The digital insurer reported 29% year-over-year premium growth while revenue climbed 35% to $164.1 million. Net losses narrowed to $43.9 million from $57.2 million in the prior year, a 23% improvement.

Strong underwriting drives profitability

Gross profit surged 109% to $64.3 million, with gross margin expanding 14 percentage points to 39%. The company's trailing twelve-month gross loss ratio improved to 70% from 79% in the prior year.

Customer base grew 24% to 2.69 million, while premium per customer rose 4% to $402.

Thrilled to share @lemonade_inc's results for Q2 2025

$1.083 Billion In-Force Premium, 7th Q of accelerating growth (+29% YoY)
Loss Ratio: 67% (12pt improvement YoY!)
Generated $25M of adj. Free Cash Flow
Gross Margin up 14pts to 39%, Gross Profit +109%
2.7M…

— Shai Wininger (@shai_wininger) August 5, 2025

Car and Europe fuel expansion

Lemonade's car insurance division achieved 12% sequential growth with gross loss ratio improving to 82%, down 13 points year-over-year. European operations generated over 200% growth, reaching $43 million in in-force premium while contributing more than 20% of net new customers.

Strategic reinsurance shift

The company reduced its proportional quota share reinsurance program from 55% to 20% cession effective July 1, allowing it to retain more premium revenue and gross profit.

Lemonade, $LMND, Q2-25. Results:

EPS: -$0.60
Revenue: $164.1M
Net Loss: ($43.9M)
Revenue rose 35% YoY while gross profit more than doubled. Strong growth from Car and Europe contributed to record in-force premium of $1.08B. pic.twitter.com/I82tLPaUWk

— EarningsTime (@Earnings_Time) August 5, 2025

Raised guidance

Based on strong performance, Lemonade raised full-year 2025 guidance for in-force premium to $1.213-$1.218 billion and revenue to $710-$715 million. The company maintained expectations for positive adjusted free cash flow in 2025 and positive adjusted EBITDA before end of 2026.

Cash and investments totaled $1.03 billion as of June 30, with $277 million held as regulatory surplus.

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Starbucks has announced the elimination of 1,100 corporate positions as part of a broader restructuring effort under CEO Brian Niccol, Reuters reported on Monday. The coffee chain is also cutting 13 drinks from its menu beginning March 4, representing the first phase of a plan to reduce its US menu by 30% this year, according to Today.com.

"We are simplifying our structure, removing layers and duplication and creating smaller, more nimble teams," Niccol wrote in a letter to employees. This corporate restructuring comes as the Seattle-based company struggles with declining sales across its major markets.

The menu simplification, as Today.com reported, focuses on eliminating beverages that are ordered less frequently, are complicated to prepare, or closely resemble other offerings. This represents a significant shift in Starbucks' product strategy, which has historically expanded to include an increasingly diverse array of beverage options.

Among the beverages being discontinued are the Iced Matcha Lemonade, Espresso Frappuccino, Caffe Vanilla Frappuccino, and White Mocha Frappuccino. Several Crème Frappuccino variations will also be eliminated, including Chai, Caramel Ribbon Crunch, Double Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Cookie Crumble, and White Chocolate versions. The White Hot Chocolate, Royal English Breakfast Latte, and Honey Almond Milk Flat White are also being removed from the menu.

Starbucks has suggested alternatives for customers whose favorite drinks are being discontinued. For instance, those who enjoy the Iced Matcha Lemonade can order an Iced Green Tea Lemonade instead. Coffee Frappuccinos with added espresso or syrup can substitute for the Espresso or Caffe Vanilla Frappuccinos.

Niccol joined Starbucks last year when the company's shares had lost 40% of their value from 2021 highs due to weakening demand in both the United States and China. Since his arrival six months ago, the company's stock has rebounded more than 22%, with shares rising nearly 2% during Monday afternoon trading.

The CEO, who previously gained recognition for revitalizing Chipotle Mexican Grill, has implemented what he calls the "Back to Starbucks" plan. This strategy focuses on streamlining business operations while enhancing customer experiences at US locations. "We have to clear the noise out both in food and beverage menus," Niccol said earlier this year, according to People magazine. "That opens the door for better innovation that will hopefully resonate even more so for our customers."

The CEO emphasized that despite the corporate restructuring, the company will "continue to hire for priority positions that fit with our new support structure." He also clarified that the layoffs would not impact in-store teams or investments in store hours. According to its 2024 report, Starbucks currently employs approximately 211,000 people in the United States and roughly 150,000 employees internationally. The scale of this workforce reduction represents a significant organizational change for the global coffee retailer.

While the menu changes have been confirmed for US locations, it remains unclear whether similar cuts will affect international markets, including the United Kingdom. The company has not yet provided details about which corporate divisions will be most affected by the job reductions.

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Playtika Holding Corp, a leader in mobile gaming, has announced a major acquisition that could significantly boost its market position. The company has entered into an agreement to purchase SuperPlay, the creator of popular mobile games Dice Dreams and Domino Dreams, for $700 million upfront with potential additional payments of up to $1.25 billion based on performance metrics.

This strategic move is expected to bolster Playtika's position in the competitive mobile gaming market by incorporating SuperPlay's expertise in creating and scaling successful games. The deal is anticipated to serve as a catalyst for Playtika's growth once finalized.

Established in 2019 by former Playtika employees Gilad Almog and Eyal Netzer, along with industry veteran Elad Drory, SuperPlay has quickly made a name for itself in the mobile gaming world. The company's flagship titles, Dice Dreams, and Domino Dreams, have seen rapid user growth, collectively amassing 1.7 million average daily active users as of August.

Following the acquisition, Almog and Netzer will continue to helm SuperPlay, which will operate as an independent studio within the Playtika ecosystem. This arrangement aims to preserve SuperPlay's innovative culture while leveraging Playtika's resources and industry reach.

Playtika's CEO, Robert Antokol, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition, highlighting SuperPlay's proven track record and the potential for synergies between the two companies. He expressed confidence that the merger would enhance Playtika's ability to deliver engaging gaming experiences to a global audience.

For their part, Almog and Netzer conveyed enthusiasm about the opportunities presented by the acquisition: "We're incredibly excited for this opportunity. It is a testament to our amazing team who bring creativity and passion to everything we make. With Playtika's backing and support, we'll continue growing the most memorable and engaging games in their category, and exchange knowledge that will propel each other to new heights."

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Pursuing a career as an entrepreneur is undoubtedly for the unconventional. It takes being a particularly bold woman to choose this path, and even more so to leave everything behind and make aliyah. Among Israel's extraordinary society, made up of a one-of-a-kind, international melting pot, are these ambitious businesswomen, bravely striving to integrate into a new environment at a time when community is a most valuable resource. Local communities "Kehila" and "HER Tel Aviv," focused on helping women adapt during this transition, joined forces to present an unprecedented networking event in Tel Aviv on August 27.

Kehila, founded by Grace Lancer and Hanna Shtein, fosters an environment where female business owners can network, share ideas, and promote their services. The community welcomes a diverse range of professionals through bi-weekly meetings. While these gatherings have typically been small-scale, the recent event, co-hosted with HER, marked a significant expansion. HER, founded by Israeli-American Sivan Hadari Avneri, aims to create a safe space for women who have made aliyah, focusing on small business owners, women in tech, health, fertility, careers, and even facilitating new friendships. The platform also features a job board and marketplace.

"When I made aliyah, even being half Israeli and half American, I myself found it challenging to adapt to Israeli culture," Hadari Avneri told the crowd of 100 women at the event. "I left my whole family in New York and I was here by myself. And there's all these challenges that all of you face, which is not knowing the language or trying to get together with a culture that's a little bit more chutzpah than you're used to at home, or finding an apartment, finding a job, finding girlfriends. You just start from zero because you're a Zionist, which is not a dirty word. You're a Zionist and you want to be here." 

"Hanna and I started Kehila at the beginning of this year," Grace added. "The reason was that we both come from cities like London and LA, where networking is a really big thing. We wanted to create a space to bring English-speaking female entrepreneurs together in Tel Aviv because we felt like there was a gap in the market for this."

As the sold-out event began, attendees were each assigned to one of ten groups, indicated by a number on their name tag. Each group was given a designated area and a question sheet to facilitate networking. This structured approach proved helpful, as even outgoing individuals like myself initially found it intimidating to mix and mingle with such a large and diverse group.

In the blink of an eye, the room was gushing with passionate conversations, discussions, and laughter. "I hate the word networking because a lot of the time it's fake," Hanna said. "We wanted it to be a genuine space where people could form relationships first, and business connections could naturally follow. We think that the best business connections come from real relationships." 

This approach proved successful, as evidenced by the diverse attendance, including a notable presence of local Israelis alongside women from all over the world. While chatting with two friends at the event – a jewelry maker and a tour guide – I gained insight into the high demand for such gatherings. "I don't see these kinds of events in Israel often, so I knew I had to come," one of them remarked.

The event's complete success became evident as even I, to my surprise, unintentionally made new friendships and connections, got tips, and brainstormed ideas on various subjects. "Isn't this just amazing?" an enthusiastic, frequent participant asked me on her way out. As the event drew to a close, women of all ages were still actively connecting, wholeheartedly expressing their gratitude to Sivan, Grace, and Hanna. What began as a room of timid individuals transformed into a community connecting Israeli female entrepreneurs on both personal and professional levels, marking the beginning of a new era for women in Tel Aviv's entrepreneurial scene.

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You might have heard the buzz about new banking regulations, but what does it mean for your wallet? In a nutshell, banks are being told to come up with plans to shift customer funds from checking accounts to savings accounts, and specifically to Certificates of Deposits that mature with a specific yield due to fixed interest rates. Now, before you yawn and flip the page, hear me out – this could be your chance to give your finances a much-needed boost.

First things first, let's talk CDs. They're like the reliable sedans of the banking world – not flashy, but they get the job done. When you're shopping around, keep your eyes peeled for the interest rate (the higher, the better), any pegging (that's fancy talk for how it's tied to inflation), and the fine print on early withdrawal. Oh, and don't forget to check how long you'll need to park your cash.

But wait, there's more! Have you considered money market funds? These mutual funds are the cool kids on the block, required to invest in low-risk, short-term instruments. Thanks to a recent law passed by the Knesset (that's Israel's parliament, for those who missed that day in geography class), these funds are becoming more accessible to everyday folks like us. The best part? They're required to show you the expected return upfront, making it easier to compare them with those CDs you've been eyeing.

Now, I know what you're thinking – "But what's the catch?" Well, each fund has its own playbook, so you'll want to read the fine print. They're different from CDs in a few key ways:

1. CDs are like making plans with your most reliable friend – you know exactly what you're getting and when.
2. Money market funds, on the other hand, are a bit more flexible. They invest in things like commercial papers and bonds that can be sold on any trading day. It's like having a friend who's always up for last-minute plans.
3. And here's the kicker – money market funds typically aim for higher returns than your average deposit account. Who doesn't like the sound of that?

Before you rush off to move all your money, remember this: I'm just your friendly neighborhood financial columnist, not your personal financial guru. This advice isn't one-size-fits-all, so before making any big moves, chat with a financial advisor who knows your specific situation.

Each money market fund operates under a specific policy that may include additional features and restrictions. These funds differ from CDs in several key aspects: While CDs offer a high degree of certainty – depositors know the exact duration and interest rate of their investment upfront – money market funds invest in more liquid assets. Commercial papers and bonds held by these funds can typically be sold on any trading day, offering greater flexibility. Moreover, money market funds generally aim to provide higher returns compared to traditional deposit accounts. These funds typically invest in a mix of government bonds, bank deposits, highly-rated corporate bonds, and commercial papers.

In the meantime, take a good look at your checking account. Is your money just sitting there, twiddling its thumbs? It might be time to put it to work. After all, in the world of finance, idle hands (or in this case, idle dollars) are the devil's playground.

Always consult with a professional for personalized investment and tax advice. 

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In a move that's set to reshape Israel's savings landscape, the Capital Market, Insurance and Savings Authority has introduced a standardization reform across a wide range of investment products. If you're holding pension funds, continuing education funds (known as "keren hishtalmut"), provident funds, or savings policies, it's time to pay attention. The goal? To make it easier for you, the investor, to compare performance across different financial institutions.

Here's the scoop: Starting July 1, 2024, you'll see a new, streamlined set of investment tracks. These fall into several categories:

1. Index-tracking securities
2. Actively managed portfolios
3. Faith-based options
4. Sustainability-focused investments

While these tracks will follow stock indices, don't assume they're all created equal. Each financial institution can still choose specific indices and assign different weights. The takeaway? You'll need to do your homework and examine the investment mix in each track carefully.

Tip: This standardization is a double-edged sword. While it makes comparisons easier, it doesn't guarantee that a track is right for you. Always align your choices with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. Some existing tracks will merge, while others will see policy adjustments. For example, if you're currently in a bond and stock track with up to 20% in stocks, you might find yourself moved to a new "Credit and Bonds with Stocks" track, allowing up to 25% in stocks. It's a subtle shift, but one that could impact your risk exposure.

For the index-trackers out there, there's more. Passive portfolios will now need to invest in at least three different indices (S&P 500 trackers get a pass on this one). And to keep things diversified, exposure to any single index must stay between 10% and 50% of the total portfolio.

Smart money move: If you've received a letter from your account manager about these changes, don't file it away. This is your cue to review and potentially rebalance your portfolio.

Let's talk costs. While the reform standardizes investment tracks, it doesn't necessarily standardize fees. The good news? Pension management fees will remain consistent across both index-tracking and actively managed options. But remember, fees can still vary between institutions.

Pro tip: July 1, 2024, is your key date. While you're not legally required to take action, it's the perfect time for a financial check-up. Consider this your opportunity to:

1. Reassess your current investments
2. Ensure they align with your financial goals
3. Seek professional advice if needed

The bottom line? This reform aims to bring more clarity to Israel's savings market. But clarity doesn't automatically translate to suitability. Use this as an opportunity to take control of your financial future. After all, in the world of investing, knowledge isn't just power – it's profit.

The information provided should not be considered a substitute for personalized pension or financial advice tailored to each client's specific circumstances.

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At the beginning of this calendar year, new regulations came into effect, making it easier to roll over retirement plans that fall under the category of provident fund. If you're considering such a transfer, comparing costs should be one of your first steps.

Key costs to check and compare between your existing product and the one you're considering include:

1. Management fees on contributions
2. Management fees on accumulated savings

Another aspect to examine is the financial performance of your current pension product versus the one you're considering. You can find this data on various websites. However, it's crucial to remember that high past returns don't necessarily predict future performance. In any case, you should review performance over a reasonable period to get a better picture and make an informed decision.

The service provided by the managing body is also worth comparing. Check how you can receive service: via the internet, phone, etc., and whether it's accessible, reliable, and user-friendly. Transferring from pension products no longer being marketed is possible, but remember that you can't return to these products. Moreover, these products might offer better conditions but at a higher cost.

Request a written proposal from the body you're considering, including both cost terms and coverage. If you decide to transfer, ensure you fill in all required details in the transfer document, choose an investment track, and verify that the transfer is completed.

Remember, if you're unhappy with your current pension provider, these new regulations make switching easier. However, always do your due diligence before making any changes to your retirement savings.

Note: This article is not a substitute for personalized pension advice.

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The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE/TYO) saw massive gains from 1983 to 1990, making it the largest at the time. However, then things took a downturn: Between 1998 and 2009, the leading index dropped 80% from its peak.

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The TSE/TYO saw gains this year, but this only made up part of what was lost from that long decline. The stock exchange has two leading indices:  Nikkei 225 and TOPIX.

What is the Nikkei 225?

It is the main index on the Nikkei 225. Created in 1949, the index includes the 225 companies with the highest market capitalization that are publicly traded. The weighting of stocks in the index is updated annually in October. The weight of stocks in the index is determined by the stock price.

As a result, the 20 stocks with the largest market capitalization account for half of its movements. In addition, if you invest in that indices using shekels you are exposed to changes between the Israeli currency and the Japanese yen. Among the companies included in the index are Toyota – the world's largest automaker, with a market cap of 58.24 trillion yen; Sony – the electronics company operating in various fields such as games, movies, music, and more, with a market cap of 16.3 trillion yen; Mitsubishi Financial Group – one of the largest banks in Japan, with a market cap of 18.77 trillion yen.

Warren Buffett has invested in the Tokyo Stock Exchange starting in 2020, acquiring 5% stakes in five Japanese conglomerates spanning various sectors of the economy. Over the past year, he even increased his holdings. Before 2023, there was little interest in the Japanese stock market, but Buffett's actions, along with moves made by other global investment houses, have drawn interest to this market.

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Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman said last week that 2021 had been Israel's best year in the 21^st century in terms of economics. While 2021 did see some records set for exports, credit expenditures, profits for retail chains, and banks, when it comes to small and medium-sized businesses, things were much bleaker, a report from LAHAV, the Israel Chamber of Independent Organizations and Businesses for 2021 shows.

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According to initial assessments, 2021 saw 70,000 small and medium-sized businesses in Israel go under, while only 35,000 new ones opened.

The number of businesses that closed up shop in 2021 was much higher than the two previous years. In 2019 – before the COVID pandemic – 44,000 small and medium-sized businesses ceased operations, and in 2020, 38,000 small and medium-sized businesses in Israel closed. The relatively low number of closures in 2020 was due to government assistance that kept some of these businesses afloat through the onset of the pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns.

It should also be noted that a small percentage of businesses stopped trading but did not close their tax files so the owners could claim government assistance. When the money stopped, these owners closed up shop.

In addition, the high number of small businesses closing is deterring entrepreneurs from opening new businesses, which might explain why only 35,000 new businesses launched in 2021.

The research conducted by LAHAV economic consultant Dr. Roby Nathanson, also revealed that 86.4% of businesses survive their first year, about half make it to five years, and less than one-third are still in business 13 years after being opened.

Accountant Uri Beeri, chairman of the Elliot Group of Certified Public Accountants, said, "The figures that arise from the study should worry decision-makers. Small and medium-sized businesses are the motor that keeps the economy going, and as such they need special attention and major financial support to overcome the special difficulties of this time and allow their long-term survival, as well as the simultaneous growth of the economy.

"A glum figure this this about businesses closing shows that not enough has been done to help them. COVID is a very hard catalyst for closures, so we need to hurry up and look at tools we can use to help them when it comes to taxation, funding, human resources recruiting and costs, and municipal costs," Beeri said.

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