Latest news with #RFID
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The Top 5 Analyst Questions From Impinj's Q1 Earnings Call
Impinj's first quarter results landed above Wall Street expectations, with revenue and non-GAAP profitability both surpassing consensus estimates. The positive market reaction reflected management's ability to navigate ongoing macroeconomic pressures—particularly tariff-related disruptions and shifting geographic sourcing—while maintaining demand for its RFID platform. CEO Chris Diorio attributed the solid outcome to steady endpoint IC volumes, strong reader IC sales, and active enterprise engagement, noting, "our execution was solid despite the uncertain environment." Additionally, CFO Cary Baker highlighted that cost discipline and higher-than-expected product gross margins contributed to profitability. Is now the time to buy PI? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $74.28 million vs analyst estimates of $71.6 million (3.3% year-on-year decline, 3.7% beat) Adjusted EPS: $0.21 vs analyst estimates of $0.08 (significant beat) Adjusted EBITDA: $6.47 million vs analyst estimates of $2.48 million (8.7% margin, significant beat) Revenue Guidance for Q2 CY2025 is $93.5 million at the midpoint, roughly in line with what analysts were expecting Adjusted EPS guidance for Q2 CY2025 is $0.72 at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of $0.57 EBITDA guidance for Q2 CY2025 is $24.75 million at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of $21.38 million Operating Margin: -12.9%, up from -15.3% in the same quarter last year Inventory Days Outstanding: 238, up from 199 in the previous quarter Market Capitalization: $3.02 billion While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention. Harsh Kumar (Piper Sandler) asked about the impact of tariffs and past precedent for such disruptions. CEO Chris Diorio acknowledged that the situation is unprecedented and emphasized that strong enterprise demand and a diverse product portfolio position the company to weather volatility. Scott Searle (Roth Capital) sought clarification on inventory equilibrium and product mix exposure. CFO Cary Baker responded that current inventory levels are not excessive, and most endpoint ICs are now used on staple goods, reducing exposure to discretionary spending cycles. Jim Ricchiuti (Needham and Company) questioned the sequential decline in reader IC revenue and the timeline for M800 margin benefits. Baker explained that timing of orders and end-of-life inventory drove Q1 strength, while the M800 ramp is expected to boost margins later this year. Christopher Rolland (Susquehanna) asked if higher inventory levels are the new normal and about share dynamics post-legal settlement. Diorio said some partners will maintain higher inventory due to tariffs, and Impinj captured the majority of industry unit growth in 2024. Troy Jensen (Cantor Fitzgerald) inquired about gross margin trends and the convertible debt structure. Baker confirmed that gross margins should improve with the M800 ramp and detailed the convertible notes' terms and potential cap call benefit. In future quarters, the StockStory team will watch (1) how quickly channel inventories normalize as enterprises adapt to new sourcing geographies, (2) the pace and scale of the M800 product ramp and its impact on gross margins, and (3) progress in expanding major deployments in supply chain logistics and non-apparel retail segments. We will also monitor tariff developments and their influence on partner inventory strategies. Impinj currently trades at $104.48, up from $77.06 just before the earnings. At this price, is it a buy or sell? Find out in our full research report (it's free). The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump's presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025. While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we're homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver's seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Indian Express
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: What is RFID technology in FASTag? Key concept for your UPSC exam
Take a look at the essential concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your knowledge nugget for today. (Relevance: FASTag is an important milestone in the move towards Digital India. Knowing about the technology deployed in FASTag is important as per the current trends of the UPSC questions. Also, the development of indigenous navigation satellites has been in the news for quite some time. Previously, UPSC has asked Prelims and Mains questions on IRNSS. ) Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday (18th June) announced a FASTag-based annual pass priced at Rs 3,000 for 'hassle-free-highway travel'. He said the new system, exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans, will address the 'long-standing concerns' regarding toll plazas. It will go into effect from August 15 and be valid for one year or 200 trips, whichever comes earlier. 1. FASTag is an electronic toll collection system managed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). FASTag sticker is usually pasted on the windscreen of a car. It was launched in 2014 as a pilot project and made mandatory at every toll plaza in the country in 2021. 2. It uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to communicate with scanners installed at toll plazas. Once the car crosses a toll plaza, the requisite toll amount is automatically deducted from a bank account or a prepaid wallet linked to the FASTag. 3. RFID is a wireless tracking system that consists of tags and readers. Radio waves are used to communicate information/identity of objects or people to nearby readers – devices that can be hand-held or built into fixed positions like poles or buildings. The tags can carry encrypted information, serial numbers and short descriptions. There are also high-memory tags like the ones designed for use in the aviation industry. 4. There are different types of RFID tags: Passive tags, semi-passive tags, and active tags. Active RFIDs use their own power source, mostly batteries. Active tags can ping information every few seconds like beacons, or they can get activated when a reader is in the proximity. 5. Passive RFIDs, on the other hand, are activated through the reader using the electromagnetic energy it transmits. This is enough power for the tag to transmit information back to the reader. Active tags have a longer read range, around 300 ft, compared to passive tags. FASTag uses passive RFID tags. Semi-passive tags comprise an internal circuit with a power source, but rely on the radio waves received from the reader to transmit the response. 6. RFID tags use an integrated circuit and an antenna to communicate with a reader using radio waves at several different frequencies – low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and ultra-high frequency (UHF). The message sent back by the tag in the form of radio waves is translated into data and analysed by the host computer system. ➥ The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will soon implement the barrier-free movement of vehicles through toll plazas and reduce travel time 'ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System' at selected toll plazas. ➥ This tolling system will combine 'Automatic Number Plate Recognition' (ANPR) technology with the existing 'FASTag' system for toll deduction. Under this, vehicles will be charged based on their identification using high-performance ANPR cameras and FASTag readers. The vehicles don't need to stop at toll plaza for this. ➥ In March, the Union Minister of Transport informed the Rajya Sabha that the government has deferred the proposed adoption of an ambitious Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for toll account of privacy concerns. ➥ Under the GNSS, the toll collection system works with the help of satellites and on-board unit (OBU) fitted in vehicles, and the toll is calculated based on the distance traveled. ➥ Sources said that the GNSS has been put on hold as a decision was taken that it will be rolled out only when India has its own complete satellite system as there are serious privacy concerns regarding individuals and vehicle data. 1. NavIC, or Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), is an independent, stand-alone navigation satellite system developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It consists of a seven-satellite constellation serving both defence and civilian needs. According to the website of ISRO, the three satellites of the constellation are placed in geostationary orbit, and four satellites are placed in inclined geosynchronous orbit 2. The idea for an indigenous GNSS was conceived in 1999 following the war in Kargil, during which India's military could not use the American Global Positioning System (GPS) in the conflict zone. In this regard, the first satellite, IRNSS 1A, was launched on July 1, 2013. 3. Following the launch of IRNSS-1G, the seventh in the series on April 28, 2016, ISRO had said that 'the successful launch… [of the satellite] signifies the completion of the IRNSS constellation'. However, mid-2016 onward, there were reports of failures of the rubidium atomic clocks used in several navigation satellites. Only five of the 11 satellites launched in the Rs 2,250 crore NavIC program – including replacements for failed satellites – are fully operational, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said. 4. The NavIC satellites provide two types of services – Standard Positioning Service which is for general and commercial use, and Restricted Service which is meant for the defence forces – over the Indian landmass and neighbouring regions. 5. A primary reason to develop an indigenous satellite navigation system like the IRNSS despite the existence of global systems such as the GPS (US), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (Europe), Beidou (China), and QZSS (Japan), is the reliability that it offers in defence use. With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2018) 1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits. 2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. Km beyond its borders. 3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) None (Source: Explained: What are RFID tags that will be used to track Amarnath pilgrims?, FASTag Annual Pass scheme, which aims to provide 'hassle-free highway travel' at Rs 3,000, Story of NavIC: crucial indigenous SatNav system, a few hurdles in development path) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Khushboo Kumari is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She has done her graduation and post-graduation in History from the University of Delhi. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. She holds experience in UPSC-related content development. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
Campaign ME
a day ago
- Business
- Campaign ME
The future of luxury packaging
Packaging in the luxury sector is undergoing a quiet revolution – and it's getting smarter, greener, and more purposeful. A new report from Bain & Company, in collaboration with Fedrigoni Group, the global manufacturer of speciality papers, self-adhesive materials, and RFID (radio-frequency identification tags), reveals that sustainability is no longer a trade-off in the world of high-end packaging – it's becoming a competitive edge. In a compelling forecast, the report, Luxury Packaging: Resolving the Tension Between Creativity and Impact, projects that, within the next three years, more than 30 per cent of all luxury packaging sales are expected to use sustainable solutions. The findings, unveiled today at the 'Explore – Fedrigoni Creative Summit' event, held in Paris, draw on a survey of more than 500 executives across the luxury packaging value chain in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, including designers, suppliers, converters, and leading brands. 'Packaging is evolving from a static container into a dynamic brand touchpoint,' said Claudia D'Arpizio, senior partner and global head of the Fashion and Luxury practice at Bain & Company. 'It's no longer about choosing between beauty and responsibility. Today, you can – and must – deliver both.' From indulgence to innovation Luxury has long been defined by sensory experiences – the feel of a hand-crafted box, the gleam of a bespoke bottle. But as environmental concerns and regulations reshape the industry, luxury brands are now reimagining their packaging not just as a container but as a statement of values. Marco Nespolo, Fedrigoni Group CEO, said: 'Every day, through our close collaboration with brands, designers and converters, we witness the evolution of what luxury truly means: no longer just about aesthetics and exclusivity, but increasingly about responsibility, transparency and positive impact. In this context, packaging becomes a powerful cultural symbol – beauty that reflects values and innovation that embraces sustainability. As manufacturers of premium papers and self-adhesive and RFID materials, our role is to enable this transformation by delivering high-performance, creative and sustainable solutions. Being a true partner means co-developing with our clients an ecosystem where every material choice becomes a strategic, sustainable and narrative touchpoint.' The report emphasises how leading brands are applying the 'four Rs' (reduce, reuse, recycle, recover) with a luxury twist – substituting traditional materials with advanced papers, biodegradable polymers, and even mycelium-based solutions (a sustainable alternative harnessing the root structure of fungi) that feel as exclusive as they are eco-conscious. Slimmer glass bottles and modular packaging designs are also helping brands cut emissions without compromising elegance. Aesthetic meets ethics Rather than restraining creativity, sustainability is unlocking a new frontier for luxury storytelling and customer connection. Packaging is now being viewed not as the end of the journey but the beginning – especially in the digital realm. Think QR codes embedded in boxes that reveal a garment's origin story, smart labels that verify authenticity, and augmented reality overlays that enhance the unboxing experience. At the centre of this digital evolution is the Digital Product Passport (DPP) – a soon-to-be-standard offering full transparency into a product's lifecycle. 'For today's luxury consumer, knowledge is part of the reward,' said D'Arpizio. 'They want to know where something came from, how it was made, and what happens to it next. Packaging is now the portal to that story.' However, integrating sustainability as a core focus requires brands and packaging manufacturers to collaborate more closely in developing innovative and cost-effective alternatives. By engaging early in the process, both parties can align on creative solutions that not only meet environmental goals but also support the overall operating model more efficiently. Reducing packaging weight and volume is seen as a top priority for sustainable supply chains Reducing packaging volume and weight to optimise transport efficiency and minimise trips is viewed as the most significant factor in improving the sustainability of the supply chain, with 43 per cent of respondents to the survey ranking it as their top priority. Promoting reusable packaging to minimise waste and environmental impact, cited by 25 per cent, was the second top priority. Using lightweight, durable materials to prevent damage during transport ranked third, at 17 per cent, while adopting modular and stackable designs for better space and logistics management was selected by 10 per cent. The integration of smart technologies into packaging for real-time tracking and condition monitoring was considered the least significant, with only 5 per cent prioritising it. Regulation as a catalyst, not a constraint Beyond changing consumer expectations, evolving regulations – such as the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and its Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation – are accelerating the shifts detailed in the report. While regulation remains a central focus in discussions about industry transformation, what stands out prominently from the survey responses is the belief that customers are the true catalysts for change. The survey found half of respondents predicted that sustainable packaging will make up more than 30 per cent of industry sales within three years. The materials are improving, the digital tools are in place, and the customer appetite is growing. Forward-thinking luxury brands are not just adapting to these changes; they're using them to get ahead, the report finds. It suggests that the best-positioned companies are those that invest in material science, redesign supply chains, and work closely with packaging experts to create more meaningful – and more compliant – solutions. The report concludes that the future of luxury packaging isn't just lighter and smarter but increasingly is symbolic of the luxury industry's broader transformation toward transparency, responsibility, and deeper emotional connection.
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Kroger quietly take big step to fight retail theft, shoplifting
One of the biggest challenges facing retailers looking to cut down on shrink due to retail theft and shoplifting is actually knowing what inventory you should have. That seems easy, but it's challenging because inventory by nature moves. When an item isn't on a shelf, it may be in a customer's cart, or in the back. In some cases, it may have been set aside for curbside pickup or a digital sale. It's hard to know what's missing from your inventory when you don't track that inventory in real time. If you can do that, you know more or less immediately when something goes missing. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter In fact, a system could be setup to catch the disparity right away. That may not stop the theft that just happened, but it can identify patterns and help stop future theft. A number of chains including Academy Sports, Old Navy, and Kroger have been testing RFID technology for inventory tracking. None of the chains say that theft prevention is the key reason, but it's at worst a happy byproduct. Walmart and Target, for example, have both been using RFID in their stores but say very little about it. Walmart has a specific policy against talking about its efforts to curb theft. RFID uses small tags on items to allow for real-time inventory tracking. That can be invaluable for real-time inventory management. If a customer wants to know if an item is in stock, RFID makes that much easier for the chain. It also, in theory, allows the retailer to know when an item has walked out the door without being paid for essentially immediately. Related: Here's the horrible way Torrid workers learned about store closures Kroger (KR) , and any chain the offers self-checkout, is vulnerable to theft. In some cases that theft is accidental as an item may not scan properly. In many cases, though, thieves use that possibility to not scan items and steal based on the uncertainty of what actually happened. Kroger is not saying that it's using RFID to prevent theft, although chains generally do not share what their theft prevention methods are. Instead, it has been testing the technology for another reason. The chain partnered with Avery Dennison to use its RFID technology and shared the following statement. More Retail: Huge retail chain closing more stores soon (locations revealed)Struggling drugstore chain announces second bankruptcyBeloved discount grocery chain has massive US plans "This strategic collaboration will begin in the bakery department, implementing RFID-embedded labels on each item, providing significant time savings and valuable data to automate inventory management and freshness optimization. It is a foundational step in delivering a more seamless customer and associate experience across all fresh categories long term," according to both companies. Kroger has maintained that the partnership, as least at its start, is about having products on shelves when customers want them. While people seem to only hint around its potential use in theft prevention, RFID use has been growing in retail. "RFID is one of the genuinely sensible technologies that can make a big difference to a retail business. While it has often been employed in stock control and allowing people to pay quickly (think Uniqlo and Zara self-checkout), it has a lot of other uses in terms of allowing inventory to be tracked, picked, and counted. All of these things improve efficiency and accuracy, and they can be also used to understand how customers shop stores," retail expert Neil Saunders shared on RetailWire's comments page. Jamie Diamond, another RetailWire registered commenter, thinks the impact of RFID will be deep. "RFID+AI is like peanut butter and jelly and its going to take over the entire supply chain from the moment a product is born to when its purchased and returned and re-sold and recycled – this is knowing everything all the time without scanning anything ever again," he wrote. Related: General Mills quietly discontinues three cereals fans loved While some of the commenters noted that price, although it has been falling, will limit RFID use, most are bullish about its retail applications. "Item-level RFID adoption is projected to rise in 2025, improving customer experiences, simplifying checkout, and enhancing loss prevention. Retailers can also use RFID for personalized marketing, real-time tracking, and seamless omnichannel integration, boosting efficiency and sales," added consumer packaged goods expert David Biernbaum. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
FASTag Annual Pass Scheme: From Activation To Validity, All You Need To Know
Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday introduced a FASTag-based annual pass, which is going to benefit the users. The minister said that the "transformative" step by the government will enable people to travel on a very large scale without any fuss. What is FASTag? It is a device that employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making cashless toll payments. The device is pasted on the windscreen of the vehicle and helps the users to directly make payments from the account which is linked to the FASTag. With the help of FASTag, commuters can save fuel and time as they don't have to stop at the toll plaza. FASTag Annual Pass Scheme What is the validity, and who can apply for it? The FASTag-based annual pass will be issued from August 15 at a price of Rs3,000. It will be valid for a year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips, whichever comes first. The pass is valid only at National Highway and Expressway fee plazas. The process remains standard on toll plazas under state highways or local authorities, with the application of regular toll rates. The pass will be available for non-commercial private vehicles only, such as cars, jeeps, and vans. How to activate the FASTag-based annual pass? The pass will be activated on the exiting FASTags. There's no need to buy a new one. Mr Gadkari revealed that a dedicated link for activation and renewal will soon be made available on the Rajmarg Yatra App as well as on the official websites of NHAI and MoRTH. How will it benefit the users? The regular users could save up to Rs7,000 annually, according to the ministry, as the average toll cost drops from Rs50 to Rs15 per trip. The minister said that this policy addresses long-standing concerns regarding toll plazas located within a 60 km range and simplifies toll payments through a single, affordable transaction. "By reducing wait times, easing congestion, and minimising disputes at toll plazas, the Annual Pass aims to deliver a faster and smoother travel experience for millions of private vehicle owners," he added.
