Money

Peloton faces cash crunch amid bike recall

Published

2 years ago

August 24, 2023

ticker NEWS

Peloton Interactive has issued a concerning warning of expected cash burn in the coming two quarters, attributed to expenses linked to a massive bike recall and other financial obligations.

This announcement has caused Peloton’s shares to plummet to an all-time low.

The company recently reported financial results that failed to dispel the cloud of uncertainty surrounding its future. Peloton has been grappling with declining demand for its fitness equipment as consumers return to traditional gyms and prioritize spending on travel and experiences.

Last year, Peloton implemented cost-cutting measures to cope with the slump in demand and had initially aimed for a positive free cash flow by the end of fiscal 2023, which concluded on June 30.

However, this goal was later scaled back to break-even cash flow due to the recall of 2.2 million exercise bikes due to a seat-related safety issue and a $75 million settlement with DISH Technologies.

Higher costs

Peloton’s CEO, Barry McCarthy, explained that the costs associated with the recall far exceeded their initial estimates, resulting in an additional accrual of $40 million in the fourth quarter, covering actual and anticipated future recall-related expenses.

Furthermore, McCarthy disclosed that the company intends to increase marketing spending ahead of the crucial holiday season later this year, further straining its cash flows.

Peloton now anticipates achieving positive cash flow in the second half of fiscal 2024, a stark contrast to its last reported positive cash flow in the second quarter of fiscal 2021.

In terms of its fourth-quarter performance, Peloton reported a 5% drop in revenue to $642.1 million compared to the previous year, slightly exceeding Refinitiv’s expectations of $639.9 million. However, the company’s loss per share was 68 cents, far surpassing the anticipated 38 cents. Despite these challenges, Peloton’s cash burn was $74 million, significantly lower than the $411.9 million from previous periods.

Peloton’s stock experienced a sharp decline of 22%, closing at $5.44 per share.

Money

Fed cuts rates, signals more potentially ahead

Fed lowers rates amid job market concerns, signalling potential further cuts in upcoming meetings

Published

3 days ago

September 18, 2025

Ahron Young

Fed lowers rates amid job market concerns, signalling potential further cuts in upcoming meetings

In Short:
– The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter-point to address job market concerns.
– Officials expect at least two additional rate cuts by year-end amid ongoing economic uncertainties.

The Federal Reserve has reduced interest rates by a quarter-point, addressing concerns about a weakening job market overshadowing inflation worries.

A majority of officials anticipate at least two additional cuts by year-end during the remaining meetings in October and December.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted a significant shift in the labour market, highlighting “downside risk” in his statements.

The recent rate cut, supported by 11 of 12 Fed voters, aims to recalibrate an economy facing uncertainties from policy changes and market pressures.

Policy Dynamics

The decision comes amid intense political scrutiny, with President Trump openly criticising Powell’s reluctance to lower rates.

Despite the controversy, Powell asserts that political pressures do not influence Fed operations.

The current benchmark federal-funds rate now sits between 4% and 4.25%, the lowest since 2021, providing some reprieve to consumers and small businesses. Economic forecasts indicate ongoing complexities, including inflation trends and the impact of tariffs on labour dynamics, complicating future policy decisions.

Money

Fed faces unusual dissent amid leadership uncertainty

Fed’s Powell navigates contentious meeting amid Trump-appointed dissenters as rate cut looms and succession contest heats up

Published

4 days ago

September 17, 2025

Ahron Young

Fed’s Powell navigates contentious meeting amid Trump-appointed dissenters as rate cut looms and succession contest heats up

In Short:
– This week’s Federal Reserve meeting faces unusual dissent as Chair Powell approaches his term’s end.
– Analysts predict dissent over expected rate cuts due to political pressures from Trump-appointed officials.

This week’s Federal Reserve meeting is set to be particularly unusual, with Chair Jerome Powell facing significant disagreements over future policy as he approaches the end of his term in May.Tensions began before the meeting when Fed governor Lisa Cook won a court ruling allowing her to attend, despite opposition from President Trump, who is attempting to remove her.

The situation is further complicated by the recent swearing-in of Trump adviser Stephen Miran to the Fed’s board, following a Senate confirmation.

Analysts believe Powell may encounter dissent on an expected quarter-percentage-point rate cut from both Trump-appointed officials and regional Fed presidents concerned about inflation.

Potential Dissent

Trump has urged significant rate cuts and for the board to challenge Powell’s decisions.

Some analysts predict dissenting votes from Miran and other Trump appointees in favour of larger cuts. Federal Reserve veterans express concerns that political motivations may undermine the institution’s integrity, with indications that greater dissent could become commonplace.

Money

RBA plans to ban credit card surcharges in Australia

Reserve Bank of Australia plans to ban credit card surcharges despite banks warning of potential higher fees and weaker rewards

Published

5 days ago

September 16, 2025

ticker NEWS

Reserve Bank of Australia plans to ban credit card surcharges despite banks warning of potential higher fees and weaker rewards.

In Short:
– The RBA plans to ban surcharges on debit and credit card transactions, supported by consumer group Choice.
– Major banks oppose the ban, warning it could lead to higher card fees and reduced rewards for credit card users.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) intends to implement a ban on surcharges associated with debit and credit card transactions. Consumer advocacy group Choice endorses this initiative, arguing that it is unjust for users of low-cost debit cards to incur similar fees as credit card holders.

The major banks, however, are opposing this reform. They caution that the removal of surcharges could prompt customers to abandon credit cards due to diminished rewards.

A final decision by the RBA is anticipated by December 2025.