Strategy Meets Finance

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Major moves and market momentum in this week’s top financial stories, including: Jobless Claims Signal Cracks in the Labor Market Fed Holds Back on Rate Cuts at Jackson Hole Blackstone Bets on Power Infrastructure Walmart Walks the Tariff Tightrope Housing Market Gives Buyers New Leverage Corporate Hiring Plans Cool FinWeekly has the latest updates on market-shaping headlines and business strategy insights: Jobless claims rose to 235,000 last week, the biggest jump in three months, while continuing claims hit their highest level since 2021. With hiring slowing and tariffs adding pressure, the labor market is starting to show real cracks — and consumers are beginning to feel it. At Jackson Hole, Fed officials struck a cautious tone. Kansas City’s Jeffrey Schmid questioned whether current rates are even restrictive enough, signaling that cuts aren’t coming until the Fed sees “very definitive data.” For households and businesses, that means borrowing costs are likely to stay higher for longer. Private equity powerhouse Blackstone agreed to buy Shermco, an electrical services firm, for $1.6 billion. It’s a bet on the infrastructure behind AI and data centers — a reminder that the real money in tech often lies in the backbone, not the buzz. Walmart delivered strong sales growth but warned of rising costs as tariffs weigh on margins. By absorbing price hikes, it’s keeping shoppers across income levels loyal — a case study in how scale and cost discipline drive share gains in a squeezed economy. Housing offered a rare surprise: existing-home sales rose 2% in July as prices cooled and mortgage rates dipped. Buyers are regaining leverage, with more listings, price cuts, and longer days on market opening the door to negotiations. And across corporate America, hiring plans are cooling fast. One in five employers expects to slow headcount growth, with AI and cost discipline reshaping how companies think about labor. For workers, that means fewer openings and longer job searches — and for leaders, a push to do more with less. Tune in for smart commentary, sharp context, and the financial insight you need to lead in a changing world — only on FinWeekly._______________________________________Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important informLinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Buying or selling a business can go wrong fast. Pay too much as a buyer and you’ll regret it. Sell too soon and you might leave millions on the table. In this episode, Steve Coughran shares a CFO’s perspective from years of buying, building, and selling companies worth over a billion dollars. He breaks down the three main ways businesses are valued, the four factors that drive valuation up, and the eight hidden risks that drag it down. Whether you’re looking to acquire a company or prepare for an exit, this episode shows you exactly what investors look for—and how to maximize the value of your business. _______________________________________Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthcoltivar.com/benchmarks Most people assume a $5 million business must mean big money for the owner. But in this episode, Steve breaks down the real numbers behind a $5M landscaping company, from revenue to actual cash in hand. Spoiler: it’s not what you think. Whether you're in landscaping, construction, or any service industry, this breakdown will help you understand how profit isn't the same as cash flow—and why that difference is what makes or breaks your business. This could change how you read your P&L forever. _______________________________________Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthMajor moves and market momentum in this week’s top financial stories, including:Producer Prices Pop to a 3-Year HighBessent’s Bold Push for Big Fed CutsFast-Casual Chains Lose Their SizzleSouthwest Ends Open Seating, and a StrategyAmazon Doubles Down on Grocery DominationUlta and Target Break Up the Beauty AisleFinWeekly has the latest updates on market-shaping headlines and business strategy insights: July’s Producer Price Index surprised markets, jumping 0.9% month-over-month, the fastest core gain in over three years. With consumer prices also running hot, inflation may be reaccelerating just as the Fed prepares to cut rates. Businesses are already feeling the squeeze and may pass higher costs to consumers, setting up a tricky fall for policymakers.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is urging the Fed to move faster, calling for a half-point cut in September and 150 basis points total over the coming months. That’s well below market expectations and adds even more weight to Powell’s August 22 Jackson Hole speech.In the restaurant world, Cava, Sweetgreen, and Chipotle all posted disappointing Q2 results as lunch traffic cooled and budget-conscious customers pulled back. It’s a reminder that even cult-favorite brands aren’t immune to a consumer slowdown.Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines is ending its decades-old open seating policy, trading boarding speed and customer loyalty for assigned-seat upsells, a shift that could erode one of its core strategic advantages.Amazon is pushing deeper into grocery with same-day fresh delivery in 1,000 cities this year and 2,300 by the end of 2025, a direct challenge to an industry built on razor-thin margins.And in retail, Ulta Beauty and Target will end their shop-in-shop partnership by August 2026, with Ulta focusing on standalone growth and Target looking to fill the beauty gap through private-label and new brand partnerships.Tune in for strategic insight, smart commentary, and the financial context you need to lead in a changing world — only on FinWeekly._______________________________________Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthMost people think entrepreneurship is a young person’s game. But the data says otherwise. In this episode, Steve breaks down why your 30s, 40s, and even 50s might be the best time to launch or buy a business—and how real-world experience gives you a massive edge over the typical startup founder. He also unpacks some of the biggest myths around age and entrepreneurship, shares what he's seen from founders who started later and built real wealth, and offers a perspective that might change how you think about your next chapter. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I too old to start a business?”—this one’s for you. _______________________________________Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthMajor moves and market momentum in this week’s top financial stories, including:Blackstone Drills into Data Apple’s $100 Billion Hedge Margins Are the Meal at McDonald’s The Fed’s September Fork in the Road NFL and ESPN: A Streaming Power PlayFinWeekly has the latest updates on market-shaping headlines and business strategy insights: Blackstone is back in acquisition mode, placing a $6.5 billion bet on energy data firm Enverus. It’s not just about M&A — it’s a sign that private equity is eyeing high-margin, insight-driven plays as interest rates fall and dealmaking heats up.Meanwhile, Apple just pledged $100 billion to boost U.S. manufacturing in what looks like a preemptive move against potential iPhone tariffs. From Kentucky glass to Texas semiconductors, Apple is rewiring its supply chain to mitigate risk and reclaim control — and investors are cheering.Over in fast food, McDonald’s stock is climbing, but the real story is in the margins. With flat revenue and shrinking operating leverage, the company is proving that cash flow discipline — not just top-line growth — separates the resilient from the rest.All eyes are on the Fed ahead of its September meeting. With dissent brewing inside the FOMC and the labor market showing signs of weakness, rate cuts may be closer than expected. What happens next could reshape the capital landscape for borrowers, investors, and business owners alike.And in a bold media shake-up, Disney is handing the NFL a 10% stake in ESPN — in exchange for NFL Network, RedZone, and more. It’s not just about content — it’s about ownership, bundling, and strategic alignment as ESPN launches its new $29.99/month streaming platform.Tune in for strategic insight, smart commentary, and the financial context you need to lead in a changing world — only on FinWeekly._______________________________________Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthWe’ve been sold a story: save 10% of your paycheck, invest it in the market, and one day you’ll retire rich. But is that really how wealth is built? In this episode, Steve breaks down the math behind that promise—and explains why the numbers don’t add up like you think they do. From compounding myths to misleading online advice about laundromats, rental properties, and passive income, this is a no-filter look at what actually creates real wealth. Steve shares what he’s seen working with business owners behind the scenes—and makes the case for why buying, building, and selling businesses is the most powerful (and overlooked) path to financial freedom. _______________________________________Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthNetflix and Spotify may look similar on the surface—massive platforms, global audiences, subscription models—but dig into the numbers, and the differences are hard to ignore. In this episode, Steve breaks down both companies’ financials in plain English and reveals why Netflix generates 3X more profit than Spotify despite having a similar number of paying users. From gross margin to free cash flow, and strategy to scale, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how these businesses actually operate—and why some strategic choices have a bigger financial payoff than others. If you like real-world company breakdowns that connect strategy with numbers, this one’s for you. _______________________________________Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Mentorship can be a game-changer, but picking the wrong mentor can waste your time. Discover the subtle differences between advice and genuine counsel, and learn how meaningful connections can elevate your journey. Personal anecdotes reveal the pitfalls of one-size-fits-all advice and underscore the importance of respect and integrity. The discussion emphasizes the blend of effective mentorship with essential financial skills, leaving you inspired to rethink how you seek guidance and grow.

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthShark Tank is entertaining—but it’s also one of the best crash courses in real-world finance. This episode breaks down the biggest money mistakes founders make on the show (and in real life), what investors actually care about, and why revenue is not the same as wealth. If you’re building a business, thinking about buying one, or just want to get smarter with money, this one’s packed with takeaways that could save you from costly mistakes. _______________________________________Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com