SaaS Rick Watson SaaS Rick Watson

Shopify Q4 2024 Earnings: The Age of Efficiency Comes to Shopify

Shopify’s Q4 2024 earnings reveal strong growth driven by efficiency. With revenue up 26% year-over-year and free cash flow surging 78%, the company is optimizing expenses while maintaining its market dominance. But how sustainable is this strategy, and what does it mean for Shopify’s future in Enterprise and beyond?

Read More
Marketplaces Rick Watson Marketplaces Rick Watson

Amazon Q4 Earnings Wins the Grammy for Free Cash Flow: "They Not Like Us"

Amazon's Q4 2024 earnings report reveals a 10% increase in net sales to $187.8 billion and a doubling of net income to $20 billion. The North America segment's operating income rose by 43%, while the International segment shifted from a $400 million loss to a $1.3 billion profit. AWS operating income grew by 62%, with a $115 billion annual run rate. The article delves into these financial milestones and Amazon's strategic investments in AI and cloud computing.

Read More
Supply Chain Rick Watson Supply Chain Rick Watson

UPS Q4 2024: Steering Towards Margin, Away From Amazon

Discover how UPS is shifting its strategy by reducing reliance on Amazon, optimizing costs, and focusing on higher-margin customers. This article explores key changes in Amazon’s contract, USPS service adjustments, and UPS’s plan to improve domestic operating margins. Learn how these moves impact the supply chain and what it means for businesses relying on UPS for shipping.

Read More
Retail Rick Watson Retail Rick Watson

Target Earnings: Management Team Has Overstayed Their Welcome

Explore Target's disappointing Q1 FY2025 earnings, revealing significant struggles in eCommerce growth and overall sales compared to Walmart. Discover how price cuts, discretionary spending, and grocery sales are impacting their performance. Understand why Target's high cost structure and slow adaptability are causing concerns, and learn why the management team may need a change. Get insights into the challenges and potential future of this retail giant.

Read More
Retail Rick Watson Retail Rick Watson

Walmart Earnings: Tem-who? Amaz-who? Get Behind the Retail Leader

Explore Walmart's impressive Q1 FY2025 earnings, with key highlights including 3.8% comparable store sales growth, a 12.9% rise in operating income, and a 22% surge in eCommerce. Learn how new business ventures like ads, memberships, and data contributed significantly to their success. Discover strategic lessons for investing in higher margin activities and understanding true growth metrics.

Read More