to be pretty obvious.”
Although, he did on to voice some doubt as to whether they represented 100 per cent transparency in terms of cross-measurement with advertising performance on other ecosystems.
“I doubt you’ll be able to take this data and match it to see it across Google and Facebook … For instance, I doubt you’ll be able to look through the lens of Nielsen Catalina at both Facebook and Google. I think you’ll only be able to look at Facebook … you unlikely to be able to compare them both.”
A step in the right direction
Meanwhile, Robin O’Neill, managing director of digital trading, at WPP’s GroupM UK said the opening up to third-party measurement was a “step in the right direction”. Although “the mechanics of these changes and benefits to clients are yet to be seen”, and urged Facebook to continue down this path.
He went on to say: “At GroupM, we feel strongly that independent verification of delivery and analysis of clients’ advertising performance should be measured at the broadest possible level, and not in silos as per the model adopted by Facebook. The value for us and our clients would be delivered when Facebook builds on these new developments to allow us to use their data to assess the results of client spending based on their entire digital marketing delivery.”
‘Necessary’ changes for growth
Felicity Long, Carat, head of digital, the recent ranch of product launches made it clear that Facebook is listening to both agencies and marketers, and this was necessary if it wanted ad revenue to continue to grow.
"Growing share will mean taking revenue from other robustly measured channels and to be able to do that agencies and marketers need to be very confident, budgets are not not infinite and many marketers are feeling the impact from the disruption the incoming digital economy is creating,” she added.
"As with all measurement tools though the devil is in the detail so I am looking forward to getting under to hood of the new products and into the detail."
*These interviews were conducted in advance of the over-measurement miscalculations being reported


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Last week, RingCentral announced RingCentral Rise, a new offering it calls a strategic and secure communications platform built for global service providers. Deemed RISE; (or Resources, Innovation, System integration, and Experiences); it is essentially a new duly-branded unified cloud communications solution aimed at the service provider market.
It will enable service providers to extend their own unique, co-branded unified cloud communications solutions that include team messaging, video meetings, a cloud phone system, and contact center solutions to businesses. That process? RingCentral called it both fast and scalable.
And already major service providers like AT&T Business (US), ecotel (Germany), MCM (Mexico), and TELUS (Canada) are deploying the technology, according to RingCentral.
“Organizations across the globe are increasingly anxious to shift from their legacy communications solutions to the cloud. However, the process of this cloud transformation can be slow, costly, and time-consuming, and a frustrating experience for customers,” RingCentral wrote in a statement.
This means that service providers can now help those in legacy environments move to the cloud with a distinctive offering equipped with end-to-end managed service. The UCaaS giant now has its pick of the litter when it comes to customers, having a new and more sizable pool of potential customers.
Does the move put RingCentral on a possible path to UCaaS greatness? You may recall that RingCentral and Avaya launched Avaya Cloud Office Powered by RingCentral just before the pandemic’s onset, and it has seen a ton of success to date.
A Pattern of Continued Innovation
At Enterprise Connect 2021, the company also announced; a plethora of other innovations to its MVP (messaging, voice, and phone) offering. The UCaaS solution would gain several new advanced functionalities, including :
- Artificial intelligence-powered meeting summaries, along with (live) transcription and new whiteboard features.
- Next-gen business analytics that can shed insight on important aspects of business, such as:
- Is every customer-facing team and facility optimally staffed? (i.e., call volume and call handling trends).
- Is my team putting forward the best performance? Are there opportunities to train? (i.e., number of calls, number of unanswered calls, call handling speed, etc.)
- How is my team communication activity driving sales and revenue outcomes? (i.e., merge calls data with sales and revenue data).
Live transcription, meeting summaries, and its latest whiteboard technology will be generally available in Q1 2022.
- Content sharing from the rear camera on your mobile device, also fresh to the platform.
- And RingCentral delivered a set of updates to RingCentral Rooms to help organizations prepare for the inevitable no-touch hybrid working environment.
And earlier this year, RingCentral acquired Kindite to help it realize offering end-to-end encryption across its fleet of communications platforms, yet another unique add-on for the UC provider that would make the firm’s technology stand out even more.
Partnerships with Top Legacy Providers
I picked up with Jaya Kumar, RingCentral’s Chief Marketing Officer, to see what else resides underneath the company’s sleeve. It turns out that was a loaded question.
RingCentral has exclusive partnerships with companies that have customer bases in millions, like Avaya and Alcatel Lucent, which provide services for many of the world’s legacy PBX users. Not surprisingly, this is not just any customer base; but one that covers a sizable chunk of the market as most businesses on a global scale remain on-premises.
They often face many challenges, according to Kumar, making it more paramount than ever before to check in with them and ask them flat-out:
“What are your challenges as a service provider?”
It turns out it is not all about the product, but customers said they wanted a click-through portal to gain insights at a glance, along with marketing and sales materials aligned for easy go-to-market. He noted; that: customers want to know that every time they pick up a device that it will work.
And real-time data suggest that RingCentral has high uptime, with Kumar telling me – it is much higher than many of its competitors. Not to mention, thanks to a strategic acquisition earlier this year, users can now introduce end-to-end encryption to meetings. All this creates a compelling solution – one that hits all the marks for various market segments.
“RingCentral wants to and has become a turbo-charged innovation machine.”
He estimates that roughly 70 percent of the world is covered by Verizon, Vodaphone, AT&T, Deutsche Telecom, and RingCentral can say that it has partnerships with all of them along with a few other powerhouse service providers.
A Continued Desire for Customer Satisfaction
It was even clear from my time spent with Kumar, who gave me one of the most high-level briefings I had had in a long time. The major takeaway I feel it necessary to mention – the folks there are clever and always seem to be one or two moves ahead of customers and the competition.
During the pandemic, Kumar said that RingCentral saw a rise in use cases for its technology in vertical markets like retail. A retailer with 8,000 merchants, 10,000 sales representatives, 800 technicians, and other employees; has a myriad of potential use-cases.
In a stroke of genius, when RingCentral obtains a new customer in niche market developers there then create a persona for each (conceivable) use-case laid out by the retailer to tailor the solution to their liking. This gives users access only to the features they need and most relevant to them for their role.
And that flexibility extends to custom integrations, too. If a customer has built out a specific workflow, RingCentral works to create the custom specs to accommodate.
Taking it a step further, Kumar said that the company goes to each vertical market and asks: Can you tell us all your potential use cases? They then build out every possible use-case, according to customers that exist in, let’s say, the healthcare or food delivery markets.
It is this kind of service that can make a company in the UC industry stand out. And that seems to be RingCentral’s aim, at least on the surface, to stick out by forging as many partnerships and (actually) listening to customers. For its strong overall performance, RingCentral was recognized by Frost & Sullivan, receiving its 2021 Competitive Strategy Leadership Award, an award it won for its countless strategic partnerships.


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It applies to any contracts awarded for providing production material for new vehicle projects. Suppliers who are unwilling to switch to certified green energy will no longer be considered for contracts with Porsche in the long term. "Our battery cell suppliers have already had to use green energy since 2020. And now we are taking the next important step: we stipulate that our series suppliers also use only renewable energy to produce our components, to help reduce CO2-emissions even further. We recognise that we have a responsibility to ensure that supply chains are transparent and sustainable," says Uwe-Karsten Städter, Member of the Executive Board for Procurement at Porsche AG.
Porsche has set itself an ambitious goal: the company wants to be CO2 -neutral across the entire value chain by 2030. At the moment, the sports car manufacturer's supply chain is responsible for around 20 percent of Porsche's total greenhouse gas emissions. This percentage is set to rise to around 40 by 2030 due to the increasing electrification of vehicles. But Porsche is tackling this issue head on: "By using only renewable energy sources, our suppliers are following our example in our efforts to reach CO2-neutrality. We plan to have even more intensive talks with our partners in order to drive forward improvements in our sustainability. It is only by working together that we will be able to combat ongoing climate change," explains Städter.
As well as in its supply chain, Porsche is reducing CO2-emissions in its own plants: the production of the Taycan – the first all-electric sports cars made in the Zuffenhausen plant in Stuttgart – has been carbon neutral since it was launched in 2019. Since 2020, this has been true for all vehicles made at the company's headquarters, and thus for the 911 and 718 as well. At the start of 2021, the Development Centre in Weissach and the plant in Leipzig, where the Macan and Panamera models are produced, followed suit. This means that all of the large Porsche sites are already CO2-neutral in terms of operations.
The company will also be investing more than a billion euros in decarbonisation measures over the next ten years. Porsche reached a milestone with the world premiere of the Taycan Cross Turismo at the beginning of March. The all-rounder among electric sports cars is the world's first ever vehicle to be carbon neutral throughout its entire service life. More model series are set to follow. And by 2030, the aim is for more than 80 percent of all new vehicles sold to be purely electric or plug-in hybrid models. As early as 2025, at least 50 percent of new vehicles sold are to feature an electric drive.


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The fall came amid fears over the Government’s bank bail-out and UK debt-gripped markets.
A pound was worth just $1.39 compared to 2.04 in March last year.
Its 32% fall in 10 months means a Brit tourist, who spent £1,000 in the US last March, would now need to find £1,467 to pay for the same goods, food and accommodation. Travel to Europe also became dearer as the pound also fell against the euro – it is now worth 23% less than 13 months ago.
Foreign goods like wine and clothing will now become dearer in UK shops.
But there was a plus side for the UK tourist industry, with Brits more likely to stay at home for their holidays.
Other factors adding to the pound’s troubles included yesterday’s inflation figures – showing a December fall which was the biggest since the recession of the early 1990s – and an Obama feelgood factor boosting the dollar.
Inflation was down to 3.1% from 4.1% thanks largely to lower costs for clothing, footwear, and transport.
Jittery experts said the pound could see further dramatic swings against the dollar. Jim Rogers, who made his fortune when he founded the Quantum Fund with billionaire George Soros, warned: “I would urge you to sell any sterling you might have. It’s finished.”
But James Hughes, at CMC Markets said that talk of bankruptcy was premature. Lloyds was yesterday’s big victim of bank turmoil as its shares plunged 48% at one point – before ending 31% down – amid fears it may be the next to give over more control to the state.
RBS, which suffered a catastrophic 67% Monday share price collapse, had a shortlived bounce back yesterday before ending up down another 11%.
And Barclays shares were also down 17%.
Figures out today are expected to show around two million people jobless.


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Somerset Community College in Kentucky has developed a project, the Rapid Response Additive Manufacturing Initiative (RRAMI), that aims to deliver a statewide rapid 3D printing response capable of manufacturing critical supplies in the event of future emergencies such as Covid-19.
Between four and six college sites across Kentucky that are already equipped with low-cost 3D printing equipment and trained experts will be initially involved in the project. Having received federal funding in the summer of 2020, the RRAMI project is now preparing to simulate its first mock disaster drill to test the capabilities of the system on February 1st.
“The RRAMI system is something that we have been passionate about and working toward ever since the Covid-19 shutdown began,” said Eric Wooldridge of Somerset Community College (SCC), co-developer of the initiative. “The ability to instantaneously utilize a multitude of 3D printers, from one side of Kentucky to the other with only a single site operator, and all make the exact same product, is truly a breakthrough of manufacturing technology.”
3D printing response to Covid-19
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, professional additive manufacturing providers, makers, and designers within the 3D printing community across the globe rallied to respond to the crisis. Many volunteered their respective skills to ease supply chain pressure, with others putting out calls to action and co-ordinating manufacturing efforts to get vital supplies like PPE to those who needed it.
3D printing was able to fill gaps in the supply chain of PPE and other vital products such as ventilators and ventilator components, and swabs for Covid tests. The RRAMI system hopes to further showcase 3D printing’s potential as not only a back-up for supply chain disruption, but how it can also be used as a unified statewide manufacturing system in the future.
The RRAMI network
Originally developed by Wooldridge and Heather Beebe at SCC, the RRAMI network currently includes five Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) sites. Joining SCC in the project is Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC), Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC), Madisonville Community College (MCC), and Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC).
These college sites are located in regions of potential need should a manufacturing or supply chain emergency occur in the future, and are equipped with additive manufacturing equipment and know-how.
The RRAMI mock disaster drill will determine how quickly and effectively the coordinated system of remote 3D printing production sites can produce products that would be necessary in an emergency event.
The mock disaster drill
Beginning at 9am EST on February 1st, the mock disaster drill will last for 72 hours. The test scenario involves a new strain of coronavirus that is shutting down the country, and subsequently manufacturing operations have ceased and shipping routes are closed, leading to a breakdown in the supply chain of vital products such as personal protective equipment (PPE). In the scenario, the RRAMI network has been asked to respond to the crisis to provide PPE to first responders and essential workers in Kentucky and further afield.
The idea of the RRAMI in this type of situation is for member sites to transition their use of additive manufacturing for education to “disaster response”, and plug the gaps that have arisen in the supply chain. As the RRAMI project lead, the SCC will upload optimized gcodes for the project-specified 3D printers in the RRAMI network to a shared cloud drive. The member sites will then use these codes to begin production.
The first test product to be printed during the mock disaster drill is a 3D printed headband that can be quickly assembled with Plexiglas and elastic to form a face shield. During the 72 hours, member sites will also collect production data for real-time evaluation to track quantity output, quality control, equipment specification, speeds, and success rates. The data will also provide a baseline for how quickly the RRAMI network can produce products on-demand in emergency situations.
Wooldridge continued: “As we prove the system out and continue to add more sites and 3D printers, just imagine the potential not only for emergency production support but also just commercial fabrication as well, a statewide unified body manufacturing system that can produce in scalable volumes, and pivot from one product to the next almost instantly. It will represent a limitless opportunity for Kentucky.”
SCC will provide real-time data feeds of the mock disaster drill’s progress and results when it gets underway on February 1st.
Be sure to subscribe to the Another Dimension podcast on your chosen podcast player to make sure you never miss an episode.
Looking for a career in additive manufacturing? Visit 3D Printing Jobs for a selection of roles in the industry.
Featured image shows the 3D Systems Stopgap Face Mask. Photo via 3D Systems.


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Whale Watch Kaikoura Joins Business Delegation To China 31 May 2012
- Snowmaking begins at Queenstown’s Coronet Peak Living
- NZ designates another group as a terrorist entity News
- Terms of Negotiation signed with Ngapuhi News
- New guidance on home construction Property
- Book award is an acknowledgement of Maori history Living
- Updated Bullying Prevention Guide welcomed News
- Attorney-General saddened by death of Sir Thomas Gault News
- Waitangi Tribunal legal action aims to stop Statoil News
- Pacific peoples benefit from Budget 2015 News
- Archives New Zealand to rebuild Christchurch facility News
Iconic tourism company Whale Watch Kaikoura will be represented in a business delegation to China this month that will be led by Maori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples.
“Whale Watch Kaikoura brings together Maori knowledge, environmental stewardship and pioneering business acumen,” said Dr Sharples.
“Asia’s Dragon economies are fast becoming the centre of gravity of our global economy with China at the helm. Leaders from our Maori ‘Taniwha economy’ are heading to China to strengthen existing cultural and economic relationships.”
A world class ecotourism venture, in 2010 Whale Watch Kaikoura took out the Community Benefit Award at the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards hosted by the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC) in Beijing, China. The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are aimed at recognising best practice in sustainable tourism within the global Travel and Tourism industry Whale Watch Kaikoura was one of 160 tourism operators from 45 countries considered for the awards.
Dr Sharples says the phenomenal growth of the Asian and Chinese economies is something the Maori Taniwha economy can relate and aspire to. Estimated by BERL to be worth $38 billion in 2010, maximising the Maori economy’s export and innovation potential will be crucial to its future success.
“We have no choice but to do what it takes to boost revenue and exports to support businesses, communities and families across our country. At this month’s FOMA Science and Innovation symposium BERL’s Chief Economist Ganesh Nana told Maori asset holders that we must ‘export or die’: we choose export.”
The business delegation is made up of representatives from a wide range of sectors including fishing, forestry, agribusiness, education, food and beverage, investment and banking. The delegation is part of an ongoing strategy supported by Te Puni Kokiri to strengthen trade relationships with China.
“Some of our largest Maori-owned farms, iconic tourism ventures and other innovative businesses are joining us – at no small expense to themselves,” said Dr Sharples.
Whale Watch Kaikoura’s Chief Operating Officer, Kauahi Ngapora and Marketing Assistant for Asia, WenBin Ju were named in the delegation by Dr Sharples this week.
(New Zealand Government)
22 May 2015 News
22 May 2015 The Budget confirms $6.1 million in operating funding over the next four years and $13 million of capital funding from... more
22 May 2015 Business News
May 22 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand consumer confidence slipped in May as sentiment about current and future conditions eased. The... more
25 Apr 2015 ANZAC
100 years after allied forces landed in Gallipoli, 25 April – ANZAC Day – has been commemorated in the UK officially for... more
24 Apr 2015 ANZAC
Tomorrow marks the 100th ANZAC Day, and if you are a Kiwi or Aussie far from home there are plenty of events on to enable you both to... more
22 May 2015 Property
Building and Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith today released at the Certified Builders’ Association conference in Christchurch... more
20 May 2015 Property
Goodman Property lifts FY earnings 5.4% on revenue growth, cost clamp down May 20 (BusinessDesk) - Goodman Property Trust,... more
30 Apr 2015 Migration
The Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2) which cracks down on employers who exploit migrant workers passed its final reading in... more
20 May 2015 NZ Tourism
Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key has today announced the Government is investing in two new tourism projects in... more
22 May 2015 Cricket
First innings at stumps on Day One: England 354-7 in 90 overs (Root 98, Stokes 92, Buttler 67, Ali 49*; Henry 3-93 on Test debut) DAY... more
22 May 2015 Opinion
From the outset, the slogan for yesterday’s Budget - “The Plan Is Working” – begged to be mocked.... more
30 Apr 2015 Opinion
For the past week or so we’ve been hearing a lot about the child-like side of our Prime Minister. So I guess we... more
15 May 2015 Appointments
Foreign Minister Murray McCully has today announced diplomat Sarah Walsh as New Zealand’s new High Commissioner to... more
15 May 2015 State of the Market Report
NZ's growing ICT sector drives rapid economic diversification, Joyce says May 15 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand's information... more


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BlackBerry Blames Outtage on Influx of Celebrity Sexts
Millions of BlackBerry users were unplugged from their mail and instant messaging services over the past few weeks with no word from the company about what caused the outtage.
But during a recent interview with Research in Motion CEO Pip Russell, OMGG.com made a startling discovery.
“We’ve seen a 1200% increase in celebrity sexting, and our servers can’t handle all the additional bandwidth,” Russell told our tech team. “Miley Cyrus alone has used over 18GB since mid-September.”
RIM is offering customers $100 worth of free apps to say sorry for the service shutdown, but can’t promise it won’t happen again.
“The sustained popularity of sexting has taken everyone at our company by surprise,” confessed RIM’s CEO. “We were certain that once Brett Favre stopped sending photos of his dick all over town it would finally take the burden off our servers.”
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Duvenaud: Oats prices steady, canola crush slows
WINNIPEG, Manitoba — It’s been a decent oats marketing year. Production fell from 4 million metric tons in 2013 to 3 million metric tons in 2014.
Somewhat surprisingly, there are still ample oats in farm storage. Oats get moved right off the combine, if possible, but it takes some incentive to move them again, at least, more incentive than higher-priced crops. Prices were all over the map until recently, but have been flat lately.
Most oats sales at the moment are farmers cleaning up old crop. It’s actually a bit hard to find a buyer for spot delivery. Paterson Grain in Morris, Manitoba, is $3.10 per bushel, although not exactly buying. But $3.10 targets are being hit with August payment. Pioneer in Mollard, Manitoba, is $3.15, but only taking delivery intermittently, as product is trucked to Can-Oat in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Emerson (Manitoba) Milling offers a $3.15-per-bushel spot bid, and generally bought through January to December, although it is taking the odd uncontracted shipment. Grain Millers at Yorkton, Saskatchewan, is bought up through new crop. It anticipates taking old-crop oats when bids open for new crop. Allan Johnston Grain Marketing is buying oats at $2.90 per bushel freight-on-board farm in Saskatchewan.
Oats prices have been holding steady recently, while wheat prices are rising. Accordingly, oats have become relatively cheap, compared with wheat. There is no longer a downtrend in Chicago oats futures, which are bottoming.
Timely rains have benefited oats. Southern Manitoba is looking at a bumper crop. Some parts of Saskatchewan, such as Carrot River, also have fabulous stands. There are definitely some problem areas, but they’re smaller than they were.
New-crop bids are about flat with old crop. Emerson Milling is bought up and full to February, where it will buy at $3.25 per bushel. Paterson is taking targets at $3.10 per bushel for August to September and paying $3.20 per bushel for January delivery. Grain Millers plans to open bidding for new crop at $2.90 to $3 per bushel. Some of this will be off-combine. Linear Grain in Carman, Manitoba, is at $3.16 per bushel for September delivery.
A recent development in oats marketing is the increased use of producer freight cars. Oats have become a big proportion of Western Canadian producer car use. It started a couple of years ago with Canada’s rail shipment crises when Chicago Board of Trade oats reached crazy premiums over Saskatchewan freight-on-board prices.
Western Canadian canola prices have been fluctuating in a narrow range in the past couple weeks. The weekly domestic crush has dropped from more than 150,000 metric tons per week earlier in July to just more than 124,000 metric tons.
Expect domestic crushers to extend maintenance periods in the summer from the weaker crush margins. At the same time, export business has been quiet, with only regular customers stepping forward at the higher levels. At the same time, canola deliveries have been a whopping 307,000 metric tons for the week ending July 5, while deliveries reached nearly 400,000 metric tons the previous week. Higher prices have caused a surge in farmer deliveries and we also see a fair amount of new-crop selling from farmers in Manitoba and North Dakota, where crop conditions are average to above-average.
World vegetable oil prices have failed to move higher in line with the soybean and canola markets. Western Canadian basis levels are rather wide for new crop positions, but the November to January canola spread is trading at even money to a small inverse. This suggests commercial companies expect available stocks to tighten after harvest.
World durum prices continue to percolate higher as the market adjusts to the below-average yields in Western Canada. Western Canadian durum crop estimates now range from 4.1 million metric tons, to 4.7 million metric tons which is down from 5.2 million metric tons last year. Given the smaller crop size, we expect a year-over-year decline in monthly deliveries during the harvest period. Approximately 50 percent of the French durum crop has also experienced adverse dry conditions in the past month during filling.
Greece struggled with rain during harvest, while the Spanish crop is largely sold out early in the crop year.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated the U.S. durum crop at 2.1 million metric tons, up from the 2014 production of 1.4 million metric tons. U.S. millers will be anxious to secure their supplies from the domestic crop which will limit their export program, especially if the U.S. farmer is a reluctant seller early in the crop year.
Duvenaud publishes the Wild Oats Grain Market Advisory. For a free copy, call 800-567-5671 in Western Canada and North Dakota. All others call 204-942-1459.


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Apparel & Accessories
KIMURATAN CORP:Says the company lowered the consolidated full-year outlook for revenue to 4,300 million yen from 4,800 million yen for FY ending March 2016.Sees a decrease of operating profit forecast to -190 million yen from 25 million yen.Sees a decrease of ordinary profit forecast to -230 million...
Romanson Co., Ltd:Sees revenue of 175.5 bln won and operating profit of 11 bln won for 2016.
SANYO SHOKAI LTD:Says it expects an extraordinary profit of 2,313 million yen for the Q1 of FY ending Dec. 2016.Says the profit was recorded as gain on selling of securities.
Marimekko Oyj:Will propose 2015 dividend of 0.35 euro per share.Marimekko group's net sales for 2016 are forecasted to be at same level as in 2015.2016 operating profit excluding restructuring costs is expected to be higher than in previous year.
No related earnings announcements are currently scheduled within the next 7 days.