Bausch Health Companies reported disappointing first-quarter results, with revenue and earnings falling short of estimates. The company’s shares came under pressure as investors grappled with concerns over the future of its Xifaxan drug and the delayed monetization of its Bausch + Lomb stake. Management reaffirmed their full-year outlook, but analysts remained cautious due to the ongoing litigation and uncertainty surrounding the Bausch + Lomb separation.
Despite rising costs and inflation, over half of Americans are planning summer vacations in 2024. However, nearly 36% of those travelers are willing to go into debt to finance their trips. Credit cards remain the preferred payment method for summer travelers, with 62% planning to use them. However, experts caution against accumulating expensive credit card debt for discretionary expenses like vacations. Alternative financing options, such as personal loans and buy now, pay later services, may offer lower interest rates or interest-free periods.
Barclaycard customers who only make minimum payments could face significantly longer debts and higher interest costs following a change in the minimum repayment requirements. From July 22, Barclaycard will reduce minimum monthly payment requirements for some customers. According to MoneySavingExpert.com, someone with £1,000 of Barclaycard debt could now take almost 20 years to clear their debt and pay over £1,600 in interest, compared to 9 years and 8 months and £699 in interest under the previous system.
Barclaycard is set to make significant changes to its credit card repayment structure and APR rates. Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, has issued a warning to customers, highlighting the potential risks of paying only the minimum required amount. The new structure will essentially mean that many customers could end up paying far more over time as they will be clearing their balance more slowly, meaning more interest is being added.
Carvana’s recent financial results have sparked optimism among investors. However, a closer examination reveals that the company’s turnaround is still fragile. Despite turning a profit for the first time in 2023, Carvana’s earnings were largely driven by non-recurring gains and debt restructuring. The company’s heavy debt burden and high interest expenses remain major concerns. Its revenue growth is also decelerating, raising questions about its ability to sustain profitability. While Carvana aims to improve margins and reduce costs, it must find ways to prevent further revenue decline. Ultimately, the company faces significant challenges in achieving its long-term margin targets and exceeding its previous growth rate. Investors should proceed with caution, as the risks associated with Carvana remain substantial.
Thames Water, the UK’s largest water supplier, is facing a deep financial crisis that has sparked bailout speculation. The crisis stems from a combination of factors, including soaring debts, chronic underinvestment, and a controversial proposal to hike water bills. The company’s current financial state is the culmination of a series of questionable decisions made by successive shareholders. Today, Thames Water’s debts have reached almost £15 billion, a level that has raised concerns about the company’s viability. The situation has become so dire that Thames Water has requested a 44-percent increase in water bills to fund infrastructure and environmental improvements.
The American dream seems to be out of reach for many due to inflation, a competitive housing market, and increasing debt. A new report shows that in every state, you need to earn at least six figures to achieve the dream of a home, car, pet, and family. The most expensive state to live the American dream is Hawaii, where you need almost $260,800. The cheapest state is Mississippi, where you need less than $110,000.
Thames Water customers in London and the Thames Valley region are facing significant water bill increases as the supplier seeks to address its financial challenges and invest in infrastructure improvements.
