Latest news with #HBI
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Republic Brands Case Spurs Nationwide Ban on RAW® Maker, Federal Court Orders HBI International to Change Packaging and Promotions
Decision Affirms Initial Ruling that Josh Kesselman Violated the Illinois Uniform Deceptive Trade Practice Act GLENVIEW, Ill., June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a sweeping rebuke of deceptive marketing, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has upheld a nationwide permanent injunction against RAW® Rolling Papers maker HBI International. The ruling affirms the jury's finding that HBI and its founder Josh Kesselman misled consumers with false claims about its products. Rejecting HBI's attempt to limit the injunction to Illinois, the Court made clear: HBI's dishonesty is a national problem requiring a nationwide remedy. This punitive injunction resulted from a case brought by global rolling paper category leader Republic Brands, in which a jury found that HBI did violate the Illinois Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act and engaged in unfair competition in marketing RAW® rolling papers. In upholding the injunction, court documents point out that HBI and RAW have shown "a proclivity to attempt to evade court order." The documents further explain that "by mandating that HBI verify the accuracy of its factual statements—or otherwise use opinions—the district court crafted a remedy that it reasonably believed would deter future violations that it could "fairly" anticipate from HBI's conduct." The HBI marketing strategies that prompted the nationwide permanent injunction included a series of claims that Republic Brands successfully argued were not accurate: A portion of profits from RAW products goes to the non-existent "RAW Foundation," which uses those funds to save lives worldwide RAW organic hemp papers are made in Alcoy, Spain RAW organic papers are made with natural hemp gum RAW organic hemp papers are the "world's first" or "world's only" organic hemp rolling papers RAW organic hemp papers are made using wind power RAW organic hemp papers are "unrefined" HBI's owner, Josh Kesselman, invented rolling paper "cones" "This is more than a win for Republic Brands. It's a win for all rolling paper consumers who expect and deserve truth in advertising from the brands they purchase," said Republic Brands CEO Don Levin. "As the world's largest manufacturer of rolling papers and smoking accessories, we take our role as leaders seriously. We'll continue to fight for a level playing field where all parties act in good faith and engage in honest marketing and advertising practices." About Republic Brands®The world's leading rolling company, Republic Brands® holds the most extensive portfolio in the category including (OCB®, JOB®, e-z wider®, DRUM®, Premier®, Gambler®, and TOP® brands. Republic Brands is part of a family-owned company that is known for innovations such as sustainable bamboo, hemp and flax fiber papers and cones, its natural acacia gum, and internationally recognized ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 and GMP standards. Media Contact:Trailblaze for Republic Brandsrepublicbrands@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Republic Brands Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Business Wire
30-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Primerica Household Budget Index™: Purchasing Power for Middle-Income Households Held Steady in April
DULUTH, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The latest Primerica Household Budget Index™ (HBI™) data, a monthly economic metric that examines how inflation and wage trends impact the ability of middle-income families to afford life's everyday necessities, was 99.6% in April, unchanged from a month ago and up 1.7% from a year ago. Purchasing power held steady as the average earned income of middle-income households rose enough to offset the increase in the cost of necessity goods in April. The cost of necessity goods for middle-income households rose 0.4% in April, double the average inflation rate represented by the Consumer Price Index, which rose 0.2%. 'The fact that the costs of necessity goods bought by middle-income households rose two times faster than the overall CPI in April illustrates how volatile food and energy inflation disproportionately impacts middle-income families who have little room in their budgets for unexpected cost increases,' said Amy Crews Cutts, consulting economist at Primerica. 'The official CPI inflation measure doesn't accurately depict this critical inflation narrative to account for the impact on these families' budgets month-to-month.' For more information on the Primerica Household Budget Index™ metric, visit About the Primerica Household Budget Index™ (HBI™) The Primerica Household Budget Index™ (HBI™) data is constructed monthly on behalf of Primerica by its chief economic consultant Amy Crews Cutts, PhD, CBE ®. The index measures the purchasing power of middle-income families with household incomes from $30,000 to $130,000 and is developed using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Bureau of Census, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The index looks at the cost of necessities including food, gas, auto insurance, utilities, and health care and earned income to track differences in inflation and wage growth. Primerica's HBI™ metric was created to fill an information void around the economy's impact on middle-income families. Metrics like the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measure overall inflation but don't offer a clear picture of how it impacts middle-income Americans. Middle-income households play a key role in driving consumer spending and the overall economy as they account for over 55% of the U.S. population. The purchasing power of middle-income families are a key barometer of real-time economic trends. Understanding middle-income households' purchasing power is important because it shows whether they are gaining financial ground or falling behind. The HBI™ data uses January 2019 as its baseline, with the value set to 100% at that point in time. Periodically, prior HBI™ values may be modified due to revisions in the CPI series and Consumer Expenditure Survey releases by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Beginning with the December 2024 release of the index, the expenditure weights have been updated to the most recent (Q1 2024) data and auto insurance has been added to the group of necessity items. For more information, visit About Primerica, Inc. Primerica, Inc., headquartered in Duluth, GA, is a leading provider of financial products and services to middle-income households in North America. Independent licensed representatives educate Primerica clients about how to better prepare for a more secure financial future by assessing their needs and providing appropriate solutions through term life insurance, which we underwrite, and mutual funds, annuities and other financial products, which we distribute primarily on behalf of third parties. We insured over 5.5 million lives and had approximately 3.0 million client investment accounts on December 31, 2024. Primerica, through its insurance company subsidiaries, was the #3 issuer of Term Life insurance coverage in the United States and Canada in 2024. Primerica stock is included in the S&P MidCap 400 and the Russell 1000 stock indices and is traded on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'PRI'. For more information, visit
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Primerica Household Budget Index™: Purchasing Power for Middle-Income Households Held Steady in April
DULUTH, Ga., May 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The latest Primerica Household Budget Index™ (HBI™) data, a monthly economic metric that examines how inflation and wage trends impact the ability of middle-income families to afford life's everyday necessities, was 99.6% in April, unchanged from a month ago and up 1.7% from a year ago. Purchasing power held steady as the average earned income of middle-income households rose enough to offset the increase in the cost of necessity goods in April. The cost of necessity goods for middle-income households rose 0.4% in April, double the average inflation rate represented by the Consumer Price Index, which rose 0.2%. "The fact that the costs of necessity goods bought by middle-income households rose two times faster than the overall CPI in April illustrates how volatile food and energy inflation disproportionately impacts middle-income families who have little room in their budgets for unexpected cost increases," said Amy Crews Cutts, consulting economist at Primerica. "The official CPI inflation measure doesn't accurately depict this critical inflation narrative to account for the impact on these families' budgets month-to-month." For more information on the Primerica Household Budget Index™ metric, visit About the Primerica Household Budget Index™ (HBI™) The Primerica Household Budget Index™ (HBI™) data is constructed monthly on behalf of Primerica by its chief economic consultant Amy Crews Cutts, PhD, CBE®. The index measures the purchasing power of middle-income families with household incomes from $30,000 to $130,000 and is developed using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Bureau of Census, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The index looks at the cost of necessities including food, gas, auto insurance, utilities, and health care and earned income to track differences in inflation and wage growth. Primerica's HBI™ metric was created to fill an information void around the economy's impact on middle-income families. Metrics like the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measure overall inflation but don't offer a clear picture of how it impacts middle-income Americans. Middle-income households play a key role in driving consumer spending and the overall economy as they account for over 55% of the U.S. population. The purchasing power of middle-income families are a key barometer of real-time economic trends. Understanding middle-income households' purchasing power is important because it shows whether they are gaining financial ground or falling behind. The HBI™ data uses January 2019 as its baseline, with the value set to 100% at that point in time. Periodically, prior HBI™ values may be modified due to revisions in the CPI series and Consumer Expenditure Survey releases by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Beginning with the December 2024 release of the index, the expenditure weights have been updated to the most recent (Q1 2024) data and auto insurance has been added to the group of necessity items. For more information, visit About Primerica, Inc. Primerica, Inc., headquartered in Duluth, GA, is a leading provider of financial products and services to middle-income households in North America. Independent licensed representatives educate Primerica clients about how to better prepare for a more secure financial future by assessing their needs and providing appropriate solutions through term life insurance, which we underwrite, and mutual funds, annuities and other financial products, which we distribute primarily on behalf of third parties. We insured over 5.5 million lives and had approximately 3.0 million client investment accounts on December 31, 2024. Primerica, through its insurance company subsidiaries, was the #3 issuer of Term Life insurance coverage in the United States and Canada in 2024. Primerica stock is included in the S&P MidCap 400 and the Russell 1000 stock indices and is traded on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "PRI". For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Gana Ahn678-431-9266Email: Investor Contact: Nicole Russell470-564-6663Email: Sign in to access your portfolio
Libya Herald
13-05-2025
- Business
- Libya Herald
LISCO exports to Europe, unloading from Brazil
The state Libyan Iron and Steel Company (LISCO) announced last Friday (9 May) the loading of 29,000 tons of hot briquetted iron (HBI) began on Thursday on the ship 'KEREM,' which will head to Spain after completing its shipment. LISCO also announced the loading of 4,000 tons of hot-rolled coils is also continuing on the ship 'FEHN LYRA,' bound for European markets. Meanwhile, the ship 'Winning Práctica' also docked last Friday from Brazil, carrying a shipment of pelletized ore estimated at 160,000 tons, and is being unloaded. LISCO commented that this continuous activity reflects the company's readiness and its leading position in meeting the needs of the local and global markets, as part of its strategy to support the national economy and expand its export footprint.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hanesbrands Inc (HBI) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Profit Growth and Strategic Debt ...
Revenue: Increased 2% over prior year to $760 million. Operating Profit: Increased 61% over the prior year. Earnings Per Share (EPS): Increased 240% to $0.07. Gross Margin: Increased 165 basis points to 41.6%. Operating Margin: Expanded by 390 basis points to 10.7%. SG&A Expenses: Decreased 5% compared to prior year, leveraging 225 basis points. International Sales: Increased 4% on an organic constant currency basis. US Sales: Decreased 1%, in line with expectations. Debt Reduction: Over $1 billion of debt paid down last year. Cash Flow from Operations: Use of $108 million due to seasonal inventory build. Leverage: 3.6 times net debt to adjusted EBITDA, 1.4 times lower than prior year. New Businesses Growth: Increased 60% over prior year. Second Quarter Guidance: Expected sales of approximately $970 million, operating profit of $136 million, and EPS of $0.18. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Signs with HBI. Release Date: May 08, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Hanesbrands Inc (NYSE:HBI) reported better-than-expected sales, gross margin, operating profit, and earnings per share for the first quarter of 2025. The company achieved a 61% increase in operating profits and a 240% increase in EPS over the prior year. International sales increased by 4% on an organic constant currency basis, driven by growth in Australia and Asia. Hanesbrands Inc (NYSE:HBI) successfully reduced over $1 billion of debt last year, strengthening its balance sheet. The company has a diversified supply chain with zero exposure to China, allowing flexibility to manage tariff impacts. Sales in the US decreased by 1%, with ongoing consumer headwinds affecting the innerwear market, particularly the intimate apparel category. The intimates business was down mid-teens compared to last year, facing challenges in the current economic environment. The company anticipates tariff-related cost impacts starting in Q4, requiring mitigation strategies. Hanesbrands Inc (NYSE:HBI) faces pressure from macroeconomic conditions and consumer demand dynamics. Despite strong performance, the company reported a use of $108 million of cash flow from operations in the quarter due to seasonal inventory build. Q: Can you elaborate on your ability to mitigate the impact of tariffs and the revenue opportunities you mentioned? A: Stephen Bratspies, CEO, explained that HanesBrands can fully mitigate tariff headwinds both short and long term. The tariffs are not expected to impact until Q4, and the company has significant US content in its products, exempt from reciprocal tariffs. HanesBrands is planning for a higher tariff rate to ensure preparedness. The company has a balanced East-West manufacturing supply chain with zero exposure to China, allowing flexibility. Revenue opportunities are driven by the Western Hemisphere supply chain, with inbound interest from retail partners seeking to replace products from China. These opportunities are not related to private label but rather expanding HanesBrands' own brands. Q: What contributed to the upside in the first-quarter earnings, which exceeded guidance? A: M. Scott Lewis, CFO, noted that the upside came from better-than-expected sales across both US and international markets. Cost savings and assortment management initiatives contributed to higher gross margins. SG&A expenses were better leveraged, with cost savings flowing through the P&L, resulting in a stronger-than-expected performance. Q: How are retailers managing inventory, and what are competitors doing in terms of pricing? A: Stephen Bratspies, CEO, stated that retailers are managing inventory tightly, and HanesBrands has strong relationships with them, allowing quick response to fill gaps. There hasn't been significant price movement in the market yet, but HanesBrands is prepared to implement strategic and surgical pricing actions as needed. Q: What is the outlook for the women's business, particularly in the intimates category? A: Stephen Bratspies, CEO, acknowledged weakness in the intimates category, which is typical in tough economic environments. The intimates business is most exposed to the mid-tier department store channel, which is currently challenged. However, brands like Bali and Playtex are performing well, and efforts are underway to improve the Maidenform business by focusing on T-shirt bras in mass and online channels. Q: Can you provide more details on the potential benefits from incremental programs and your manufacturing capacity? A: Stephen Bratspies, CEO, explained that interest from retailers is driven by HanesBrands' ability to supply products efficiently. The Western Hemisphere supply chain is a key attraction, but the company can produce globally based on cost and time efficiency. HanesBrands has capacity for growth, with surge capacity in the network and long-term growth capability, ensuring they can meet new revenue opportunities. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
