Tag: profitability

In business, figurative sticks and stones may break no bones. Yet, a few kind words can make a big difference. Profit is the lifeblood of business, and influencing employee behaviour is central to profitability. However, not all profitable behaviour change is positive.

South African companies are stepping up as global procurement increasingly pivots toward environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities. Procurement goes green as several firms set the pace for eco-conscious sourcing and operations.

Long-term investors should not rely only on company results to guide smarter investment decisions. Instead, they should understand the context behind the numbers and the broader market trends that shape performance. Company financial results, often called earnings season, are watched closely by equity investors worldwide.

There has been a noticeable shift in global trade. While it might feel distant, it is already knocking on South Africa’s door. Tariffs are climbing again, fast and hard. Our research shows that the average US tariff rate has risen from around 2.4 percent at the end of 2024 to 29 percent today. That is the highest level in over a century.

Africa's agricultural future requires bold climate-mitigation practices across the value chain. This vision is best realised with the strategic backing of strong financial partners who are committed to supporting Africa's agricultural transformation.

In mining, the goals are clear: safety, productivity, profitability. Leadership spends countless hours developing strategies. They align KPIs and ensure plans are in place to keep the business moving forward. But on the ground, where boots hit rock, what’s planned often gets lost in translation.

In global trade and investing, one truth never changes: timing matters. Nowhere is this more evident than in foreign exchange. Even small shifts in currency values can change the cost of sending money abroad or affect the returns on an offshore investment. Timing is everything in these situations.

If something strange seems to be happening in your payroll and HR department, and your company’s profits are vanishing into thin air, chances are you have ghost employees in payroll draining your bottom line. From my experience, the presence of ghost employees on a company’s payroll system ranks among the most difficult types of payroll fraud to detect.

South African import and export businesses operate in a challenging environment. This is due to potentially significant tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. To help navigate these complex trade policies, we offer practical advice for local businesses. These insights will become vital if the tariffs take full effect.

Today’s mineral processing companies face almost-universal challenges, including efficiently managing resources and high energy consumption, environmental compliance, barriers to technological adoption and perpetual shortage of skilled labour.