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<p>At the beginning of 2016, AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) and Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) were nearly exactly the same size in terms of market cap. However, AbbVie's stock outperformed Lilly throughout most of the year, making AbbVie the bigger company now.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Size doesn't matter much, though, when it comes to selecting the better stock for the future. The important things are each company's product lineup, pipeline potential, and financial condition. Here's how AbbVie and Eli Lilly compare on these key criteria.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>It's easy to make an argument in favor of AbbVie based on the current product lineup. After all, AbbVie has the top-selling drug in the world with Humira. The autoimmune disease drug raked in $16 billion last year. And Humira is still growing, with 2016 sales up nearly 15% over the prior year.</p>
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<p>Then there's Imbruvica. AbbVie's cancer drug is red hot right now. Sales of Imbruvica soared to $1.8 billion last year, more than double the total from 2015. There's likely more good news to come. AbbVie thinks Imbruvica could eventually reach peak annual sales of $7 billion.</p>
<p>AbbVie's other blockbuster drug, Viekira, isn't doing as well, however. 2016 sales for the hepatitis C virus (HCV) drug dropped more than 7% year over year to $1.5 billion. This doesn't reflect poorly on AbbVie, though, since the dynamics in the HCV market are changing dramatically.</p>
<p>You won't have a hard time making a strong case for AbbVie based on its pipeline, either. The biotech claims a dozen late-stage clinical studies in progress and another 21 mid-stage studies. Several of these pipeline candidates hold the potential to become huge winners for AbbVie.</p>
<p>The company has two experimental drugs poised to follow in Humira's footsteps in the autoimmune disease market with ABT-494 and risankizumab. Veliparib could join Imbruvica as another blockbuster cancer drug in AbbVie's arsenal. Elagolix could generate substantial revenue in two indications if approved -- endometriosis and uterine fibroids.</p>
<p>As for financial shape, AbbVie continues to grow revenue and earnings by double-digit percentages. Although the company has $37 billion in long-term debt, it also has around $8 billion in cash (including cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities). Its strong cash flow should allow AbbVie to easily service that debt load while continuing to pay out a nice dividend, which currently yields 4.22%.</p>
<p>Eli Lilly's current product lineup has its positives and its negatives. On the positive side, the company has several newer drugs for which sales are quickly growing. On the negative side, sales for some of Lilly's older drugs are slipping.</p>
<p>One of the company's brightest rising stars is Trulicity. Sales for the diabetes drug topped $925 million last year, more than tripling the $249 million reported in 2015. Cancer drugCyramza generated revenue of $614 million in 2016, a 60% year-over-year jump.</p>
<p>Lilly also continues to enjoy solid growth for some of its established products. Sales for osteoporosis drug climbed 11% year over year in 2016 to $1.5 billion. Cancer drug Erbitux generated 2016 sales of $687 million, a 42% increase from the prior year.</p>
<p>However, a few of Lilly's biggest moneymakers aren't doing so well. Sales for its top-selling insulin product, Humalog, fell last year. So did sales for Alimta, Cymbalta, and Zyprexa.</p>
<p>The drugmaker's pipeline could help Lilly continue to grow earnings despite lower sales for these older drugs. Lilly awaits regulatory approval for promising autoimmune disease drug baricitinib. The company has 14 late-stage clinical studies in progress (including one for a diagnostic product). Another 19 mid-stage studies are under way.</p>
<p>Several of these studies are for additional indications for currently approved drugs such as Cyramza. However, Lilly also has some new drugs in development, including experimental cancer treatmentabemaciclib and pain drug tanezumab.</p>
<p>Eli Lilly has considerably less debt than AbbVie, with total long-term debt of $8.7 billion. However, it also has less cash on hand, with cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $4.2 billion. Lilly's revenue and earnings are growing, but not as much as AbbVie's. The company also pays a dividend, with its yield currently standing at 2.67%.</p>
<p>The choice between these two successful drugmakers seems to be an easy one. Although Lilly has several solid drugs in its current lineup and some strong pipeline candidates, AbbVie is the better buy in my view.</p>
<p>AbbVie is growing more quickly and pays a higher dividend. The biggest knock against the biotech is its dependence on Humira, but rising sales for Imbruvica and other drugs should help reduce its reliance on one drug over time.</p>
<p>At some point in the future, AbbVie will run into major headwinds with competition for Humira. For now, though, AbbVie appears to be a good pick for investors looking for both growth and income.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than AbbVieWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=3e04acb4-0a2a-455d-92de-8d6102a99072&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and AbbVie wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of February 6, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFishBiz/info.aspx" type="external">Keith Speights Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of AbbVie. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | beginning 2016 abbvie nyse abbv eli lilly nyse lly nearly exactly size terms market cap however abbvies stock outperformed lilly throughout year making abbvie bigger company continue reading size doesnt matter much though comes selecting better stock future important things companys product lineup pipeline potential financial condition heres abbvie eli lilly compare key criteria image source getty images easy make argument favor abbvie based current product lineup abbvie topselling drug world humira autoimmune disease drug raked 16 billion last year humira still growing 2016 sales nearly 15 prior year advertisement theres imbruvica abbvies cancer drug red hot right sales imbruvica soared 18 billion last year double total 2015 theres likely good news come abbvie thinks imbruvica could eventually reach peak annual sales 7 billion abbvies blockbuster drug viekira isnt well however 2016 sales hepatitis c virus hcv drug dropped 7 year year 15 billion doesnt reflect poorly abbvie though since dynamics hcv market changing dramatically wont hard time making strong case abbvie based pipeline either biotech claims dozen latestage clinical studies progress another 21 midstage studies several pipeline candidates hold potential become huge winners abbvie company two experimental drugs poised follow humiras footsteps autoimmune disease market abt494 risankizumab veliparib could join imbruvica another blockbuster cancer drug abbvies arsenal elagolix could generate substantial revenue two indications approved endometriosis uterine fibroids financial shape abbvie continues grow revenue earnings doubledigit percentages although company 37 billion longterm debt also around 8 billion cash including cash cash equivalents marketable securities strong cash flow allow abbvie easily service debt load continuing pay nice dividend currently yields 422 eli lillys current product lineup positives negatives positive side company several newer drugs sales quickly growing negative side sales lillys older drugs slipping one companys brightest rising stars trulicity sales diabetes drug topped 925 million last year tripling 249 million reported 2015 cancer drugcyramza generated revenue 614 million 2016 60 yearoveryear jump lilly also continues enjoy solid growth established products sales osteoporosis drug climbed 11 year year 2016 15 billion cancer drug erbitux generated 2016 sales 687 million 42 increase prior year however lillys biggest moneymakers arent well sales topselling insulin product humalog fell last year sales alimta cymbalta zyprexa drugmakers pipeline could help lilly continue grow earnings despite lower sales older drugs lilly awaits regulatory approval promising autoimmune disease drug baricitinib company 14 latestage clinical studies progress including one diagnostic product another 19 midstage studies way several studies additional indications currently approved drugs cyramza however lilly also new drugs development including experimental cancer treatmentabemaciclib pain drug tanezumab eli lilly considerably less debt abbvie total longterm debt 87 billion however also less cash hand cash cash equivalents shortterm investments totaling 42 billion lillys revenue earnings growing much abbvies company also pays dividend yield currently standing 267 choice two successful drugmakers seems easy one although lilly several solid drugs current lineup strong pipeline candidates abbvie better buy view abbvie growing quickly pays higher dividend biggest knock biotech dependence humira rising sales imbruvica drugs help reduce reliance one drug time point future abbvie run major headwinds competition humira though abbvie appears good pick investors looking growth income 10 stocks like better abbviewhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right abbvie wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 keith speights opens new window owns shares abbvie motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 595 |
<p>Jude feiges Schewin! Komm heraus und kämpf allein! — “Jew, Jew, cowardly swine, come and fight on your own.” Juif, la France n’est pas à toi—“Jew, France is not for you.” Heil Hitler! Hitler was right. Feuj! Sale Juif! Gas the Jews.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/24/world/europe/europes-anti-semitism-comes-out-of-shadows.html?_r=0" type="external">This</a> is Europe in the year 2015. These words knock on the door of every synagogue in modern Europe, stitching a bloody yellow badge back into the flesh of every Jew. The floating demons of Europe’s past have been resurrected, haunting Europe’s Jews with a specter of darkness.</p>
<p>It’s been nearly seventy years since the Holocaust. A Jew still cannot walk through the streets of Berlin, suburbs of Paris, alleyways of London without being deafened by a throbbing salvo of anti-Semitic invective.</p>
<p>The European Commission has issued a warning on the rise of anti-Semitic hostility throughout the European Union. On Thursday, Vice President Frans Timmermans <a href="http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_EUROPE_ANTI_SEMITISM?SITE=AP&amp;SECTION=HOME&amp;TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&amp;CTIME=2015-10-01-10-56-18" type="external">said</a> that “in the last couple of years you’ve seen this age-old monster come up again in Europe.” At a brief press conference regarding religious intolerance, Timmermans urged EU member states to heed the voices of a Jewish community that feel marginalized and alienated from European civil society. “It’s a vital question for the future that our Jewish community feels at ease and completely at home.”</p>
<p>According to a Pew Research Center <a href="http://www.pewforum.org/files/2015/02/Restrictions2015_fullReport.pdf" type="external">report</a> released in February, the hostility against Jews is surging. “In 2013, harassment of Jews, either by government or social groups, was found in 77 countries (39%) – a seven-year high. Jews are much more likely to be harassed by individuals or groups in society than by governments. In Europe, for example, Jews were harassed by individuals or social groups in 34 of the region’s 45 countries (76%),” <a href="http://www.pewforum.org/files/2015/02/Restrictions2015_fullReport.pdf" type="external">cites</a> the report. Major cosmopolitan hubs like Berlin and Paris were not the only places where Jews faced animus. Anti-Jewish sentiment is ubiquitous, spawning in every corner of Europe.</p>
<p>The report <a href="http://www.pewforum.org/files/2015/02/Restrictions2015_fullReport.pdf" type="external">documents</a> innumerable attacks against the Jewish body and psyche. In France, three men attacked a teenager who was wearing a kippah in Vitry-SurSeine in March, threatening, “We will kill all of you Jews.” In Spain, vandals painted a large swastika on the walls of a bull ring in the city of Pinto in August, along with the words “Hitler.” In the town of Komarno in southern Slovakia, metal tiles embedded in the pavement honoring a local Jewish family killed in the Holocaust were destroyed in October when vandals poured tar over them.</p>
<p>"This is unacceptable. I thought we knew better. I wouldn't have thought it would be possible ... but it's happening again."</p>
<p>Frans Timmermans</p>
<p>This menacing anti-Semitism goes far beyond verbal assaults and symbolic desecration. In May, four people were shot and killed at the Jewish Museum in Brussels. In June, a Jewish-owned pharmacy in a Paris suburb was destroyed by disaffected youths protesting against Israel. Again in July, Muslim rioters stampeded through a predominately Jewish neighborhood in Paris, hurling Molotov cocktails at synagogue windows and burning cars. On the burial ground of Jewish souls stripped of life by the Third Reich, arsonists attacked a synagogue in Wuppertal, Germany with firebombs. <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/04/is-it-time-for-the-jews-to-leave-europe/386279/" type="external">The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg</a> put these horrific incidents in stark relief:</p>
<p>France’s 475,000 Jews represent less than 1 percent of the country’s population. Yet last year, according to the French Interior Ministry, 51 percent of all racist attacks targeted Jews. The statistics in other countries, including Great Britain, are similarly dismal.</p>
<p>"This is unacceptable. I thought we knew better. I wouldn't have thought it would be possible ... but it's happening again," <a href="http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_EUROPE_ANTI_SEMITISM?SITE=AP&amp;SECTION=HOME&amp;TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&amp;CTIME=2015-10-01-10-56-18" type="external">cried</a> the European Commission’s Timmermans. Shortly after Islamist gunmen slew the cartoonists and journalists of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Hebdo_shooting" type="external">Charlie Hebdo</a> for daring to draw Mohammad, prophet of Islam and 7th century historical figure, a connected Muslim attacker unleashed Kalashnikov bullets on a Jewish supermarket in Paris as patrons shopped for food in anticipation of the Sabbath.</p>
<p>When French philosopher and leftist political essayist Alain Finkielkraut heard about the massacre he wasn’t surprised. “Of course,” Finkielkraut <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/04/is-it-time-for-the-jews-to-leave-europe/386279/" type="external">lamented</a>, “the Jews.” A son of Holocaust survivors, Finkielkraut encapsulated the feelings of futility and frustration every Jew felt on that fateful day. The utterly irrational leap from magazine offices to Jewish supermarkets is understandable through the lens of virulent Muslim anti-Semitism festering in Europe’s underbelly.</p>
<p>Europe’s own failure to effectively integrate its disenfranchised Muslim minorities into the fabric of civil society has cultivated a generation of rancor and resentment in which Muslim youths are confined to both spatial and ideological ethnic enclaves, marginalized by a broader xenophobic European society.</p>
<p>Disaffected by a decades’ long policy of <a href="https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/western-europe/2015-03-01/failure-multiculturalism" type="external">failed multiculturalism</a> after the horrors of European decolonization from Algeria, Pakistan, and many Muslim-majority countries along the northern coast of Africa, Europe’s younger generation of Muslims are importing the rampant anti-Semitic prejudices of the war-ravaged Middle East into an already historically-perilous European cultural landscape. “We are a microcosm of the Middle East. The Middle East is being imported into Europe,” <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/24/world/europe/europes-anti-semitism-comes-out-of-shadows.html?_r=0" type="external">assesses</a> Phillip Carmel, European Policy Director for the European Jewish Congress.</p>
<p>The crude love affair between imported Muslim prejudice and residual European anti-Semitism clearly threatens the future of Europe’s Jews. French Prime Minister Manuel Valles <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/04/is-it-time-for-the-jews-to-leave-europe/386279/" type="external">calls</a> this the “new anti-Semitism.” In a macabre nightmare for Europe’s Jewish community, elements of radical Islam have gone to bed with Europe’s extreme-right, promoting an uncanny synthesis of anti-Semitism. Jeffrey Goldberg explicates the dystopian phenomenon:</p>
<p>But what makes this new era of anti-Semitic violence in Europe different from previous ones is that traditional Western patterns of anti-Semitic thought have now merged with a potent strain of Muslim Judeophobia. Violence against Jews in Western Europe today, according to those who track it, appears to come mainly from Muslims, who in France, the epicenter of Europe’s Jewish crisis, outnumber Jews 10 to 1.</p>
<p>That the chief propagators of contemporary European anti-Semitism may be found in the Continent’s large and disenfranchised Muslim immigrant communities—communities that are themselves harassed and assaulted by hooligans associated with Europe’s surging right—is flummoxing Europe’s elites. Muslims in Europe are, in many ways, a powerless minority. The failure of Europe to integrate Muslim immigrants has contributed to their exploitation by anti-Semitic propagandists and by recruiters for such radical projects as the Islamic State, or ISIS.</p>
<p>Built on a bedrock of historical European anti-Semitism, this new, infectious strain of hatred is tormenting the post-Holocaust Jewish communities of Europe. “Europe has blamed the Jews for an encyclopedia of sins. The Church has blamed the Jews for killing Jesus; Voltaire blamed the Jews for inventing Christianity. In the febrile minds of anti-Semites, Jews were usurers and well-poisoners, and spreaders of disease,” <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/04/is-it-time-for-the-jews-to-leave-europe/386279/" type="external">notes</a> Goldberg. In a 1987 speech on the senseless paradox of anti-Semitism, Rutgers Professor Michael Curtis <a href="http://www.simpletoremember.com/vitals/Why_Do_People_Hate_The_Jews.htm" type="external">asserted</a>:</p>
<p>The uniqueness of anti-Semitism lies in the fact that no other people in the world have ever been charged simultaneously with alienation from society and with cosmopolitanism, with being capitalistic exploiters and also revolutionary communist advocators. The Jews were accused of having an imperious mentality, while at the same time seen as a people of the book. They're accused of being militant aggressors, at the same time as being cowardly pacifists, with being a Chosen People, and also having an inferior human nature, with both arrogance and timidity, with both extreme individualism and community adherence. With being guilty of the crucifixion of Christ and at the same time held to account for the invention of Christianity.</p>
<p>At the turn of every decade, it seems as though Jews in Europe have to fight for their very survival. The sons and daughter of blood-libel, the bastard heirs of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Dreyfus" type="external">Alfred Drefyus</a>. Juden. The sun never seems to set on anti-Semitism and Jew-hatred in Europe. A faint stench of gas fills the synagogues of Europe. An indelible imprint of trauma burns the forearm of every Jew in Europe, searing tattooed numbers where phylacteries, Tefillin, were once wrapped. Never full European citizens, but the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Merchant_of_Venice" type="external">Merchants of Venice</a>¸ made effigy and targeted as a cyclical scapegoat of unresolved cultural anxiety.</p> | true | 0 | jude feiges schewin komm heraus und kämpf allein jew jew cowardly swine come fight juif la france nest pas à toijew france heil hitler hitler right feuj sale juif gas jews europe year 2015 words knock door every synagogue modern europe stitching bloody yellow badge back flesh every jew floating demons europes past resurrected haunting europes jews specter darkness nearly seventy years since holocaust jew still walk streets berlin suburbs paris alleyways london without deafened throbbing salvo antisemitic invective european commission issued warning rise antisemitic hostility throughout european union thursday vice president frans timmermans said last couple years youve seen ageold monster come europe brief press conference regarding religious intolerance timmermans urged eu member states heed voices jewish community feel marginalized alienated european civil society vital question future jewish community feels ease completely home according pew research center report released february hostility jews surging 2013 harassment jews either government social groups found 77 countries 39 sevenyear high jews much likely harassed individuals groups society governments europe example jews harassed individuals social groups 34 regions 45 countries 76 cites report major cosmopolitan hubs like berlin paris places jews faced animus antijewish sentiment ubiquitous spawning every corner europe report documents innumerable attacks jewish body psyche france three men attacked teenager wearing kippah vitrysurseine march threatening kill jews spain vandals painted large swastika walls bull ring city pinto august along words hitler town komarno southern slovakia metal tiles embedded pavement honoring local jewish family killed holocaust destroyed october vandals poured tar unacceptable thought knew better wouldnt thought would possible happening frans timmermans menacing antisemitism goes far beyond verbal assaults symbolic desecration may four people shot killed jewish museum brussels june jewishowned pharmacy paris suburb destroyed disaffected youths protesting israel july muslim rioters stampeded predominately jewish neighborhood paris hurling molotov cocktails synagogue windows burning cars burial ground jewish souls stripped life third reich arsonists attacked synagogue wuppertal germany firebombs atlantics jeffrey goldberg put horrific incidents stark relief frances 475000 jews represent less 1 percent countrys population yet last year according french interior ministry 51 percent racist attacks targeted jews statistics countries including great britain similarly dismal unacceptable thought knew better wouldnt thought would possible happening cried european commissions timmermans shortly islamist gunmen slew cartoonists journalists charlie hebdo daring draw mohammad prophet islam 7th century historical figure connected muslim attacker unleashed kalashnikov bullets jewish supermarket paris patrons shopped food anticipation sabbath french philosopher leftist political essayist alain finkielkraut heard massacre wasnt surprised course finkielkraut lamented jews son holocaust survivors finkielkraut encapsulated feelings futility frustration every jew felt fateful day utterly irrational leap magazine offices jewish supermarkets understandable lens virulent muslim antisemitism festering europes underbelly europes failure effectively integrate disenfranchised muslim minorities fabric civil society cultivated generation rancor resentment muslim youths confined spatial ideological ethnic enclaves marginalized broader xenophobic european society disaffected decades long policy failed multiculturalism horrors european decolonization algeria pakistan many muslimmajority countries along northern coast africa europes younger generation muslims importing rampant antisemitic prejudices warravaged middle east already historicallyperilous european cultural landscape microcosm middle east middle east imported europe assesses phillip carmel european policy director european jewish congress crude love affair imported muslim prejudice residual european antisemitism clearly threatens future europes jews french prime minister manuel valles calls new antisemitism macabre nightmare europes jewish community elements radical islam gone bed europes extremeright promoting uncanny synthesis antisemitism jeffrey goldberg explicates dystopian phenomenon makes new era antisemitic violence europe different previous ones traditional western patterns antisemitic thought merged potent strain muslim judeophobia violence jews western europe today according track appears come mainly muslims france epicenter europes jewish crisis outnumber jews 10 1 chief propagators contemporary european antisemitism may found continents large disenfranchised muslim immigrant communitiescommunities harassed assaulted hooligans associated europes surging rightis flummoxing europes elites muslims europe many ways powerless minority failure europe integrate muslim immigrants contributed exploitation antisemitic propagandists recruiters radical projects islamic state isis built bedrock historical european antisemitism new infectious strain hatred tormenting postholocaust jewish communities europe europe blamed jews encyclopedia sins church blamed jews killing jesus voltaire blamed jews inventing christianity febrile minds antisemites jews usurers wellpoisoners spreaders disease notes goldberg 1987 speech senseless paradox antisemitism rutgers professor michael curtis asserted uniqueness antisemitism lies fact people world ever charged simultaneously alienation society cosmopolitanism capitalistic exploiters also revolutionary communist advocators jews accused imperious mentality time seen people book theyre accused militant aggressors time cowardly pacifists chosen people also inferior human nature arrogance timidity extreme individualism community adherence guilty crucifixion christ time held account invention christianity turn every decade seems though jews europe fight survival sons daughter bloodlibel bastard heirs alfred drefyus juden sun never seems set antisemitism jewhatred europe faint stench gas fills synagogues europe indelible imprint trauma burns forearm every jew europe searing tattooed numbers phylacteries tefillin wrapped never full european citizens merchants venice made effigy targeted cyclical scapegoat unresolved cultural anxiety | 801 |
<p>What The Seventh Day Adventists Won't Tell You</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>"And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." 2 Timothy 2:26 Seventh-day Adventists won't tell you they are behind the "Revelation Seminars" they sponsor. They act all" interdenominational" if questioned. Watch out for these SDA outreaches as well: Voice of Prophecy, Faith for Today, It is Written, The Quiet Hour, Amazing Facts etc.</p>
<p>The 'Amazing Facts' website is nothing more than a thinly-diguised SDA recruiting tool. Have YOU been there?</p>
<p>They also hide behind Health oriented shows on the networks, and sponsor stop-smoking clinics etc, all as introductions to Seventh-day Adventism. Often, the only tip-off that what you are reading originates with them is that it is published by "Pacific Press". They produce bright and colorful Children's books, often seen in medical and dental offices, and of course, unsuspecting Church libraries. They very much want to be perceived as Evangelical Christians, seeking a place on the ministerial fellowships. All this is good PR for them, but what do they really believe?</p>
<p>What facts won't they tell you? They won't tell you that they consider themselves to be the only, true, remnant Church. Their prophetess, Ellen G. White, whom they revere and believe without question has told them that "...Satan has taken full possession of the Churches". (Spiritual Gifts V.l,p.189-90)</p>
<p>They also believe our prayers are an "abomination" to God. (Spiritual Gifts, V1 p.190). That is what they think of you and your church, even if they won't say it out loud in public, or to your face. They revere their founding prophetess, Ellen G. White, and made this statement in their "Ministry" Magazine of Oct. 1981 and have never retracted it:</p>
<p>"We believe the revelation and inspiration of both the Bible and Ellen White's writings to be of equal quality. The superintendence of the Holy Spirit was just as careful and thorough in one case as in the other".</p>
<p>They won't tell you too much about Ellen G. White at their public seminars, but their goal is to bring the person attending to the point of conversion and baptism. Their 2000 baptismal certificate poses questions to which the candidate must answer "yes".</p>
<p>Question 8 says, "Do you accept the biblical teaching of spiritual gifts and believe that the gift of prophecy is one of the identifying marks of the remnant church". If the candidate says "yes" and is baptised, they soon learn that the "gift of prophecy" is Ellen G. White's writings. Point 13 has them accepting that the SDA Church is the remnant church of Bible Prophecy. They have been baptized into an exclusive group, but they don't know how exclusive it is, yet! No doubt they will be urged to avail themselves of a "Clear Word Bible". This publication of theirs has inserted the words and doctrines of Ellen G. White right into the Bible text, insuring that the person studying it will have the mind of Ellen G. White. Slowly, but surely, the new SDA will come to believe these extra-biblical doctrines that set the SDA church apart from Evangelical Christianity.</p>
<p>The SDA Doctrines on Salvation</p>
<p>If you receive Christ as your Saviour through the SDA's, only your past sins, up to that moment are forgiven. Now you must get to work to earn your salvation. Ellen G. White said in the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald of 10-26-1897 this statement, "...The terms of salvation for every son and daughter of Adam are here outlined. It is plainly stated that the condition of gaining eternal life is obedience to the commandments of God". Of course, it is the fourth commandment that is stressed, since Ellen saw this one glowing in one of her visions. Salvation now becomes dependent on which day of the week one observes. Modern Adventists keep sundown Friday to sundown Saturday as the Sabbath, but earlier in their history they kept 6 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday. The rest of us "Sunday keepers" are doomed to receive the "mark of the beast" and lose our eternal life. (The Spirit of Prophecy V. 4, p. 505).</p>
<p>They sure don't say this at their seminars!</p>
<p>Christ exclaimed "It is finished" when He died for our sins, but it is not finished in Seventh-day Adventism! EGW wrote in "The Faith I Live By" p. 211, "At the time appointed for the judgement - the close of the 2300 days, in 1844&amp;endash;began the work of investigation and blotting out of sins...both the living and the dead are to be judged "out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works". (Rev. 20:12". People are never told at Seminars that if they become SDA's and are baptized, a recording angel is watching their every move to determine their salvation eventually. EGW issues this warning in The Faith I Live By, page 210, "Every man's work passes in review before God...Opposite each name in the books of heaven is entered, with terrible exactness, every wrong word, every selfish act, every unfulfilled duty, and every secret sin, with every artful dissembling. Heaven-sent warnings or reproofs neglected, wasted moments, unimproved opportunities, the influence exerted for good or for evil, with its far-reaching results, all are chronicled by the recording angel." It's not much fun being an Adventist and being watched constantly by that recording angel with his "terrible exactness". Prepare to become very uptight. Christians will say, "sure we slip sometimes into unintentional sin, but we have a mediator in Christ Jesus". No, you don't in Seventh-day Adventism.</p>
<p>Be prepared for this SDA doctrine by Ellen G. White: "...Those who are living on the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort they must be conquerors in the battle with evil....". (The Great Controversy p. 425). Obviously they have chosen EGW's doctrine over that stated in the Bible in Hebrews 7:25, "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them". Where would we all be without Christ as our mediator, EVER making intercession for us? Christ bore our own sins in his body on the tree according to the Bible. 1 Peter 2:24 says, "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree...".</p>
<p>Become a SDA, and it will be Satan who will eventually bear your sins! Ellen G. White wrote, "...so Christ will place all these sins upon Satan, the originator and instigator of sin...so Satan, bearing the guilt of all the sins which he has caused God's people to commit, will be for a thousand years confined to the earth, which will then be desolate...".(The Great Controversy p. 485). You won't hear this one at the Seminars! They keep their radical teachings for later.</p>
<p>The false prophecies of the SDA</p>
<p>Seventh-day Adventism grew despite endorsing a false date for Christ's return. What a dubious beginning! Ellen G. White endorsed a false prophecy by William Miller that Christ would return, first in 1843 and then 1844. Miller repented when Christ didn't show up on his date but Ellen didn't want to be viewed as a false prophetess for endorsing him through her visions. The idea was concocted by one of her followers that the date was right, but the event was wrong.</p>
<p>Ellen eagerly accepted this "out", and this explanation was offered to explain away the false prophecy: Christ didn't come visibly to earth, but He, invisibly, in heaven, changed compartments from the Holy to the Most Holy in 1844 and began the work of "investigative judgment" that we have discussed previously. This false date and its failure triggered other heresies on the atonement of Christ which continues to this day. Honest-hearted SDA's who have pointed out the error of the 1844 investigative judgment have been shown the door by their Conference.</p>
<p>You sure won't be told the true history behind the 1844 doctrine by SDA's! Embarrassing false prophecies by EGW have been, altered, covered up, and locked up by the SDA's. You won't be told about them, but here are a couple. One false prophecy done in the name of the Lord marks that one as a false prophet (See Deut. chapter 18). Ellen G. White said people alive in 1856 would be translated at the 2nd coming of Jesus. (Testimonies, V1, p 131,132). She said in Testimonies for the Church, Volume 1, p. 259, that the United States would be "...humbled into the dust" by England during the Civil War. No wonder Jesus told us to "Beware of the false prophets".</p>
<p>Time is their enemy. These false prophecies will never be mentioned by the SDA's.</p>
<p>The cult links of the SDA</p>
<p>You won't be told at the SDA Seminars about the things they have in common with the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons. SDA's share their early history with the Jehovah's Witnesses. An early Adventist, N. H. Barbour co-published with Charles Taze Russell. They had a falling out over (what else?) dates for the end of the world! (1844 and 1874), and parted company.</p>
<p>Both, however, kept heretical doctrines to this day like Jesus being Michael the Archangel, the denial of Hell, and both still advocate soul sleep. Both invented invisible occurrences in heaven for their failed dates for Christ's visible return, investigative judgment for the SDA's and Christ's invisible "presence" for Jehovah's Witnesses. There is Mormon link also for the SDA's. It is a proven fact that Ellen G. White plagiarized most of her writings. The Church has been challenged by Walter Rea, author of the White Lie to prove that even 20% of her writings are original. They can't. Their weak defense was that there were no copyright laws in Ellen's day, so what she did was legal. You will never be told of her plagiarism by the SDA's.</p>
<p>As Ellen was rising to prominence, Joseph Smith had just died. Her writings contain many phrases used by Joseph Smith. Mind you, he has also been accused of plagiarism. I have a thick file of similarities, but time does not permit details at this time, but it does illustrate just how far her "borrowing" went.</p>
<p>You will definitely not be told of her similarities to Joseph Smith at the Seminars!</p> | true | 0 | seventh day adventists wont tell 160 may recover snare devil taken captive 2 timothy 226 seventhday adventists wont tell behind revelation seminars sponsor act interdenominational questioned watch sda outreaches well voice prophecy faith today written quiet hour amazing facts etc amazing facts website nothing thinlydiguised sda recruiting tool also hide behind health oriented shows networks sponsor stopsmoking clinics etc introductions seventhday adventism often tipoff reading originates published pacific press produce bright colorful childrens books often seen medical dental offices course unsuspecting church libraries much want perceived evangelical christians seeking place ministerial fellowships good pr really believe facts wont tell wont tell consider true remnant church prophetess ellen g white revere believe without question told satan taken full possession churches spiritual gifts vlp18990 also believe prayers abomination god spiritual gifts v1 p190 think church even wont say loud public face revere founding prophetess ellen g white made statement ministry magazine oct 1981 never retracted believe revelation inspiration bible ellen whites writings equal quality superintendence holy spirit careful thorough one case wont tell much ellen g white public seminars goal bring person attending point conversion baptism 2000 baptismal certificate poses questions candidate must answer yes question 8 says accept biblical teaching spiritual gifts believe gift prophecy one identifying marks remnant church candidate says yes baptised soon learn gift prophecy ellen g whites writings point 13 accepting sda church remnant church bible prophecy baptized exclusive group dont know exclusive yet doubt urged avail clear word bible publication inserted words doctrines ellen g white right bible text insuring person studying mind ellen g white slowly surely new sda come believe extrabiblical doctrines set sda church apart evangelical christianity sda doctrines salvation receive christ saviour sdas past sins moment forgiven must get work earn salvation ellen g white said advent review sabbath herald 10261897 statement terms salvation every son daughter adam outlined plainly stated condition gaining eternal life obedience commandments god course fourth commandment stressed since ellen saw one glowing one visions salvation becomes dependent day week one observes modern adventists keep sundown friday sundown saturday sabbath earlier history kept 6 pm friday 6 pm saturday rest us sunday keepers doomed receive mark beast lose eternal life spirit prophecy v 4 p 505 sure dont say seminars christ exclaimed finished died sins finished seventhday adventism egw wrote faith live p 211 time appointed judgement close 2300 days 1844ampendashbegan work investigation blotting sinsboth living dead judged things written books according works rev 2012 people never told seminars become sdas baptized recording angel watching every move determine salvation eventually egw issues warning faith live page 210 every mans work passes review godopposite name books heaven entered terrible exactness every wrong word every selfish act every unfulfilled duty every secret sin every artful dissembling heavensent warnings reproofs neglected wasted moments unimproved opportunities influence exerted good evil farreaching results chronicled recording angel much fun adventist watched constantly recording angel terrible exactness prepare become uptight christians say sure slip sometimes unintentional sin mediator christ jesus dont seventhday adventism prepared sda doctrine ellen g white living earth intercession christ shall cease sanctuary stand sight holy god without mediator robes must spotless characters must purified sin blood sprinkling grace god diligent effort must conquerors battle evil great controversy p 425 obviously chosen egws doctrine stated bible hebrews 725 wherefore able also save uttermost come unto god seeing ever liveth make intercession would without christ mediator ever making intercession us christ bore sins body tree according bible 1 peter 224 says self bare sins body tree become sda satan eventually bear sins ellen g white wrote christ place sins upon satan originator instigator sinso satan bearing guilt sins caused gods people commit thousand years confined earth desolatethe great controversy p 485 wont hear one seminars keep radical teachings later false prophecies sda seventhday adventism grew despite endorsing false date christs return dubious beginning ellen g white endorsed false prophecy william miller christ would return first 1843 1844 miller repented christ didnt show date ellen didnt want viewed false prophetess endorsing visions idea concocted one followers date right event wrong ellen eagerly accepted explanation offered explain away false prophecy christ didnt come visibly earth invisibly heaven changed compartments holy holy 1844 began work investigative judgment discussed previously false date failure triggered heresies atonement christ continues day honesthearted sdas pointed error 1844 investigative judgment shown door conference sure wont told true history behind 1844 doctrine sdas embarrassing false prophecies egw altered covered locked sdas wont told couple one false prophecy done name lord marks one false prophet see deut chapter 18 ellen g white said people alive 1856 would translated 2nd coming jesus testimonies v1 p 131132 said testimonies church volume 1 p 259 united states would humbled dust england civil war wonder jesus told us beware false prophets time enemy false prophecies never mentioned sdas cult links sda wont told sda seminars things common jehovahs witnesses mormons sdas share early history jehovahs witnesses early adventist n h barbour copublished charles taze russell falling else dates end world 1844 1874 parted company however kept heretical doctrines day like jesus michael archangel denial hell still advocate soul sleep invented invisible occurrences heaven failed dates christs visible return investigative judgment sdas christs invisible presence jehovahs witnesses mormon link also sdas proven fact ellen g white plagiarized writings church challenged walter rea author white lie prove even 20 writings original cant weak defense copyright laws ellens day legal never told plagiarism sdas ellen rising prominence joseph smith died writings contain many phrases used joseph smith mind also accused plagiarism thick file similarities time permit details time illustrate far borrowing went definitely told similarities joseph smith seminars | 938 |
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<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Business is booming for big biotech, which is evident when you take a closer look at Celgene .</p>
<p>Celgene's bread-and-butter product is Revlimid, the leading treatment for first- and second-line multiple myeloma. Revlimid is benefiting from increasing demand and pricing power: More multiple myeloma diagnoses are reported each year, and Celgene has been able to increase the price of its life-extending drug on a regular basis.</p>
<p>Furthermore, Celgene managed to strike a deal with generic-drug makers in December that will allow Revlimid to remain a cash cow for another decade. India's Natco Pharma will be able to produce a limited number of generic Revlimid capsules in March 2022, but the flood of generics won't hit the market until early 2026. This gives Celgene and its shareholders plenty of time to reap the rewards of Revlimid's dominance, and for Celgene to diversify its pipeline.</p>
<p>Looking ahead to Celgene's 2020 forecast -- it's very rare for a biotech company to provide guidance so far into the future -- the company foresees more than $21 billion in net product sales and in excess of $13 in EPS. By comparison, Celgene only generated $9.2 billion in net product sales in 2015, and adjusted EPS was $4.71. In other words, we're talking about significant top- and bottom-line expansion over the next five years.</p>
<p>Image source: Flickr user Pictures of Money.</p>
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<p>Thus it should come as no surprise that Celgene's board of directors authorized an additional share buyback program on Wednesday morning. According to the press release, Celgene's board has approved up to $3 billion in share repurchases of its common stock. This is on top of the $4 billion repurchase authorization announced in June 2015. Based on what was left from that authorization, Celgene's board now has the ability to buy back up to $5.3 billion worth of common stock. The press release also points out that Celgene has returned $15.2 billion to investors through its share buyback program since 2009.</p>
<p>As a refresher, buying back stock reduces the number of shares outstanding, which can have a positive impact on EPS (since earnings are divided into total shares outstanding), thus making a stock appear more attractive on a valuation basis.</p>
<p>However, if we dig below the surface and really examine the implications behind Celgene's additional stock buyback program, we can learn a lot about where the company is headed next. Here are three deeper implications of Celgene's decision to up its buyback program by another $3 billion.</p>
<p>Image source: Flickr user Nguyen Hung Vu.</p>
<p>While I'm far from Nostradamus, I take Celgene's lack of a dividend and its commitment to buyback programs as a sign that it has additional acquisitions on its mind.</p>
<p>Think about this for a moment: Celgene has more than 30 ongoing collaborations focused in oncology, immunology, and inflammation, some of which depend heavily on development, regulatory, and sales milestones. For example, Celgene's partnership with OncoMed Pharmaceuticals spans six developing compounds in the anti-cancer stem cells space, and it could be worth as much as $3.3 billion for OncoMed if each one of its drugs pans out.</p>
<p>Additionally, Celgene invested $1 billion into CAR-T cancer drug developer Juno Therapeutics last year, $150 million of which was up-front cash, while the remainder was stock. Celgene has the option of taking up to a 30% stake in Juno by the ninth year of the partnership if it exercises its option to boost its stake between years four and five.</p>
<p>In short, Celgene needs capital at the ready to pay out milestone payments for successful partnered/licensed drugs. It's also probably still hunting for new acquisitions in an effort to diversify its pipeline away from Revlimid, which still accounts for about three-fifths of its sales. If Celgene were to commit to paying a dividend on par with its larger peers such as Amgenor Gilead Sciences-- which would mean around 2% -- it would have to part with about $1.6 billion in operating cash flow per year, which would hamper its ability to make new deals or pay its collaborative partners.</p>
<p>Whereas it's evident (to me at least) that Celgene is preserving its cash flow for its collaborations, clinical trials, and future deal-making, it's also readily apparent that management wants to reward its shareholders for sticking with the company over the long run.</p>
<p>Image source: Flickr user Pictures of Money.</p>
<p>As Celgene's press release notes, it has repurchased $15.2 billion worth of common stock since 2009, which has presumably had a positive impact on the company's valuation. Going the route of share buybacks instead of dividends gives management the discretion to pull the trigger on deals or collaborations that make sense, or to buy back common stock when collaborative payouts or deal-making expenses are relatively low or in line with expectations.</p>
<p>If Celgene were to execute the remainder of its $5.3 billion share buyback, it could reduce its outstanding share count by approximately 53 million shares, based on Wednesday's close. In terms of full-year EPS, buying back 53 million shares in 2016 (as a hypothetical) could boost its EPS from an estimated $5.68 to $6.10.</p>
<p>Finally, I believe Celgene's regular share buybacks imply that the company is pretty comfortable with its long-term growth forecasts and cash flow.</p>
<p>As noted earlier, Celgene crossed off perhaps the biggest question mark on its entire list in December when it settled patent litigation with three generic-drug makers over Revlimid. With Revlimid safe and secure through 2025, it's possible that, with increased demand, pricing, and label indications, Revlimid could grow into an $11 billion- to $12 billion-per-year drug.</p>
<p>On top of Revlimid, Celgene has three more blockbusters in its product portfolio and one working its way through the pipeline.</p>
<p>Image source: Celgene.</p>
<p>Breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer drug Abraxane is capable of about $1 billion in annual sales, and it could grow even more if combination studies involving Abraxane with cancer immunotherapies prove effective. Multiple myeloma drug Pomalyst already pumped out nearly $1 billion in annual sales last year, and ongoing growth in the indication should lead it north of $1 billion in 2016 and beyond. Finally, anti-inflammatory pill Otezla could be on pace to crest $1 billion in sales by 2017.</p>
<p>Within Celgene's pipeline, ozanimod is poised to generate $4 billion to $6 billion in peak annual sales if approved to treat multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis. Ozanimod was the key drug that enticed Celgene to pay $7.2 billion for Receptos last year.</p>
<p>With top-line growth expected to hit 15% to 20% per year through 2020, Celgene should have ample cash flow to continue rewarding its shareholders with regular share buybacks.</p>
<p>Let this be a lesson to investors: if you're willing to dig below the surface of simple news events, you might be able to learn a lot more about a company.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/17/digging-below-the-surface-heres-what-celgenes-new.aspx" type="external">Digging Below the Surface: Here's What Celgene's New Stock Buyback Really Implies Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFUltraLong/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Sean Williams Opens a New Window.</a>has no material interest in any companies mentioned in this article. You can follow him on CAPS under the screen name <a href="http://caps.fool.com/player/tmfultralong.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">TMFUltraLong Opens a New Window.</a>, and check him out on Twitter, where he goes by the handle <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/TMFUltraLong" type="external">@TMFUltraLong Opens a New Window.</a>.The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Celgene and Gilead Sciences. It also recommends Juno Therapeutics. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/help/index.htm?display=about02" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | image source getty images continue reading business booming big biotech evident take closer look celgene celgenes breadandbutter product revlimid leading treatment first secondline multiple myeloma revlimid benefiting increasing demand pricing power multiple myeloma diagnoses reported year celgene able increase price lifeextending drug regular basis furthermore celgene managed strike deal genericdrug makers december allow revlimid remain cash cow another decade indias natco pharma able produce limited number generic revlimid capsules march 2022 flood generics wont hit market early 2026 gives celgene shareholders plenty time reap rewards revlimids dominance celgene diversify pipeline looking ahead celgenes 2020 forecast rare biotech company provide guidance far future company foresees 21 billion net product sales excess 13 eps comparison celgene generated 92 billion net product sales 2015 adjusted eps 471 words talking significant top bottomline expansion next five years image source flickr user pictures money advertisement thus come surprise celgenes board directors authorized additional share buyback program wednesday morning according press release celgenes board approved 3 billion share repurchases common stock top 4 billion repurchase authorization announced june 2015 based left authorization celgenes board ability buy back 53 billion worth common stock press release also points celgene returned 152 billion investors share buyback program since 2009 refresher buying back stock reduces number shares outstanding positive impact eps since earnings divided total shares outstanding thus making stock appear attractive valuation basis however dig surface really examine implications behind celgenes additional stock buyback program learn lot company headed next three deeper implications celgenes decision buyback program another 3 billion image source flickr user nguyen hung vu im far nostradamus take celgenes lack dividend commitment buyback programs sign additional acquisitions mind think moment celgene 30 ongoing collaborations focused oncology immunology inflammation depend heavily development regulatory sales milestones example celgenes partnership oncomed pharmaceuticals spans six developing compounds anticancer stem cells space could worth much 33 billion oncomed one drugs pans additionally celgene invested 1 billion cart cancer drug developer juno therapeutics last year 150 million upfront cash remainder stock celgene option taking 30 stake juno ninth year partnership exercises option boost stake years four five short celgene needs capital ready pay milestone payments successful partneredlicensed drugs also probably still hunting new acquisitions effort diversify pipeline away revlimid still accounts threefifths sales celgene commit paying dividend par larger peers amgenor gilead sciences would mean around 2 would part 16 billion operating cash flow per year would hamper ability make new deals pay collaborative partners whereas evident least celgene preserving cash flow collaborations clinical trials future dealmaking also readily apparent management wants reward shareholders sticking company long run image source flickr user pictures money celgenes press release notes repurchased 152 billion worth common stock since 2009 presumably positive impact companys valuation going route share buybacks instead dividends gives management discretion pull trigger deals collaborations make sense buy back common stock collaborative payouts dealmaking expenses relatively low line expectations celgene execute remainder 53 billion share buyback could reduce outstanding share count approximately 53 million shares based wednesdays close terms fullyear eps buying back 53 million shares 2016 hypothetical could boost eps estimated 568 610 finally believe celgenes regular share buybacks imply company pretty comfortable longterm growth forecasts cash flow noted earlier celgene crossed perhaps biggest question mark entire list december settled patent litigation three genericdrug makers revlimid revlimid safe secure 2025 possible increased demand pricing label indications revlimid could grow 11 billion 12 billionperyear drug top revlimid celgene three blockbusters product portfolio one working way pipeline image source celgene breast lung pancreatic cancer drug abraxane capable 1 billion annual sales could grow even combination studies involving abraxane cancer immunotherapies prove effective multiple myeloma drug pomalyst already pumped nearly 1 billion annual sales last year ongoing growth indication lead north 1 billion 2016 beyond finally antiinflammatory pill otezla could pace crest 1 billion sales 2017 within celgenes pipeline ozanimod poised generate 4 billion 6 billion peak annual sales approved treat multiple sclerosis ulcerative colitis ozanimod key drug enticed celgene pay 72 billion receptos last year topline growth expected hit 15 20 per year 2020 celgene ample cash flow continue rewarding shareholders regular share buybacks let lesson investors youre willing dig surface simple news events might able learn lot company article digging surface heres celgenes new stock buyback really implies opens new window originally appeared foolcom sean williams opens new windowhas material interest companies mentioned article follow caps screen name tmfultralong opens new window check twitter goes handle tmfultralong opens new windowthe motley fool owns shares recommends celgene gilead sciences also recommends juno therapeutics try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 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<p>Think rank-and-file employees always get paid in cash? Think again.</p>
<p>While stock awards have long been included in CEO and top executive compensation packages, the practice of offering lower-ranking employees some form of equity compensation has been in place at a number of companies for decades. This is especially true for start-up companies that don't have a lot of cash on hand.</p>
<p>Some 28 million U.S. employees held stock or stock options in their companies as of 2010, according to the National Center for Employee Ownership. More recently, a specific type of equity compensation, restricted stock units (RSUs), has been on the rise. Apple made headlines in 2015 when it announced grants of RSUs to its retail employees.</p>
<p>The practice of offering equity compensation to employees was popularized by Silicon Valley companies during the '90s tech boom. At the time, fledgling tech companies that couldn't afford to pay large salaries sought to attract talent by offering stock options, according to Kaye Thomas, the author of "Consider Your Options."</p>
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<p>"That was when stock options really became a kind of currency of the realm for many of the tech companies that were starting up then, in particular internet companies," Thomas said.</p>
<p>When some of those companies went on to see great success, employees found that exercising their stock options paid off handsomely, which prompted even greater interest in employee stock options.</p>
<p>"Some of the people received very large payoffs that were highly publicized and it got to where people in the tech industry would insist" on getting stock options, Thomas said.</p>
<p>The practice has since spread beyond tech, with companies ranging from manufacturers to insurance firms offering stock awards to employees...sometimes with mixed results.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/do-workers-want-shares-or-cash-1445988333" type="external">The Wall Street Journal Opens a New Window.</a>reported last year that some companies have had difficulties convincing their employees of the benefits of stock awards.</p>
<p>"It's a little bit like paying your employees...in lottery tickets," Dirk Jenter, an associate professor of finance at the London School of Economics and the Stanford Graduate School of Business told the newspaper. "Most people prefer cash."</p>
<p>Indeed, like any other investment, stock awards come with risks. If your company has granted you a stock award or you're considering a job that includes equity compensation, here are a few questions to consider:</p>
<p>Stock options and RSUs are among the most common types of equity compensation. An employee stock option is a contract that grants an employee the right to buy shares in his or her employer at a specific, fixed price, known as the exercise price, after a designated date. A RSU, in contrast, is a unit of stock that an employee possesses with limited ownership rightsfor instance an employee may receive dividends equivalents for his or her RSUs but won't have the ability to sell the RSUs until a certain date has passed or until a certain condition is met.</p>
<p>RSUs may have overtaken stock options in popularity in recent years. A 2013 survey of more than 400 stock award-granting companies by the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals (NASPP) and Deloitte Consulting found that time-vested RSUs had become more prevalent than options, with the latter experiencing a 31 percent decline in popularity in the last decade.</p>
<p>Some employees may prefer RSUs to stock options because, in the case of options, an employee must spend his or her own money to buy the stock (even if they ultimately sell it), while an RSU is granted to an employee without any investment on his or her part. As such, an RSU generally holds more value than a single stock option for the employee receiving it (unless the company's stock price plummets to zero in which case both RSUs and stock options are worthless.) Therefore, a company must issue more stock options to equal the same value of fewer RSUs, so if a company goes the RSU route it can issue fewer shares than it would through options, resulting in less shareholder dilution.</p>
<p>Businesses, meanwhile, may prefer RSUs to options for reasons ranging from a 2005 accounting rule change that <a href="http://www.informationweek.com/accounting-board-rules-companies-must-expense-options-/d/d-id/1029120?" type="external">required companies to record options as expenses Opens a New Window.</a>(which forced them to deduct the value of the options from their profits) to concerns about shareholder dilution from option grants.</p>
<p>It's common for <a href="https://www.thealertinvestor.com/what-ceos-really-make-breaking-down-executive-compensation/" type="external">executives to receive performance-based equity awards Opens a New Window.</a>, meaning that their stock options may only be exercised, or they only receive full ownership of their RSUs, once certain performance goals are met. For rank-and-file employees, however, performance-based equity awards are more unusual. The 2013 NASPP survey found, for example, that just 9 percent of companies offered performance-based awards to salaried employees with positions below the rank of middle management, while 45 percent offered time-vested restricted stock to such employees.</p>
<p>Companies can use awards that vest over a certain time period as an incentive to retain employees. Vesting is contingent on an employee remaining with the company, with RSUs or options vesting gradually over time. Sometimes vesting doesn't begin until a person has been employed with his or her company for a year or more. For example, following the one-year anniversary of employment, the employee may see his or her stock award vesting on a monthly basis. Sometimes, the timeline can be much longer. Consult your company's HR department to learn how your vesting schedule works.</p>
<p>Generally speaking, portfolio diversification is a good way to mitigate investment risk. Longtime employees may accumulate large holdings of their employer's stock or stock options and if they don't sell at least some of their holdings after they vestand diversify their portfolios through other investmentsthey could find themselves facing steep losses if the company's stock suddenly underperforms. (This problem is one that's also common among employees who accumulate company stock in their 401(k) accounts. <a href="http://www.finra.org/investors/alerts/putting-too-much-stock-your-company_a-401k-problem" type="external">Learn more about that here. Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>"You have people who have millions of dollars in stock options and they tend to think that they're going to regret cashing in the option if the stock goes up significantly afterward, so they end up frozen in their decision making," Thomas said. "It's this fear of making a move that they regret later, when the reality is they're exposing their financial future to a level of risk that no one would ever say is appropriate."</p>
<p>(You can learn more about concentration risk on the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's " <a href="http://www.finra.org/investors/concentrate-concentration-risk" type="external">Concentrate on Concentration Risk Opens a New Window.</a>" page.)</p>
<p>Both RSUs and stock options are subject to taxes, though in different ways. With RSUs, the tax situation is relatively simple: RSUs are taxed upon vesting. But with stock options, the tax implications vary depending on whether you have what are known as "non-qualified" options or "qualified"/"incentive" options. Non-qualified options are taxed when the employee exercises the options, while qualified or incentive options may be taxed when the employee actually sells the options, and may qualify for favorable tax treatment if certain conditions are met. Consult a tax professional to learn more about how your company holdings will be taxed.</p>
<p>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.thealertinvestor.com/employee-stock-awards-five-questions-workers-should-ask/" type="external">thealertinvestor.com Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
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options according kaye thomas author consider options advertisement stock options really became kind currency realm many tech companies starting particular internet companies thomas said companies went see great success employees found exercising stock options paid handsomely prompted even greater interest employee stock options people received large payoffs highly publicized got people tech industry would insist getting stock options thomas said practice since spread beyond tech companies ranging manufacturers insurance firms offering stock awards employeessometimes mixed results wall street journal opens new windowreported last year companies difficulties convincing employees benefits stock awards little bit like paying employeesin lottery tickets dirk jenter associate professor finance london school economics stanford graduate school business told newspaper people prefer cash indeed like investment stock awards come risks company granted stock award youre considering job includes equity compensation questions consider stock options rsus among common types equity compensation employee stock option contract grants employee right buy shares employer specific fixed price known exercise price designated date rsu contrast unit stock employee possesses limited ownership rightsfor instance employee may receive dividends equivalents rsus wont ability sell rsus certain date passed certain condition met rsus may overtaken stock options popularity recent years 2013 survey 400 stock awardgranting companies national association stock plan professionals naspp deloitte consulting found timevested rsus become prevalent options latter experiencing 31 percent decline popularity last decade employees may prefer rsus stock options case options employee must spend money buy stock even ultimately sell rsu granted employee without investment part rsu generally holds value single stock option employee receiving unless companys stock price plummets zero case rsus stock options worthless 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doesnt begin person employed company year example following oneyear anniversary employment employee may see stock award vesting monthly basis sometimes timeline much longer consult companys hr department learn vesting schedule works generally speaking portfolio diversification good way mitigate investment risk longtime employees may accumulate large holdings employers stock stock options dont sell least holdings vestand diversify portfolios investmentsthey could find facing steep losses companys stock suddenly underperforms problem one thats also common among employees accumulate company stock 401k accounts learn opens new window people millions dollars stock options tend think theyre going regret cashing option stock goes significantly afterward end frozen decision making thomas said fear making move regret later reality theyre exposing financial future level risk one would ever say appropriate learn concentration risk financial industry regulatory authoritys concentrate concentration 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<p>RUSH: Now, Rudy Giuliani’s walking back his comments just a bit. Giuliani originally said, “I do not believe — and I know this is a horrible thing to say — but I do not believe that the president loves America. He doesnÂ’t love you. And he doesnÂ’t love me. He wasnÂ’t brought up the way you were brought up and I was brought up, through love of this country.”</p>
<p>Now, Rudy’s dialed that back just a little bit. On Fox &amp; Friends today he said he wanted to make it clear he’s not questioning whether Obama’s a patriot. He thinks he is. He’s just dismayed that, quote, “I very rarely hear him say the things that I use to hear Ronald Reagan say or Bill Clinton say about how much he loves America. I don’t hear him say it.” So he’s dialed it back a little bit. Doesn’t matter. We still have the audio sound bite, reaction to that. That’s coming up, just wanted to let you know.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: Rudy Giuliani, he walked this back earlier on Fox, but he said, “I do not believe — and I know it’s a horrible thing to say — but I did not believe the president loves America.” He said this during a dinner last night in Manhattan. It was at 21. It was a dinner for Scott Walker.</p>
<p>It actually had a bunch of conservative Reaganite types. Walker, it was his turn last night, this same group that was Stephen Moore. Oh, man. Grover Norquist. There was one other. They’ve had one of these dinners for other potential Republican candidates. Last night was Scott Walker’s turn. It was at that dinner where Rudy made these comments. “I know it’s a horrible thing to say, but I don’t believe the president loves America. He doesn’t love you and he doesn’t love me. He wasn’t brought up the way you were brought up and I was brought up, through love of this country.”</p>
<p>Now, he’s walked that back a little bit on Fox this morning by saying he just never hears the president talk about how he loves the country like he always heard Reagan talk about it, he always heard Clinton talk about how much they loved America, but he never hears Obama say it. So let’s go to the sound bites. This is Rudy on Fox this morning, Clayton Morris is interviewing, he said, “You said, ‘When I hear the president speak, that I don’t believe he expresses the love of America as much as he does criticism of America.’ What do you mean, Mr. Mayor?”</p>
<p>GIULIANI: I’m not questioning his patriotism. He’s a patriot, I’m sure. What I’m saying is in his rhetoric I very rarely hear him say the things I used to hear Ronald Reagan say, the things I used to hear Bill Clinton say, about how much he loves America. I do hear him criticize America much more often than other American presidents. And when it’s not in the context of an overwhelming number of statements about the exceptionalism of America, it sounds like he’s more of a critic than he is a supporter. You could be a patriotic American and be a critic, but then you’re not expressing that kind of love that we’re used to from a president.</p>
<p>RUSH: Steve Doocy then next said, “That kind of goes along with what the <a href="" type="internal">president wrote yesterday in the LA Times</a>,” which we quoted to you moments ago. “He’s talking about ISIS which, as we all know, are Islamic terrorists, but he won’t say Islamic. But he says they have legitimate concerns. Put yourself in their shoes.” And Doocy’s right, he did, he said they’ve got grievances, legitimate grievances, and we must try to understand them.</p>
<p>GIULIANI: What I question about the president — maybe it’s even broader than that he doesn’t express a love of America enough, which I don’t think he does. I think he talks more about criticism rather than about what an exceptional country we are. At least I don’t feel that from him. Maybe I’m missing something. But I don’t feel that. I don’t also believe he expresses the love of Western civilization that he should, or an understanding of Western civilization, or what Western civilization has brought to the world. Its faults should be the footnote, and the headline should be what a wonderful country we are.</p>
<p>RUSH: Right. So he continues now here to clarify, and I think he’s saying what a lot of people think about Obama. He does. He’s known for apologizing for America. He’s known for acknowledging what he believes to be our mistakes that justify other people’s actions against us. He’s also enunciated American mistakes as a mechanism for us not having the right to criticize anybody else. There was a human rights seminar in the United States recently, it was a couple years ago, and it was during the time that the state of Arizona was trying to pass its own immigration law because Obama was not enforcing federal immigration law.</p>
<p>So Arizona passed its own law, and some State Department guy stood up and he actually said to a ChiCom diplomat, “Look, it’s kind of tough for me to come here and criticize you, the ChiComs, for your human rights violations when we have our own human rights violations problems ourselves.” And he was talking about Arizona’s immigration law. So the point is that Obama cites and his Regime cites America’s faults as an excuse for not citing the faults of other nations. It’s this behavior on Obama’s part that makes people think he’s got a chip on his shoulder about this. And I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. It’s the way he was raised.</p>
<p>So, anyway, this dinner last night, I said it was in honor of Scott Walker. What it is — I wish I could remember the third host. Steve Moore, who’s formally Wall Street and formally Club for Growth. He’s a Reaganite — it’s Art Laffer. It was Art Laffer and Grover Norquist and Steve Moore. They were the three hosts, but there were a lot of Reaganite type conservatives there. It was at 21.</p>
<p>Scott Walker was invited to come in and there was a roundtable discussion, and I’m sure that he underwent some sort of a quasi-interview process, as a lot of other Republican candidates will at the same dinner. Rudy was one of the attendees, and Rudy, I think, actually spoke. So Scott Walker was on CNBC this morning on their program Squawk Box. Becky Quick said, “You were at this dinner last night where Rudy spoke, and you were sitting just a few chairs away when he said that he didn’t believe the president loves America. He wasn’t brought up the way you and I were brought up. What did you think of what Mayor Giuliani said?”</p>
<p>WALKER: The mayor can speak for himself. I’m not gonna comment on what the president thinks or not. He can speak for himself. I’ll tell you, I love America, and I think there are plenty of people, Democrat, Republican, independent, everything in between, who love this country. I think we should talk about ways that we love this country and that we feel passionately about America, whether it’s about making sure everyone can succeed and live the American dream.</p>
<p>ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Did you agree with those comments? Were you offended by those comments? What was your reaction when you heard them?</p>
<p>WALKER: I’m in New York. I’m used to people saying things.</p>
<p>RUSH: (laughing) “I’m in New York. I’m used to people saying things.” (laughing) Okay, that’s Scott Walker. Now, let’s move to 21. Here’s is Ted Cruz, and he was on with Megyn Kelly last night. She said, ” You know what the presidentÂ’s argument is on this, which is there’s no reason to admit that we’re in a holy war because that gives the terrorists what they want. And he’s worried about alienating those Muslim countries that right now are willing to stand up and fight ISIS,” like Jordan. “Does it undermine our global effort of the coalition he’s trying to build to pit the world against Islam? Even the radical form of Islam?”</p>
<p>CRUZ: What undermines the global effort is for the president of the United States to be an apologist for radical Islamic terrorists. To analogize it to the Crusades from 700 years ago. President al-Sisi in Cairo gave a speech that was courageous. When he called out the radical Islamic terrorists — and president al-Sisi is a Muslim — and he said, “We Muslims need to stand up together against these radical terrorists who are perverting our faith and turning it into a mandate for murder.” Why don’t we see the president of the United States demonstrating that same courage just to speak the truth about the face of evil we’re facing right now?</p>
<p>RUSH: And that’s Ted Cruz last night with Megyn Kelly on Fox.</p> | true | 0 | rush rudy giulianis walking back comments bit giuliani originally said believe know horrible thing say believe president loves america doesnÂt love doesnÂt love wasnÂt brought way brought brought love country rudys dialed back little bit fox amp friends today said wanted make clear hes questioning whether obamas patriot thinks hes dismayed quote rarely hear say things use hear ronald reagan say bill clinton say much loves america dont hear say hes dialed back little bit doesnt matter still audio sound bite reaction thats coming wanted let know break transcript rush rudy giuliani walked back earlier fox said believe know horrible thing say believe president loves america said dinner last night manhattan 21 dinner scott walker actually bunch conservative reaganite types walker turn last night group stephen moore oh man grover norquist one theyve one dinners potential republican candidates last night scott walkers turn dinner rudy made comments know horrible thing say dont believe president loves america doesnt love doesnt love wasnt brought way brought brought love country hes walked back little bit fox morning saying never hears president talk loves country like always heard reagan talk always heard clinton talk much loved america never hears obama say lets go sound bites rudy fox morning clayton morris interviewing said said hear president speak dont believe expresses love america much criticism america mean mr mayor giuliani im questioning patriotism hes patriot im sure im saying rhetoric rarely hear say things used hear ronald reagan say things used hear bill clinton say much loves america hear criticize america much often american presidents context overwhelming number statements exceptionalism america sounds like hes critic supporter could patriotic american critic youre expressing kind love used president rush steve doocy next said kind goes along president wrote yesterday la times quoted moments ago hes talking isis know islamic terrorists wont say islamic says legitimate concerns put shoes doocys right said theyve got grievances legitimate grievances must try understand giuliani question president maybe even broader doesnt express love america enough dont think think talks criticism rather exceptional country least dont feel maybe im missing something dont feel dont also believe expresses love western civilization understanding western civilization western civilization brought world faults footnote headline wonderful country rush right continues clarify think hes saying lot people think obama hes known apologizing america hes known acknowledging believes mistakes justify peoples actions us hes also enunciated american mistakes mechanism us right criticize anybody else human rights seminar united states recently couple years ago time state arizona trying pass immigration law obama enforcing federal immigration law arizona passed law state department guy stood actually said chicom diplomat look kind tough come criticize chicoms human rights violations human rights violations problems talking arizonas immigration law point obama cites regime cites americas faults excuse citing faults nations behavior obamas part makes people think hes got chip shoulder dont think theres doubt way raised anyway dinner last night said honor scott walker wish could remember third host steve moore whos formally wall street formally club growth hes reaganite art laffer art laffer grover norquist steve moore three hosts lot reaganite type conservatives 21 scott walker invited come roundtable discussion im sure underwent sort quasiinterview process lot republican candidates dinner rudy one attendees rudy think actually spoke scott walker cnbc morning program squawk box becky quick said dinner last night rudy spoke sitting chairs away said didnt believe president loves america wasnt brought way brought think mayor giuliani said walker mayor speak im gon na comment president thinks speak ill tell love america think plenty people democrat republican independent everything love country think talk ways love country feel passionately america whether making sure everyone succeed live american dream andrew ross sorkin agree comments offended comments reaction heard walker im new york im used people saying things rush laughing im new york im used people saying things laughing okay thats scott walker lets move 21 heres ted cruz megyn kelly last night said know presidentÂs argument theres reason admit holy war gives terrorists want hes worried alienating muslim countries right willing stand fight isis like jordan undermine global effort coalition hes trying build pit world islam even radical form islam cruz undermines global effort president united states apologist radical islamic terrorists analogize crusades 700 years ago president alsisi cairo gave speech courageous called radical islamic terrorists president alsisi muslim said muslims need stand together radical terrorists perverting faith turning mandate murder dont see president united states demonstrating courage speak truth face evil facing right rush thats ted cruz last night megyn kelly fox | 756 |
<p />
<p>Oct. 10 was a banner day for HP (NYSE: HPQ) shareholders as the stock hit a 52-week high of $15.88 a share before easing by the end of trading. Still, with a 30% jump in value year to date, HP is riding high. What was the impetus for Monday's stellar run?</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>It appears that some of the analysts who've been on the HP fence or were bearish due to the "dying PC market" have finally decided that the rampant gloom and doom was overblown. The good news is that there are multiple reasons for pundits and investors to like what HP CEO Dion Weisler and team are accomplishing.</p>
<p>There is a caveat to the recent good tidings, however.Wall Street's recent upgrades of HP stock are still overly conservative, which should be music to the ears of growth and income investors.</p>
<p>Image source: HP.</p>
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<p>HP analysts chimed in with either upgrades, raised price targets, and/or reiterated positive recommendations on Monday, and it's about time. As HP demonstrated last quarter, and is expected to do again this quarter, it's hitting on most cylinders and even an area of concern for some -- total sales -- has been more than made up for by strength in other areas.</p>
<p>Yes, HP's total revenue declined 4% last quarter to $11.9 billion, but it obliterated the bearish analyst expectations of just $11.44 billion, as did earnings per share of $0.48 compared to the $0.44 pundits had forecast. But HP's slight revenue hiccup was easy to overlook when investors dig a bit deeper, particularly margins, expenses, and non-GAAP (excluding one-time items) net earnings from operations.</p>
<p>Thanks in large part to HP shaving $600 million in expenses yearover year, its net earnings from continuing operations actually climbed 20% before taxes to $843 million last quarter, before it took a hit for "discontinued operations." Weisler's strict expense management efforts are also boosting margins across the board.</p>
<p>HP's personal systems division reported margins of 4.4% las quarter, up from just 2.8% a year-ago and nearly a full percentage point higher than the previous quarter. Printing, HP's Achilles' heel -- though its issues are being addressed -- grew margins to a sky-high 20.4%, well above last year's 17.4%.</p>
<p>Though HP has earned a nod from industry analysts of late, their target prices don't reflect quite as much confidence as Oct. 10's positive stock price movement might indicate. Most of the targets are around the $16-a-share range, which HP stock is nearly at already. If printing is the concern, which it very well could be given its woeful performance last quarter, that shouldn't dissuade investors because HP has a plan.</p>
<p>Last quarter's $4.42 billion in printer sales was a 14% drop compared to 2015's $5.16 billion. Much of the revenue decline can be attributed to HP's supply segment. HP fans have likely heard about its recent $1.05 billion deal to acquire Samsung's (NASDAQOTH: SSNLF) printing and copier business, which includes some assistance for HP's printing supply woes as well.</p>
<p>Bringing Samsung's printing business in-house will not only ramp up sales thanks to its cutting-edge printer-copier lineup utilizing multifunction printer (MFP) technology, the deal also includes the Korea-based giant's supply business and a portfolio of more than 6,500 patents. Weisler's strategy of targeting specific niche markets, just as with HP's surprisingly strong PC division, will also play a key role in turning around its printing results.</p>
<p>The new Sprocket pocket-sized printer is the most recent example of HP's targeted approach. At $130, the Sprocket isn't likely to make a dramatic impact on sales in and of itself. However, its smartphone compatibility and targeting of the world's social media and selfie photogs is right up HP's strategic alley. And with an expected 2.5 trillion pictures snapped this year, those inexpensive Sprockets will require a lot of supplies.</p>
<p>PCs are soaring -- HP topped the U.S. sales list last quarter. HP also boasts a stellar 3.2% dividend yield, is running a leaner, meaner operation, and printing is being addressed. A price target of $16, even with an analyst's "buy" recommendation? The grudging respect is nice, but HP warrants more.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/timbrugger/info.aspx" type="external">Tim Brugger Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | oct 10 banner day hp nyse hpq shareholders stock hit 52week high 1588 share easing end trading still 30 jump value year date hp riding high impetus mondays stellar run continue reading appears analysts whove hp fence bearish due dying pc market finally decided rampant gloom doom overblown good news multiple reasons pundits investors like hp ceo dion weisler team accomplishing caveat recent good tidings howeverwall streets recent upgrades hp stock still overly conservative music ears growth income investors image source hp advertisement hp analysts chimed either upgrades raised price targets andor reiterated positive recommendations monday time hp demonstrated last quarter expected quarter hitting cylinders even area concern total sales made strength areas yes hps total revenue declined 4 last quarter 119 billion obliterated bearish analyst expectations 1144 billion earnings per share 048 compared 044 pundits forecast hps slight revenue hiccup easy overlook investors dig bit deeper particularly margins expenses nongaap excluding onetime items net earnings operations thanks large part hp shaving 600 million expenses yearover year net earnings continuing operations actually climbed 20 taxes 843 million last quarter took hit discontinued operations weislers strict expense management efforts also boosting margins across board hps personal systems division reported margins 44 las quarter 28 yearago nearly full percentage point higher previous quarter printing hps achilles heel though issues addressed grew margins skyhigh 204 well last years 174 though hp earned nod industry analysts late target prices dont reflect quite much confidence oct 10s positive stock price movement might indicate targets around 16ashare range hp stock nearly already printing concern well could given woeful performance last quarter shouldnt dissuade investors hp plan last quarters 442 billion printer sales 14 drop compared 2015s 516 billion much revenue decline attributed hps supply segment hp fans likely heard recent 105 billion deal acquire samsungs nasdaqoth ssnlf printing copier business includes assistance hps printing supply woes well bringing samsungs printing business inhouse ramp sales thanks cuttingedge printercopier lineup utilizing multifunction printer mfp technology deal also includes koreabased giants supply business portfolio 6500 patents weislers strategy targeting specific niche markets hps surprisingly strong pc division also play key role turning around printing results new sprocket pocketsized printer recent example hps targeted approach 130 sprocket isnt likely make dramatic impact sales however smartphone compatibility targeting worlds social media selfie photogs right hps strategic alley expected 25 trillion pictures snapped year inexpensive sprockets require lot supplies pcs soaring hp topped us sales list last quarter hp also boasts stellar 32 dividend yield running leaner meaner operation printing addressed price target 16 even analysts buy recommendation grudging respect nice hp warrants secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window tim brugger opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 520 |
<p>Superior Energy&#160;Services (NYSE: SWK) Q3 2017 Earnings Conference Call October 24, 2017, 9 00 a.m. ET</p>
<p>Contents:</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Prepared RemarksQuestions and AnswersCall Participants</p>
<p>Operator</p>
<p>Good day, and welcome to the Superior Energy Services Third Quarter 2017 Earnings Call. Today's conference is being recorded. At this time, I would like to turn the conference over to Paul Vincent, Vice President of Investor Relations. Please go ahead, Sir.</p>
<p>Paul Vincent -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- Vice President of Investor Relations</p>
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<p>Good morning, and thank you for joining Superior Energy Third Quarter 2017 Conference Call. With me today are Superior's President and Chief Executive Officer, Dave Dunlap, and our CFO, Robert Taylor. During this conference call, management may make forward-looking statements regarding future expectations about the company's business, management's plans for future operations, or similar matters. The company's actual results could differ materially due to several important factors, including those described in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Management will refer to non-GAAP financial measures during this call. In accordance with Regulation G, the company provides a reconciliation of these measures on its website. With that, I'll turn the call over to Dave Dunlap.</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Thank you, Paul, and good morning to everyone listening to the call today. We'll begin with a brief review of our third quarter activity, Robert will discuss segment results, and I'll wrap up with thoughts on strategy and outlook before turning the call over to Q&amp;A.</p>
<p>For the third quarter of 2017, Superior Energy generated revenue of $506 million, adjusted EBITDA, $63 million, and a net loss from continuing operations of $57 million or $0.37 per share.</p>
<p>Operationally, we delivered during the quarter in what clearly remains a challenging market for oilfield services. The pace of acceleration in the US land market slowed during the quarter as average rig count increased only 7%. After peaking mid-quarter, rig count has declined steadily. In both the Gulf of Mexico and international markets, activity levels have remained trepid, with no indications of a change in the near-term. Against this backdrop, our consolidated results reflect an 8% sequential revenue improvement with a 61% incremental EBITDA margin.</p>
<p>Additionally, Superior Energy, along with everyone else in the Houston area, confronted Hurricane Harvey during the quarter. Fortunately, the impact to our business was minimal but the storm did impede our operational momentum. We estimate that hurricane-related interruptions impacted pre-tax losses by approximately $5 million.</p>
<p>In the US land market, our revenue growth of 4% slightly lagged a sequential increase in rig count due to a combination of factors. In our Pressure Pumping business, revenue did not grow to the degree we expected. Although sand volumes increased in July, we saw a decrease in higher volume zipper frac operations in August and September, coupled with less urgency, in general, around the pacing completions. This resulted in lower volumes of sand being pumped sequentially. We view this changing customer behavior as transitory. Our sand volumes have increased in the fourth quarter and completion pace has accelerated.</p>
<p>We feel this pace should continue throughout the quarter -- however, it is too early to gauge how Pressure Pumping utilization will be impacted by holiday schedules, which can vary year to year. The Pressure Pumping market is undersupplied and we continue to win price increases in the fourth quarter and feel confident that trend will continue into 2018. Pressure Pumping was also most impacted by Hurricane Harvey with about $3 million of the estimated $5 million impact to pre-tax losses occurring in this business. A note for listeners that, although we did not add any horsepower during the quarter and, despite the slower pace of revenue growth I discussed, Pressure Pumping EBITDA margins did expand as a result of pricing increases and cost discipline.</p>
<p>What has continued unabated is our customer's drilling intensity and pursuit of longer laterals. As a result, we saw strong growth in premium drill pipe and rental tool demand in US land markets. Coil tubing and well test utilization also continued along a strong growth trajectory. Highlighting just how far our customers are pushing lateral lengths, one of our CATS automated service rigs recently drilled out 46 plugs and a lateral length of greater than 17,000 feet in south Texas. Not only are we proud of the accomplishment, but we believe this unique technology will continue to gain favor as customers seek efficiency improvement in the longest laterals. This is truly a differentiated technology for Superior Energy.</p>
<p>Our Well Service business saw a pickup in utilization in the Rockies. Labor remains extremely tight in this service line and pricing gains are also challenging, given significant industry overcapacity. Gulf of Mexico performance improved sequentially, driven by our Completion Services business reaching peak activity on a number of projects during the quarter. Although this activity will moderate during the fourth quarter and there were interruptions caused by Hurricane Nate, we expect to deploy our Sub-C Well Intervention technology during the quarter to begin a plug-and-abandonment campaign.</p>
<p>International activity picked up during the quarter after a slow first half of the year. This growth was driven by an improving environment in Latin America for our Well Intervention businesses, Well Control activity in Africa, and increased hydraulic workover and snubbing projects in Europe and Australia. These improvements led to revenue increasing approximately 22% with solid incremental margins. Although business conditions are steadily improving and it is pleasing to report sequential growth, this recovery remains tenuous. Our focus is on returning return profile through disciplined investment, to best secure businesses that will not be competitive for capital allocation and recovery, continued cost structure enhancement, and repeatable, reliable execution in the field.</p>
<p>I'll now turn the call over to Robert for our third quarter financial review.</p>
<p>Robert S. Taylor -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- Chief Financial Officer</p>
<p>Thank you, Dave. In discussing our operating segments, all sequential comparisons are being made to our second quarter 2017 results. Third quarter results are adjusted to include the impact of special items which were disclosed in our earnings release. Drilling Products and Services segment of revenue increased 12% to $77 million with a loss from operations of $3 million, compared to a loss from operations of $15 million in the second quarter of 2017. US land revenue increased 22% to $34 million as utilization and pricing increases outpaced rig count addition. Gulf of Mexico revenue increased 5% to $23 million and international revenue increased 7% to $20 million.</p>
<p>In the Onshore Completions and Workover Services segment, which is comprised of product lines that exclusively served US land markets, revenue remained flat at $249 million. The segment reported an adjusted loss from operations of $32 million, compared to loss from operations of $29 million in the second quarter. While Hurricane activity in the third quarter affected all segments, the most significant impact was in this segment. We estimate that weather-related disruptions impacted the pre-tax loss in this segment by approximately $3 million. Continued tightening of supply chains and logistics channels also resulted in elevated non-productive time.</p>
<p>Our Production Services segment revenue increased 10% to $97 million, resulting in a loss from operations of $18 million, compared to a loss from operations of $20 million in the second quarter. US land revenue increased 22% to $40 million as demands for coil tubing and well tests increased. Gulf of Mexico revenue decreased 18% to $16 million as pressure control and coil tubing activity was moderately lower. Gulf of Mexico results were also slowed by hurricane-related interruptions. International revenue increased 14% to $41 million, as most of our Well Intervention services experienced increased demand.</p>
<p>In the Technical Solutions segment, revenue increased 31% to $83 million, resulting in adjusted income from operations of $9 million, compared to a loss from operations of $3 million in the second quarter. US land revenue increased 14 percent to $9 million. Gulf of Mexico revenue increased 24% to $52 million on higher completion tools activity. International revenue increased 62% to $22 million, primarily due to increased well control activity in Africa.</p>
<p>Turning to the balance sheet, our debt-to-capital ratio at the end of the quarter was approximately 54% and our total--debt at quarter end remains $1.3 billion. We ended the quarter with $167 million in cash. During the quarter, we issued $500 million at 7 and 3/4% senior notes due 2024 and redeemed $500 million at 6 and 3/8% senior notes due 2019. We incurred additional interest expense to the total of approximately $6 million, primarily related to the write--off of unamortized debt issuance costs and the timing of the redemption of the 2019 notes.</p>
<p>Subsequent to quarter-end, we extended our revolving credit facility maturity to a 2022 with $300 million asset base revolving credit facility. We also recorded pre-tax charge of $9.9 million for reduction in value of assets during the third quarter. Capital expenditures during the quarter were approximately $53 million. For the year, we expect CapEx to be approximately $150 million.</p>
<p>Before turning the call back over to Dave, here are a few modeling-related items. G&amp;A for the quarter was $74 million, slightly below the lower end of our guidance, primarily as a result of lower compensation in insurance-related expenses. We expect fourth quarter G&amp;A to be in the range of $74 million to $78 million. We expect DD&amp;A to be in the range of $109 million to $114 million. Fourth quarter interest expense, which includes a full quarter of interest for our new senior notes, is expected to be in the range of $25 million to $27 million. Our expected income tax rate for the third quarter 2017 was 33% and we expect the rate for 2017 to remain in the range of 32% to 33%.</p>
<p>Thank you, and I'll turn the call back over to Dave for closing comments.</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Okay. Thanks, Robert. As we enter the final quarter of 2017, we're a much healthier company and industry fundamentals have greatly improved from last year. With that said, we remain in a challenging environment. Uncertainty around oil prices, uncertainty around our customer's spending plans for 2018, and uncertainty of long-term oil demand growth have cast a pall over our industry despite the fundamental business improvements that we are experiencing. Against that backdrop, we have very clearly strategic goals for this recovery. These are to improve our return profile and reduce debt levels. After a prolonged downturn, the business has capital requirements in the early days of recovery, but we will continue to be cautious about capital spending and continue to seek cost improvement. We believe there will be very strong momentum in pricing improvement in the Pressure Pumping market through 2019.</p>
<p>Capital spending in Pressure Pumping will be directed toward maintaining the 750,000-horsepower that will be deployed by first quarter 2018. There may be opportunities to deploy some expansion capital in premium drill pipe, bottom hole assemblies, or CATS rigs, all of which are product lines whose performance has a strong correlation to lateral length. However, as much uncertainties exist in the market today, expect us to remain cautious with our use of cash. In the fourth quarter, we expect the US Land Completions market to remain strong and expect pricing in our Pressure Pumping business to increase throughout the quarter. We also expect our CATS rigs to be productive in the quarter, offsetting, to some degree, the typical seasonal activity declines we usually observe in our high--spec Well Service business.</p>
<p>During 2017, we expect our Permian Basin revenue to approximately double and our overall Pressure Pumping revenue to approximately triple over 2016 levels. This incredible surge in activity is clearly creating inefficiencies in the supply chain. As customers continue to learn more about the optimal techniques to drilling complete wells and extremely heterogeneous reservoirs, persistent challenges with labor and less miles in transport remain the background. I believe that activity in the Permian Basin will continue to increase, but likely at a more measured pace than we have observed during the past 12 months. A measured pace of increase should allow the supply chain and our customers to become more efficient and for outcomes to become more predictable.</p>
<p>In the Gulf of Mexico, we expect performance to decline as a portion of our Completion Services activity rolls off after peaking the third quarter. Additionally, we expect normal seasonality and interruptions related to Hurricane Nate. Our work in the gulf during Q3 was skewed toward Completions--oriented projects and our premium drill pipe business and we expect this to revert to a more balanced mix between Drilling and Completions in Q4. This mix--shift will be offset, somewhat, by the commencement of a Sub-C plug-and-abandonment project utilizing our proprietary subsidy intervention technology.</p>
<p>International revenue may be a bit weaker in the fourth quarter as we don't anticipate further Well Control work to repeat. Excluding that, our expectations is for relatively flat activity levels, particularly in our Productions Services segment and margins that continue to be substantially improved from the first half of 2017.</p>
<p>Looking ahead to 2018, we're anticipating entering the year with a capital spending level similar to our 2017 program. Much of this will be allocated toward US land businesses with improving return profiles. At this point, any expansionary investment would be restricted to premium drill pipe and CATS rigs. As occurred this year, should business results improve ahead of expectations, we will post a new board to stand our businesses up to meet growing market demands.</p>
<p>Before opening the lines to questions, I'll note the third quarter consolidated revenue was 55% greater than our 2016 third quarter and our $63 million of EBITDA compared favorably to the negative $14 million in Q3 last year. We appreciate that investors are concerned about the extent of this recovery. We are, too. I just remind everyone that we've come a long way in 12 months and expect continued improvement over the next 12 months. Patience and discipline will be rewarded and, from the boardroom to the field, everyone at Superior is committed to the discipline and values required to achieve our long-term strategic goals.</p>
<p>And, with that, Operator, we'll please open the line up for Q&amp;A.</p>
<p>Operator</p>
<p>Thank you. If you would like to ask a question, please signal by pressing Star 1 on your telephone keypad. If you are using a speakerphone, please make sure your mute function is turned off to allow your signal to reach our equipment. Please limit yourself to one question and one follow-up question to give others opportunities to ask their questions. Again, press star 1 to ask a question. Our first question is from Wokhar Zayed from Goldman Sachs.</p>
<p>Wokhar Zayed&#160;-- Goldman Sachs</p>
<p>Thank you. David, the P&amp;A campaign that seems to be starting in the first quarter, how long is this going to last? How many wells campaign is that?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Well, it's multiple wells. We expect it to last into the first quarter, but continue to try and build a book of business to fill in behind that. We've been really inactive with Sub-C P&amp;A work during 2018 and our belief is that we'll see that overall utilization, both in the Gulf of Mexico and internationally, pick up during 2018. We've had some time now to go market the technology and the uptake seems pretty good so we're optimistic about a more complete book of business in 2018.</p>
<p>Wokhar Zayed&#160;-- Goldman Sachs</p>
<p>And, for the second unit, where do you expect that to be on jobs?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Yeah, so the second system is being finalized now. We expect that it will be ready for deployment during 2018.</p>
<p>Wokhar Zayed&#160;-- Goldman Sachs</p>
<p>Okay. And do you have any view on which quarter or not yet?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Not yet. I think if we get better visibility on the book of business building, we'll be sure to let you guys know that.</p>
<p>Wokhar Zayed&#160;-- Goldman Sachs</p>
<p>Okay. Thank you and much success on that.</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Operator</p>
<p>And we'll take our next question from Will Herbert with Simmons &amp; Company.</p>
<p>William Herbert -- Simmons &amp; Company International -- Head of Energy Research, Oil Service</p>
<p>Thanks. Good morning, Dave. I was curious as to whether you could talk about just the runway for margin improvement within frac. You had in Onshore Completions, EBITDA margins in second quarter 6.7%, so is frac accreted to that margin, first of all? Secondly, what kind of runway do we have left for frac margin improvement are what are the levers for margin improvement?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>The answer is, yeah, there is room for margin improvement there and I think it continues to build. I think that we'll continue to see price improvement opportunities, I guess, first off. Primarily, they're related to frac in that segment. The Well Service rig pricing opportunities seem rather minimal at this point, although we get some price improvements with things like CATS but most of the price improvement we see in that segment will be related to fracturing. And we'll see price improvement in the fourth quarter -- we saw a bit in the third quarter. I think it would have been more apparent if our sand volumes would have been higher in the third quarter and they were lower than we expected.</p>
<p>As I commented, we had significantly fewer zipper frac operations that we were on in the third quarter than what we had in the second quarter and that has an impact on volume. And, when that volume diminishes, as it did for us in August and September, it clearly had an effect on our expectations for what third quarter frac results would be. So, I think you can relate that to utilization, so pricing and utilization are two of those levers and then there's cost.</p>
<p>So, some of the inefficiencies that we experienced during the third quarter included trucking -- trucking was difficult for us during the third quarter and I think for others. There's clearly been a shortage of trucking to deliver that last mile of sand transport, particularly in the Permian Basin. We've already seen improvement on that front as we enter into the fourth quarter so I think this is just a function of the market catching up with activity.</p>
<p>And there's a whole range of inefficiencies that are out there, as well, Bill. We've been delayed on locations as things like perforating guns didn't fire or as other parts of the completion supply chain has been less efficient than normal. So, I think a lot of that is just related to the extreme ramp-up that we've had in the Permian Basin over a short period of time and I think what happens is we move forward as we see overall supply chain operating more efficiently. We're beginning to see evidence of that today so those are, really, the three primary things that I think cause margin improvement to continue in the fracturing business.</p>
<p>William Herbert&#160;-- Simmons &amp; Company International -- Head of Energy Research, Oil Service</p>
<p>Okay, and then one more from me. If there's going to be a tendency to get more varied and more balanced with regard to E&amp;T capital spending, how do you think that plays out with regard to runway for continued pricing improvement in frac and the deconsolidated nature of the DITMOS? And the market being relatively close to imbalanced, obviously, incremental capacity coming on, you make a good point with regard to an ongoing wear and tear of the frac and the rebuild commitment going forward, but how do you think about pricing in an environment in which E&amp;T capital spending is more balanced and less frenzied?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Yeah, I think that, as certainly, then the price increase and price improvement opportunities become a bit less frenzied, as well. And I think expectations should be that price increases occur on something that's a bit more of a moderate pace than what we saw between Q4 '16 and Q4 '17, which I say that was a much more rapid pace increase. So, I don't think that we'll see a repeat of the pace of price increase that we saw from Q1 to Q2 but I think moderate increase opportunities are available throughout our customer base. And, yeah, although fracturing supply and demand, it's impossible for me to know. I can't tell so I don't know how you can tell how far out of balance the market is. It still feels like there is a bit less demand than there is supply and I personally believe that that continues to be pressured in 2018 as a result of attrition. And so, I think that continues to keep the market in a bit of an undersupply situation, which provides the momentum for moderate price increases moving forward.</p>
<p>William Herbert&#160;-- Simmons &amp; Company International -- Head of Energy Research, Oil Service</p>
<p>Okay. Thank you.</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>You're welcome.</p>
<p>Operator</p>
<p>We'll take our next question from Marshal Atkins with Raymond James.</p>
<p>Marshall Adkins -- Raymond James &amp; Associates, Inc. -- Director of Energy Research</p>
<p>Hi, Dave. How do these logistics issues -- you just gave us a little more color on -- how long does it take those to subside? Is this a one-quarter deal or a full year deal?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Well, Marshall, it's not a one-quarter deal. Trucking in the Permian Basin has been a challenge since we started ramping up activity about this time last year and so I think what we see are intermittent challenges from day-to-day, but we're also seeing more trucks show up in the basin as rates have gone up and so... You know how this game gets played when the trucking supply is tight, then their prices go up and that attracts drivers and trucks from other parts of the US. And so, we did see a rate increase that occurred between Q2 and Q3 and, already, what we're seeing is a bit more balance in the trucks that are available to move sand in the Permian. This has been a big ramp-up in the demand over a short period of time and I do see that... We already see that improving today. I think it continues to improve as time goes on.</p>
<p>Marshall Adkins -- Raymond James &amp; Associates, Inc. -- Director of Energy Research</p>
<p>Fair enough. And then, it sounds like you certainly perceive a modestly underbalanced market for the foreseeable future. I assume that means you're fully booked, No. 1, and, No. 2, just remind us where you stand on your reactivations, and thoughts on new builds, and all that stuff?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Yeah, so we reached our 600,000-horsepower current capacity mid-point of the second quarter. We haven't added any additional capacity since then. We have 150,000-horsepower that is currently in some stage of capital rebuild. We expect all of that horsepower to be available as we get into the first quarter -- it's all on-track and on-schedule -- and so that'll take us to 750,000-horsepower at some point, I think early Q1. Our intention, based on what we see in the marketplace today is to hold steady at 750,000-horsepower. We'll have some capital associated with that maintenance in 2018, but I know, what I've talked publicly about and still feel is the right call for Superior, is any expansion for fracturing capacity in our business would really have to be driven by change in the commodity price outlook. I don't feel real good about making a commitment on fracturing expansion until we see a better oil price.</p>
<p>Marshall Adkins -- Raymond James &amp; Associates, Inc. -- Director of Energy Research</p>
<p>Is there any drag on margins from what you're doing an additional 150,000 right now or is that mainly capital?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>It's mainly capital. As we activate those additional fleets, there'll be moderate cost inefficiency to bring the labor on-board, but I can't say that's an impact on the third quarter.</p>
<p>Marshall Adkins -- Raymond James &amp; Associates, Inc. -- Director of Energy Research</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>You're welcome.</p>
<p>Operator</p>
<p>We'll take our next question from Brad Handler with Jefferies.</p>
<p>Brad Handler -- Jefferies &amp; Company -- Managing Director, Equity Research</p>
<p>Thanks. Good morning. Well, why don't we switch gears? Let's make sure we cover a couple of other divisions. And you turned a very nice profit improvement in Drilling Products and Services on the margin side, particularly, relative to, certainly, revenues were not so dissimilar from our estimate. And, if our math is close, then it was incremental margins, sequentially, of well over 100% so, presumably, there's some beneficial mix in there. So, maybe you could just shed a little more color on that profit improvement in Q3 and then maybe extend that into the sustainability of current margin levels, please?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Yeah, I think it's probably unrealistic to always expect to have incremental margins that are over 100 percent. We did have some nice mix. We commented in our prepared remarks that a good mix from the Gulf of Mexico, which was largely Completions-related worked, probably reverting in the fourth quarter into something that's a more normal mix in premium drill pipe rentals between Completion and Drilling. We did see our US land revenue for our premium drill pipes increase.</p>
<p>We are seeing pretty extreme wear and tear on our premium drill pipe and some of these long horizontals. When we have damage to the drill pipe, then the customer buys it. And, depending on the depreciated life of that pipe, that can be a pretty good margin product so... Although, of course, we don't have the pipe to rent next time, so we've got to go out and replace it. I think it was a favorable mix, overall, and I don't think it's something you can count on every quarter but, clearly, the US growth in those downhole rental-related product lines continues to be very strong. And I think that it's really driven by lateral length, more so than just rig count.</p>
<p>Brad Handler -- Jefferies &amp; Company -- Managing Director, Equity Research</p>
<p>Okay. I guess just, if we think about the fourth quarter, then, maybe a little directional help? It sounds like, perhaps, we would look for a little bit of revenue decline. Should we expect EBIT margins to fall back, to decline, in the fourth quarter, again, just that reversion in the Gulf of Mexico or are there some other factors that might help keep it at those levels?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>I think that's probably a reasonable assumption. I would expect revenue, certainly, to be down just a bit in the fourth quarter, just from third quarter and DPS, and margins probably reducing somewhat from where we saw them in the third quarter but it's moderate. It's not extreme by any means.</p>
<p>Brad Handler -- Jefferies &amp; Company -- Managing Director, Equity Research</p>
<p>Okay. If I could... If I'm going to count that as one question, maybe, then my follow up... And maybe I'll sidestep to something on the balance sheet. Robert, could you just help us understand the new revolver a little bit better? Where does the fixed charged covered ratio stand today and what is availability on the revolver, in total, based on the assets today?</p>
<p>Robert S. Taylor -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- Chief Financial Officer</p>
<p>The availability today is about $285 million and the fixed charge coverage really comes into question when we get down to availability of less than $50 million so that really doesn't come into play in any of our forecasts at all.</p>
<p>Brad Handler -- Jefferies &amp; Company -- Managing Director, Equity Research</p>
<p>Sure. Okay. I understand. Okay. Very good. Thank you, guys. I'll turn it back.</p>
<p>Operator</p>
<p>We'll take our next question from Vaibhav Vaishnav with Cowen &amp; Co.</p>
<p>Vaibhav Vaishnav -- Cowen &amp; Co. LLC -- Research Associate, Oils Equity Research</p>
<p>Good morning and taking for taking the question. I guess it seems like Pressure Pumping revenues were flattish. There were some one-time issues, seems like, in third quarter. How should we think about fourth quarter, given you're not adding any more capacity but this third quarter inefficiency could actually clawback? So, if you could please help us with any kind of quantification of how much we should expect for Pressure Pumping revenues?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Yeah, I'm not going to quantify. What I would say is that our revenue was clearly less than we expected and it was mainly driven by a mix that was a lot fewer zipper fracs than what we did in the second quarter. Zipper fracs have a very strong correlation to overall revenue. These are the types of Completions that generate the highest number of hours that we work in a given day with any frac fleet and so, fewer zipper fracs in August and September certainly caused revenue in Pressure Pumping to be less than I thought they would be in the third quarter.</p>
<p>What we witnessed already at the beginning of fourth quarter is reversion back to a similar job next to what we had in Q2 on zipper fracs. So, at this point, I would expect Q4 revenue to have the same type of balance of zipper fracs that we saw in the second quarter. That means the revenue's going to be up. How much is the revenue going to be up fracturing? I don't know. Probably a good benchmark would be somewhere in the 5% to 8% range.</p>
<p>Vaibhav Vaishnav -- Cowen &amp; Co. LLC -- Research Associate, Oils Equity Research</p>
<p>That's very helpful. And you guys have been putting up very strong incrementals -- 60% plus in 3Q, around 55% in 2Q -- can we mention this 55% plus incrementals in the near time or something about that?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>I think this relates to a number of things. One, we did see utilization increase dramatically from first quarter to second quarter. Those incrementals were less driven by price than they were by utilization. I think that, in the third quarter, we saw a bit of utilization increase but, for the most part, it was more price. And I think, in incrementals from third to fourth quarter will be impacted more by price and some of these inefficiencies that I spoke of, particularly, in sand transport and Permian Basin begin to work their way out, more so than utilization.</p>
<p>We're not expecting any significant changes across the board in utilization from Q3 to Q4, particularly, in fraction because we're not deploying more equipment. And so, Q1, you're right, I do think we'll continue to see utilization in coil tubing improve. I think CATS utilization will continue to be strong. Our Well Testing and Flow Back business, I think as we've seen, increase utilization and so there's certainly parts of our US business that I would expect to see utilization continue to improve, but not so much in fracturing -- we haven't deployed any more assets.</p>
<p>Vaibhav Vaishnav -- Cowen &amp; Co. LLC -- Research Associate, Oils Equity Research</p>
<p>If I may ask just one last question, just I want to understand how the pricing point works in Pressure Pumping. If you look at, a better way of asking, how much is the lag between pricing and when it runs through your income statement? In other words, if you look at a pricing running through your Pressure Pumping in 3Q, is that more reflective of pricing that you guys discussed in first quarter, second quarter, or is that more real-time third quarter?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Yeah, so it's a good question. Most of our pricing in the third quarter was set at one point during the second quarter. There was some that was set during July, but I'd say most of it was agreed to with customers in the second half of Q2. And I'd say the same on Q4 pricing -- it's part of what gives us confidence is you know most of our fracturing business is with long-term, committed customers and so those are pricing discussions which generally are occurring at least a couple months in advance of pricing and making changes. What we see for pricing in the fourth quarter is all stuff that was agreed to in, I think, August or September.</p>
<p>Vaibhav Vaishnav -- Cowen &amp; Co. LLC -- Research Associate, Oils Equity Research</p>
<p>That's very helpful. Thank you for taking my question.</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>You're welcome.</p>
<p>Operator</p>
<p>We'll take our next question from Jim Wicklund with Credit Suisse.</p>
<p>James Wicklund -- Credit Suisse Securities, LLC -- Managing Director, Equity Research</p>
<p>Good morning, guys. David, they say you went to 600,000-horsepower in Q2 and so the average in Q3 would be a little higher. I'm just curious, what percentage of your Pressure Pumping revenues are sand? And I know that at least 75% of Completions in the Permian are zipper fracs -- do you see that changing any? I'm just still trying to figure out the short ball in both of those and, relative to our model, Pressure Pumping, Onshore Completion, and Workover was about $30 million light and that just seems like an awful lot of sand and logistics disruption. I'm just trying to understand the magnitude of sand in that revenue stream.</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Sure. So, overall, sand revenue -- and it will vary from quarter to quarter Jim -- but think in the range of 30%, 35%, 40% of overall revenue in any given quarter. That's approximately what our overall sand revenue would be. And, listen, I was surprised by the sand volume in the third quarter, as well, and we heard some of our competitors speak of lesser sand volumes in the second quarter, which we didn't experience -- we saw higher sand volumes per stage, higher sand volumes well into the second quarter. So, I was a bit surprised by what we saw in the third quarter, as well. And some of this is just a mix in what customers are doing. I'll tell you this, we did see customers in the third quarter that -- I won't say that they slowed their pace -- but they seemed to be grabbing a realization of what pace is possible based on overall restrictions in the supply chain.</p>
<p>And that doesn't necessarily cause a pause, by any means, but it did seem to be a bit of a slow-down in overall utilization during third quarter. They're all being... their pace seems to change quite a bit as we get into the fourth quarter -- there seems to be a bit of, I think, concern around reaching production targets so we've seen some companies that have added some frac fleets in the marketplace over the course of the last couple of months to hit production targets in Q4 but... So, those were some things that were surprising to us in the third quarter. I think you can't ignore the fact that we did have some Texas fracturing fleets that were shut down for between five and seven days during the quarter, as well, so that certainly was an impediment to revenue.</p>
<p>James Wicklund -- Credit Suisse Securities, LLC -- Managing Director, Equity Research</p>
<p>Okay. And Well Control issues in Africa while Well Control Boots and Coots -- we've followed those guys in the past -- and a 62 percent increase in technical was fabulous. What built you up and how much of that will repeat in Q4 -- because situations like that are episodic, as opposed to ongoing -- can you help us understand what that was?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Well, listen, the Well Control visits is one of the most difficult for us to budget and predict that we have. It is episodic and, with the exception of some extremely public Well Control problems, we tend not to speak specifically about Well Control jobs in interest of protecting that information for our customers' benefit, but it was a real good quarter for Well Control. It was also a real good quarter, as we pointed out, for Completion Tools and we've been very active in the Gulf of Mexico.</p>
<p>Q3 was a peak for us on the Stampede Project with Hess, which has been a great Gulf of Mexico completion tool project for us and we've alerted you guys over time, we thought Q3 would be a peak. So, Well Control and Completions Tools were really the primary contributor to very strong segment performance scores. I should point out, since you've asked the question, listen, it's one of the benefits that I've spoken of within Superior Energy Services for a long time. That diversity in product line and exposure to markets outside the Permian Basin frac market help us in quarters like this. It did this quarter, no question there.</p>
<p>James Wicklund -- Credit Suisse Securities, LLC -- Managing Director, Equity Research</p>
<p>Okay. Thank you, David.</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>You're welcome.</p>
<p>Operator</p>
<p>We'll take our next question from David Anderson with Barclays.</p>
<p>David Anderson -- Barclays Capital, Inc -- Senior Equity Analyst, Oilfield Services &amp; Equipment</p>
<p>Alright. Good morning, Dave. Hey, I want to get back to the question on the zipper fracs. Was there a change in your customer base this quarter and new customer aren't doing the same zipper fracs? I guess I'm just curious as to why you're seeing the change in Completions and Designs. I would have thought that zipper fracs would have been the most efficient means for producing these formations so what is actually changing here? You highlighted earlier these changes in Well Designs. Can you just dig into that a little bit more for us?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Yeah, I would not characterize what we saw as changes in Well Design. It was a change in the wells that we were fracturing. We didn't have change in the customer base, either, so where our waiting of number of fracs that were zipper fracs compared to non-zipper fracs was just different. And it was different with a couple different customers during the quarter and there's not a strong explanation for it so... It is something that is reverted back in Q4 -- part of that is because we've gone to those customers and said, "We need a little bit different exposure on your zipper fracs," which they've accommodated. Not every well is a zipper frac and, in the Permian Basin, we see continued variation in Completion Design and Completion Technique with customers as they continue to learn what works best in their rock.</p>
<p>But, yeah, I'd also point out, we had customers that experienced challenges from frac-heads during the course of the third quarter so it's just another example of us, as an industry, learning how to do things most efficiently. We had a couple of frac fleets that were shut down for a few days as a customer was getting frac-heads on a wall that they were drilling. So, all of those things, I attribute to basic inefficiencies that are out there in the supply chain that were certainly abundant during the third quarter and are change in mix from away from zipper fracs during the third quarter was part of our inefficiency in generating frac revenue.</p>
<p>David Anderson -- Barclays Capital, Inc -- Senior Equity Analyst, Oilfield Services &amp; Equipment</p>
<p>So, your expectations of inefficiencies could largely be resolved by fourth quarter?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Yeah, we've certainly seen, already, in this quarter, our overall fleets in the Permian shifted more toward zipper fracs and that's a similar mix to what we saw in the second quarter. I'm not trying to represent every frac that we do is a zipper frac -- that wouldn't be accurate -- but the mix today seems much more similar to what the mix was in the second quarter and that does have a revenue impact for us.</p>
<p>David Anderson -- Barclays Capital, Inc -- Senior Equity Analyst, Oilfield Services &amp; Equipment</p>
<p>Alright. Thanks, Dave, and just one last quick question on the sand side. Can you just help us understand...? It was great to understand how much of your volumes on the jobs are sand and I think we got a clear view of that. How do we think about the margins on sand versus the margins on your core Pressure Pumping business? Is it lucrative, is it in-line, is it a little worse? Can you just roughly point us in the right direction there?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Margins on sand, specifically?</p>
<p>David Anderson -- Barclays Capital, Inc -- Senior Equity Analyst, Oilfield Services &amp; Equipment</p>
<p>Right. Is it incremental...? When you say you're losing the volumes -- you didn't have those -- I'm just curious how we think about the margins on those sand versus the margins on, say, your core Pressure Pumping business.</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>I think the way you really need to think about this is not so much about a margin on sand, but clearly, there is margin associated with every pound of sand that we put through a pump and so sand going through the pump is what drives utilization and revenue. And so that's what's driving the margin -- it's not necessarily associated with the pound of sand that we pump. Does that make sense? Does that help with that...?</p>
<p>David Anderson -- Barclays Capital, Inc -- Senior Equity Analyst, Oilfield Services &amp; Equipment</p>
<p>Yeah. Thanks, Dave.</p>
<p>Operator</p>
<p>Our next question is Kurt Hallead from RBC.</p>
<p>Kurt Hallead -- RBC Capital Markets -- Managing Director &amp; Co-head of Global Energy Research</p>
<p>Hey, good morning.</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Morning.</p>
<p>Kurt Hallead -- RBC Capital Markets -- Managing Director &amp; Co-head of Global Energy Research</p>
<p>Hey, Dave, you brought a lot of good color here, maybe an opportunity to spend a little bit of time on the international dynamics. And, when you think about 2018 on the international front, what countries, what areas, what opportunities do you see for growth for Superior?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Yeah, so I think we are focused on individual countries that I'll speak to -- not so much geographical areas -- but let me start out with Latin America. We do think that Argentina is a market where we will continue to see really good growth opportunities in 2018. Like a lot of people, we are really optimistic about election results there and how a more business-friendly government is going to track foreign investment for further development of Vaca Muerta, which we're very exposed to and think that Argentina is going to be a great growth environment in 2018.</p>
<p>We think the Middle East is also going to be a growth environment for us and, specifically, in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. We've got some product lines that are working in Saudi now, but we've been very active in getting things qualified in Saudi and Kuwait over the last year, 18 months, and I think that we'll begin to see some fruits of that labor during 2018. We're still bullish on India in 2018. India's been a bit disappointing for us in the second half of '17. We thought we'd see some increases in activity and it's really been relatively flattish. But we've positioned ourselves with fracturing assets, and coil tubing assets, as well as Well Services business in India and think that 2018 will be a good opportunity for us in India.</p>
<p>We've also seen some general improvement for us in the North Sea and we do have our rental tool product line, as well as our hydraulic workover and snubbing business that has activity in the North Sea. So, I think, in general, we're feeling favorable about international in 2018. I don't know that you'll see the same kind of right-angle recovery in the international markets that we experienced in the last 12 months in the US, but I think the recovery, nonetheless, will be apparent.</p>
<p>Kurt Hallead -- RBC Capital Markets -- Managing Director &amp; Co-head of Global Energy Research</p>
<p>Okay. So, given that outlook, Dave, it's pretty clear that there's going to be international growth for Superior on a year-on-year basis. Given the fact that you guys are rifle-shot in specific countries and it's harder for you to peg your growth rates on international in some sort of rig count assumption, any kind of general framework we can think about on revenue growth for international for Superior next year?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>I'd rather wait and talk to you about that. Next quarter, we'll be going through our budgeting process over the course of the next weeks or so and I think what we'll try to do is, when we report our fourth quarter earnings, is give you some bookends on what we see as far as the range of growth opportunity to expect in international next year.</p>
<p>Kurt Hallead -- RBC Capital Markets -- Managing Director &amp; Co-head of Global Energy Research</p>
<p>That's fair enough. So, Dave, maybe one follow-up here. So, you talked about supply chain challenges -- we've heard that thematically through a number of different conference calls here -- I know I've talked to you in the past you mentioned labor being bottleneck, as well. What do you see occurring as you get into '18? Maybe some of this supply chain dynamics leave but, from a labor standpoint, how does that dynamic change, if at all?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Labor has currently been a challenge during the last 12 months. It's really been, as much of anything, driven by the extreme increase that we've seen in utilization and activity over the last 12 months. I, certainly, have bias to believe that we continue to see activity increase in 2018, but it's not at the same pace so it causes the access to labor challenge to be, perhaps, a little bit more favorable than what it's been over the last 12 months. But, that all being said, we can continue to see labor challenges in our Well Service business line and that's a little bit different type of labor force than what works in fracturing.</p>
<p>Our fracturing hands are generally working 12-hour days, 14 days on, 7 days off, and our Well Service crews tend to work more -- other than those who are associated with Completions -- tend to be more five-day, 10 to 12-hour day operations. It's a different labor pool and that one's been a little bit harder for us to access in recent months, and I would expect it continues to be challenging in 2018.</p>
<p>Now, the reality of this is, with Well Service margins where they are and what have been fairly limited price improvement opportunities, I can't say we've been all that anxious to go activate new rigs and hire new crews but, if we saw a surge in demand for Well Service rigs, that may be a restriction.</p>
<p>Kurt Hallead -- RBC Capital Markets -- Managing Director &amp; Co-head of Global Energy Research</p>
<p>May I speak one additional... and just a commentary about fracturing demand exceeding supply -- we've heard that consistently throughout the process and, I don't know, it seems to be a little bit of a mixed read on pricing because, with all the commentary about demand exceeding supply, you think there'd be a much more significant increase in pricing power, but it's been more moderate. Right? So, what's your take? How do we square everything up on that dynamic -- demand exceeding supply and, yet, you're not getting the kind of pricing power that you may have seen in prior situations when demand exceeds supply?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Yeah, I think that... Look, I think that there was a very significant change in pricing that occurred between Q4 '16 and Q2 of '17. And I don't think that type of pace to price increase is something that should be expected to be repeatable, but I think that where we are from Q2 to Q3 and Q3 to Q4, there's still significant price increase and we need to continue to get significant price increases so, as an industry, we're generating enough gas to replace its equivalent, which is wearing out very rapidly.</p>
<p>So, I think that there is still, and will continue to be, momentum in the marketplace to get a higher price as we move forward. I don't think you should be thinking about double-digit quarter-to-quarter price increases but I think that we will experience a time when we've got mid-single digit and 6%, 7%, 8% price improvement opportunities from quarter-to-quarter. I think it's something to reasonably expect as we go through the next several quarters. And, clearly, that will begin to abate as we start to reach a price which is delivered at a replacement-type margin in this business.</p>
<p>Kurt Hallead -- RBC Capital Markets -- Managing Director &amp; Co-head of Global Energy Research</p>
<p>Okay. Awesome. Thanks for the color, Dave.</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Yeah.</p>
<p>Operator</p>
<p>We'll take our next question from Chase Mulvehill with Wolfe Research.</p>
<p>Chase Mulvehill -- Wolfe Research LLC -- Director, Oilfield Service Management</p>
<p>Hey, good morning, Dave.</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Chase.</p>
<p>Chase Mulvehill -- Wolfe Research LLC -- Director, Oilfield Service Management</p>
<p>I guess, in Onshore Completion and Workover Services, as we look out to the fourth quarter, can we expect to have 10% or greater EBITDA margins?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>So, I think what you can expect in that segment from Q3 to Q4 is think revenue increases that are, again, in the 5%, 6%, 7%, 8% range and I don't think it's unreasonable to believe -- at least before allocations -- that we've got EBITDA margins that are, I don't know, 11% to 13%, 11% to 14%, in that range.</p>
<p>Chase Mulvehill -- Wolfe Research LLC -- Director, Oilfield Service Management</p>
<p>Okay. And, when we think about 3Q and the impact that non-productive time has across your fleet, can you talk about the main drivers of that and, basically, how much underutilized your fleet was in 3Q because of that?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Yeah, I don't know that I've tried to measure it in terms of how much underutilized we were. I know, in south Texas, we lost five to seven days with four frac fleets as a result of the hurricane and shutdown in south Texas from flooding and the Harvey impact. I don't know exactly how many days we lost in utilization in the Permian Basin. I can just tell you that, as I talk to our managers in that business, it seemed like, throughout the quarter, there were constantly things that were going on so we were delayed or slowed down on trucking, we were waiting on perforating guns from other suppliers in order to get a well perforated that we need to frac.</p>
<p>I mentioned before the frac-head that we experienced and shut down two frac fleets and the customer tried to figure out what they were going to do going forward as a result of taking frac-heads on a well that they were drilling. I couldn't tell you exactly how many days it impacted -- I just know it was out there. It was noise that was out there during the quarter and I attribute it, just in general, to the inefficiencies we have because of the pace of scale-up that's gone on in the Permian Basin. I don't believe that those are things that are necessarily specific to Superior -- I think that they're across the board -- and I do expect them to improve as time goes on because, as we get a bit more accustomed to the overall pace of activity, as an industry, in the Permian Basin, we will get more efficient.</p>
<p>Chase Mulvehill -- Wolfe Research LLC -- Director, Oilfield Service Management</p>
<p>Okay. I guess, as we move forward and some of these non-productive issues work themselves out as activity growth slows, how should we think about the average number of stages that you complete per day across your day across your fleet in any particular calendar month -- I guess, basically, taking into account maintenance, or anything like that? Is it three and a half stages per day per fleet? Is it four? Four and a half stages? How should we think about this?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Yeah, so we haven't given those specifics as a metric in the business, Chase. What I would expect, though, is that it continues to go up.</p>
<p>Chase Mulvehill -- Wolfe Research LLC -- Director, Oilfield Service Management</p>
<p>Okay. Alrighty. And then, last one on the zipper fracs, what percentage of your fleet or what percentage of your stages, maybe, were done on zipper fracs in 3Q and then how does that compare to 2Q?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Yeah, so what I can tell you is the amount of zipper fracs we were doing was down about 30% during the quarter.</p>
<p>Chase Mulvehill -- Wolfe Research LLC -- Director, Oilfield Service Management</p>
<p>Wow.</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>And it caused the overall sand volume to be down during the course of the quarter, as well. We were pretty active with zipper fracs -- really didn't see a mix change until we go to August and September.</p>
<p>Chase Mulvehill -- Wolfe Research LLC -- Director, Oilfield Service Management</p>
<p>Okay. And was that a function of the types of supply chain or what that just driven by a customer decision to slow down completion?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>It was neither. It was just distribution of work with a customer. So, most customers, we're not the only frac company that works for them.</p>
<p>Chase Mulvehill -- Wolfe Research LLC -- Director, Oilfield Service Management</p>
<p>Okay. Alrighty. I'll turn it back over. War Eagle, Dave.</p>
<p>Operator</p>
<p>We'll take our next question from Sean Meakim of J.P. Morgan.</p>
<p>Sean C. Meakim -- J. P. Morgan Securities LLC -- Senior Equity Research Analyst</p>
<p>Thanks, morning.</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Morning.</p>
<p>Sean C. Meakim -- J. P. Morgan Securities LLC -- Senior Equity Research Analyst</p>
<p>So, obviously, great quarter for premium drill pipe and incrementals for DPS. Could you just maybe give us a little detail on how your inventory looks today across, maybe 4.5 inch or 5.5-inch pipe in the US and are you seeing demand for even larger diameter for that lateral?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>We're not seeing demand for anything larger than 5.5 inch. Demand for 4.5 inch still well outpaces 5.5-inch demand. And we do not have a lot of available inventory in 4.5-inch pipe today. I think it's one of the areas you could probably look for us to have a bit of capital directed in 2018 as... It's a great market environment for 4.5-inch pipe and we're about sold out so it is very tight, Sean. 5.5-inch pipe, we still have availability for 5.5 inch pipe. I think the uptake on 5.5 inch pipe, it's been less than what I anticipated it would be, but 4.5 inch has well outpaced it. And there's not a whole lot of new capacity that's come into the market so we've been in a pretty good position there and about to be sold out of a very high-margin, high-return product line.</p>
<p>Sean C. Meakim -- J. P. Morgan Securities LLC -- Senior Equity Research Analyst</p>
<p>Got it. Thank you for that. And then, just thinking about cash, what you laid out in terms of capital employment and improvement in utility next year, I'm curious, what are you thinking about the cash flow out, maybe, for the fourth quarter and then into next year?</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Yeah, so we've got... Well, capital spending is a bit higher in the second half of the year than where we were in the first half of the year and, overall, that's going to result in a bit of negative of free cash flow for Superior in 2017, in total. I think the way we think about it for 2018 is we would like to show at least some moderately positive free cash flow, which could be more significant free cash flow if we see improving commodity prices during 2018. I think our approach to '18 will be very similar to what we did in '17 and you may recall there was a lot of uncertainty, at this point, in 2016, about how 2017 was going to shape up and I'd say we're in a similar position on '18 today. So, we'll err with a cautious budget from a capital spend standpoint and one we believe is going to give us a business result that is free cash flow positive for the year and then we'll flex as we see the business environment change during the year.</p>
<p>Sean C. Meakim -- J. P. Morgan Securities LLC -- Senior Equity Research Analyst</p>
<p>Got it. That makes sense. Thanks, Dave.</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Yeah.</p>
<p>Operator:</p>
<p>It appears there are no further questions at this time. Mr. Vincent, I'd like to turn the conference back to you for any additional or closing remarks.</p>
<p>Paul Vincent -- Superior Energy Services, Inc. -- Vice President of Investor Relations</p>
<p>Thank you. That concludes the call for today.</p>
<p>Operator:</p>
<p>That concludes today's call. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect.</p>
<p>Duration: 56 minutes</p>
<p>Paul Vincent --&#160;Vice President of Investor Relations</p>
<p>David D. Dunlap -- President and Chief Executive Officer</p>
<p>Robert S. Taylor -- Chief Financial Officer</p>
<p>Wokhar Zayed -- Goldman Sachs</p>
<p>William Herbert -- Simmons &amp; Company International -- Head of Energy Research, Oil Service</p>
<p>Marshall Adkins -- Raymond James &amp; Associates, Inc.-- Director of Energy Research</p>
<p>Brad Handler -- Jefferies &amp; Company -- Managing Director, Equity Research</p>
<p>Vaibhav Vaishnav -- Cowen &amp; Co. LLC -- Research Associate, Oils Market Equity</p>
<p>James Wicklund -- Credit Suisse Securities, LLC -- Managing Director, Equity Research</p>
<p>David Anderson -- Barclays Capital, Inc. -- Senior Equity Analyst, Oilfields Services&amp;Equipment</p>
<p>Kurt Hallead -- RBC Capital Markets -- Managing Director &amp; Co-head of Global Energy Research</p>
<p>Chase Mulvehill -- Wolfe Research LLC -- Director, Oilfield Service Analyst</p>
<p>Sean C. Meakim -- JPMorgan Securities LLC -- Senior Equity Research Analyst</p>
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companys business managements plans future operations similar matters companys actual results could differ materially due several important factors including described companys filings securities exchange commission management refer nongaap financial measures call accordance regulation g company provides reconciliation measures website ill turn call dave dunlap david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer thank paul good morning everyone listening call today well begin brief review third quarter activity robert discuss segment results ill wrap thoughts strategy outlook turning call qampa third quarter 2017 superior energy generated revenue 506 million adjusted ebitda 63 million net loss continuing operations 57 million 037 per share operationally delivered quarter clearly remains challenging market oilfield services pace acceleration us land market slowed quarter average rig count increased 7 peaking midquarter rig count declined steadily gulf mexico international markets activity levels remained trepid indications change nearterm backdrop consolidated results reflect 8 sequential revenue improvement 61 incremental ebitda margin additionally superior energy along everyone else houston area confronted hurricane harvey quarter fortunately impact business minimal storm impede operational momentum estimate hurricanerelated interruptions impacted pretax losses approximately 5 million us land market revenue growth 4 slightly lagged sequential increase rig count due combination factors pressure pumping business revenue grow degree expected although sand volumes increased july saw decrease higher volume zipper frac operations august september coupled less urgency general around pacing completions resulted lower volumes sand pumped sequentially view changing customer behavior transitory sand volumes increased fourth quarter completion pace accelerated feel pace continue throughout quarter however early gauge pressure pumping utilization impacted holiday schedules vary year year pressure pumping market undersupplied continue win price increases fourth quarter feel confident trend continue 2018 pressure pumping also impacted hurricane harvey 3 million estimated 5 million impact pretax losses occurring business note listeners although add horsepower quarter despite slower pace revenue growth discussed pressure pumping ebitda margins expand result pricing increases cost discipline continued unabated customers drilling intensity pursuit longer laterals result saw strong growth premium drill pipe rental tool demand us land markets coil tubing well test utilization also continued along strong growth trajectory highlighting far customers pushing lateral lengths one cats automated service rigs recently drilled 46 plugs lateral length greater 17000 feet south texas proud accomplishment believe unique technology continue gain favor customers seek efficiency improvement longest laterals truly differentiated technology superior energy well service business saw pickup utilization rockies labor remains extremely tight service line pricing gains also challenging given significant industry overcapacity gulf mexico performance improved sequentially driven completion services business reaching peak activity number projects quarter although activity moderate fourth quarter interruptions caused hurricane nate expect deploy subc well intervention technology quarter begin plugandabandonment campaign international activity picked quarter slow first half year growth driven improving environment latin america well intervention businesses well control activity africa increased hydraulic workover snubbing projects europe australia improvements led revenue increasing approximately 22 solid incremental margins although business conditions steadily improving pleasing report sequential growth recovery remains tenuous focus returning return profile disciplined investment best secure businesses competitive capital allocation recovery continued cost structure enhancement repeatable reliable execution field ill turn call robert third quarter financial review robert taylor superior energy services inc chief financial officer thank dave discussing operating segments sequential comparisons made second quarter 2017 results third quarter results adjusted include impact special items disclosed earnings release drilling products services segment revenue increased 12 77 million loss operations 3 million compared loss operations 15 million second quarter 2017 us land revenue increased 22 34 million utilization pricing increases outpaced rig count addition gulf mexico revenue increased 5 23 million international revenue increased 7 20 million onshore completions workover services segment comprised product lines exclusively served us land markets revenue remained flat 249 million segment reported adjusted loss operations 32 million compared loss operations 29 million second quarter hurricane activity third quarter affected segments significant impact segment estimate weatherrelated disruptions impacted pretax loss segment approximately 3 million continued tightening supply chains logistics channels also resulted elevated nonproductive time production services segment revenue increased 10 97 million resulting loss operations 18 million compared loss operations 20 million second quarter us land revenue increased 22 40 million demands coil tubing well tests increased gulf mexico revenue decreased 18 16 million pressure control coil tubing activity moderately lower gulf mexico results also slowed hurricanerelated interruptions international revenue increased 14 41 million well intervention services experienced increased demand technical solutions segment revenue increased 31 83 million resulting adjusted income operations 9 million compared loss operations 3 million second quarter us land revenue increased 14 percent 9 million gulf mexico revenue increased 24 52 million higher completion tools activity international revenue increased 62 22 million primarily due increased well control activity africa turning balance sheet debttocapital ratio end quarter approximately 54 totaldebt quarter end remains 13 billion ended quarter 167 million cash quarter issued 500 million 7 34 senior notes due 2024 redeemed 500 million 6 38 senior notes due 2019 incurred additional interest expense total approximately 6 million primarily related writeoff unamortized debt issuance costs timing redemption 2019 notes subsequent quarterend extended revolving credit facility maturity 2022 300 million asset base revolving credit facility also recorded pretax charge 99 million reduction value assets third quarter capital expenditures quarter approximately 53 million year expect capex approximately 150 million turning call back dave modelingrelated items gampa quarter 74 million slightly lower end guidance primarily result lower compensation insurancerelated expenses expect fourth quarter gampa range 74 million 78 million expect ddampa range 109 million 114 million fourth quarter interest expense includes full quarter interest new senior notes expected range 25 million 27 million expected income tax rate third quarter 2017 33 expect rate 2017 remain range 32 33 thank ill turn call back dave closing comments david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer okay thanks robert enter final quarter 2017 much healthier company industry fundamentals greatly improved last year said remain challenging environment uncertainty around oil prices uncertainty around customers spending plans 2018 uncertainty longterm oil demand growth cast pall industry despite fundamental business improvements experiencing backdrop clearly strategic goals recovery improve return profile reduce debt levels prolonged downturn business capital requirements early days recovery continue cautious capital spending continue seek cost improvement believe strong momentum pricing improvement pressure pumping market 2019 capital spending pressure pumping directed toward maintaining 750000horsepower deployed first quarter 2018 may opportunities deploy expansion capital premium drill pipe bottom hole assemblies cats rigs product lines whose performance strong correlation lateral length however much uncertainties exist market today expect us remain cautious use cash fourth quarter expect us land completions market remain strong expect pricing pressure pumping business increase throughout quarter also expect cats rigs productive quarter offsetting degree typical seasonal activity declines usually observe highspec well service business 2017 expect permian basin revenue approximately double overall pressure pumping revenue approximately triple 2016 levels incredible surge activity clearly creating inefficiencies supply chain customers continue learn optimal techniques drilling complete wells extremely heterogeneous reservoirs persistent challenges labor less miles transport remain background believe activity permian basin continue increase likely measured pace observed past 12 months measured pace increase allow supply chain customers become efficient outcomes become predictable gulf mexico expect performance decline portion completion services activity rolls peaking third quarter additionally expect normal seasonality interruptions related hurricane nate work gulf q3 skewed toward completionsoriented projects premium drill pipe business expect revert balanced mix drilling completions q4 mixshift offset somewhat commencement subc plugandabandonment project utilizing proprietary subsidy intervention technology international revenue may bit weaker fourth quarter dont anticipate well control work repeat excluding expectations relatively flat activity levels particularly productions services segment margins continue substantially improved first half 2017 looking ahead 2018 anticipating entering year capital spending level similar 2017 program much allocated toward us land businesses improving return profiles point expansionary investment would restricted premium drill pipe cats rigs occurred year business results improve ahead expectations post new board stand businesses meet growing market demands opening lines questions ill note third quarter consolidated revenue 55 greater 2016 third quarter 63 million ebitda compared favorably negative 14 million q3 last year appreciate investors concerned extent recovery remind everyone weve come long way 12 months expect continued improvement next 12 months patience discipline rewarded boardroom field everyone superior committed discipline values required achieve longterm strategic goals operator well please open line qampa operator thank would like ask question please signal pressing star 1 telephone keypad using speakerphone please make sure mute function turned allow signal reach equipment please limit one question one followup question give others opportunities ask questions press star 1 ask question first question wokhar zayed goldman sachs wokhar zayed160 goldman sachs thank david pampa campaign seems starting first quarter long going last many wells campaign david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer well multiple wells expect last first quarter continue try build book business fill behind weve really inactive subc pampa work 2018 belief well see overall utilization gulf mexico internationally pick 2018 weve time go market technology uptake seems pretty good optimistic complete book business 2018 wokhar zayed160 goldman sachs second unit expect jobs david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer yeah second system finalized expect ready deployment 2018 wokhar zayed160 goldman sachs okay view quarter yet david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer yet think get better visibility book business building well sure let guys know wokhar zayed160 goldman sachs okay thank much success david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer thanks operator well take next question herbert simmons amp company william herbert simmons amp company international head energy research oil service thanks good morning dave curious whether could talk runway margin improvement within frac onshore completions ebitda margins second quarter 67 frac accreted margin first secondly kind runway left frac margin improvement levers margin improvement david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer answer yeah room margin improvement think continues build think well continue see price improvement opportunities guess first primarily theyre related frac segment well service rig pricing opportunities seem rather minimal point although get price improvements things like cats price improvement see segment related fracturing well see price improvement fourth quarter saw bit third quarter think would apparent sand volumes would higher third quarter lower expected commented significantly fewer zipper frac operations third quarter second quarter impact volume volume diminishes us august september clearly effect expectations third quarter frac results would think relate utilization pricing utilization two levers theres cost inefficiencies experienced third quarter included trucking trucking difficult us third quarter think others theres clearly shortage trucking deliver last mile sand transport particularly permian basin weve already seen improvement front enter fourth quarter think function market catching activity theres whole range inefficiencies well bill weve delayed locations things like perforating guns didnt fire parts completion supply chain less efficient normal think lot related extreme rampup weve permian basin short period time think happens move forward see overall supply chain operating efficiently beginning see evidence today really three primary things think cause margin improvement continue fracturing business william herbert160 simmons amp company international head energy research oil service okay one theres going tendency get varied balanced regard eampt capital spending think plays regard runway continued pricing improvement frac deconsolidated nature ditmos market relatively close imbalanced obviously incremental capacity coming make good point regard ongoing wear tear frac rebuild commitment going forward think pricing environment eampt capital spending balanced less frenzied david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer yeah think certainly price increase price improvement opportunities become bit less frenzied well think expectations price increases occur something thats bit moderate pace saw q4 16 q4 17 say much rapid pace increase dont think well see repeat pace price increase saw q1 q2 think moderate increase opportunities available throughout customer base yeah although fracturing supply demand impossible know cant tell dont know tell far balance market still feels like bit less demand supply personally believe continues pressured 2018 result attrition think continues keep market bit undersupply situation provides momentum moderate price increases moving forward william herbert160 simmons amp company international head energy research oil service okay thank david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer youre welcome operator well take next question marshal atkins raymond james marshall adkins raymond james amp associates inc director energy research hi dave logistics issues gave us little color long take subside onequarter deal full year deal david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer well marshall onequarter deal trucking permian basin challenge since started ramping activity time last year think see intermittent challenges daytoday also seeing trucks show basin rates gone know game gets played trucking supply tight prices go attracts drivers trucks parts us see rate increase occurred q2 q3 already seeing bit balance trucks available move sand permian big rampup demand short period time see already see improving today think continues improve time goes marshall adkins raymond james amp associates inc director energy research fair enough sounds like certainly perceive modestly underbalanced market foreseeable future assume means youre fully booked 1 2 remind us stand reactivations thoughts new builds stuff david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer yeah reached 600000horsepower current capacity midpoint second quarter havent added additional capacity since 150000horsepower currently stage capital rebuild expect horsepower available get first quarter ontrack onschedule thatll take us 750000horsepower point think early q1 intention based see marketplace today hold steady 750000horsepower well capital associated maintenance 2018 know ive talked publicly still feel right call superior expansion fracturing capacity business would really driven change commodity price outlook dont feel real good making commitment fracturing expansion see better oil price marshall adkins raymond james amp associates inc director energy research drag margins youre additional 150000 right mainly capital david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer mainly capital activate additional fleets therell moderate cost inefficiency bring labor onboard cant say thats impact third quarter marshall adkins raymond james amp associates inc director energy research thank david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer youre welcome operator well take next question brad handler jefferies brad handler jefferies amp company managing director equity research thanks good morning well dont switch gears lets make sure cover couple divisions turned nice profit improvement drilling products services margin side particularly relative certainly revenues dissimilar estimate math close incremental margins sequentially well 100 presumably theres beneficial mix maybe could shed little color profit improvement q3 maybe extend sustainability current margin levels please david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer yeah think probably unrealistic always expect incremental margins 100 percent nice mix commented prepared remarks good mix gulf mexico largely completionsrelated worked probably reverting fourth quarter something thats normal mix premium drill pipe rentals completion drilling see us land revenue premium drill pipes increase seeing pretty extreme wear tear premium drill pipe long horizontals damage drill pipe customer buys depending depreciated life pipe pretty good margin product although course dont pipe rent next time weve got go replace think favorable mix overall dont think something count every quarter clearly us growth downhole rentalrelated product lines continues strong think really driven lateral length rig count brad handler jefferies amp company managing director equity research okay guess think fourth quarter maybe little directional help sounds like perhaps would look little bit revenue decline expect ebit margins fall back decline fourth quarter reversion gulf mexico factors might help keep levels david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer think thats probably reasonable assumption would expect revenue certainly bit fourth quarter third quarter dps margins probably reducing somewhat saw third quarter moderate extreme means brad handler jefferies amp company managing director equity research okay could im going count one question maybe follow maybe ill sidestep something balance sheet robert could help us understand new revolver little bit better fixed charged covered ratio stand today availability revolver total based assets today robert taylor superior energy services inc chief financial officer availability today 285 million fixed charge coverage really comes question get availability less 50 million really doesnt come play forecasts brad handler jefferies amp company managing director equity research sure okay understand okay good thank guys ill turn back operator well take next question vaibhav vaishnav cowen amp co vaibhav vaishnav cowen amp co llc research associate oils equity research good morning taking taking question guess seems like pressure pumping revenues flattish onetime issues seems like third quarter think fourth quarter given youre adding capacity third quarter inefficiency could actually clawback could please help us kind quantification much expect pressure pumping revenues david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer yeah im going quantify would say revenue clearly less expected mainly driven mix lot fewer zipper fracs second quarter zipper fracs strong correlation overall revenue types completions generate highest number hours work given day frac fleet fewer zipper fracs august september certainly caused revenue pressure pumping less thought would third quarter witnessed already beginning fourth quarter reversion back similar job next q2 zipper fracs point would expect q4 revenue type balance zipper fracs saw second quarter means revenues going much revenue going fracturing dont know probably good benchmark would somewhere 5 8 range vaibhav vaishnav cowen amp co llc research associate oils equity research thats helpful guys putting strong incrementals 60 plus 3q around 55 2q mention 55 plus incrementals near time something david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer think relates number things one see utilization increase dramatically first quarter second quarter incrementals less driven price utilization think third quarter saw bit utilization increase part price think incrementals third fourth quarter impacted price inefficiencies spoke particularly sand transport permian basin begin work way utilization expecting significant changes across board utilization q3 q4 particularly fraction deploying equipment q1 youre right think well continue see utilization coil tubing improve think cats utilization continue strong well testing flow back business think weve seen increase utilization theres certainly parts us business would expect see utilization continue improve much fracturing havent deployed assets vaibhav vaishnav cowen amp co llc research associate oils equity research may ask one last question want understand pricing point works pressure pumping look better way asking much lag pricing runs income statement words look pricing running pressure pumping 3q reflective pricing guys discussed first quarter second quarter realtime third quarter david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer yeah good question pricing third quarter set one point second quarter set july id say agreed customers second half q2 id say q4 pricing part gives us confidence know fracturing business longterm committed customers pricing discussions generally occurring least couple months advance pricing making changes see pricing fourth quarter stuff agreed think august september vaibhav vaishnav cowen amp co llc research associate oils equity research thats helpful thank taking question david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer youre welcome operator well take next question jim wicklund credit suisse james wicklund credit suisse securities llc managing director equity research good morning guys david say went 600000horsepower q2 average q3 would little higher im curious percentage pressure pumping revenues sand know least 75 completions permian zipper fracs see changing im still trying figure short ball relative model pressure pumping onshore completion workover 30 million light seems like awful lot sand logistics disruption im trying understand magnitude sand revenue stream david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer sure overall sand revenue vary quarter quarter jim think range 30 35 40 overall revenue given quarter thats approximately overall sand revenue would listen surprised sand volume third quarter well heard competitors speak lesser sand volumes second quarter didnt experience saw higher sand volumes per stage higher sand volumes well second quarter bit surprised saw third quarter well mix customers ill tell see customers third quarter wont say slowed pace seemed grabbing realization pace possible based overall restrictions supply chain doesnt necessarily cause pause means seem bit slowdown overall utilization third quarter theyre pace seems change quite bit get fourth quarter seems bit think concern around reaching production targets weve seen companies added frac fleets marketplace course last couple months hit production targets q4 things surprising us third quarter think cant ignore fact texas fracturing fleets shut five seven days quarter well certainly impediment revenue james wicklund credit suisse securities llc managing director equity research okay well control issues africa well control boots coots weve followed guys past 62 percent increase technical fabulous built much repeat q4 situations like episodic opposed ongoing help us understand david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer well listen well control visits one difficult us budget predict episodic exception extremely public well control problems tend speak specifically well control jobs interest protecting information customers benefit real good quarter well control also real good quarter pointed completion tools weve active gulf mexico q3 peak us stampede project hess great gulf mexico completion tool project us weve alerted guys time thought q3 would peak well control completions tools really primary contributor strong segment performance scores point since youve asked question listen one benefits ive spoken within superior energy services long time diversity product line exposure markets outside permian basin frac market help us quarters like quarter question james wicklund credit suisse securities llc managing director equity research okay thank david david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer youre welcome operator well take next question david anderson barclays david anderson barclays capital inc senior equity analyst oilfield services amp equipment alright good morning dave hey want get back question zipper fracs change customer base quarter new customer arent zipper fracs guess im curious youre seeing change completions designs would thought zipper fracs would efficient means producing formations actually changing highlighted earlier changes well designs dig little bit us david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer yeah would characterize saw changes well design change wells fracturing didnt change customer base either waiting number fracs zipper fracs compared nonzipper fracs different different couple different customers quarter theres strong explanation something reverted back q4 part weve gone customers said need little bit different exposure zipper fracs theyve accommodated every well zipper frac permian basin see continued variation completion design completion technique customers continue learn works best rock yeah id also point customers experienced challenges fracheads course third quarter another example us industry learning things efficiently couple frac fleets shut days customer getting fracheads wall drilling things attribute basic inefficiencies supply chain certainly abundant third quarter change mix away zipper fracs third quarter part inefficiency generating frac revenue david anderson barclays capital inc senior equity analyst oilfield services amp equipment expectations inefficiencies could largely resolved fourth quarter david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer yeah weve certainly seen already quarter overall fleets permian shifted toward zipper fracs thats similar mix saw second quarter im trying represent every frac zipper frac wouldnt accurate mix today seems much similar mix second quarter revenue impact us david anderson barclays capital inc senior equity analyst oilfield services amp equipment alright thanks dave one last quick question sand side help us understand great understand much volumes jobs sand think got clear view think margins sand versus margins core pressure pumping business lucrative inline little worse roughly point us right direction david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer margins sand specifically david anderson barclays capital inc senior equity analyst oilfield services amp equipment right incremental say youre losing volumes didnt im curious think margins sand versus margins say core pressure pumping business david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer think way really need think much margin sand clearly margin associated every pound sand put pump sand going pump drives utilization revenue thats whats driving margin necessarily associated pound sand pump make sense help david anderson barclays capital inc senior equity analyst oilfield services amp equipment yeah thanks dave operator next question kurt hallead rbc kurt hallead rbc capital markets managing director amp cohead global energy research hey good morning david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer morning kurt hallead rbc capital markets managing director amp cohead global energy research hey dave brought lot good color maybe opportunity spend little bit time international dynamics think 2018 international front countries areas opportunities see growth superior david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer yeah think focused individual countries ill speak much geographical areas let start latin america think argentina market continue see really good growth opportunities 2018 like lot people really optimistic election results businessfriendly government going track foreign investment development vaca muerta exposed think argentina going great growth environment 2018 think middle east also going growth environment us specifically saudi arabia kuwait weve got product lines working saudi weve active getting things qualified saudi kuwait last year 18 months think well begin see fruits labor 2018 still bullish india 2018 indias bit disappointing us second half 17 thought wed see increases activity really relatively flattish weve positioned fracturing assets coil tubing assets well well services business india think 2018 good opportunity us india weve also seen general improvement us north sea rental tool product line well hydraulic workover snubbing business activity north sea think general feeling favorable international 2018 dont know youll see kind rightangle recovery international markets experienced last 12 months us think recovery nonetheless apparent kurt hallead rbc capital markets managing director amp cohead global energy research okay given outlook dave pretty clear theres going international growth superior yearonyear basis given fact guys rifleshot specific countries harder peg growth rates international sort rig count assumption kind general framework think revenue growth international superior next year david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer id rather wait talk next quarter well going budgeting process course next weeks think well try report fourth quarter earnings give bookends see far range growth opportunity expect international next year kurt hallead rbc capital markets managing director amp cohead global energy research thats fair enough dave maybe one followup talked supply chain challenges weve heard thematically number different conference calls know ive talked past mentioned labor bottleneck well see occurring get 18 maybe supply chain dynamics leave labor standpoint dynamic change david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer labor currently challenge last 12 months really much anything driven extreme increase weve seen utilization activity last 12 months certainly bias believe continue see activity increase 2018 pace causes access labor challenge perhaps little bit favorable last 12 months said continue see labor challenges well service business line thats little bit different type labor force works fracturing fracturing hands generally working 12hour days 14 days 7 days well service crews tend work associated completions tend fiveday 10 12hour day operations different labor pool ones little bit harder us access recent months would expect continues challenging 2018 reality well service margins fairly limited price improvement opportunities cant say weve anxious go activate new rigs hire new crews saw surge demand well service rigs may restriction kurt hallead rbc capital markets managing director amp cohead global energy research may speak one additional commentary fracturing demand exceeding supply weve heard consistently throughout process dont know seems little bit mixed read pricing commentary demand exceeding supply think thered much significant increase pricing power moderate right whats take square everything dynamic demand exceeding supply yet youre getting kind pricing power may seen prior situations demand exceeds supply david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer yeah think look think significant change pricing occurred q4 16 q2 17 dont think type pace price increase something expected repeatable think q2 q3 q3 q4 theres still significant price increase need continue get significant price increases industry generating enough gas replace equivalent wearing rapidly think still continue momentum marketplace get higher price move forward dont think thinking doubledigit quartertoquarter price increases think experience time weve got midsingle digit 6 7 8 price improvement opportunities quartertoquarter think something reasonably expect go next several quarters clearly begin abate start reach price delivered replacementtype margin business kurt hallead rbc capital markets managing director amp cohead global energy research okay awesome thanks color dave david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer yeah operator well take next question chase mulvehill wolfe research chase mulvehill wolfe research llc director oilfield service management hey good morning dave david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer chase chase mulvehill wolfe research llc director oilfield service management guess onshore completion workover services look fourth quarter expect 10 greater ebitda margins david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer think expect segment q3 q4 think revenue increases 5 6 7 8 range dont think unreasonable believe least allocations weve got ebitda margins dont know 11 13 11 14 range chase mulvehill wolfe research llc director oilfield service management okay think 3q impact nonproductive time across fleet talk main drivers basically much underutilized fleet 3q david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer yeah dont know ive tried measure terms much underutilized know south texas lost five seven days four frac fleets result hurricane shutdown south texas flooding harvey impact dont know exactly many days lost utilization permian basin tell talk managers business seemed like throughout quarter constantly things going delayed slowed trucking waiting perforating guns suppliers order get well perforated need frac mentioned frachead experienced shut two frac fleets customer tried figure going going forward result taking fracheads well drilling couldnt tell exactly many days impacted know noise quarter attribute general inefficiencies pace scaleup thats gone permian basin dont believe things necessarily specific superior think theyre across board expect improve time goes get bit accustomed overall pace activity industry permian basin get efficient chase mulvehill wolfe research llc director oilfield service management okay guess move forward nonproductive issues work activity growth slows think average number stages complete per day across day across fleet particular calendar month guess basically taking account maintenance anything like three half stages per day per fleet four four half stages think david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer yeah havent given specifics metric business chase would expect though continues go chase mulvehill wolfe research llc director oilfield service management okay alrighty last one zipper fracs percentage fleet percentage stages maybe done zipper fracs 3q compare 2q david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer yeah tell amount zipper fracs 30 quarter chase mulvehill wolfe research llc director oilfield service management wow david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer caused overall sand volume course quarter well pretty active zipper fracs really didnt see mix change go august september chase mulvehill wolfe research llc director oilfield service management okay function types supply chain driven customer decision slow completion david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer neither distribution work customer customers frac company works chase mulvehill wolfe research llc director oilfield service management okay alrighty ill turn back war eagle dave operator well take next question sean meakim jp morgan sean c meakim j p morgan securities llc senior equity research analyst thanks morning david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer morning sean c meakim j p morgan securities llc senior equity research analyst obviously great quarter premium drill pipe incrementals dps could maybe give us little detail inventory looks today across maybe 45 inch 55inch pipe us seeing demand even larger diameter lateral david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer seeing demand anything larger 55 inch demand 45 inch still well outpaces 55inch demand lot available inventory 45inch pipe today think one areas could probably look us bit capital directed 2018 great market environment 45inch pipe sold tight sean 55inch pipe still availability 55 inch pipe think uptake 55 inch pipe less anticipated would 45 inch well outpaced theres whole lot new capacity thats come market weve pretty good position sold highmargin highreturn product line sean c meakim j p morgan securities llc senior equity research analyst got thank thinking cash laid terms capital employment improvement utility next year im curious thinking cash flow maybe fourth quarter next year david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer yeah weve got well capital spending bit higher second half year first half year overall thats going result bit negative free cash flow superior 2017 total think way think 2018 would like show least moderately positive free cash flow could significant free cash flow see improving commodity prices 2018 think approach 18 similar 17 may recall lot uncertainty point 2016 2017 going shape id say similar position 18 today well err cautious budget capital spend standpoint one believe going give us business result free cash flow positive year well flex see business environment change year sean c meakim j p morgan securities llc senior equity research analyst got makes sense thanks dave david dunlap superior energy services inc president chief executive officer yeah operator appears questions time mr vincent id like turn conference back additional closing remarks paul vincent superior energy services inc vice president investor relations thank concludes call today operator concludes todays call thank participation may disconnect duration 56 minutes paul vincent 160vice president investor relations david dunlap president chief executive officer robert taylor chief financial officer wokhar zayed goldman sachs william herbert simmons amp company international head energy research oil service marshall adkins raymond james amp associates inc director energy research brad handler jefferies amp company managing director equity research vaibhav vaishnav cowen amp co llc research associate oils market equity james wicklund credit suisse securities llc managing director equity research david anderson barclays capital inc senior equity analyst oilfields servicesampequipment kurt hallead rbc capital markets managing director amp cohead global energy research chase mulvehill wolfe research llc director oilfield service analyst sean c meakim jpmorgan securities llc senior equity research analyst swk analysis opens new window article transcript conference call produced motley fool strive foolish best may errors omissions inaccuracies transcript articles motley fool assume responsibility use content strongly encourage research including listening call reading companys sec filings please see terms conditions opens new window160for additional details including obligatory capitalized disclaimers liability 10 stocks like better stanley black amp deckerwhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right stanley black amp decker wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns october 9 2017 motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 5,866 |
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<p>This year is turning out to be a nerve-racking ride for gold stocks. Investors were hopeful of some positive triggers this earnings season, but Barrick Gold Corp. (NYSE: ABX) just sent shockwaves through the gold industry by missing consensus first-quarter estimates by a wide margin and downgrading its production outlook. Barrick's shares crashed by double digits on April 25 after the announcement, pulling most gold stocks along.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>If you examine the three-month performances of some of the largest gold stocks today, you'll see howYamanaGold(NYSE: AUY)andGoldcorp(NYSE: GG)have taken the biggest hits. Others, such asNewmont Mining(NYSE: NEM),Kinross Gold(NYSE: KGC), Barrick, andAgnico Eagle Mines(NYSE: AEM), are all down by single-digit percentages. Among these four gold stocks, though, Kinross has been hit the hardest in the past year.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/ABX" type="external">ABX</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>So why have Yamana, Goldcorp, and Kinross shares been beaten up? Gold continues to remain a preferred safe-haven investment among investors during uncertain times, and gold prices, though a bit choppy, have been northward bound so far this year, still up about 8.6% year to date. Does that mean these three beaten-up gold stocks are bargains today? Let's find out.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images</p>
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<p>Goldcorp stock was pounded in March, when it announced a 50/50 joint venture with Barrick to operate the latter's Cerro Casale mine in Chile. It's a complex deal under which Goldcorp will buy 25% stake in the mine each from Barrick and Kinross, paying $260 million to each company along with royalty interest and a contingent payment. Goldcorp will also acquire Quebrada Secafrom Kinross -- half of which will be owned by Barrick as well as Exeter Resource and its Caspiche project, located in the same Maricunga Gold Belt. These projects will eventually be part of the joint venture.</p>
<p>Investors are jittery over the complexities involved, the $800 million-plus price tag of the entire deal, and the fact that Caspiche is still in exploration phase. However, Cerro Casale is among the world's largest gold mines and will give Goldcorp exposure to 11.6 million ounces of gold. Goldcorp and Barrick already jointly operate the Pueblo Viejo mine, which is now Goldcorp's largestandlowest-cost mine. In other words, the two gold miners could potentially unlock substantial value from their new joint venture.</p>
<p>Goldcorp <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/04/15/the-3-best-gold-stocks-to-buy-in-2017.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">hasn't disappointed from an Opens a New Window.</a> operational standpoint, either, having lowered its all-in-sustaining costs (AISC) by roughly 4% to $856 an ounce in fiscal 2016 and turning profits instead of losses in 2015. Goldcorp expects to cut AISC to $700 per ounce and increase gold production by 20% in the next five years.</p>
<p>After starting the year on a strong note, Kinross shares came under pressure ever after the gold miner announced its fiscal 2016 results in mid-February. Kinross' losses narrowed dramatically, as there weren't any impairment charges last year, unlike in 2015, and it even turned profitable on an adjusted basis, backed by record production of nearly 2.8 million ounces.</p>
<p>But the markets weren't happy, for two reasons. First, Kinross' AISC came in at $985 per ounce, which was not only higher than 2015 but is also <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/23/better-buy-yamana-gold-inc-vs-agnico-eagle-mines.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">among the highest in the industry Opens a New Window.</a>. Second, Kinross anticipates production to decline to 2.5 million to 2.7 million ounces this year. The miner's wide AISC range estimate of $925-$1,025 per ounce for the year isn't too encouraging, either, and it didn't provide a longer-term outlook.</p>
<p>Tasiast mine. Image source: Kinross.</p>
<p>Another huge factor dragging down Kinross' stock is its Tasiast mine, bought for a steep price of nearly $7 billion in 2010. Cost overruns and low production have forced Kinross to write down billions of dollars over the years. Things have, however, started rolling now, what with management expecting production at Tasiast to nearly double if it comes online under phase 1 expansion by Q2 2018 as planned. Meanwhile, phase two feasibility studies are already under way.</p>
<p>Much like Kinross, Yamana shares have been weak ever since the miner's fiscal 2016 earnings announcement mid-February. While Yamana's revenues improved and net losses came down to $290.8 million in fiscal 2016 from $1.7 billion in 2015, its AISC (co-product basis) increased 7% to $911 per ounce. However, Yamana expects its AISC to improve slightly to $890-$910 per ounce this year.</p>
<p>Yamana's <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/23/better-buy-yamana-gold-inc-vs-agnico-eagle-mines.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">biggest catalyst going forward Opens a New Window.</a> is commencement of production at its seventh mine, Cerro Moro, early next year. In Yamana's own words, "Cerro Morois expected to be a significant contributor to cash flow as a result of the expected cash costs and AISC that are well below the company's current average cost structure." Yamana's gold production is expected to grow 10% by 2019. Meanwhile, the company is also striving to strengthen its balance sheet through a sale of its stake in its recently spun-off subsidiary Brio Gold to repay debt.</p>
<p>Now that you have a fair idea about what's going on at Goldcorp, Kinross, and Yamana, here's a final chart to help you decide if these stocks are bargains.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/AUY/price_to_cfo_ttm" type="external">AUY Price to CFO Per Share (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a></p>
<p>While I'm most excited about Goldcorp's prospects, Yamana and Kinross are way cheaper, at under 4 times price-to-cash flow. Because Kinross' future still largely hangs on Tasiast, I'd put my money on Yamana now if I were to choose between these two stocks.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Yamana GoldWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=1c3ad0a3-043c-451f-a31f-cdd3123f6691&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Yamana Gold wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of April 3, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/Nehams/info.aspx" type="external">Neha Chamaria Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | year turning nerveracking ride gold stocks investors hopeful positive triggers earnings season barrick gold corp nyse abx sent shockwaves gold industry missing consensus firstquarter estimates wide margin downgrading production outlook barricks shares crashed double digits april 25 announcement pulling gold stocks along continue reading examine threemonth performances largest gold stocks today youll see howyamanagoldnyse auyandgoldcorpnyse gghave taken biggest hits others asnewmont miningnyse nemkinross goldnyse kgc barrick andagnico eagle minesnyse aem singledigit percentages among four gold stocks though kinross hit hardest past year abx data ycharts opens new window yamana goldcorp kinross shares beaten gold continues remain preferred safehaven investment among investors uncertain times gold prices though bit choppy northward bound far year still 86 year date mean three beatenup gold stocks bargains today lets find image source getty images advertisement goldcorp stock pounded march announced 5050 joint venture barrick operate latters cerro casale mine chile complex deal goldcorp buy 25 stake mine barrick kinross paying 260 million company along royalty interest contingent payment goldcorp also acquire quebrada secafrom kinross half owned barrick well exeter resource caspiche project located maricunga gold belt projects eventually part joint venture investors jittery complexities involved 800 millionplus price tag entire deal fact caspiche still exploration phase however cerro casale among worlds largest gold mines give goldcorp exposure 116 million ounces gold goldcorp barrick already jointly operate pueblo viejo mine goldcorps largestandlowestcost mine words two gold miners could potentially unlock substantial value new joint venture goldcorp hasnt disappointed opens new window operational standpoint either lowered allinsustaining costs aisc roughly 4 856 ounce fiscal 2016 turning profits instead losses 2015 goldcorp expects cut aisc 700 per ounce increase gold production 20 next five years starting year strong note kinross shares came pressure ever gold miner announced fiscal 2016 results midfebruary kinross losses narrowed dramatically werent impairment charges last year unlike 2015 even turned profitable adjusted basis backed record production nearly 28 million ounces markets werent happy two reasons first kinross aisc came 985 per ounce higher 2015 also among highest industry opens new window second kinross anticipates production decline 25 million 27 million ounces year miners wide aisc range estimate 9251025 per ounce year isnt encouraging either didnt provide longerterm outlook tasiast mine image source kinross another huge factor dragging kinross stock tasiast mine bought steep price nearly 7 billion 2010 cost overruns low production forced kinross write billions dollars years things however started rolling management expecting production tasiast nearly double comes online phase 1 expansion q2 2018 planned meanwhile phase two feasibility studies already way much like kinross yamana shares weak ever since miners fiscal 2016 earnings announcement midfebruary yamanas revenues improved net losses came 2908 million fiscal 2016 17 billion 2015 aisc coproduct basis increased 7 911 per ounce however yamana expects aisc improve slightly 890910 per ounce year yamanas biggest catalyst going forward opens new window commencement production seventh mine cerro moro early next year yamanas words cerro morois expected significant contributor cash flow result expected cash costs aisc well companys current average cost structure yamanas gold production expected grow 10 2019 meanwhile company also striving strengthen balance sheet sale stake recently spunoff subsidiary brio gold repay debt fair idea whats going goldcorp kinross yamana heres final chart help decide stocks bargains auy price cfo per share ttm data ycharts im excited goldcorps prospects yamana kinross way cheaper 4 times pricetocash flow kinross future still largely hangs tasiast id put money yamana choose two stocks 10 stocks like better yamana goldwhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right yamana gold wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns april 3 2017 neha chamaria opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 652 |
<p>Auto maker is operating too many U.S. plants, which saddles it with higher fixed costs</p>
<p>This article is being republished as part of our daily reproduction of WSJ.com articles that also appeared in the U.S. print edition of The Wall Street Journal (October 10, 2017).</p>
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<p>ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Despite its drastic downsizing a decade ago under a federally funded bailout and bankruptcy restructuring, General Motors Co. again finds itself with too many U.S. factories that can turn out too many vehicles.</p>
<p>But as GM considers how to trim the excess capacity, which saddles the company with higher fixed costs, it faces a tricky political factor: President Donald Trump's insistence that auto makers assemble more of their vehicles in America and not in lower-cost plants elsewhere.</p>
<p>This year through August, GM built about 7% more vehicles at its North American plants than rival Ford Motor Co. but used about one-third more assembly plants to do so, according WardsAuto.com.</p>
<p>GM's factory-utilization rate in North America averaged 95.1% over the past two years, below Ford's 111.9% and Toyota's 101.4%, Wards data shows. (Rates can exceed 100% when factories work a third shift or schedule overtime work on weekends.)</p>
<p>GM's sprawling factory here in Orion Township, a suburb north of Detroit, is a glaring example of the company's predicament. It makes the slow-selling Chevrolet Sonic subcompact and the new Bolt electric model, for which GM has modest though undisclosed sales goals.</p>
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<p>One recent afternoon, workers filed into the parking lot a few minutes after the day's sole production shift ended -- a rarity in an industry that often runs its factories dawn-till-dusk or even around the clock to boost their efficiency.</p>
<p>GM recently lowered production at Orion by 20%, resulting in 100 lost jobs, said people familiar with the matter. GM declined to quantify the cuts but confirmed it is making fewer Sonics.</p>
<p>"The Bolt is hanging in there, which is good," Henrietta Holland, an Orion factory worker, said after her shift. "But we are worried" about job security. "We feel like we should be getting another product."</p>
<p>Factory-utilization rates typically measure how much production capacity a plant uses, based on a 16-hour workday. GM says its utilization rate is 100% on average when its round-the-clock truck and sport-utility vehicle lines are figured in with the relatively sleepy factories making cars.</p>
<p>While GM has boosted its U.S. employment by more than 6,000 factory jobs since 2010, it also has bulked up production in Mexico for export to the U.S. under the North American Free Trade Agreement. It recently started making two popular crossover SUV models south of the border, and for years has imported large pickup trucks from there.</p>
<p>GM has no plans to construct new U.S. factories, and executives in recent years have weighed closing at least two existing ones, according to people familiar with the matter.</p>
<p>Some of the low usage of its U.S. plants stems from a decision GM made a number of years ago to revitalize its lineup of sedans and coupes, including a new Chevy Malibu that has garnered glowing reviews from critics. But in the past few years, low gasoline prices prompted millions of Americans to gravitate from passenger cars to less-fuel-efficient SUVs and pickup trucks.</p>
<p>To be sure, all auto makers have been grappling with the dramatic consumer shift. Less than 10 years ago, passenger cars accounted for roughly half of U.S. vehicle purchases at retail. Last month, cars accounted for a record low of 35%, according to J.D. Power.</p>
<p>While leaving some GM plants with unused capacity, this switch has boosted the company's bottom line. Its plants that build the highly profitable Chevrolet Silverado pickup, for instance, are working overtime, which helped GM earn a record $12.5 billion operating profit in 2016. GM's stock price has hit a multiyear high.</p>
<p>Chief Executive Mary Barra, a GM lifer of more than three decades who once roamed the factory floors as a plant manager, must contend with the capacity glut at the same time the company is making costly investments in electric cars and self-driving vehicles.</p>
<p>GM said it is working to "drive further improvements" in its plant utilization, including adding crossover SUVs to more factory lines. A plant in the Kansas City area that now makes only the Malibu is scheduled to begin assembling a small Cadillac SUV by late 2018. But such a switch-over typically takes car makers several years of lead time, to order and install new assembly-line equipment and tooling.</p>
<p>GM operates 17 vehicle-assembly plants in North America, after closing several during its bankruptcy. Most, except for five that operate around the clock to build trucks and SUVs, have ample unused capacity.</p>
<p>GM's Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant, the lone factory in the auto maker's hometown, in 1999 cranked out more than 200,000 Cadillacs and Buicks. It will likely make around 80,000 vehicles this year.</p>
<p>Compared with competitors, GM has a larger number of plants that make only cars. That has forced GM to make more drastic moves when adjusting production toward trucks and SUVs. It has cut nearly 3,000 jobs since late last year, leaving many U.S. factories on reduced schedules.</p>
<p>GM has more leeway to cut factory workers under more flexible terms under its recent contracts with unionized workers. It pays less in unemployment benefits and uses more temporary workers who aren't due money when they are let go.</p>
<p>GM can "react to market dynamics and take costs out more aggressively compared with past [economic] cycles," company finance chief Chuck Stevens told analysts last year.</p>
<p>Some analysts expect Ms. Barra will make aggressive moves with underused plants, after showing a willingness to ditch unprofitable operations in Europe and elsewhere that other GM executives had long tolerated.</p>
<p>"I would expect to see GM make some bold moves on their car lineup," said Jeff Schuster, an analyst at research firm LMC Automotive.</p>
<p>Write to Mike Colias at [email protected]</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>October 10, 2017 02:47 ET (06:47 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | auto maker operating many us plants saddles higher fixed costs article republished part daily reproduction wsjcom articles also appeared us print edition wall street journal october 10 2017 continue reading orion township mich despite drastic downsizing decade ago federally funded bailout bankruptcy restructuring general motors co finds many us factories turn many vehicles gm considers trim excess capacity saddles company higher fixed costs faces tricky political factor president donald trumps insistence auto makers assemble vehicles america lowercost plants elsewhere year august gm built 7 vehicles north american plants rival ford motor co used onethird assembly plants according wardsautocom gms factoryutilization rate north america averaged 951 past two years fords 1119 toyotas 1014 wards data shows rates exceed 100 factories work third shift schedule overtime work weekends gms sprawling factory orion township suburb north detroit glaring example companys predicament makes slowselling chevrolet sonic subcompact new bolt electric model gm modest though undisclosed sales goals advertisement one recent afternoon workers filed parking lot minutes days sole production shift ended rarity industry often runs factories dawntilldusk even around clock boost efficiency gm recently lowered production orion 20 resulting 100 lost jobs said people familiar matter gm declined quantify cuts confirmed making fewer sonics bolt hanging good henrietta holland orion factory worker said shift worried job security feel like getting another product factoryutilization rates typically measure much production capacity plant uses based 16hour workday gm says utilization rate 100 average roundtheclock truck sportutility vehicle lines figured relatively sleepy factories making cars gm boosted us employment 6000 factory jobs since 2010 also bulked production mexico export us north american free trade agreement recently started making two popular crossover suv models south border years imported large pickup trucks gm plans construct new us factories executives recent years weighed closing least two existing ones according people familiar matter low usage us plants stems decision gm made number years ago revitalize lineup sedans coupes including new chevy malibu garnered glowing reviews critics past years low gasoline prices prompted millions americans gravitate passenger cars lessfuelefficient suvs pickup trucks sure auto makers grappling dramatic consumer shift less 10 years ago passenger cars accounted roughly half us vehicle purchases retail last month cars accounted record low 35 according jd power leaving gm plants unused capacity switch boosted companys bottom line plants build highly profitable chevrolet silverado pickup instance working overtime helped gm earn record 125 billion operating profit 2016 gms stock price hit multiyear high chief executive mary barra gm lifer three decades roamed factory floors plant manager must contend capacity glut time company making costly investments electric cars selfdriving vehicles gm said working drive improvements plant utilization including adding crossover suvs factory lines plant kansas city area makes malibu scheduled begin assembling small cadillac suv late 2018 switchover typically takes car makers several years lead time order install new assemblyline equipment tooling gm operates 17 vehicleassembly plants north america closing several bankruptcy except five operate around clock build trucks suvs ample unused capacity gms detroithamtramck assembly plant lone factory auto makers hometown 1999 cranked 200000 cadillacs buicks likely make around 80000 vehicles year compared competitors gm larger number plants make cars forced gm make drastic moves adjusting production toward trucks suvs cut nearly 3000 jobs since late last year leaving many us factories reduced schedules gm leeway cut factory workers flexible terms recent contracts unionized workers pays less unemployment benefits uses temporary workers arent due money let go gm react market dynamics take costs aggressively compared past economic cycles company finance chief chuck stevens told analysts last year analysts expect ms barra make aggressive moves underused plants showing willingness ditch unprofitable operations europe elsewhere gm executives long tolerated would expect see gm make bold moves car lineup said jeff schuster analyst research firm lmc automotive write mike colias mikecoliaswsjcom end dow jones newswires october 10 2017 0247 et 0647 gmt | 640 |
<p>So when He was rejected, as He must needs be, He turned to the gentiles...and the gentiles received His word with gladness. Thus was born the Church, made up of both Jewish and Gentile believers, following not the Law of Moses, but rather the teaching of Jesus. Because of their rejection, God hit the "pause button" on the Jews, and did not allow the final week of <a href="../../pages/rapture/daniels-70th-week-explained.htm" type="external">Daniel's prophecy of the 70 weeks</a> to continue. Paul talks about this mystery in the book of Romans where he says this:</p>
<p>"I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but [rather] through their fall salvation [is come] unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">Romans 11:11</a> Paul further goes on to say that the day would come when God would once again turn His full attention back to Israel, and redeem them: "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. Rom 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this [is] my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">Romans 11:25,26</a></p>
<p>These are the true roots of Christianity and the Christian's relationship to the Jew. But there are those who seek to pervert that relationship, and add layers of law and works to it where none exists in the Scriptures. This new movement is called Hebrew Roots, and while it uses words and phrases from the bible and Jewish culture, there is nothing either Jewish or Christian about this group as you will see. Why haven't I heard about the Hebrew Roots movement? As a rule, this spreading wave of false doctrine is not being addressed by the church. This is due to several reasons: - There is a fear of appearing anti-Semitic - The depth of the movement's doctrinal heresies is not generally known - There is within the church in general a reluctance to address false doctrine The movement usually hides their beliefs and presents itself as simply seeking to educate Christians concerning their Jewish heritage. As they become acclimated to the Jewish orientation the more aberrant doctrines are slowly introduced. Some of the warning signs - All Christians must adhere to a kosher diet - The Sabbath can only be observed on Saturdays - The Jewish festivals and holidays must still be observed today The root of their symptomatic heresies is hermeneutic (having to do with the methodology used to interpret scripture) in nature. The Protestant Reformers used a grammatical-literal hermeneutic when interpreting scripture. In other words, it means what it says unless there is a significant reason to believe otherwise. This movement uses a grammatical-historical hermeneutic with a twist. Their underlying assumptions when approaching any scripture are: Whatever God has ever commanded of those who seek Him (i.e., the Jews, their ancestors, their descendents, and Christians) is still in effect today (including the Levitical law) Gentile followers of Christ were "grafted into" the Jews which they interpret to mean that Gentiles must assume Jewish customs if they really want to mature and please God Like all cults, the Hebrew Roots Movement have their own "version" of the Bible, which of course, is the only version you are allowed to use. Based on those unquestionable assumptions, they then decide how they can best interpret a given scripture to support those beliefs. The farther down this rabbit hole they go, the more bizarre their doctrines become. Many see the New Testament as inferior to the Old (or a conspiracy by the Catholic church). More still say that Paul's teachings are contrary to Christ (since they have trouble with his obvious statements against their beliefs) and, therefore, reject his epistles as scripture. Some say that the only reason we aren't still sacrificing animals and stoning people for their sins is because there is no Temple and no Sanhedrin. But when they are restored then these will resume. Others go so far as to eventually reject Jesus as the Messiah and simply say that He was just a Rabbi. The inevitable outcome of following this train of thought is to put people back into bondage to the Law. The proof is in the Scripture "But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command [them] to keep the law of Moses. - And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">Acts 15:5</a> The issue of how to treat the gentile believers is not a new question in our day, the Apostles themselves dealt with this issue on more than one occasion. Acts 15 shines ample light on not only the question, but the answer as well. As we read in Acts 15, we see the bible "heavyweights" like Paul and Barnabas called on the carpet along with the rest of the apostles to figure this out. And as with most issues in the church, the whole problem started with a small handful of troublemakers: "And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, [and said], Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">Acts 15:1</a> A few bad apples... Now, we are not told who these troublemakers are, but it was sufficient to throw a monkeywrench into the whole deal: "When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">Acts 15:2</a> And deal with it they did..."And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men [and] brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. Act 15:8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as [he did] unto us; Act 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">Acts 15:7-9</a> They acknowledged that while e gentile does not become a Jew when believing on the Messiah, the line of division between them no longer exists. From God's perspective then, there is no difference between a Jewish and Gentile believer in Christ. But they didn't stop there, they continued on to answer this question in a most resolute and final way. The Apostles settle this question once and for all "Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">Acts 15:10-12</a> Peter is so bold that he stuns them all into silence, and uses this time to allow Paul and Barnabas to recount all the awesome 'miracles and wonders that God had wrought among the Gentiles by them'. Just when you think it can't get any more intense that it already is, James steps in begins to wrap it up: "And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men [and] brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. " <a href="javascript:;" type="external">Acts 15:13-18</a> Then, the knockout blow: "Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and [from] fornication, and [from] things strangled, and [from] blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">Acts 15:19-21</a> In an amazing display, James through the Holy Spirit, tells us once and for all what God expects from Gentile believers...and it is not to be placed under the Law of Moses. There exists no evidence in the New Testament that mandates that any Gentile believer observe Jewish holidays, eat kosher foods or worship only on the Sabbath day. What was the reaction from the entire assembled group of elders? They said this: "Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, [Ye must] be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no [such] commandment: It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell [you] the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">Acts 15:24-29</a> Did you catch that line? Go back and reread the Apostles themselves saying that they never gave any such commandment for Gentiles to be placed under the Law of Moses. Never. Ever. Do you believe the Bible? Don't take my word for it, look it up and read it for yourself... The believer in Christ is not called to law, but to freedom in Jesus. And for those who still need further proof, Paul provides it in Galatians 2: "But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before [them] all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? We [who are] Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">Galatians 2:11-16</a></p> I shall build my church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it Conclusion (Acknowledgement: | true | 0 | rejected must needs turned gentilesand gentiles received word gladness thus born church made jewish gentile believers following law moses rather teaching jesus rejection god hit pause button jews allow final week daniels prophecy 70 weeks continue paul talks mystery book romans says say stumbled fall god forbid rather fall salvation come unto gentiles provoke jealousy romans 1111 paul goes say day would come god would turn full attention back israel redeem would brethren ye ignorant mystery lest ye wise conceits blindness part happened israel fulness gentiles come rom 1126 israel shall saved written shall come sion deliverer shall turn away ungodliness jacob covenant unto shall take away sins romans 112526 true roots christianity christians relationship jew seek pervert relationship add layers law works none exists scriptures new movement called hebrew roots uses words phrases bible jewish culture nothing either jewish christian group see havent heard hebrew roots movement rule spreading wave false doctrine addressed church due several reasons fear appearing antisemitic depth movements doctrinal heresies generally known within church general reluctance address false doctrine movement usually hides beliefs presents simply seeking educate christians concerning jewish heritage become acclimated jewish orientation aberrant doctrines slowly introduced warning signs christians must adhere kosher diet sabbath observed saturdays jewish festivals holidays must still observed today root symptomatic heresies hermeneutic methodology used interpret scripture nature protestant reformers used grammaticalliteral hermeneutic interpreting scripture words means says unless significant reason believe otherwise movement uses grammaticalhistorical hermeneutic twist underlying assumptions approaching scripture whatever god ever commanded seek ie jews ancestors descendents christians still effect today including levitical law gentile followers christ grafted jews interpret mean gentiles must assume jewish customs really want mature please god like cults hebrew roots movement version bible course version allowed use based unquestionable assumptions decide best interpret given scripture support beliefs farther rabbit hole go bizarre doctrines become many see new testament inferior old conspiracy catholic church still say pauls teachings contrary christ since trouble obvious statements beliefs therefore reject epistles scripture say reason arent still sacrificing animals stoning people sins temple sanhedrin restored resume others go far eventually reject jesus messiah simply say rabbi inevitable outcome following train thought put people back bondage law proof scripture rose certain sect pharisees believed saying needful circumcise command keep law moses apostles elders came together consider matter acts 155 issue treat gentile believers new question day apostles dealt issue one occasion acts 15 shines ample light question answer well read acts 15 see bible heavyweights like paul barnabas called carpet along rest apostles figure issues church whole problem started small handful troublemakers certain men came judaea taught brethren said except ye circumcised manner moses ye saved acts 151 bad apples told troublemakers sufficient throw monkeywrench whole deal therefore paul barnabas small dissension disputation determined paul barnabas certain go jerusalem unto apostles elders question acts 152 deal didand much disputing peter rose said unto men brethren ye know good ago god made choice among us gentiles mouth hear word gospel believe act 158 god knoweth hearts bare witness giving holy ghost even unto us act 159 put difference us purifying hearts faith acts 1579 acknowledged e gentile become jew believing messiah line division longer exists gods perspective difference jewish gentile believer christ didnt stop continued answer question resolute final way apostles settle question therefore tempt ye god put yoke upon neck disciples neither fathers able bear believe grace lord jesus christ shall saved even multitude kept silence gave audience barnabas paul declaring miracles wonders god wrought among gentiles acts 151012 peter bold stuns silence uses time allow paul barnabas recount awesome miracles wonders god wrought among gentiles think cant get intense already james steps begins wrap held peace james answered saying men brethren hearken unto simeon hath declared god first visit gentiles take people name agree words prophets written return build tabernacle david fallen build ruins thereof set residue men might seek lord gentiles upon name called saith lord doeth things known unto god works beginning world acts 151318 knockout blow wherefore sentence trouble among gentiles turned god write unto abstain pollutions idols fornication things strangled blood moses old time hath every city preach read synagogues every sabbath day acts 151921 amazing display james holy spirit tells us god expects gentile believersand placed law moses exists evidence new testament mandates gentile believer observe jewish holidays eat kosher foods worship sabbath day reaction entire assembled group elders said forasmuch heard certain went us troubled words subverting souls saying ye must circumcised keep law gave commandment seemed good unto us assembled one accord send chosen men unto beloved barnabas paul men hazarded lives name lord jesus christ sent therefore judas silas shall also tell things mouth seemed good holy ghost us lay upon greater burden necessary things ye abstain meats offered idols blood things strangled fornication ye keep ye shall well fare ye well acts 152429 catch line go back reread apostles saying never gave commandment gentiles placed law moses never ever believe bible dont take word look read believer christ called law freedom jesus still need proof paul provides galatians 2 peter come antioch withstood face blamed certain came james eat gentiles come withdrew separated fearing circumcision jews dissembled likewise insomuch barnabas also carried away dissimulation saw walked uprightly according truth gospel said unto peter thou jew livest manner gentiles jews compellest thou gentiles live jews jews nature sinners gentiles knowing man justified works law faith jesus christ even believed jesus christ might justified faith christ works law works law shall flesh justified galatians 21116 shall build church gates hell shall prevail conclusion acknowledgement | 927 |
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<p>Smith &amp; Wesson (NASDAQ: SWHC) and Taser International (NASDAQ: TASR) have both made a lot of headlines lately. Smith &amp; Wesson saw its <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/19/why-gunmakers-smith-wesson-and-sturm-ruger-rallied.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">stock rally Opens a New Window.</a> after mass shootings sparked fears of tighter gun regulations. Taser experienced higher demand for its Axon body cams following a rash of <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-36826297" type="external">police shootings Opens a New Window.</a> of unarmed individuals across the country.</p>
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<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Smith &amp; Wesson rallied 28% since the beginning of the year, while Taser soared 51%. Both stocks easily outperformed the S&amp;P 500's 7% gain. But is either self-defense stock still a buy at current prices? Let's compare their growth, profitability, and valuations to find out.</p>
<p>Smith &amp; Wesson mostly sold handguns, rifles, and ammunition in the past. But to diversify its business over the past two years, it acquired accessories makerBattenfield Technologies, knife maker Taylor Brands, andCrimson Trace, a maker of tactical lights and laser sights. Those purchases turned its accessories division into the company's fastest growing unit in2015.</p>
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<p>Taser launched its namesake electric weapons in 1993, and introduced its body cameras in 2008. It also runs Evidence.com, a cloud-based digital evidence management platform which allows law enforcement agencies to store, manage, and share video data from its cameras. According to a 12-month study released bythe Rialto Police Department in 2013, Axon cameras reduced complaints against officers by 88% and there was a 60% reduction in "use of force" incidents. That's probably why Taser's Axon business is growing much faster than its electric weapon one.</p>
<p>Smith &amp; Wesson's sales rose 40% annually to $207 million last quarter, compared to 22% growth in the previous quarter and 12% growth a year ago. Sales of firearms rose 48% to $192.4 million, but sales of Outdoor Products and Accessories fell 17% to $14.6 million. The company attributes that slowdown to higher prices reducing overall sales but improving margins.</p>
<p>The number of NICS <a href="https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/nics/reports/nics_firearm_checks_-_month_year.pdf" type="external">background checks Opens a New Window.</a> for firearm purchases, a key metric of the gun industry's strength, hasrisen annually for 16 consecutive months. Analysts expect Smith &amp; Wesson's sales to rise 27% this year but just5% next year, due to the news-driven cyclical nature of gun sales.</p>
<p>Taser's sales rose 26% annually to $58.8 million last quarter, compared to 24% growth in the previous quarter and 26% growth a year ago. Sales of its Taser weapons rose 20% to $45.5 million, while sales of its Axon devices soared 49% to $13.2 million. At the end of the quarter, 34 major city law enforcement agencies had purchased Axon cameras of its digital evidence management software. Analysts expect Taser's sales to rise 21% this year and 19% next year, which gives it more stable annual growth than Smith &amp; Wesson.</p>
<p>Image source: Taser International.</p>
<p>Smith &amp; Wesson's gross margin rose 250 basis points annually to 42.3% last quarter, thanks to higher production volumes, inventory adjustments in the firearms segment, and the aforementioned higher margins from its outdoor products and accessories. GAAP earnings rose 119% to $0.57 per share, and non-GAAP earnings rose 94% to $0.62 per share. Analysts expect the company's non-GAAP earnings to rise 36% this year but dip 4% next year, due to the expected decline in year-over-year sales growth.</p>
<p>Taser's gross margin fell 300 basis points annually to 63% last quarter, due to higher sales of Axon's lower-margin devices. Taser weapons had a gross margin of 68% last quarter, but the Axon business had a gross margin of 47%. The expansion of its international team andpursuit of military accounts is also expected to apply additional pressure to its margins.</p>
<p>That's why Taser's net earnings fell 36% to $0.07 per share last quarter. Analysts expect that pressure to cause itsearnings to fall 25% this year before possibly rebounding 63% next year as these growing pains subside.</p>
<p>Smith &amp; Wesson currently trades at 14 times earnings, while Taser has a much higher P/E of 104. This means that Smith &amp; Wesson's stock is undervalued relative to the industry of 19 for defense product makers, while Taser looks extremely overvalued.</p>
<p>Smith &amp; Wesson is expected to post an average of 15% annual earnings growth over the next five years. This gives it a 5-year PEG ratio of 0.75, suggesting that it is undervalued relative to its growth potential. Taser is expected to grow its earnings by 30% over the next five years, but that gives it a much higher PEG ratio of 3.3.</p>
<p>Based on the valuations, Smith &amp; Wesson looks like a better buy than Taser. However, I'd still avoid the stock because its future sales could be heavily impacted by new regulations and panic-fueled sales. Therefore, I believe that Taser is a better long-term play, but only after the stock's price and valuations cool off to more reasonable levels.</p>
<p>A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early in-the-know investors! To be one of them, <a href="http://www.fool.com/mms/mark/ecap-foolcom-apple-wearable?aid=6965&amp;source=irbeditxt0000017&amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable-d&amp;ftm_pit=2668&amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">just click here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSunLion/info.aspx" type="external">Leo Sun Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Taser International. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | smith amp wesson nasdaq swhc taser international nasdaq tasr made lot headlines lately smith amp wesson saw stock rally opens new window mass shootings sparked fears tighter gun regulations taser experienced higher demand axon body cams following rash police shootings opens new window unarmed individuals across country continue reading image source getty images smith amp wesson rallied 28 since beginning year taser soared 51 stocks easily outperformed sampp 500s 7 gain either selfdefense stock still buy current prices lets compare growth profitability valuations find smith amp wesson mostly sold handguns rifles ammunition past diversify business past two years acquired accessories makerbattenfield technologies knife maker taylor brands andcrimson trace maker tactical lights laser sights purchases turned accessories division companys fastest growing unit in2015 advertisement taser launched namesake electric weapons 1993 introduced body cameras 2008 also runs evidencecom cloudbased digital evidence management platform allows law enforcement agencies store manage share video data cameras according 12month study released bythe rialto police department 2013 axon cameras reduced complaints officers 88 60 reduction use force incidents thats probably tasers axon business growing much faster electric weapon one smith amp wessons sales rose 40 annually 207 million last quarter compared 22 growth previous quarter 12 growth year ago sales firearms rose 48 1924 million sales outdoor products accessories fell 17 146 million company attributes slowdown higher prices reducing overall sales improving margins number nics background checks opens new window firearm purchases key metric gun industrys strength hasrisen annually 16 consecutive months analysts expect smith amp wessons sales rise 27 year just5 next year due newsdriven cyclical nature gun sales tasers sales rose 26 annually 588 million last quarter compared 24 growth previous quarter 26 growth year ago sales taser weapons rose 20 455 million sales axon devices soared 49 132 million end quarter 34 major city law enforcement agencies purchased axon cameras digital evidence management software analysts expect tasers sales rise 21 year 19 next year gives stable annual growth smith amp wesson image source taser international smith amp wessons gross margin rose 250 basis points annually 423 last quarter thanks higher production volumes inventory adjustments firearms segment aforementioned higher margins outdoor products accessories gaap earnings rose 119 057 per share nongaap earnings rose 94 062 per share analysts expect companys nongaap earnings rise 36 year dip 4 next year due expected decline yearoveryear sales growth tasers gross margin fell 300 basis points annually 63 last quarter due higher sales axons lowermargin devices taser weapons gross margin 68 last quarter axon business gross margin 47 expansion international team andpursuit military accounts also expected apply additional pressure margins thats tasers net earnings fell 36 007 per share last quarter analysts expect pressure cause itsearnings fall 25 year possibly rebounding 63 next year growing pains subside smith amp wesson currently trades 14 times earnings taser much higher pe 104 means smith amp wessons stock undervalued relative industry 19 defense product makers taser looks extremely overvalued smith amp wesson expected post average 15 annual earnings growth next five years gives 5year peg ratio 075 suggesting undervalued relative growth potential taser expected grow earnings 30 next five years gives much higher peg ratio 33 based valuations smith amp wesson looks like better buy taser however id still avoid stock future sales could heavily impacted new regulations panicfueled sales therefore believe taser better longterm play stocks price valuations cool reasonable levels secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window leo sun opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool recommends taser international try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 649 |
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<p>Considering the continued run-up of the broader market, it almost seems strange nowadays when you see a company selling at a decent valuation. If you dig deep enough, though, you will find a few companies that Wall Street doesn't like for some reason or another and are selling for a decent discount.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Three dividend payings stocks that stand out as great deals today are drilling rig operator Helmerich &amp; Payne (NYSE: HP), natural gas pipeline company ONEOK (NYSE: OKE), and fertilizer manufacturer CF Industries (NYSE: CF). Here's a look at why investors shouldn't be deterred by the bearish sentiment or the stock price declines.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Just this week, Goldman Sachs downgraded Helmerich &amp; Payne to sell. The thesis behind this downgrade is that the market for drilling rigs in the U.S. is about to plateau and that there isn't a whole lot of upside left for H&amp;P and the rest of the land drilling fleet. It's not an unjustified theory. Exploration &amp; production companies in the U.S. have been a little cavalier with their increased spending levels lately, and some are even going back to the days of taking out debt with hopes of "growing into their balance sheets." At the same time, the cost for drilling is starting to go back up again. The first part of the oil service value chain feeling <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/05/22/us-silica-holdings-management-thinks-you-need-to-k.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">pricing pressure is the frack sand marke Opens a New Window.</a> <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/05/22/us-silica-holdings-management-thinks-you-need-to-k.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">t Opens a New Window.</a>. If oil services costs increase drastically, then we could see producers' appetites for drilling fall off fast.</p>
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<p>All that said, this doesn't seem to be a good enough reason to avoid buying Helmerich &amp; Payne if you are an investor looking to make a long-term commitment to a stock. The company's most recent earnings report showed that it <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/04/28/helmerich-paynes-earnings-take-short-term-hits-fro.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">put a new rig into the field every 52 hours Opens a New Window.</a> and that declines in profitability were mostly attributed to one-time costs to bring idle equipment online. Also, Helmerich &amp; Payne announced that it was gaining market share in the land drilling segment. Even though its competitors have several idle rigs and typically command a lower price point than Helmerich &amp; Payne, it was H&amp;P's rigs getting the call to go out into the field.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>What's more, Helmerich &amp; Payne has routinely proven to be an excellent steward of shareholder capital. It has a <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/01/21/the-most-unlikely-energy-stock-to-reach-dividend-a.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">44-year history of consistently raising Opens a New Window.</a>dividendsand keeping a low-debt capital structure to take advantage of market opportunities. With shares carrying a dividend yield of 5%, now seems one of the more opportune times to pick some up.</p>
<p>A couple of years ago, I would have called ONEOK a good-not-great investment in the pipeline industry. While it had some good qualities like its integrated natural gas gathering and long haul transportation pipeline and its natural gas liquids system that feeds the petrochemical manufacturing beast that is the U.S. Gulf of Mexico; there were also some marks on its rap sheet. The two that stood out the most were its lack of fee-based contracts and its general partner/limited partner structure with incentive distribution rights.</p>
<p>For a pipeline company to deliver growing dividends year in, year out, it needs revenue certainty that can only come from fee-based contracts. As recently as 2014, though, ONEOK's fee-based contracts only represented 66% of revenue. That was well below similarly sized pipeline companies that had 80% or more of its revenue protected by fee-based contracts. This made ONEOK rather vulnerable to the price collapse that started to take hold in 2014. Luckily, though, the company addressed this issue. Management estimates that <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/05/03/everything-clicked-for-oneok-inc-in-the-first-quar.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">approximately 90% of revenue is now from fixed-fees Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>The other knock on ONEOK -- in my book -- was its limited partner/ general partner structure with ONEOK Partners (NYSE: OKS). Not only do these kinds of corporate structures make it harder to understand, but it also hampers growth. The incentive distribution rights ONEOK has on its partnership makes raising capital through equity expensive -- each new share means more money has to go out the door each quarter in dividends and incentive distribution rights.</p>
<p>Like its shift toward fee-based contracts, though, ONEOK is correcting this issue by acquiring the outstanding interest in ONEOK Partners and making it a single entity. Management expects the new structure to immediately garner an investment grade credit rating, allow for faster dividend growth at a healthy dividend coverage ratio of 1.2 times, and has the added benefit of no cash income taxes through 2021 thanks to revaluing ONEOK Partner's assets that can be depreciated again.</p>
<p>With a more stable revenue stream, a simpler corporate structure, and a path toward 9%-11% dividend growth rate through 2021; ONEOK looks like a company worth a look, especially with a dividend yield of 4.7%.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>It's hard to still be in love with a company when its stock has declined 43% over the past three years, especially in the case of a commodity company. If you look at the long-term trends for nitrogen fertilizer manufacturer CF Industries, though, it looks to be one of the best-positioned companies to benefit in this industry.</p>
<p>There was a time when manufacturing nitrogen-based fertilizers like urea and ammonium nitrate from natural gas in the U.S. was a disadvantage in the global market. That dynamic all changed with shale drilling. Domestic natural gas-basednitrogen products went from a marginal-cost supply to the low-cost source. As you can imagine, this structural shift has had a profound impact on the nitrogen fertilizer market. Many of the market players that are now the marginal cost producers -- namely China -- have been hesitant to shut down production and has caused fertilizer prices to plummet.</p>
<p>These sorts of supply and demand disruptions can take some time to work through the market, but we're starting to see the market respond as more than 25 million metric tons of production capacity has been permanently shut down in the past five years. As these shutdowns take hold, it will eventually lead to better fertilizer prices. At the same time, CF Industries is putting the finishing touches on expansion plans for several new manufacturing plants that will be some of the lowest cost sources.</p>
<p>One of the biggest knocks on CF Industries and its dividend has been its ambitious spending plans. That spending period is coming to a close, though, as it completed construction of two new plants that will be low-cost producers. Even after this capital expansion plan, CF's balance sheet is still in decent shape. Once that spending level winds down, it should get back to generating enough cash to support its expenditures and dividend.</p>
<p>With shares still suffering this cheap commodity price hangover, CF Industries' stock has a dividend of 4.2%. For those with patience, this looks like a superb time to buy shares.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFDirtyBird/info.aspx" type="external">Tyler Crowe Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends ONEOK. The Motley Fool recommends ONEOK Partners. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | considering continued runup broader market almost seems strange nowadays see company selling decent valuation dig deep enough though find companies wall street doesnt like reason another selling decent discount continue reading three dividend payings stocks stand great deals today drilling rig operator helmerich amp payne nyse hp natural gas pipeline company oneok nyse oke fertilizer manufacturer cf industries nyse cf heres look investors shouldnt deterred bearish sentiment stock price declines image source getty images week goldman sachs downgraded helmerich amp payne sell thesis behind downgrade market drilling rigs us plateau isnt whole lot upside left hampp rest land drilling fleet unjustified theory exploration amp production companies us little cavalier increased spending levels lately even going back days taking debt hopes growing balance sheets time cost drilling starting go back first part oil service value chain feeling pricing pressure frack sand marke opens new window opens new window oil services costs increase drastically could see producers appetites drilling fall fast advertisement said doesnt seem good enough reason avoid buying helmerich amp payne investor looking make longterm commitment stock companys recent earnings report showed put new rig field every 52 hours opens new window declines profitability mostly attributed onetime costs bring idle equipment online also helmerich amp payne announced gaining market share land drilling segment even though competitors several idle rigs typically command lower price point helmerich amp payne hampps rigs getting call go field image source getty images whats helmerich amp payne routinely proven excellent steward shareholder capital 44year history consistently raising opens new windowdividendsand keeping lowdebt capital structure take advantage market opportunities shares carrying dividend yield 5 seems one opportune times pick couple years ago would called oneok goodnotgreat investment pipeline industry good qualities like integrated natural gas gathering long haul transportation pipeline natural gas liquids system feeds petrochemical manufacturing beast us gulf mexico also marks rap sheet two stood lack feebased contracts general partnerlimited partner structure incentive distribution rights pipeline company deliver growing dividends year year needs revenue certainty come feebased contracts recently 2014 though oneoks feebased contracts represented 66 revenue well similarly sized pipeline companies 80 revenue protected feebased contracts made oneok rather vulnerable price collapse started take hold 2014 luckily though company addressed issue management estimates approximately 90 revenue fixedfees opens new window knock oneok book limited partner general partner structure oneok partners nyse oks kinds corporate structures make harder understand also hampers growth incentive distribution rights oneok partnership makes raising capital equity expensive new share means money go door quarter dividends incentive distribution rights like shift toward feebased contracts though oneok correcting issue acquiring outstanding interest oneok partners making single entity management expects new structure immediately garner investment grade credit rating allow faster dividend growth healthy dividend coverage ratio 12 times added benefit cash income taxes 2021 thanks revaluing oneok partners assets depreciated stable revenue stream simpler corporate structure path toward 911 dividend growth rate 2021 oneok looks like company worth look especially dividend yield 47 image source getty images hard still love company stock declined 43 past three years especially case commodity company look longterm trends nitrogen fertilizer manufacturer cf industries though looks one bestpositioned companies benefit industry time manufacturing nitrogenbased fertilizers like urea ammonium nitrate natural gas us disadvantage global market dynamic changed shale drilling domestic natural gasbasednitrogen products went marginalcost supply lowcost source imagine structural shift profound impact nitrogen fertilizer market many market players marginal cost producers namely china hesitant shut production caused fertilizer prices plummet sorts supply demand disruptions take time work market starting see market respond 25 million metric tons production capacity permanently shut past five years shutdowns take hold eventually lead better fertilizer prices time cf industries putting finishing touches expansion plans several new manufacturing plants lowest cost sources one biggest knocks cf industries dividend ambitious spending plans spending period coming close though completed construction two new plants lowcost producers even capital expansion plan cfs balance sheet still decent shape spending level winds get back generating enough cash support expenditures dividend shares still suffering cheap commodity price hangover cf industries stock dividend 42 patience looks like superb time buy shares simplify investing 30 minutes dayits roughly amount time takes walk quartermile treadmill whip dinner read children bedtime story little time takes learn everything need know begin investing stock market youre like us something know youshoulddo keep putting motley fools director investor learning eager help start venture absolutely free 30 minutes day 13 days get started opens new window tyler crowe opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends oneok motley fool recommends oneok partners motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 764 |
<p>Louisville, KY — Officers&#160; <a href="http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2017/10/05/explorer-scout-louisville-police-sex-abuse-scandal-video/735058001/" type="external">Kenneth Betts and Brandon Wood</a>, formerly with the Louisville Police Department, may have been able to fly under the radar of the mainstream media until now. But with recent court document revelations presented in court this week, their alleged pedophilia practices have come to the surface and even captured on video. And, once again, the crimes involve a police cadet program and accused pedophile cops.</p>
<p>The two police officers allegedly raped a teenage boy, both in their car and in a residence, and filmed the crime for the purposes of producing pornography. Betts and Wood were police officer mentors in the Youth Explorer Program for kids who want to one day become law enforcement officers. It was inside the mentorship program that they are accused of finding their victims.</p>
<p />
<p>Woods was fired in April after serving 8 years in the police department. Betts resigned in 2014 following an investigation he’d had improper contact with a teenage girl. Both former Louisville officers were indicted in April and entered “not guilty” pleas. Their trials are underway.</p>
<p>Because their victims are minors, both the identities of the children, as well as their parents, are being withheld for privacy reasons. A female victim’s mother made a statement to police in the fall of 2016 that&#160;Lt. Curtis Flaherty had put pressure on the family not to come forward with charges. According to the Courier-Journal, Flaherty&#160;was, “commander of both the Explorer program and the Public Integrity Unit,” in 2013. As such he was not only responsible for the youth discovery program but he also led the department which, “investigates possible criminal acts by department members.”</p>
<p>So when the allegations of impropriety surfaced, a conflict of interest arose and Flaherty took the side of the accused police officer and allegedly encouraged the family to keep quiet. Flaherty retired from the Louisville PD earlier this year. He’s now lawyered up and his attorney,&#160;Lee Sitlinger, claims the mother’s recollections were either taken out of context or misinterpreted.</p>
<p>Attorney David Yates represents five alleged victims. He told reporters the mother’s claims are in line with his own discoveries and added the Flaherty’s interference;</p>
<p>underscores what I have been saying for some time – that there were police officers who used their trust and authority to abuse minor victims…They were protected and assisted in a continuing cover-up through their supervisor and this was allowed to go on for way too long.</p>
<p>The mother gave a nearly hour-long videotaped interview with detectives. She said her daughter met the accused pedophile cops in 2013 at a&#160;week-long Explorer camp at Campbellsville University. There, the two cops targeted the young girl who was 15 at the time. She said Betts started sexting her daughter while she was 15, and after she turned 16, he began propositioning her for sex.</p>
<p>She said she told another officer and an internal investigation progressed. According to the Courier-Journal, that’s when she said Flaherty stepped in and put a stop to it.</p>
<p>Several officers subsequently interviewed her and took the daughter’s cell phone for further investigation. But she said the Explorer supervisor called her and told her to keep quiet, according to the report. She told investigators that when Betts learned her daughter had turned 16, he began contacting her to have a sexual relationship. The mother&#160;said a sergeant in internal affairs assured her that the investigation was important and that it was “on the top of the list on the chief’s desk.” But she said she was later told Betts had been “let go” and “there was never any closure regarding this case.”</p>
<p>That’s when Betts apparently quietly resigned. Now, in 2017, accusations are being leveled against the Chief of Police Steve Conrad and the city of a cover-up.&#160;Mayor Greg Fischer suspended the program in March in an apparent response to the negative publicity the two officers brought to the department.&#160;Fischer and Metro Council members contacted the FBI which is also conducting its own investigation.</p>
<p>Just as the investigation into alleged sex scandals involving teenage explorers and Louisville police officers was progressing, the police union stepped in and filed a lawsuit to prevent at least three other officers from testifying in the case.&#160; <a href="http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/crime/2017/08/16/louisville-police-union-fights-attempt-force-cops-testify-explorer-investigation/574680001/" type="external">The River City Fraternal Order of Police (RCFOP) filed a lawsuit&#160;</a>mid-August to prevent the officers from incriminating themselves in the involuntary interviews with a private attorney hired at the request of the mayor’s office.&#160;Officers Matthew Gelhausen, Joseff Keeling and Paul Paris were protected from being forced to give a deposition to the lawyer as a result of the lawsuit filed by their union. It is still unclear what the officers knew or how they were involved in the alleged abuses, cover-up, and/or quiet resignation of Betts.</p>
<p>Betts and Woods were reported to be best friends and were good friends with Flaherty, their accused protector. According to many former explorers, Woods would often hang out with the young boys outside of the program and take them on camping trips. His behavior as a mentor in the program was also questionable as he reportedly got drunk on at least one occasion and leaned against the young men.</p>
<p>In October of 2016, when allegations surfaced&#160; <a href="http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/crime/2017/04/16/brandon-wood-indicted-police-sex-abuse-scandal-has-record-dotted-reprimands/99530442/" type="external">Woods raped a young teenage boy</a>, he was stripped of his policing powers following an investigation by Flaherty’s Public Integrity Unit. It wasn’t until Betts was indicted that Woods was fired by Conrad in April.</p>
<p>As a result of the ongoing investigation, a fourth officer was placed on reassignment following an allegation from a female victim (who was once an explorer and is now an adult) she was also abused.&#160;Officer&#160; <a href="http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2017/05/27/fourth-louisville-police-officer-embroiled-explorer-program-sex-abuse-scandal/350741001/" type="external">Brad Schuhmann</a>&#160;stands accused by the victim and is the latest officer to be officially embroiled in the sex scandal involving pedophile cops and teens in the Explorer program.</p>
<p>The Explorer program is an affiliate of the Boy Scouts of America and, according to a Courier-Journal investigation going all the way back to 1974, has been at the center of sex scandal controversies involving cops and teenage cadets. As TFTP has reported, a vast pedophilia network is at work in the United States involving some of the most trusted members of society. As a result, few are ever held accountable for their actions and crimes against children. Using news databases, court records and other sources the Courier-Journal concluded:</p>
<p>► The Boy Scouts of America affiliate that runs the Explorer program has let police departments police themselves and failed to adopt some safeguards.</p>
<p>► Some department chiefs have ignored warning signs and minimized allegations.</p>
<p>► Ride-alongs&#160;in police cruisers have allowed law enforcement advisers to groom and abuse victims in one-on-one settings.</p>
<p>► Advisers have used their&#160;positions to exploit vulnerable teens who look up to them as mentors.</p>
<p>► Many offenders received only slight punishments, in part because of questions about whether victims had consented.</p>
<p>► Victims say their trust was violated and their dreams of law enforcement careers shattered.</p>
<p>In April, when residents of Rolling Hills learned their “Code Enforcement” official had been charged with raping a teenage boy, <a href="http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/crime/2017/04/18/betts-fired-suburban-city-job/100563290/" type="external">&#160;they demanded he&#160;be fired</a>. He was. Both Betts and Woods are facing decades in prison for charges of sexual abuse, and sodomy against one of the teenage cadets they were sworn to protect.</p>
<p>The criminal charges were filed against the two officers after the male victim known as&#160; <a href="http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/crime/2017/03/09/lawsuit-alleges-sex-abuse-louisville-police-explorer-program/98952722/" type="external">“N.C.” filed a civil suit in March</a>&#160;against the two men and Flaherty. The suit alleged the two officers began having sex with N.C. while he was 17 and continued doing so until he was 19 and that those sex acts were filmed for the purposes of creating pornography.</p>
<p>We at TFTP call on anyone and everyone who has ever been abused by any police officer within the Louisville Police Department to come forward with their story. It is the age of reckoning and the pedophile network of abusers and protectors needs to be broken. The RCFOP should be ashamed of itself. Instead of demanding that its officers report crimes to their superiors, by filing a lawsuit preventing officers from testifying, they have given the public the impression those potential crimes should remain hidden.</p>
<p>Courtesy of <a href="http://thefreethoughtproject.com/uncovered-pedophilia-network-involving-cops-cadeta/" type="external">The Free Thought Project</a></p>
<p>Jack Burns is an educator, journalist, investigative reporter, and advocate of natural medicine.</p>
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<p /> | true | 0 | louisville ky officers160 kenneth betts brandon wood formerly louisville police department may able fly radar mainstream media recent court document revelations presented court week alleged pedophilia practices come surface even captured video crimes involve police cadet program accused pedophile cops two police officers allegedly raped teenage boy car residence filmed crime purposes producing pornography betts wood police officer mentors youth explorer program kids want one day become law enforcement officers inside mentorship program accused finding victims woods fired april serving 8 years police department betts resigned 2014 following investigation hed improper contact teenage girl former louisville officers indicted april entered guilty pleas trials underway victims minors identities children well parents withheld privacy reasons female victims mother made statement police fall 2016 that160lt curtis flaherty put pressure family come forward charges according courierjournal flaherty160was commander explorer program public integrity unit 2013 responsible youth discovery program also led department investigates possible criminal acts department members allegations impropriety surfaced conflict interest arose flaherty took side accused police officer allegedly encouraged family keep quiet flaherty retired louisville pd earlier year hes lawyered attorney160lee sitlinger claims mothers recollections either taken context misinterpreted attorney david yates represents five alleged victims told reporters mothers claims line discoveries added flahertys interference underscores saying time police officers used trust authority abuse minor victimsthey protected assisted continuing coverup supervisor allowed go way long mother gave nearly hourlong videotaped interview detectives said daughter met accused pedophile cops 2013 a160weeklong explorer camp campbellsville university two cops targeted young girl 15 time said betts started sexting daughter 15 turned 16 began propositioning sex said told another officer internal investigation progressed according courierjournal thats said flaherty stepped put stop several officers subsequently interviewed took daughters cell phone investigation said explorer supervisor called told keep quiet according report told investigators betts learned daughter turned 16 began contacting sexual relationship mother160said sergeant internal affairs assured investigation important top list chiefs desk said later told betts let go never closure regarding case thats betts apparently quietly resigned 2017 accusations leveled chief police steve conrad city coverup160mayor greg fischer suspended program march apparent response negative publicity two officers brought department160fischer metro council members contacted fbi also conducting investigation investigation alleged sex scandals involving teenage explorers louisville police officers progressing police union stepped filed lawsuit prevent least three officers testifying case160 river city fraternal order police rcfop filed lawsuit160midaugust prevent officers incriminating involuntary interviews private attorney hired request mayors office160officers matthew gelhausen joseff keeling paul paris protected forced give deposition lawyer result lawsuit filed union still unclear officers knew involved alleged abuses coverup andor quiet resignation betts betts woods reported best friends good friends flaherty accused protector according many former explorers woods would often hang young boys outside program take camping trips behavior mentor program also questionable reportedly got drunk least one occasion leaned young men october 2016 allegations surfaced160 woods raped young teenage boy stripped policing powers following investigation flahertys public integrity unit wasnt betts indicted woods fired conrad april result ongoing investigation fourth officer placed reassignment following allegation female victim explorer adult also abused160officer160 brad schuhmann160stands accused victim latest officer officially embroiled sex scandal involving pedophile cops teens explorer program explorer program affiliate boy scouts america according courierjournal investigation going way back 1974 center sex scandal controversies involving cops teenage cadets tftp reported vast pedophilia network work united states involving trusted members society result ever held accountable actions crimes children using news databases court records sources courierjournal concluded boy scouts america affiliate runs explorer program let police departments police failed adopt safeguards department chiefs ignored warning signs minimized allegations ridealongs160in police cruisers allowed law enforcement advisers groom abuse victims oneonone settings advisers used their160positions exploit vulnerable teens look mentors many offenders received slight punishments part questions whether victims consented victims say trust violated dreams law enforcement careers shattered april residents rolling hills learned code enforcement official charged raping teenage boy 160they demanded he160be fired betts woods facing decades prison charges sexual abuse sodomy one teenage cadets sworn protect criminal charges filed two officers male victim known as160 nc filed civil suit march160against two men flaherty suit alleged two officers began sex nc 17 continued 19 sex acts filmed purposes creating pornography tftp call anyone everyone ever abused police officer within louisville police department come forward story age reckoning pedophile network abusers protectors needs broken rcfop ashamed instead demanding officers report crimes superiors filing lawsuit preventing officers testifying given public impression potential crimes remain hidden courtesy free thought project jack burns educator journalist investigative reporter advocate natural medicine | 750 |
<p />
<p>MercadoLibre (NASDAQ: MELI) stock took a big hit on Thursday on news that eBay (NASDAQ: EBAY) will be divesting the vast majority of its 20% stake in the company. In response, shares of the Latin America'se-commerce leader declined by nearly 8% on the day.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>On the other hand, things look much better for investors in MercadoLibre over a longer timeframe. Even after that setback, the stock is still up by more than 30% in the last year.</p>
<p>An image is worth a thousand words, and the following charts explain why MercadoLibre stock is performing so well.</p>
<p>eBay has been the top shareholder in MercadoLibre since 2001, when the Latin American company purchased the iBazar classifieds website from eBay in exchange for a 20% stake in itself. According to the press release from eBay, both companies will continue working together in cross-border trading opportunities even after eBay sells its MercadoLibre stock.</p>
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<p>MercadoLibre's business model is quite similar to what eBay's looked like before it spun off PayPal (NASDAQ: PYPL) in 2015. It makes nearly 60% of revenue from its marketplace platform, 23% from its MercadoPago digital payments platform, and the remaining 17% from classifieds and advertising.</p>
<p>The company is the market leader in all of the main countries where it operates. According to management, MercadoLibre has a market share of 31.7% in Brazil, 38.5% in Argentina, and 24.8% in Mexico.</p>
<p>E-commerce in Latin America has been fertile ground for growth over the years, and it still has significant room for expansion. Based on data from Euromonitor International, online commerce in Latin America is expected to expand at a compounded annual rate of 19% from 2014 to 2019.</p>
<p>Image source: MercadoLibre</p>
<p>Big economies in Latin America are going through significant volatility. Brazil has experienced sluggish economic growth and rising inflation levels over the past several years; in Argentina, inflation is up while GDP has contracted; and the situation in Venezuela is downright horrendous from an economic and political perspective. The political winds are shifting in Brazil and Argentina lately, and maybe this will have a positive impact on MercadoLibre over the mid-term. Nevertheless, doing business in Latin America always involves a greater level of uncertainty than commerce in the U.S. or other developed countries.</p>
<p>Currency fluctuations are another key uncertainty driver for MercadoLibre. The company generates its sales and earnings in local currencies, so fluctuating exchange rates over a particular period can have a big impact on the company's performance, especially when translated into U.S. dollars.</p>
<p>For this reason, watching key operational metrics such as items sold and payments transactions can be a smart way to monitor the company's intrinsic performance while leaving macroeconomic considerations aside.</p>
<p>Fortunately for investors, MercadoLibre is looking stronger than ever from this point of view, and growth is even accelerating. Items sold hit 43.7 million in the second quarter of 2016, up 45% from Q2 2015 -- the highest growth rate the company has experienced since 2009. Gross merchandise volume was over $2 billion, growing 21.2% in U.S. dollars and up by 67.9% in local currencies.</p>
<p>Image source: MercadoLibre</p>
<p>The payments business is also firing on all cylinders. The company processed 31.9 million transactions in the second quarter, growing 76% versus the same period in the prior year. MercadoPago's on-platform penetration reached a record high of 75%, approximately 20 percentage points higher than in the second quarter of 2015. Total payment volume was $1.8 billion, a year-over-year increase of 50.6% in U.S. dollars, and of 101.6% in local currencies.</p>
<p>Image source: MercdoLibre.</p>
<p>The company is effectively translating healthy operational performance into growing sales and earnings for investors. Net revenue in U.S. dollars has increased at 17% annually from 2011 to 2015, and the year-over-year increase in Q2 2016 was an even stronger 29.4%. In constant currency terms, sales grew 72.5% year-over-year during the quarter.</p>
<p>Profit margins are under pressure due to higher payment processing fees and increasing taxes on revenue as MercadoLibre is expanding into payments and shipping. Nevertheless, the business is still remarkably profitable: It's retaining nearly 63% of revenue as gross profit and 33% of sales as earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT).</p>
<p>Image source: MercadoLibre.</p>
<p>MercadoLibre is a market leader in a remarkably promising industry. The company is growing at high speed, and financial indicators such as sales and profits are clearly moving in the right direction. With all this in mind, it's easy to understand why MercadoLibre stock is firing on all cylinders.</p>
<p>A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early in-the-know investors! To be one of them, <a href="http://www.fool.com/mms/mark/ecap-foolcom-apple-wearable?aid=6965&amp;source=irbeditxt0000017&amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable-d&amp;ftm_pit=2667&amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">just click here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/acardenal/info.aspx" type="external">Andrs Cardenal Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of MercadoLibre. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends eBay, MercadoLibre, and PayPal Holdings. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | mercadolibre nasdaq meli stock took big hit thursday news ebay nasdaq ebay divesting vast majority 20 stake company response shares latin americasecommerce leader declined nearly 8 day continue reading hand things look much better investors mercadolibre longer timeframe even setback stock still 30 last year image worth thousand words following charts explain mercadolibre stock performing well ebay top shareholder mercadolibre since 2001 latin american company purchased ibazar classifieds website ebay exchange 20 stake according press release ebay companies continue working together crossborder trading opportunities even ebay sells mercadolibre stock advertisement mercadolibres business model quite similar ebays looked like spun paypal nasdaq pypl 2015 makes nearly 60 revenue marketplace platform 23 mercadopago digital payments platform remaining 17 classifieds advertising company market leader main countries operates according management mercadolibre market share 317 brazil 385 argentina 248 mexico ecommerce latin america fertile ground growth years still significant room expansion based data euromonitor international online commerce latin america expected expand compounded annual rate 19 2014 2019 image source mercadolibre big economies latin america going significant volatility brazil experienced sluggish economic growth rising inflation levels past several years argentina inflation gdp contracted situation venezuela downright horrendous economic political perspective political winds shifting brazil argentina lately maybe positive impact mercadolibre midterm nevertheless business latin america always involves greater level uncertainty commerce us developed countries currency fluctuations another key uncertainty driver mercadolibre company generates sales earnings local currencies fluctuating exchange rates particular period big impact companys performance especially translated us dollars reason watching key operational metrics items sold payments transactions smart way monitor companys intrinsic performance leaving macroeconomic considerations aside fortunately investors mercadolibre looking stronger ever point view growth even accelerating items sold hit 437 million second quarter 2016 45 q2 2015 highest growth rate company experienced since 2009 gross merchandise volume 2 billion growing 212 us dollars 679 local currencies image source mercadolibre payments business also firing cylinders company processed 319 million transactions second quarter growing 76 versus period prior year mercadopagos onplatform penetration reached record high 75 approximately 20 percentage points higher second quarter 2015 total payment volume 18 billion yearoveryear increase 506 us dollars 1016 local currencies image source mercdolibre company effectively translating healthy operational performance growing sales earnings investors net revenue us dollars increased 17 annually 2011 2015 yearoveryear increase q2 2016 even stronger 294 constant currency terms sales grew 725 yearoveryear quarter profit margins pressure due higher payment processing fees increasing taxes revenue mercadolibre expanding payments shipping nevertheless business still remarkably profitable retaining nearly 63 revenue gross profit 33 sales earnings interest taxes ebit image source mercadolibre mercadolibre market leader remarkably promising industry company growing high speed financial indicators sales profits clearly moving right direction mind easy understand mercadolibre stock firing cylinders secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window andrs cardenal opens new window owns shares mercadolibre motley fool owns shares recommends ebay mercadolibre paypal holdings try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 543 |
<p>[UPDATE] Lisa Bloom tweeted the following on Saturday:</p>
<p>Lisa Bloom, who, until Saturday, was acting as an advisor to Harvey Weinstein in the wake of the allegations of sexual harassment against the mega-producer, appeared on Good Morning America on Friday.</p>
<p>In a truly unusual exchange with George Stephanopoulos, Bloom appeared to admit that Weinstein had done wrong, but claimed he was remorseful, and trying to better himself.</p>
<p>Strap in because this is a fascinating read (the video is at the bottom of the page):</p>
<p>STEPHANOPOULOS: I have to say I'm surprised you're here this morning. You've been here in the past; you've represented women who have taken on Bill Cosby, Bill O'Reilly, Donald Trump – sexual harassment cases. Why did you switch sides in this case?</p>
<p>BLOOM: Well, I've known Harvey for about a year, and these rumors have swirled around him for a long time. And I said to him: "What's going on? This is not okay." And Harvey and I had a lot of frank conversations about this, and when this New York Times story was about to break, and Harvey expressed to me the same remorse that you see now, I said: "We have to throw out the old playbook, okay? You're not going to be attacking women, you are not going to be disrespecting women, you are not going to be digging up dirt on them and embarrassing them, you know? That's the tired old way to go. If you are genuinely remorseful, say so, admit what you've done wrong, apologize, and let's have your actions, you know, speak for yourself."</p>
<p>STEPHANOPOULOS: Let's get to that. Did he sexually harass women?</p>
<p>BLOOM: I think Harvey has acknowledged that, yes, there was misconduct over a period of years. He has certainly a very bad temper, and that's a big part of the problem – he's certainly well known for that. He’s a big, loud guy; people are intimidated by him. I'm not...I'll stand up to him, but if I'm a 23-year-old in his workplace, of course they're intimidated.</p>
<p>STEPHANOPOULOS: It's not just bad behavior. The question is: Is [this] sexual harassment?...His lawyer says the New York Times story is "saturated with false and defamatory statements." Ashley Judd says she went for a business meeting, and he proposed a massage, asked if she would watch him shower. Is she lying?</p>
<p>BLOOM: No, no. I have great respect for Ashley Judd, and so does Harvey. And, you know, while they have a little different perspective on what happened – what happened 20 years ago, okay – this is not about attacking any of the women. I am glad they've come forward, I encourage them to come forward. Harvey has authorized me to say that. I mean, this is a very different day. What do you do if you have behaved badly for 30 years? Are you going to continue, or are you going to start, you know, a different approach? And that's what he's doing.</p>
<p>...</p>
<p>STEPHANOPOULOS: Here's the problem. The New York Times says that in interviews, "eight women describe the varying behavior by Mr. Weinstein, appearing nearly or fully naked in front of them; requiring them to be present while he bathed, or repeatedly asking for massage, or initiating one himself." This is a real pattern.</p>
<p>BLOOM: Yeah.</p>
<p>STEPHANOPOULOS: Over thirty years. This is textbook sexual harassment.</p>
<p>BLOOM: It's gross.</p>
<p>STEPHANOPOULOS: It's illegal.</p>
<p>BLOOM: Yes. You know, I agree. So, but you have to understand that yes, I am here as his adviser. I am not defending him in any sexual harassment cases; there aren't any sexual harassment cases. I'm working with a guy who has behaved badly over the years, who is genuinely remorseful, who says: "I have caused a lot of pain."</p>
<p>STEPHANOPOULOS: Then why is he suing the Times?</p>
<p>BLOOM: Well, he has a different lawyer handling that because a lot of the allegations – there are witnesses who say those things actually did not happen. And the Times did not take that into account; they did not report what some of the witnesses said. For example, some people said: "I think he was having an affair with this other woman." When the other woman was contacted, she said "absolutely not."</p>
<p>STEPHANOPOULOS: Yeah, but you just acknowledged the stories where people come forward publicly – Ashley Judd's story. You don't think she's lying.</p>
<p>BLOOM: I am not accusing Ashley Judd of lying at all. I'm glad she's come forward and spoken out her truth. I think that's important.</p>
<p>STEPHANOPOULOS: You don't think the other women, Emily Nestor, another employee came forward...</p>
<p>BLOOM: I'm not accusing anyone of lying. We are not going to do that. What Harvey Weinstein has done is wrong, he has caused pain, he said that. I have said in my statement, listen, you know, I have done a lot of cases on behalf of women. I've often thought: "Gee, I wish I could get on the other side and smack that guy around a little bit verbally." Here was an opportunity of a guy saying: "Lisa, what should I do? I have behaved badly." I'm like: "Good, I'm gonna tell you what to do. Be honest. Be real."</p>
<p>STEPHANOPOULOS: Ok, he's admitted to you he's sexually harassed women?</p>
<p>BLOOM: Well, you're using the term "sexual harassment," which is a legal term. So, I'm using the term "workplace misconduct." I don't know if there's a real significant difference to most people, but sexual harassment is severe and pervasive, and so, telling somebody they look nice in a dress, for example, is not sexual harassment, and that is one of the allegations against him.</p>
<p>STEPHANOPOULOS: [Well], but suggesting to someone, if you have sex with me, you're going to do better in your career, that's sexual harassment.</p>
<p>BLOOM: That is absolutely sexual harassment.</p>
<p>STEPHANOPOULOS: And that's what's alleged in the article.</p>
<p>BLOOM: And that is one of the allegations, that is true. Yes, that is true.</p>
<p>STEPHANOPOULOS: Well, you are being very forthright here, but I can't –</p>
<p>BLOOM: And I'm telling you that Harvey has authorized me to be very forthright because he is ashamed of his behavior.</p>
<p>STEPHANOPOULOS: And I appreciate that, [and] I take your word for it. On the other hand, he's got another lawyer who is suing The New York Times, saying The New York Times is basically lying.</p>
<p>BLOOM: Yes, because some of the allegations, he contends, are –</p>
<p>STEPHANOPOULOS: You see the inconsistency there?</p>
<p>BLOOM: I don't think it's inconsistent. This was a very long article with a lot of allegations where they refused to take into account witnesses who said some of the stuff was untrue. But that doesn't really matter to me. What matters to me, and what I say to Harvey behind the scenes is: "You've got a long history here; you've got a pattern. You say you are very sorry, and you say you want to respect women and do better. That starts right now."</p>
<p>STEPHANOPOULOS: You say you are tutoring him. What does that mean exactly?</p>
<p>BLOOM: It means I explain to him things like, the way you talk to your guy friends, you know, when you're going out for a beer, is not appropriate in the workplace. You can't have a lot of cursing, you can't tell sexual stories, you can't hit on women in the workplace. Not only is it illegal, it's wrong because it causes pain to women, and it needs to stop right now.</p>
<p>STEPHANOPOULOS: Shouldn't a 65-year-old man know that?</p>
<p>BLOOM: Of course he should.</p>
<p>STEPHANOPOULOS: But you believe he's going to change now?</p>
<p>BLOOM: I hope so. It's an effort. I think he has changed in the year that I've known him, and been talking to him in this very hard-hitting way behind the scenes – there haven't been any allegations then. You know, it's hard for human beings to change. His biggest problem is anger, which he says he's been in therapy and working on for ten years – and he still has a long way to go on that. He gets very angry; he's a big guy with a loud voice, and I think that's a big part of the problem.</p>
<p>Imagine if someone came out and said the same things about Bill O’Reilly, Donald Trump, or Eric Bolling?</p>
<p>Here’s the full interview:</p> | true | 0 | update lisa bloom tweeted following saturday lisa bloom saturday acting advisor harvey weinstein wake allegations sexual harassment megaproducer appeared good morning america friday truly unusual exchange george stephanopoulos bloom appeared admit weinstein done wrong claimed remorseful trying better strap fascinating read video bottom page stephanopoulos say im surprised youre morning youve past youve represented women taken bill cosby bill oreilly donald trump sexual harassment cases switch sides case bloom well ive known harvey year rumors swirled around long time said whats going okay harvey lot frank conversations new york times story break harvey expressed remorse see said throw old playbook okay youre going attacking women going disrespecting women going digging dirt embarrassing know thats tired old way go genuinely remorseful say admit youve done wrong apologize lets actions know speak stephanopoulos lets get sexually harass women bloom think harvey acknowledged yes misconduct period years certainly bad temper thats big part problem hes certainly well known hes big loud guy people intimidated im notill stand im 23yearold workplace course theyre intimidated stephanopoulos bad behavior question sexual harassmenthis lawyer says new york times story saturated false defamatory statements ashley judd says went business meeting proposed massage asked would watch shower lying bloom great respect ashley judd harvey know little different perspective happened happened 20 years ago okay attacking women glad theyve come forward encourage come forward harvey authorized say mean different day behaved badly 30 years going continue going start know different approach thats hes stephanopoulos heres problem new york times says interviews eight women describe varying behavior mr weinstein appearing nearly fully naked front requiring present bathed repeatedly asking massage initiating one real pattern bloom yeah stephanopoulos thirty years textbook sexual harassment bloom gross stephanopoulos illegal bloom yes know agree understand yes adviser defending sexual harassment cases arent sexual harassment cases im working guy behaved badly years genuinely remorseful says caused lot pain stephanopoulos suing times bloom well different lawyer handling lot allegations witnesses say things actually happen times take account report witnesses said example people said think affair woman woman contacted said absolutely stephanopoulos yeah acknowledged stories people come forward publicly ashley judds story dont think shes lying bloom accusing ashley judd lying im glad shes come forward spoken truth think thats important stephanopoulos dont think women emily nestor another employee came forward bloom im accusing anyone lying going harvey weinstein done wrong caused pain said said statement listen know done lot cases behalf women ive often thought gee wish could get side smack guy around little bit verbally opportunity guy saying lisa behaved badly im like good im gon na tell honest real stephanopoulos ok hes admitted hes sexually harassed women bloom well youre using term sexual harassment legal term im using term workplace misconduct dont know theres real significant difference people sexual harassment severe pervasive telling somebody look nice dress example sexual harassment one allegations stephanopoulos well suggesting someone sex youre going better career thats sexual harassment bloom absolutely sexual harassment stephanopoulos thats whats alleged article bloom one allegations true yes true stephanopoulos well forthright cant bloom im telling harvey authorized forthright ashamed behavior stephanopoulos appreciate take word hand hes got another lawyer suing new york times saying new york times basically lying bloom yes allegations contends stephanopoulos see inconsistency bloom dont think inconsistent long article lot allegations refused take account witnesses said stuff untrue doesnt really matter matters say harvey behind scenes youve got long history youve got pattern say sorry say want respect women better starts right stephanopoulos say tutoring mean exactly bloom means explain things like way talk guy friends know youre going beer appropriate workplace cant lot cursing cant tell sexual stories cant hit women workplace illegal wrong causes pain women needs stop right stephanopoulos shouldnt 65yearold man know bloom course stephanopoulos believe hes going change bloom hope effort think changed year ive known talking hardhitting way behind scenes havent allegations know hard human beings change biggest problem anger says hes therapy working ten years still long way go gets angry hes big guy loud voice think thats big part problem imagine someone came said things bill oreilly donald trump eric bolling heres full interview | 691 |
<p>There are two key aspects to building a successful company culture. The first is creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere where your employees love coming to work each day. The second &#160;is creating an environment where your employees collaborate with each other, are challenged to work hard and improve, and are accountable to themselves and the team on a daily basis.</p>
<p>The later is the tougher one to accomplish. It’s also what enables a company to build a strong foundation of core employees, which can lead to faster growth. When &#160;I started&#160; <a href="http://lawline.com" type="external">Lawline.com Opens a New Window.</a> in&#160;2006, I was too focused on the fun part. Then we hit a roadblock because everything still revolved around me.When we started focusing on the collaborative environment,&#160;accountability&#160;and growth everything changed. The company size tripled in one year but, more importantly, we created an atmosphere where people loved what they did, excelled in their roles and became leaders in the organization.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Below are three key building blocks we used that are easy to implement without having to invest time or money in training.</p>
<p>1. Culture of DisciplineAccording to <a href="" type="internal">New York Times</a> Best Selling author, Jim Collins, in&#160; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Companies-Leap-Others/dp/0066620996" type="external">Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t Opens a New Window.</a>, every organization that achieved greatness first built a culture of discipline. For us, this consisted of conducting regular morning meetings, changing our dress code, and most importantly holding everyone accountable on a daily basis.</p>
<p>-8am HuddlesAt first it was just a few people in the company who met for early meetings and as the energy started growing, the gatherings quickly spread to every department. The meetings evolved into huddles, or short, but high-energy meetings. Huddling is one of the simplest and effective ways to build creative energy and focus within your company. Employees who show up to early meetings demonstrate a commitment to the company and to their fellow team members.</p>
<p>-It is How You DressOur employees hardly ever interact with our customers. Even so, our policy is that&#160;all employees must wear business attire every day. We implemented this policy was implemented nearly two years ago, and the effect has been a more professional and collegiate working environment. All interactions — be they in person, by phone, or through email — have an elevated level of professionalism.</p>
<p>-Hold Everyone AccountableAccountability is what led to the most substantive improvement in our company. To assist our employees in managing their workload, we requested that they email their managers their tasks and goals each morning. In the evening, they were to notify their managers about which tasks had been completed.</p>
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<p>Later, we created a shared <a href="" type="internal">Google</a> doc where everyone had access to see what their team members were accomplishing each day. &#160;This helped managers to work one-on-one with employees who were struggling by giving them clear direction on setting their daily agenda. &#160;This accountability led to greater productivity in every department.</p>
<p>2. Energy In vs. Energy Out</p>
<p>In a small business, it is important for managers to see a return in the energy they are investing in each employee. We created an “Energy In vs. Energy Out” diagram to show team leaders that if they devoted 10% of their energy to an employee, they should get a positive ROI of at least 15% energy output. The diagram ensured that we avoided giving too much energy to those not reciprocating. It also helped create a culture of discipline where we focused our time and efforts on our best people who were adding the most value.</p>
<p>3. Vested Interest</p>
<p>Another key to growing the company involved treating our key employees as partners with vested interest in the new culture — and the success of the company. We showed them how the business worked from the inside out and, most importantly, we gave them the power to change everything. We also began to encourage employees come to us with complete thoughts. For example, if an employee approached us and said he thought we should send more postcards, we would first ask for a detailed plan and after some time the employee would come back with costs, an offer, the states we should target, and an expected ROI based on past returns.</p>
<p>Over time, our employees learned to put together full plans before approaching managers with new ideas. The trade off is that when someone has a good plan, we implement it, even if we’re not 100 percent sure it will work. We trust that we have an internal partner vested in making sure the plan is&#160;successful. We’ve implemented several successful employee plans including a live event series, expanding to a new state, and launching an <a href="" type="internal">iPad</a> app.</p>
<p>We are fortunate to now have successfully achieved a fun atmosphere where our employees come early, act professional, exude positive energy, and feel committed to the success of the company, while always pushing each other to find a better way to accomplish our goals.</p>
<p><a href="http://theyec.org/author/david-schnurman/" type="external">David Schnurman Opens a New Window.</a> is the CEO of <a href="http://www.lawline.com/" type="external">Lawline.com Opens a New Window.</a>, the leading provider of online Continuing Legal Education in the country and founder of <a href="http://truenyc.com/" type="external">TrueNYC.com Opens a New Window.</a>, an online Website for entrepreneurs.</p>
<p><a href="http://theyec.org" type="external">The Young Entrepreneur Council (Y.E.C.) Opens a New Window.</a> is a nonprofit organization that provides young entrepreneurs with access to tools, mentorship, community and educational resources that support each stage of their business’s development and growth. The Y.E.C promotes entrepreneurship as a solution to youth unemployment and underemployment.</p> | true | 0 | two key aspects building successful company culture first creating fun relaxed atmosphere employees love coming work day second 160is creating environment employees collaborate challenged work hard improve accountable team daily basis later tougher one accomplish also enables company build strong foundation core employees lead faster growth 160i started160 lawlinecom opens new window in1602006 focused fun part hit roadblock everything still revolved around mewhen started focusing collaborative environment160accountability160and growth everything changed company size tripled one year importantly created atmosphere people loved excelled roles became leaders organization continue reading three key building blocks used easy implement without invest time money training 1 culture disciplineaccording new york times best selling author jim collins in160 good great companies make leapand others dont opens new window every organization achieved greatness first built culture discipline us consisted conducting regular morning meetings changing dress code importantly holding everyone accountable daily basis 8am huddlesat first people company met early meetings energy started growing gatherings quickly spread every department meetings evolved huddles short highenergy meetings huddling one simplest effective ways build creative energy focus within company employees show early meetings demonstrate commitment company fellow team members dressour employees hardly ever interact customers even policy that160all employees must wear business attire every day implemented policy implemented nearly two years ago effect professional collegiate working environment interactions person phone email elevated level professionalism hold everyone accountableaccountability led substantive improvement company assist employees managing workload requested email managers tasks goals morning evening notify managers tasks completed advertisement later created shared google doc everyone access see team members accomplishing day 160this helped managers work oneonone employees struggling giving clear direction setting daily agenda 160this accountability led greater productivity every department 2 energy vs energy small business important managers see return energy investing employee created energy vs energy diagram show team leaders devoted 10 energy employee get positive roi least 15 energy output diagram ensured avoided giving much energy reciprocating also helped create culture discipline focused time efforts best people adding value 3 vested interest another key growing company involved treating key employees partners vested interest new culture success company showed business worked inside importantly gave power change everything also began encourage employees come us complete thoughts example employee approached us said thought send postcards would first ask detailed plan time employee would come back costs offer states target expected roi based past returns time employees learned put together full plans approaching managers new ideas trade someone good plan implement even 100 percent sure work trust internal partner vested making sure plan is160successful weve implemented several successful employee plans including live event series expanding new state launching ipad app fortunate successfully achieved fun atmosphere employees come early act professional exude positive energy feel committed success company always pushing find better way accomplish goals david schnurman opens new window ceo lawlinecom opens new window leading provider online continuing legal education country founder truenyccom opens new window online website entrepreneurs young entrepreneur council yec opens new window nonprofit organization provides young entrepreneurs access tools mentorship community educational resources support stage businesss development growth yec promotes entrepreneurship solution youth unemployment underemployment | 514 |
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<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>When you're in your 50s, it's likely that you've been in the workforce for a number of years and are in your peak earning years. Retirement is no longer something way off in the future; it's real and will be upon you quite soon. These are the years you need to be maxing out your 401(k) plan, and saving as much as you can in other places, too. You also need to be doing some concrete retirement planning.</p>
<p>Here's one way to check your savings progress, according to investment management company T. Rowe Price:</p>
<p>Although these are just benchmarks, they do serve as a guideline. If you're in this phase of your life, <a href="http://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/27-steps-maximize-401k-2016/" type="external">follow these tips to master your 401(k) in your 50s Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>Once you determine whether you're on track for retirement, be sure you're taking advantage of your 401(k)'s catch-up provisions. People who will be 50 or older at any point during the year can <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/12-secret-moves-double-401k/" type="external">make extra contributions Opens a New Window.</a> over and above the $18,000 contribution limit.</p>
<p>"For 2016, this means saving an extra $6,000 in addition to the $18,000 of employee deferrals," said financial advisor Sterling Raskie of <a href="http://financialducksinarow.com" type="external">Blankenship Financial Planning Opens a New Window.</a>. "For many individuals, this is the time to really ramp up savings if they got a late start or income was limited in their early working careers."</p>
<p>As you enter your 50s, you might find that you're an empty nester. You might also be done paying for your children's college. If this is the case, it's important to <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/42-ways-save-retirement/" type="external">allocate more toward saving for retirement Opens a New Window.</a>, especially if you find yourself behind.</p>
<p>"According to Statistic Brain [in] 2016, the average 50-year-old has $42,797 in savings, so this is a good time to reevaluate your financial goals," said financial advisor Winnie Sun of <a href="http://www.sungroupwp.com/" type="external">Sun Group Wealth Partners Opens a New Window.</a>. "You may have extra funds now that you are an empty nester in your 50s, so get a handle on your income and expenses."</p>
<p>If your company offers a Roth 401(k), consider contributing to it in addition to a traditional 401(k), said financial advisor Shomari Hearn of <a href="http://www.palisadeshudson.com/" type="external">Palisades Hudson Financial Group Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>"With the Roth 401(k), you will be contributing after-tax money, so you won't benefit from upfront tax savings that come with contributing to a traditional 401(k)," he said. "However, it provides tax-free growth, so qualified withdrawals are not subject to tax in retirement. That is, assuming Congress doesn't take away this benefit in the future. This is where the uncertainty lies, so it's best to diversify for tax purposes."</p>
<p>The Roth 401(k) option offers several advantages. First, contributions are not limited by your income -- as with a Roth IRA account -- and the contribution limits are higher than the Roth IRA. In addition to the tax break that you might receive, the Roth 401(k) offers a number of estate-planning options once you retire.</p>
<p>Beyond your 401(k), this is the time to <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/havent-turned-50-yet-can-still-save-800000-before-retirement/" type="external">save additional amounts for retirement Opens a New Window.</a> if you can. Utilize IRAs, save in taxable accounts and be sure that your spouse is maxing out his or her retirement accounts, too.</p>
<p>"Your 50s are great for making up for lost time," said Benjamin J. Brandt, financial advisor with <a href="http://retirementstartstoday.com" type="external">Capital City Wealth Management Opens a New Window.</a>. "Saving the additional funds might be tough, but harnessing your peak earning years as you approach retirement is a great way to master your 401(k) in your 50s."</p>
<p>It's rarely a good idea to have too much of your investment portfolio concentrated in any one holding, including your company stock. "If your employer is a publicly traded company, limit your exposure to company stock within your 401(k) plan to no more than 10% of your total retirement portfolio," said Hearn.</p>
<p>"Any company has the potential to go out of business," Hearn said. "Enron and Tyco are just two examples of companies that went out of business, wiping out significant wealth for employees that were overexposed to company stock. In addition to exposure through your 401(k) plan, you have exposure to your company in the form of your salary, as well as possibly through stock options and restricted stock."</p>
<p>In your 50s, you should be coordinating all aspects of your plan to transition into retirement, with a list of actionable steps and a timetable to complete them. "Start thinking about an exit strategy," said Portland, Ore., financial planner <a href="http://abovethecanopy.us" type="external">Grant Bledsoe Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>"Once you stop working, anything you take out of the account will be taxed as income," he said. "Devise a strategy now that will minimize the impact of taxes down the road. This might include a conversion to a Roth 401(k) or Roth IRA, or waiting to take withdrawals until you're forced to, starting at age 70 1/2."</p>
<p>If you leave your job at or after age 55, you can withdraw funds from your 401(k) account without incurring the 10 percent withdrawal penalty that normally hits those who withdraw funds prior to age 59 1/2. In order to qualify:</p>
<p>At this point in your life, it's important to <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/401k-leaving-job/" type="external">manage all of your old 401(k)s and other retirement accounts Opens a New Window.</a> as part of an overall portfolio geared toward your retirement needs. Don't ignore those old accounts. Consider consolidating your old accounts into a single IRA, or into the 401(k) of your current employer, if eligible -- if doing so fits with your retirement plan, and your current 401(k) plan is a solid one.</p>
<p>Target date funds can offer a professionally managed solution for 401(k) plan participants who are not comfortable making their own investment decisions. However, by the time you hit your 50s, you really should have a more personalized investment portfolio that is tailored to your situation.</p>
<p>If you choose to go with target date funds, be sure to understand how the allocation dovetails with any outside investments, and if the fund with the target date closest to your expected retirement date is the right one for you. Note that you're not restricted to this fund and can go with a fund with a shorter or longer target date.</p>
<p>As one cautionary example, in 2008, many investors were surprised by the size of the losses for that year incurred by the 2010-dated funds for the big three providers -- Fidelity, T. Rowe Price, and Vanguard:</p>
<p>Although all three funds lost less than the S&amp;P 500 index's 37% drop for the year, to many, these losses seemed high for funds geared toward people who were retiring in the next few years. So choose this option carefully.</p>
<p>This is a good time to seek out the services of a qualified financial advisor -- if you don't already have a relationship with one. Consider choosing a fee-only financial advisor, who will serve you in a fiduciary capacity that places your interests first. Even if you are financially savvy, the third-party perspective offered by a financial advisor can be invaluable.</p>
<p>Besides your 401(k), a financial advisor can help you plan your exit strategy, a Social Security-claiming strategy and other aspects of retirement planning. Your 401(k) plan might offer advice options; some are free, others are not. Consider checking into these, as well.</p>
<p>This article originally appeared at <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/master-401k-50s/" type="external">GoBankingRates Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/2016/07/09/how-to-master-your-401k-in-your-50s.aspx" type="external">How to Master Your 401(k) in Your 50s Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p>Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/help/index.htm?display=about02" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | image source getty images continue reading youre 50s likely youve workforce number years peak earning years retirement longer something way future real upon quite soon years need maxing 401k plan saving much places also need concrete retirement planning heres one way check savings progress according investment management company rowe price although benchmarks serve guideline youre phase life follow tips master 401k 50s opens new window advertisement determine whether youre track retirement sure youre taking advantage 401ks catchup provisions people 50 older point year make extra contributions opens new window 18000 contribution limit 2016 means saving extra 6000 addition 18000 employee deferrals said financial advisor sterling raskie blankenship financial planning opens new window many individuals time really ramp savings got late start income limited early working careers enter 50s might find youre empty nester might also done paying childrens college case important allocate toward saving retirement opens new window especially find behind according statistic brain 2016 average 50yearold 42797 savings good time reevaluate financial goals said financial advisor winnie sun sun group wealth partners opens new window may extra funds empty nester 50s get handle income expenses company offers roth 401k consider contributing addition traditional 401k said financial advisor shomari hearn palisades hudson financial group opens new window roth 401k contributing aftertax money wont benefit upfront tax savings come contributing traditional 401k said however provides taxfree growth qualified withdrawals subject tax retirement assuming congress doesnt take away benefit future uncertainty lies best diversify tax purposes roth 401k option offers several advantages first contributions limited income roth ira account contribution limits higher roth ira addition tax break might receive roth 401k offers number estateplanning options retire beyond 401k time save additional amounts retirement opens new window utilize iras save taxable accounts sure spouse maxing retirement accounts 50s great making lost time said benjamin j brandt financial advisor capital city wealth management opens new window saving additional funds might tough harnessing peak earning years approach retirement great way master 401k 50s rarely good idea much investment portfolio concentrated one holding including company stock employer publicly traded company limit exposure company stock within 401k plan 10 total retirement portfolio said hearn company potential go business hearn said enron tyco two examples companies went business wiping significant wealth employees overexposed company stock addition exposure 401k plan exposure company form salary well possibly stock options restricted stock 50s coordinating aspects plan transition retirement list actionable steps timetable complete start thinking exit strategy said portland ore financial planner grant bledsoe opens new window stop working anything take account taxed income said devise strategy minimize impact taxes road might include conversion roth 401k roth ira waiting take withdrawals youre forced starting age 70 12 leave job age 55 withdraw funds 401k account without incurring 10 percent withdrawal penalty normally hits withdraw funds prior age 59 12 order qualify point life important manage old 401ks retirement accounts opens new window part overall portfolio geared toward retirement needs dont ignore old accounts consider consolidating old accounts single ira 401k current employer eligible fits retirement plan current 401k plan solid one target date funds offer professionally managed solution 401k plan participants comfortable making investment decisions however time hit 50s really personalized investment portfolio tailored situation choose go target date funds sure understand allocation dovetails outside investments fund target date closest expected retirement date right one note youre restricted fund go fund shorter longer target date one cautionary example 2008 many investors surprised size losses year incurred 2010dated funds big three providers fidelity rowe price vanguard although three funds lost less sampp 500 indexs 37 drop year many losses seemed high funds geared toward people retiring next years choose option carefully good time seek services qualified financial advisor dont already relationship one consider choosing feeonly financial advisor serve fiduciary capacity places interests first even financially savvy thirdparty perspective offered financial advisor invaluable besides 401k financial advisor help plan exit strategy social securityclaiming strategy aspects retirement planning 401k plan might offer advice options free others consider checking well article originally appeared gobankingrates opens new window article master 401k 50s opens new window originally appeared foolcom try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 730 |
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<p>RUSH: Cleveland, Ohio. Lisa, it’s great to have you. How are you doing?</p>
<p>CALLER: I’m doing great. I can’t believe after 25 years, I finally got through.</p>
<p>RUSH: My goodness, all these people listening for 25 years!</p>
<p>CALLER: (chuckling) It’s an honor.</p>
<p>RUSH: This is fabulous. I love you so much. I really do. Thank you.</p>
<p>CALLER: Well, I love you and I love everything you do to keep me sane, because listening to the mainstream media will literally set my hair on fire, so… But I’m confused about something, and I know that you’ll be able to enlighten me. I’m confused about the whole Russian collusion stuff. First of all, even if it happened, what’s the big deal? What’s the crime? I thought that was called opposition research? You know, when NBC released the Billy Bush tape, wasn’t that to affect the election? Wasn’t that the whole point of releasing that and releasing what supposedly happened in the Russian hotel room?</p>
<p>RUSH: Exactly right. The release was designed to take out the Trumpster.</p>
<p>CALLER: Right. So I don’t understand. Even if somebody on the Trump campaign said something, it was what’s-his-face that used “password” as his password. I mean, all they did it was expose the truth. And it is not as if they —</p>
<p>RUSH: Wait, wait. Who you talking about here, “password” as…? Expose what truth?</p>
<p>CALLER: Expose the truth about what was in the Democratic emails, about what they were doing.</p>
<p>RUSH: Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. That… Now, wait.</p>
<p>CALLER: Yeah?</p>
<p>RUSH: Wait a second. That’s a whole new avenue on that has opened up now.</p>
<p>CALLER: Oh. Well, but I just want you to explain it.</p>
<p>RUSH: It does not involve the Russians.</p>
<p>CALLER: Okay.</p>
<p>RUSH: But let’s stick with it as to the relation to Russia. Let’s say it was the Russians, which it wasn’t.</p>
<p>CALLER: Right.</p>
<p>RUSH: We know that Podesta was victimized by a phishing attack.</p>
<p>CALLER: Right.</p>
<p>RUSH: It is how that information got to WikiLeaks. The Democrats want you to believe that the Russians were the source for all of the Podesta emails, giving that stuff to the editors at WikiLeaks. WikiLeaks has denied it, and there are other people who have alternative theories about how it happened. But there isn’t… I know what you’re getting at. “Okay, even if the Russians did that, isn’t that like opposition research? I mean, if the Democrat stuff ended up at WikiLeaks, why is that probably a crime?” you’re asking, which is an interesting question. Hang on here, Lisa. I’ve got a break here at the bottom. We will continue this when we get back.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: Okay, here back to Lisa in Cleveland. Lisa, I know what you’re getting at here. Even if the Russians did this, even if the Russians were the ones that got hold of Podesta’s emails and even if they did give them to WikiLeaks, what’s the big deal, you say.</p>
<p>CALLER: Yep.</p>
<p>RUSH: Well, the big deal there would be that this is a foreign government attempting to show preferential treatment for one candidate over another except that they did try to hack the RNC and they failed to get through. But I think that may be one of the things that believers here are relying on that the Russians, that’s how they tampered, but nobody has shown any evidence, Lisa, and they may never be able to, that the Podesta emails had any meaningful effect on Hillary losing.</p>
<p>CALLER: Right.</p>
<p>RUSH: There’s really no way to quantify that.</p>
<p>CALLER: What is the actual crime that someone’s being accused of? That’s what I don’t get. What’s the crime that they’re accusing Trump of?</p>
<p>RUSH: None. There isn’t a crime.</p>
<p>CALLER: I don’t understand it.</p>
<p>RUSH: Well, because it’s a public smear.</p>
<p>CALLER: Right.</p>
<p>RUSH: The broad-based allegation is collusion. And since Russia is an enemy, they want to be able to say it’s treasonous and thus impeachable.</p>
<p>CALLER: Okay. Well, I’m really worried, though, about some of these other broadcasters. I sometimes for fun watch CNN in the morning and that Chris Cuomo, I think he’s gonna need medical assistance at some point. He is so rabid and so hysterical. I realize he’s trying to get his brother elected president at some point, but it’s really — I almost feel sorry for him, it’s gotten so bad.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" />RUSH: <a href="" type="internal">Yeah, he’s the Fredo, you know, of the Cuomo family</a>.</p>
<p>CALLER: Hm-hm. Well, it’s pretty funny.</p>
<p>RUSH: He’s the guy that takes the grandkids out fishing and never returns.</p>
<p>CALLER: (laughing)</p>
<p>RUSH: You know, Chris Cuomo actually said two things that are just literally stupid last week. He said to mention there is no evidence is sabotage of the investigation. Anybody going on CNN claiming, “Hey, wait a minute, you people have no evidence of any collusion.” He says that is sabotaging the investigation. The second thing he said was that if you’re gonna say there’s no proof of any allegation, you have to prove it. He said you need to show proof that there’s no proof. Now, Lisa, that is not possible. You can’t prove two negatives, much less one.</p>
<p>CALLER: Right. Right.</p>
<p>RUSH: And it is not the principle on which the American judicial system is built. The accused do not have to prove anything. The accusers have to prove it. So if the media thinks there’s been collusion it’s up to them to prove it. There isn’t any proof. There is not any crime. That’s why they’re walking back impeachment. But the new avenue here, folks, are you aware of the name Seth Rich? Seth Rich worked the DNC. Seth Rich, he was murdered, DNC worker. The police said it was a botched robbery. He still had his wallet, car keys, lottery tickets, whatever else.</p>
<p>Others are claiming that he was murdered because he was the leak from the DNC to WikiLeaks. And this story is now starting to get legs, that Seth Rich was murdered, it was a contract hire killing because he was leaking to WikiLeaks, he was the one. May have been a Bernie supporter. The only colluding and rigging here, folks, is the Democrat primary election. The DNC rigged it against — do you know that there’s a class-action lawsuit against the DNC over this now? There is a massive lawsuit against the DNC by Bernie supporters for him getting shafted.</p>
<p>Seth Rich claims to have been — or there are people claiming. Kim Dotcom, the noted hacker, has now come forward and said he was working with Seth Rich to get the documents to WikiLeaks. <a href="http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2017/05/breaking-complete-panic-set-highest-levels-dnc-seth-rich-murder-investigation/" type="external">That link is at the Drudge Report today</a>. Kim Dotcom is a renowned, world famous computer hacker loved and adored by high-tech people for a host of reasons. In fact, I didn’t know this ’cause I do not… I don’t tweet; I don’t go on Twitter. Well, we have a Twitter account. We use it to promote <a href="" type="internal">RushLimbaugh.com</a>and our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RushLimbaugh/" type="external">Facebook page</a>.</p>
<p>But in terms of, you know, tweeting? The place is a refuge for human debris, if you ask me, Twitter is. So much of it. You know, folks, I’m gonna tell you something. I would bet you — wild guess here — that over half of the traffic on Twitter is not real people. It’s botnets. It’s fake accounts. I know they exist. We’ve tracked them down. We’ve identified them as they relate to us, attacks on us. I think Twitter… I think a lot of social media is fake, is not real people. It’s made to look like real people. And it’s dominated by the left.</p>
<p>I think it’s just another area of the American political system where the media makes it look like everybody’s a Democrat — everybody’s a Democrat, everybody’s a liberal — when it’s not factually correct. Anyway, back in March, I was talking about Kim Dotcom here on the big program. There were allusions to the fact even last fall that, you know, there were 30,000 Hillary emails from the 60,000 on her server that still are not accounted for. She gave 30,000 to the investigators claiming that those are the ones that are relevant.</p>
<p>The other 30,000, she deleted ’em ’cause they had nothing to do with anything. They had to do with Hillary’s daughter’s wedding and wedding reception and who got two scoops of ice cream and who didn’t, and there were things about yoga lessons, and who Clintons thought were nut jobs. She didn’t turn that stuff over but those emails are somewhere. Kim Dotcom claimed to know either where they were and could get them or know somebody who did, and I’m talking about this on the air. I didn’t know this, but back in March, Kim Dotcom tweeted me.</p>
<p>He said, “Dear Rush Limbaugh: One day I will tell you on your show what really happened. Will be a very entertaining hour.” I didn’t know it until today when one of my webmasters (we powerful, influential members of the media have people like webmasters and stuff) told them about this. So, Mr. Dotcom, I just found out about it. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ignore your tweet. I didn’t know that it had happened. But this is a whole new avenue — and, folks, right now it’s conspiracy theory status, that Seth Rich was murdered because he… But it’s… Well, it’s just it’s… It won’t go away. It just won’t go away, that’s about it.</p> | true | 0 | rush cleveland ohio lisa great caller im great cant believe 25 years finally got rush goodness people listening 25 years caller chuckling honor rush fabulous love much really thank caller well love love everything keep sane listening mainstream media literally set hair fire im confused something know youll able enlighten im confused whole russian collusion stuff first even happened whats big deal whats crime thought called opposition research know nbc released billy bush tape wasnt affect election wasnt whole point releasing releasing supposedly happened russian hotel room rush exactly right release designed take trumpster caller right dont understand even somebody trump campaign said something whatshisface used password password mean expose truth rush wait wait talking password expose truth caller expose truth democratic emails rush oh oh oh oh wait caller yeah rush wait second thats whole new avenue opened caller oh well want explain rush involve russians caller okay rush lets stick relation russia lets say russians wasnt caller right rush know podesta victimized phishing attack caller right rush information got wikileaks democrats want believe russians source podesta emails giving stuff editors wikileaks wikileaks denied people alternative theories happened isnt know youre getting okay even russians isnt like opposition research mean democrat stuff ended wikileaks probably crime youre asking interesting question hang lisa ive got break bottom continue get back break transcript rush okay back lisa cleveland lisa know youre getting even russians even russians ones got hold podestas emails even give wikileaks whats big deal say caller yep rush well big deal would foreign government attempting show preferential treatment one candidate another except try hack rnc failed get think may one things believers relying russians thats tampered nobody shown evidence lisa may never able podesta emails meaningful effect hillary losing caller right rush theres really way quantify caller actual crime someones accused thats dont get whats crime theyre accusing trump rush none isnt crime caller dont understand rush well public smear caller right rush broadbased allegation collusion since russia enemy want able say treasonous thus impeachable caller okay well im really worried though broadcasters sometimes fun watch cnn morning chris cuomo think hes gon na need medical assistance point rabid hysterical realize hes trying get brother elected president point really almost feel sorry gotten bad rush yeah hes fredo know cuomo family caller hmhm well pretty funny rush hes guy takes grandkids fishing never returns caller laughing rush know chris cuomo actually said two things literally stupid last week said mention evidence sabotage investigation anybody going cnn claiming hey wait minute people evidence collusion says sabotaging investigation second thing said youre gon na say theres proof allegation prove said need show proof theres proof lisa possible cant prove two negatives much less one caller right right rush principle american judicial system built accused prove anything accusers prove media thinks theres collusion prove isnt proof crime thats theyre walking back impeachment new avenue folks aware name seth rich seth rich worked dnc seth rich murdered dnc worker police said botched robbery still wallet car keys lottery tickets whatever else others claiming murdered leak dnc wikileaks story starting get legs seth rich murdered contract hire killing leaking wikileaks one may bernie supporter colluding rigging folks democrat primary election dnc rigged know theres classaction lawsuit dnc massive lawsuit dnc bernie supporters getting shafted seth rich claims people claiming kim dotcom noted hacker come forward said working seth rich get documents wikileaks link drudge report today kim dotcom renowned world famous computer hacker loved adored hightech people host reasons fact didnt know cause dont tweet dont go twitter well twitter account use promote rushlimbaughcomand facebook page terms know tweeting place refuge human debris ask twitter much know folks im gon na tell something would bet wild guess half traffic twitter real people botnets fake accounts know exist weve tracked weve identified relate us attacks us think twitter think lot social media fake real people made look like real people dominated left think another area american political system media makes look like everybodys democrat everybodys democrat everybodys liberal factually correct anyway back march talking kim dotcom big program allusions fact even last fall know 30000 hillary emails 60000 server still accounted gave 30000 investigators claiming ones relevant 30000 deleted em cause nothing anything hillarys daughters wedding wedding reception got two scoops ice cream didnt things yoga lessons clintons thought nut jobs didnt turn stuff emails somewhere kim dotcom claimed know either could get know somebody im talking air didnt know back march kim dotcom tweeted said dear rush limbaugh one day tell show really happened entertaining hour didnt know today one webmasters powerful influential members media people like webmasters stuff told mr dotcom found im sorry didnt mean ignore tweet didnt know happened whole new avenue folks right conspiracy theory status seth rich murdered well wont go away wont go away thats | 808 |
<p>We hear the stories every year: the ACLU <a href="http://www.kalb.com/content/news/-Controversy-over-nativity-scene-at-Grant-Parish-Courthouse-ACLU-condmens-407856035.html" type="external">suing small towns</a> over Nativity displays, <a href="https://www.visitnewportbeach.com/events/holiday-tree-lighting-fashion-island/" type="external">"Holiday Tree" lightings</a>, colleges <a href="https://www.missouristate.edu/policy/Op11_09_HolidayDecorationsGuidelines.htm" type="external">banning religious icons</a>, storefronts wishing us an empty "Happy Holidays," Lena Dunham <a href="http://people.com/tv/lena-dunham-topless-mermaid-tail/" type="external">being Lena Dunham</a>.</p>
<p>Yet, the moment our ears catch wind of the Left's all-too-apparent "War on Christmas," the <a href="https://www.snopes.com/tag/war-on-christmas/" type="external">mainstream media</a> and their "useful idiots" in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=712VdHehlKI" type="external">late-night comedy</a> are already roasting us on an open fire before we can even say "partridge in a pear tree." Instead of turtle doves and golden rings, we get gaslights and courtroom subpoenas.</p>
<p>Clutch not your candy canes, though. If the <a href="https://www.historytoday.com/chris-durston/puritan-war-christmas" type="external">Puritans couldn't do it</a>, if the <a href="http://blog.parispass.com/how-the-french-celebrate-christmas/" type="external">French Revolutionaries couldn't do it</a>, if the <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/nazis-fought-original-war-christmas-180961513/" type="external">Nazis couldn't do it</a>, if the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USSR_anti-religious_campaign_(1928%E2%80%931941)" type="external">Soviets couldn't do it</a>, if <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/ward-anderson/5-facts-about-charlie-brown-christmas_b_4462330.html" type="external">CBS couldn't do it</a>, then the party of asses will certainly never rid the world of the joy that is "Christmas." So long as we have Christ, Christmas will always follow. In the meantime, however, let's all pull up a chair, sip on some hot cocoa, roast up some chestnuts and ring in the season with a few laughs over the Left's sorry attempts to transform Christmas into a snowflake's wonderland.</p>
<p>Here are the Top 10 "War on Christmas" Fails Of All Time:</p>
<p>10.) THE SANTA GLACIER</p>
<p>Back in 2015, two malls in Long Island angered customers after replacing their traditional Santa Claus display with an ugly glacier set that looked like a cross between a cheesy 60's Sci-fi and Disneyland's Matterhorn Bobsleds. A Christmas brought to you by Gene Roddenberry. Beam me up, Santa.</p>
<p>According to customers, Roosevelt Field Mall and Charlotte SouthPark Mall chose the glacier display in an effort not to "offend" anyone.</p>
<p>"The people who answered the phone at the mall actually said, in order not to offend anyone, they were simplifying the Christmas display," said one frequent mall patron.</p>
<p>The only two Christmas decorations in the entire display were Santa Claus himself — whose name derives from the dutch word "Sinterklaas," meaning St. Nicholas — and a plain "Holiday Tree" with absolutely no ornaments or colorful lights.</p>
<p>Thankfully, the customer backlash paid off and management immediately removed the Star Trek-derivative monstrosity and brought back the traditional Christmas display.</p>
<p>9.) FIONA APPLE'S "TRUMP'S NUTS ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE" SONG</p>
<p>Following Trump's epic victory over Hillary Clinton last election, leftists fantasized the new president spending his Christmas with his nuts roasting on an open fire. 90's pop icon Fiona Apple turned the fantasy into a song with her own "pussyhat" rendition of the Nat King Cole classic. The lyrics rang out like a social justice warrior's nightmare of a Trump Christmas.</p>
<p>"Trump's nuts roasting on an open fire... As he keeps nipping at his foes... You cry creepy uncle every time he arrives... For he keeps clawing at our clothes," sings Apple before moving on to characterize Trump as a white supremacist Santa Claus intent on locking "black boys in hoodies on his sleigh."</p>
<p>"Everybody knows some money and entitlement can help to make the season white... Mothers of color with their kids out of sight will find it hard to sleep at night," she continued. "They know that Trump is on his way... He’s got black boys in hoodies locked up on his sleigh..."</p>
<p>The video concluded with Apple wishing "kids from 1 to 92" a Merry Christmas as she rips a photo of Donald Trump in half.</p>
<p>8.) SALON'S "WHITE PRIVILEGE" TAKE ON "A CHRISTMAS STORY"</p>
<p>It's one thing to read "It's A Wonderful Life" as some kind of anti-capitalist swan song to communism, but Salon's alleging that "A Christmas Story" is some kind of <a href="" type="external">racist vehicle for "white nostalgia"</a> is a bunch of figgy pudding. While the only legit criticism to level against the holiday classic is that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTq20prt0K8" type="external">quasi-racist Chinese restaurant scene</a>, Salon opts to instead complain about black characters in the "peripheral," who are shown in a "perfectly inoffensive and neutral fashion."</p>
<p>This is a perfect depiction of the nonwhite “other,” tailored to the conservative and superficial “color-blind” politics of the post-civil rights era</p>
<p>This is an example of the “ <a href="https://archive.is/o/qSGew/www.racismreview.com/blog/2008/05/25/the-white-racial-frame-what-is-it/" type="external">white racial frame</a>” in action: People of color are present in a way that does not challenge the cultural and personal psychology of white racial innocence. They are present without being objectionable or intrusive in any way; they present no threat to the way whiteness and memory combine to nurture a nostalgia for a “simpler” time that in actuality did not exist.</p>
<p>No ban on "A Christmas Story" has come as a result of Salon's ranting. Check out the <a href="http://www.tcm.com/this-month/article/453448%257C12734/A-Christmas-Story.html" type="external">24-hour marathon on TCM this year</a>.</p>
<p>7.) SNOWFLAKES SIGN PETITION TO BAN "RACIST" SONG "WHITE CHRISTMAS"</p>
<p>Also in 2015, American college students signed a petition to ban the racist song "White Christmas" from playing on radio stations, calling the song an offense to all colored people in its insistence on "white" being associated with the good and the beautiful.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.mrctv.org/blog/videostudents-sign-petition-boycott-racist-song-white-christmas" type="external">petition featured</a> Dan Joseph of MCRTV pitching several college students a ban on Bing Crosby's classic song "White Christmas" from playing on the radio. The students were cajoled with various politically correct tropes like "'White Christmas' perpetuates the idea that white is naturally good" while shouting catch-phrases like "white supremacy is everywhere, even in your holiday songs."</p>
<p>6.) MICHELLE OBAMA'S POLITICALLY CORRECT "NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS"</p>
<p>Last year, Michelle Obama teamed up with Ryan Seacrest for a reading of the beloved Children's classic "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." Following the failure of her "Let's Move" campaign, the former First Lady had to blast Santa over his penchant for pipe tobacco:​</p>
<p>'The stump of a pipe' -- Uh, I think St. Nick gave up smoking. This was a long time back… but way back in the day, 'The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, and the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath.</p>
<p>Seacrest later fat-shamed the jolly red man: "'He had a broad face and a little round belly that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.’ — I mean this as a compliment — ‘He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.’"</p>
<p>5.) THE DENVER NON-PROFIT THAT DISTRIBUTED JOINTS FOR CHRISTMAS</p>
<p>That famous song lyric "Won't you guide my sleigh tonight" took on a whole other meaning in 2015 when the nonprofit Canabis Can in Denver, Colorado, distributed to the homeless population a gift that would surely make them see Santa and his flying reindeer on Christmas eve: thousands of pre-rolled marijuana joints. The stunt was supposedly an attempt to raise awareness about homeless, unaware that drug addiction is one of the main culprits for homelessness in the first place.</p>
<p>"'Merry Christman, Happy Cannamas — would you like some rolling papers for tobacco?" the Cannabis Can founder said in mockery of his critics.</p>
<p>Of all the people to spend Christmas with, Cheech &amp; Chong are not on the top of the list.</p>
<p>4.) GAY INTERRACIAL SANTAS</p>
<p>According to the Left, Santa can neither be fat nor can he smoke pipe tobacco nor can <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/life/holidays/2013/12/santa_claus_an_old_white_man_not_anymore_meet_santa_the_penguin_a_new_christmas.html" type="external">he be a white man</a>, but he can be <a href="" type="internal">in a gay relationship</a> and even further increase his woke factor by having a black husband. Released in October by Harper's Design, the book "Santa's Husband" tells the incredible story of "a black Santa Claus and his white husband who both live in the North Pole." TIME noted that in the book "Santa’s spouse frequently fills in for his husband at malls."</p>
<p>Written by Daniel Kibblesmith of the "Late Show with Stephen Colbert," the book was intended to be a parody to mock conservatives.</p>
<p>3.) "FROSTY RETURNS"</p>
<p>Not even the vocal talents of John Goodman and Brian Doyle Murray could save this politically-correct propaganda piece in "Frosty the Snowman" drag. Back in 1992, CBS predated George Lucas in the ruining of childhood classics department when they released an abysmal sequel to the Rankin-Bass animated classic that mentioned neither the words Christmas nor Santa, not even employing the beloved song until the end credits.</p>
<p>It was here that CBS morphed Frosty from a fantastical character into some wintery version of "Smokey the Bear," serving up environmentalist messages about the harmful effects of aerosol spray. In Soviet commissar-approved fashion, the program strips Frosty of all his Christmas roots while having him sing vague tunes about the beauty of snow. Instead of a Christmas festival, we get the generic "Winter Carnival." Instead of the jealous magician out to steal his hat back, we get a capitalist magnate set to poison the environment.</p>
<p>Audiences largely rejected "Frosty Returns," which now holds a pathetic <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106973/" type="external">5.0 rating on IMDB</a>. But that hasn't stopped CBS <a href="http://boston.cbslocal.com/2017/10/19/cbs-holiday-tv-schedule-rudolph-frosty-christmas/" type="external">from airing it</a>once a year.</p>
<p>2.) CBS FAILED CENSORING OF "A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS"</p>
<p>It might surprise you, but that iconic moment in the 1965 classic "A Charlie Brown Christmas," where Linus recites Luke's Gospel to explain the true meaning of Christmas, almost made it to the cutting room floor. Despite "Peanuts" creator Charles Schultz's insistence that religion be the focal point of his piece, producers and CBS executives were <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/ward-anderson/5-facts-about-charlie-brown-christmas_b_4462330.html" type="external">not exactly excited</a> to get so faith-based. The logic was that Linus' speech would scare off advertisers and narrow the audience. Schultz would eventually prevail and the special has remained unedited since . . . unless <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2016/12/12/school-doubles-down-on-charlie-brown-christmas-ban.html" type="external">certain middle-schools</a> have anything to say about it.</p>
<p>1.) WAPO BLAMES VIRGIN MARY FOR SHAMING RAPE VICTIMS</p>
<p>It was not an Onion article, but a full-blown assault on the Virgin Mary by Presbyterian pastor Rev. Ruth Everhart, who argued in a WaPo <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2016/12/16/our-culture-of-purity-celebrates-the-virgin-mary-as-a-rape-victim-that-hurts-me/?utm_term=.30a0b2c9f7a3" type="external">op-ed</a> that the Mother of Christ's purity offends rape victims. Everhart took offense over the "good girl" image projected by Mary, saying it puts an unfair burden on women, especially rape victims.</p>
<p>"Church culture tends to be fixated on sexual purity year-round, but during Advent, I’m tempted to blame it on the Virgin Mary," she wrote. "After all, she set an impossibly high bar. Now the rest of us are stuck trying to be both a virgin and a mother at the same time. It does not seem to matter that this is biologically impossible."</p>
<p>Feminists have always had a <a href="http://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/03/15/feminists-acted-out-an-abortion-performed-on-the-virgin-mary-for-womens-day" type="external">particular hatred of the Virgin Mary</a>over the very fact she contributed to the salvation of mankind by bearing a child in her womb. It is fitting that WaPo elected to attack her in the height of Advent.</p>
<p>Have a holly jolly Christmas this year!</p> | true | 0 | hear stories every year aclu suing small towns nativity displays holiday tree lightings colleges banning religious icons storefronts wishing us empty happy holidays lena dunham lena dunham yet moment ears catch wind lefts alltooapparent war christmas mainstream media useful idiots latenight comedy already roasting us open fire even say partridge pear tree instead turtle doves golden rings get gaslights courtroom subpoenas clutch candy canes though puritans couldnt french revolutionaries couldnt nazis couldnt soviets couldnt cbs couldnt party asses certainly never rid world joy christmas long christ christmas always follow meantime however lets pull chair sip hot cocoa roast chestnuts ring season laughs lefts sorry attempts transform christmas snowflakes wonderland top 10 war christmas fails time 10 santa glacier back 2015 two malls long island angered customers replacing traditional santa claus display ugly glacier set looked like cross cheesy 60s scifi disneylands matterhorn bobsleds christmas brought gene roddenberry beam santa according customers roosevelt field mall charlotte southpark mall chose glacier display effort offend anyone people answered phone mall actually said order offend anyone simplifying christmas display said one frequent mall patron two christmas decorations entire display santa claus whose name derives dutch word sinterklaas meaning st nicholas plain holiday tree absolutely ornaments colorful lights thankfully customer backlash paid management immediately removed star trekderivative monstrosity brought back traditional christmas display 9 fiona apples trumps nuts roasting open fire song following trumps epic victory hillary clinton last election leftists fantasized new president spending christmas nuts roasting open fire 90s pop icon fiona apple turned fantasy song pussyhat rendition nat king cole classic lyrics rang like social justice warriors nightmare trump christmas trumps nuts roasting open fire keeps nipping foes cry creepy uncle every time arrives keeps clawing clothes sings apple moving characterize trump white supremacist santa claus intent locking black boys hoodies sleigh everybody knows money entitlement help make season white mothers color kids sight find hard sleep night continued know trump way hes got black boys hoodies locked sleigh video concluded apple wishing kids 1 92 merry christmas rips photo donald trump half 8 salons white privilege take christmas story one thing read wonderful life kind anticapitalist swan song communism salons alleging christmas story kind racist vehicle white nostalgia bunch figgy pudding legit criticism level holiday classic quasiracist chinese restaurant scene salon opts instead complain black characters peripheral shown perfectly inoffensive neutral fashion perfect depiction nonwhite tailored conservative superficial colorblind politics postcivil rights era example white racial frame action people color present way challenge cultural personal psychology white racial innocence present without objectionable intrusive way present threat way whiteness memory combine nurture nostalgia simpler time actuality exist ban christmas story come result salons ranting check 24hour marathon tcm year 7 snowflakes sign petition ban racist song white christmas also 2015 american college students signed petition ban racist song white christmas playing radio stations calling song offense colored people insistence white associated good beautiful petition featured dan joseph mcrtv pitching several college students ban bing crosbys classic song white christmas playing radio students cajoled various politically correct tropes like white christmas perpetuates idea white naturally good shouting catchphrases like white supremacy everywhere even holiday songs 6 michelle obamas politically correct night christmas last year michelle obama teamed ryan seacrest reading beloved childrens classic twas night christmas following failure lets move campaign former first lady blast santa penchant pipe tobacco stump pipe uh think st nick gave smoking long time back way back day stump pipe held tight teeth smoke encircled head like wreath seacrest later fatshamed jolly red man broad face little round belly shook laughed like bowl full jelly mean compliment chubby plump right jolly old elf laughed saw spite 5 denver nonprofit distributed joints christmas famous song lyric wont guide sleigh tonight took whole meaning 2015 nonprofit canabis denver colorado distributed homeless population gift would surely make see santa flying reindeer christmas eve thousands prerolled marijuana joints stunt supposedly attempt raise awareness homeless unaware drug addiction one main culprits homelessness first place merry christman happy cannamas would like rolling papers tobacco cannabis founder said mockery critics people spend christmas cheech amp chong top list 4 gay interracial santas according left santa neither fat smoke pipe tobacco white man gay relationship even increase woke factor black husband released october harpers design book santas husband tells incredible story black santa claus white husband live north pole time noted book santas spouse frequently fills husband malls written daniel kibblesmith late show stephen colbert book intended parody mock conservatives 3 frosty returns even vocal talents john goodman brian doyle murray could save politicallycorrect propaganda piece frosty snowman drag back 1992 cbs predated george lucas ruining childhood classics department released abysmal sequel rankinbass animated classic mentioned neither words christmas santa even employing beloved song end credits cbs morphed frosty fantastical character wintery version smokey bear serving environmentalist messages harmful effects aerosol spray soviet commissarapproved fashion program strips frosty christmas roots sing vague tunes beauty snow instead christmas festival get generic winter carnival instead jealous magician steal hat back get capitalist magnate set poison environment audiences largely rejected frosty returns holds pathetic 50 rating imdb hasnt stopped cbs airing itonce year 2 cbs failed censoring charlie brown christmas might surprise iconic moment 1965 classic charlie brown christmas linus recites lukes gospel explain true meaning christmas almost made cutting room floor despite peanuts creator charles schultzs insistence religion focal point piece producers cbs executives exactly excited get faithbased logic linus speech would scare advertisers narrow audience schultz would eventually prevail special remained unedited since unless certain middleschools anything say 1 wapo blames virgin mary shaming rape victims onion article fullblown assault virgin mary presbyterian pastor rev ruth everhart argued wapo oped mother christs purity offends rape victims everhart took offense good girl image projected mary saying puts unfair burden women especially rape victims church culture tends fixated sexual purity yearround advent im tempted blame virgin mary wrote set impossibly high bar rest us stuck trying virgin mother time seem matter biologically impossible feminists always particular hatred virgin maryover fact contributed salvation mankind bearing child womb fitting wapo elected attack height advent holly jolly christmas year | 1,017 |
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<p>Investing in dividend stocks is arguably the best way to predictably generate wealth over the long term. But not all dividend stocks are created equal. Whether it means avoiding businesses with unsustainable payouts or those operating in a faltering industry, buying and holding the wrong dividend stocks can have a devastating effect on the value of your portfolio.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>So with the aim of offering a few concrete examples to that end, we asked three top Motley Fool contributors to each discuss a high-risk dividend stock investors should probably avoid. Read on to see why they chose Frontier Communications (NASDAQ: FTR), Abercrombie &amp; Fitch (NYSE: ANF), and Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE: RDS-A)(NYSE: RDS-B).</p>
<p>IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSymington/info.aspx" type="external">Steve Symington Opens a New Window.</a> (Frontier Communications): With Frontier Communications stock down nearly 40% over the past year as the telecommunications giant sheds subscribers -- the company ended last year with 91,000 fewer broadband subscribers, and 84,000 fewer video subscribers than it started in 2016 -- shares currently sport a huge annual dividend yield of 20%. That makes Frontier Communications seem enticing to value-seeking, dividend-hungry investors. But it also doesn't mean Frontier's share price can't continue to fall. And I don't expect its juicy yield to last much longer.</p>
<p>I'm not the only skeptic. Late last month, shares declined asGoldman Sachs analyst Brett Feldman downgraded Frontier stock to "sell," speculating that the company may choose to suspend its dividend starting this quarter in favor of shoring up its balance sheet to address upcoming debt maturities.To be fair, that would probably be the most fiscally responsible move Frontier Communications management could make right now. Freeing up the funds allocated to supporting its payout could also help position the company to more easily return to sustained growth and consistently creating shareohlder value over the long term. But in the near term, I wouldn't want to be holding shares of Frontier Communications when the company formalizes this tough decision. And as such, I think investors would be wise to avoid this high-risk stock.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/keithnoonan/info.aspx" type="external">Keith Noonan Opens a New Window.</a>(Abercrombie &amp; Fitch): Valued at 25% of trailing sales and packing a 7% dividend yield, Abercrombie &amp; Fitch stock might look like a tempting purchase, but the company's shaky fundamentals and apparent lack of a workable turnaround strategy mean your investment dollars would probably be put to better use elsewhere. Sales for the company's Abercrombie brand fell 11% last year, while sales for the Hollister brand were flat compared with the prior year. Overall sales fell 5% last year and are down more than 26% over the past five years.</p>
<p>With sales seemingly stuck in reverse, the company's main avenue to returning to profitability appears to be closing underperforming stores. Abercrombie shuttered 53 U.S. locations in 2016, and it has another 60 on the chopping block for this year. Closing lagging stores should improve margins, but it also underlines the likelihood that revenue erosion will continue.</p>
<p>Abercrombie's appeal has always hinged heavily on brand strength, and now that the company's apparel is falling out of fashion and losing pricing power, the business could wind up in a tailspin if some form of reinvention doesn't happen. Its trailing free cash flow has fallen roughly 87% over the past five years, and there's good reason to doubt whether the company's payout is sustainable at current levels. The cost of distributing its annual dividend is nearly 125% of free cash flow, and with strong signs that the company will need to experiment and reinvest in itself to return to growth, its payout could soon be cut.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFlushDraw/info.aspx" type="external">Travis Hoium Opens a New Window.</a> (Royal Dutch Shell): Big oil companies are in a really tough position today. They have to balance their short-term profits with investment in future earnings and still keep investors happy with dividends. At the same time, the price of oil has plunged over the past three years, and there's concern that new technologies such as electric vehicles will make the oil business obsolete over time.</p>
<p>From a financial perspective, there's a reason I think investors should be very worried about Royal Dutch Shell's 7.22% dividend yield today. The first is that it's paying out more in dividends than it's making in net income or free cash flow. That means the dividend has to be funded by debt, putting leverage on an already struggling business.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/RDS.A/total_stock_dividends_paid_ttm" type="external">RDS.A Total Dividends Paid (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>The other challenge is more long-term in nature. If Royal Dutch Shell is adding debt to pay dividends, it means it's making choices on what it's not investing in. As oil gets more competition from electric vehicles, and as renewables and energy storage become more cost effective, Shell could be playing a leading role in the energy future. But it's stuck paying a dividend that investors have come to rely on. And given the long-term struggles I see ahead for oil and the short-term challenge of paying out more in dividends than it's bringing in, Royal Dutch Shell is a dividend stock I would avoid.</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of April 3, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSymington/info.aspx" type="external">Steve Symington</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | investing dividend stocks arguably best way predictably generate wealth long term dividend stocks created equal whether means avoiding businesses unsustainable payouts operating faltering industry buying holding wrong dividend stocks devastating effect value portfolio continue reading aim offering concrete examples end asked three top motley fool contributors discuss highrisk dividend stock investors probably avoid read see chose frontier communications nasdaq ftr abercrombie amp fitch nyse anf royal dutch shell nyse rdsanyse rdsb image source getty images steve symington opens new window frontier communications frontier communications stock nearly 40 past year telecommunications giant sheds subscribers company ended last year 91000 fewer broadband subscribers 84000 fewer video subscribers started 2016 shares currently sport huge annual dividend yield 20 makes frontier communications seem enticing valueseeking dividendhungry investors also doesnt mean frontiers share price cant continue fall dont expect juicy yield last much longer im skeptic late last month shares declined asgoldman sachs analyst brett feldman downgraded frontier stock sell speculating company may choose suspend dividend starting quarter favor shoring balance sheet address upcoming debt maturitiesto fair would probably fiscally responsible move frontier communications management could make right freeing funds allocated supporting payout could also help position company easily return sustained growth consistently creating shareohlder value long term near term wouldnt want holding shares frontier communications company formalizes tough decision think investors would wise avoid highrisk stock advertisement keith noonan opens new windowabercrombie amp fitch valued 25 trailing sales packing 7 dividend yield abercrombie amp fitch stock might look like tempting purchase companys shaky fundamentals apparent lack workable turnaround strategy mean investment dollars would probably put better use elsewhere sales companys abercrombie brand fell 11 last year sales hollister brand flat compared prior year overall sales fell 5 last year 26 past five years sales seemingly stuck reverse companys main avenue returning profitability appears closing underperforming stores abercrombie shuttered 53 us locations 2016 another 60 chopping block year closing lagging stores improve margins also underlines likelihood revenue erosion continue abercrombies appeal always hinged heavily brand strength companys apparel falling fashion losing pricing power business could wind tailspin form reinvention doesnt happen trailing free cash flow fallen roughly 87 past five years theres good reason doubt whether companys payout sustainable current levels cost distributing annual dividend nearly 125 free cash flow strong signs company need experiment reinvest return growth payout could soon cut travis hoium opens new window royal dutch shell big oil companies really tough position today balance shortterm profits investment future earnings still keep investors happy dividends time price oil plunged past three years theres concern new technologies electric vehicles make oil business obsolete time financial perspective theres reason think investors worried royal dutch shells 722 dividend yield today first paying dividends making net income free cash flow means dividend funded debt putting leverage already struggling business rdsa total dividends paid ttm data ycharts opens new window challenge longterm nature royal dutch shell adding debt pay dividends means making choices investing oil gets competition electric vehicles renewables energy storage become cost effective shell could playing leading role energy future stuck paying dividend investors come rely given longterm struggles see ahead oil shortterm challenge paying dividends bringing royal dutch shell dividend stock would avoid 10 stocks like better royal dutch shell shareswhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right royal dutch shell shares wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns april 3 2017 steve symington position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 611 |
<p />
<p>Thanks to its efforts to weaken the franc, the Swiss central bank has amassed $750 billion in stocks, bonds and cash.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>That has provoked a lively debate in Switzerland: What should the country do with all of that? And whose money is it, anyway?</p>
<p>For now, the Swiss National Bank holds on to it, and invests it around the world--but not in Switzerland. It held $2.7 billion in Apple Inc. stock, for instance, at the end of March. Some lawmakers and many economists think a sovereign-wealth fund created outside the SNB should invest a chunk at home.</p>
<p>The SNB's profit last year was 24.5 billion francs ($25.4 billion), or about $3,000 per Swiss resident.</p>
<p>Switzerland's central bank isn't the only one making profits. The Federal Reserve earned nearly $100 billion last year from its bond portfolio. Eurozone central banks also make profits. But these central banks pass a big chunk of them to their treasuries.</p>
<p>The SNB's current agreement with the government, which runs through 2020, allows for profit distribution of up to 2 billion francs a year. The SNB has put most of its profits into buffers to guard against large paper losses, which occurred two years ago when the franc soared.</p>
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<p>Two dozen Swiss parliamentarians want the arrangement to change and in June backed legislation introduced by Socialist lawmaker Susanne Leutenegger Oberholzer to use some reserves and their profits for a sovereign-wealth fund. Unlike the SNB, which invests the reserves only in non-Swiss assets, a fund could put the money to work inside Switzerland, boosting long-term growth, backers say. The SNB takes passive positions in foreign stocks to mirror broad indexes like the S&amp;P 500.</p>
<p>"Part of the currency reserves, or at least revenues that they generate, should from now on be invested for the interests of the public and future generations including infrastructure investments or in industries with strategic importance," the bill states.</p>
<p>The bill's chances are slim for now: The SNB is skeptical of the idea, and Switzerland's executive branch also wants to keep the money in the central bank's hands. But the debate is likely to rage on, especially if the reserves generate even bigger profits.</p>
<p>The SNB makes bank because so many foreigners want the safety of Swiss assets and have poured cash into Switzerland. To keep the franc from rocketing up and damaging Swiss exporters, the central bank has been printing Swiss francs and selling them. The consequence: The central bank owns buckets of foreign assets, acquired essentially for free.</p>
<p>The SNB declined to comment on the current bill but has objected to past ones. By having ready access to its reserves, the SNB could shrink its balance sheet if needed to tighten monetary policy. "Putting parts of these reserves into an SWF would restrict the SNB's ability to conduct monetary policy," an SNB spokeswoman said, referring to a potential sovereign-wealth fund.</p>
<p>What's more, selling Apple stock and converting the proceeds into Swiss francs to, say, build roads or bridges, would push the franc up--the opposite of what the SNB is trying to do.</p>
<p>The Swiss federal council, the country's executive branch, rejected a previous proposal in December saying the SNB was already managing its funds appropriately. It will give its view on the latest one in the fall. The government couldn't simply take the SNB's reserves. It would have to reimburse the SNB, probably by issuing debt. But it could use the SNB's future profits that are handed over to the government however it wants.</p>
<p>Other countries have sovereign-wealth funds. Norway has one to manage its oil wealth. China and Singapore have them to manage foreign reserves. What sets Switzerland apart is that the franc isn't just a currency; it behaves like a commodity similar to oil or gold. Its strength, particularly in times of global uncertainty, has proven persistent thanks to Switzerland's ultrarich economy and low debt.</p>
<p>The franc is "a kind of virtual commodity resource" whose wealth "should be shared with all citizens and a [Swiss sovereign fund] offers a natural vehicle for this," ETH-Zurich professor Didier Sornette wrote in a 2015 paper supporting a Swiss sovereign-wealth fund.</p>
<p>The SNB posted a first-half profit of 1.2 billion francs, a smaller-than-usual result as a stronger euro was offset by a weaker dollar. It also earns interest and dividends. The mother lode would come if the franc weakened more broadly and the SNB actually started selling its foreign stocks and bonds to prop the currency up, turning paper profits into real ones.</p>
<p>"They may generate 40-50 billion francs in profits [over three years], not just on the books but real profits" if the franc weakens further and the SNB can slowly unwind its balance sheet, said Daniel Kalt, chief economist for Switzerland at UBS.</p>
<p>The euro has strengthened 6.5% against the franc so far this year and fetched 1.14 francs late Tuesday. The dollar has weakened 5.5% against the franc this year, though it rose slightly against it in July and fetched 0.966 francs late Tuesday.</p>
<p>Mr. Kalt's idea is to take profits that may accumulate--which he says could be around 15 billion francs a year--as seed money for a fund.</p>
<p>One complication is that the SNB's assets, being foreign, fluctuate in value along with the franc. (The Fed holds dollar-denominated Treasurys and other bonds, so its profit isn't affected by the dollar's value. The same holds for the eurozone.)</p>
<p>That worked in the Swiss's favor in July, when the euro's rise made the SNB's roughly 300 billion francs of euro assets worth many billions more on paper. But big and sudden payouts are hard to manage.</p>
<p>"If this huge currency trade leads to a windfall gain, we should avoid distributing this gain to politicians who would spend it on one generation," Mr. Kalt said.</p>
<p>Write to Brian Blackstone at [email protected]</p>
<p>Thanks to its efforts to weaken the franc, the Swiss central bank has amassed $750 billion in stocks, bonds and cash.</p>
<p>That has provoked a lively debate in Switzerland: What should the country do with all of that? And whose money is it, anyway?</p>
<p>For now, the Swiss National Bank holds on to it, and invests it around the world--but not in Switzerland. It held $2.7 billion in Apple Inc. stock, for instance, at the end of March. Some lawmakers and many economists think a sovereign-wealth fund created outside the SNB should invest a chunk at home.</p>
<p>The SNB's profit last year was 24.5 billion francs ($25.4 billion), or about $3,000 per Swiss resident.</p>
<p>Switzerland's central bank isn't the only one making profits. The Federal Reserve earned nearly $100 billion last year from its bond portfolio. Eurozone central banks also make profits. But these central banks pass a big chunk of them to their treasuries.</p>
<p>The SNB's current agreement with the government, which runs through 2020, allows for profit distribution of up to 2 billion francs a year. The SNB has put most of its profits into buffers to guard against large paper losses, which occurred two years ago when the franc soared.</p>
<p>Two dozen Swiss parliamentarians want the arrangement to change and in June backed legislation introduced by Socialist lawmaker Susanne Leutenegger Oberholzer to use some reserves and their profits for a sovereign-wealth fund. Unlike the SNB, which invests the reserves only in non-Swiss assets, a fund could put the money to work inside Switzerland, boosting long-term growth, backers say. The SNB takes passive positions in foreign stocks to mirror broad indexes like the S&amp;P 500.</p>
<p>"Part of the currency reserves, or at least revenues that they generate, should from now on be invested for the interests of the public and future generations including infrastructure investments or in industries with strategic importance," the bill states.</p>
<p>The bill's chances are slim for now: The SNB is skeptical of the idea, and Switzerland's executive branch also wants to keep the money in the central bank's hands. But the debate is likely to rage on, especially if the reserves generate even bigger profits.</p>
<p>The SNB makes bank because so many foreigners want the safety of Swiss assets and have poured cash into Switzerland. To keep the franc from rocketing up and damaging Swiss exporters, the central bank has been printing Swiss francs and selling them. The consequence: The central bank owns buckets of foreign assets, acquired essentially for free.</p>
<p>The SNB declined to comment on the current bill but has objected to past ones. By having ready access to its reserves, the SNB could shrink its balance sheet if needed to tighten monetary policy. "Putting parts of these reserves into an SWF would restrict the SNB's ability to conduct monetary policy," an SNB spokeswoman said, referring to a potential sovereign-wealth fund.</p>
<p>What's more, selling Apple stock and converting the proceeds into Swiss francs to, say, build roads or bridges, would push the franc up--the opposite of what the SNB is trying to do.</p>
<p>The Swiss federal council, the country's executive branch, rejected a previous proposal in December saying the SNB was already managing its funds appropriately. It will give its view on the latest one in the fall. The government couldn't simply take the SNB's reserves. It would have to reimburse the SNB, probably by issuing debt. But it could use the SNB's future profits that are handed over to the government however it wants.</p>
<p>Other countries have sovereign-wealth funds. Norway has one to manage its oil wealth. China and Singapore have them to manage foreign reserves. What sets Switzerland apart is that the franc isn't just a currency; it behaves like a commodity similar to oil or gold. Its strength, particularly in times of global uncertainty, has proven persistent thanks to Switzerland's ultrarich economy and low debt.</p>
<p>The franc is "a kind of virtual commodity resource" whose wealth "should be shared with all citizens and a [Swiss sovereign fund] offers a natural vehicle for this," ETH-Zurich professor Didier Sornette wrote in a 2015 paper supporting a Swiss sovereign-wealth fund.</p>
<p>The SNB posted a first-half profit of 1.2 billion francs, a smaller-than-usual result as a stronger euro was offset by a weaker dollar. It also earns interest and dividends. The mother lode would come if the franc weakened more broadly and the SNB actually started selling its foreign stocks and bonds to prop the currency up, turning paper profits into real ones.</p>
<p>"They may generate 40-50 billion francs in profits [over three years], not just on the books but real profits" if the franc weakens further and the SNB can slowly unwind its balance sheet, said Daniel Kalt, chief economist for Switzerland at UBS.</p>
<p>The euro has strengthened 6.5% against the franc so far this year and fetched 1.14 francs late Tuesday. The dollar has weakened 5.5% against the franc this year, though it rose slightly against it in July and fetched 0.966 francs late Tuesday.</p>
<p>Mr. Kalt's idea is to take profits that may accumulate--which he says could be around 15 billion francs a year--as seed money for a fund.</p>
<p>One complication is that the SNB's assets, being foreign, fluctuate in value along with the franc. (The Fed holds dollar-denominated Treasurys and other bonds, so its profit isn't affected by the dollar's value. The same holds for the eurozone.)</p>
<p>That worked in the Swiss's favor in July, when the euro's rise made the SNB's roughly 300 billion francs of euro assets worth many billions more on paper. But big and sudden payouts are hard to manage.</p>
<p>"If this huge currency trade leads to a windfall gain, we should avoid distributing this gain to politicians who would spend it on one generation," Mr. Kalt said.</p>
<p>By Brian Blackstone</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>August 02, 2017 05:49 ET (09:49 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | thanks efforts weaken franc swiss central bank amassed 750 billion stocks bonds cash continue reading provoked lively debate switzerland country whose money anyway swiss national bank holds invests around worldbut switzerland held 27 billion apple inc stock instance end march lawmakers many economists think sovereignwealth fund created outside snb invest chunk home snbs profit last year 245 billion francs 254 billion 3000 per swiss resident switzerlands central bank isnt one making profits federal reserve earned nearly 100 billion last year bond portfolio eurozone central banks also make profits central banks pass big chunk treasuries snbs current agreement government runs 2020 allows profit distribution 2 billion francs year snb put profits buffers guard large paper losses occurred two years ago franc soared advertisement two dozen swiss parliamentarians want arrangement change june backed legislation introduced socialist lawmaker susanne leutenegger oberholzer use reserves profits sovereignwealth fund unlike snb invests reserves nonswiss assets fund could put money work inside switzerland boosting longterm growth backers say snb takes passive positions foreign stocks mirror broad indexes like sampp 500 part currency reserves least revenues generate invested interests public future generations including infrastructure investments industries strategic importance bill states bills chances slim snb skeptical idea switzerlands executive branch also wants keep money central banks hands debate likely rage especially reserves generate even bigger profits snb makes bank many foreigners want safety swiss assets poured cash switzerland keep franc rocketing damaging swiss exporters central bank printing swiss francs selling consequence central bank owns buckets foreign assets acquired essentially free snb declined comment current bill objected past ones ready access reserves snb could shrink balance sheet needed tighten monetary policy putting parts reserves swf would restrict snbs ability conduct monetary policy snb spokeswoman said referring potential sovereignwealth fund whats selling apple stock converting proceeds swiss francs say build roads bridges would push franc upthe opposite snb trying swiss federal council countrys executive branch rejected previous proposal december saying snb already managing funds appropriately give view latest one fall government couldnt simply take snbs reserves would reimburse snb probably issuing debt could use snbs future profits handed government however wants countries sovereignwealth funds norway one manage oil wealth china singapore manage foreign reserves sets switzerland apart franc isnt currency behaves like commodity similar oil gold strength particularly times global uncertainty proven persistent thanks switzerlands ultrarich economy low debt franc kind virtual commodity resource whose wealth shared citizens swiss sovereign fund offers natural vehicle ethzurich professor didier sornette wrote 2015 paper supporting swiss sovereignwealth fund snb posted firsthalf profit 12 billion francs smallerthanusual result stronger euro offset weaker dollar also earns interest dividends mother lode would come franc weakened broadly snb actually started selling foreign stocks bonds prop currency turning paper profits real ones may generate 4050 billion francs profits three years books real profits franc weakens snb slowly unwind balance sheet said daniel kalt chief economist switzerland ubs euro strengthened 65 franc far year fetched 114 francs late tuesday dollar weakened 55 franc year though rose slightly july fetched 0966 francs late tuesday mr kalts idea take profits may accumulatewhich says could around 15 billion francs yearas seed money fund one complication snbs assets foreign fluctuate value along franc fed holds dollardenominated treasurys bonds profit isnt affected dollars value holds eurozone worked swisss favor july euros rise made snbs roughly 300 billion francs euro assets worth many billions paper big sudden payouts hard manage huge currency trade leads windfall gain avoid distributing gain politicians would spend one generation mr kalt said write brian blackstone brianblackstonewsjcom thanks efforts weaken franc swiss central bank amassed 750 billion stocks bonds cash provoked lively debate switzerland country whose money anyway swiss national bank holds invests around worldbut switzerland held 27 billion apple inc stock instance end march lawmakers many economists think sovereignwealth fund created outside snb invest chunk home snbs profit last year 245 billion francs 254 billion 3000 per swiss resident switzerlands central bank isnt one making profits federal reserve earned nearly 100 billion last year bond portfolio eurozone central banks also make profits central banks pass big chunk treasuries snbs current agreement government runs 2020 allows profit distribution 2 billion francs year snb put profits buffers guard large paper losses occurred two years ago franc soared two dozen swiss parliamentarians want arrangement change june backed legislation introduced socialist lawmaker susanne leutenegger oberholzer use reserves profits sovereignwealth fund unlike snb invests reserves nonswiss assets fund could put money work inside switzerland boosting longterm growth backers say snb takes passive positions foreign stocks mirror broad indexes like sampp 500 part currency reserves least revenues generate invested interests public future generations including infrastructure investments industries strategic importance bill states bills chances slim snb skeptical idea switzerlands executive branch also wants keep money central banks hands debate likely rage especially reserves generate even bigger profits snb makes bank many foreigners want safety swiss assets poured cash switzerland keep franc rocketing damaging swiss exporters central bank printing swiss francs selling consequence central bank owns buckets foreign assets acquired essentially free snb declined comment current bill objected past ones ready access reserves snb could shrink balance sheet needed tighten monetary policy putting parts reserves swf would restrict snbs ability conduct monetary policy snb spokeswoman said referring potential sovereignwealth fund whats selling apple stock converting proceeds swiss francs say build roads bridges would push franc upthe opposite snb trying swiss federal council countrys executive branch rejected previous proposal december saying snb already managing funds appropriately give view latest one fall government couldnt simply take snbs reserves would reimburse snb probably issuing debt could use snbs future profits handed government however wants countries sovereignwealth funds norway one manage oil wealth china singapore manage foreign reserves sets switzerland apart franc isnt currency behaves like commodity similar oil gold strength particularly times global uncertainty proven persistent thanks switzerlands ultrarich economy low debt franc kind virtual commodity resource whose wealth shared citizens swiss sovereign fund offers natural vehicle ethzurich professor didier sornette wrote 2015 paper supporting swiss sovereignwealth fund snb posted firsthalf profit 12 billion francs smallerthanusual result stronger euro offset weaker dollar also earns interest dividends mother lode would come franc weakened broadly snb actually started selling foreign stocks bonds prop currency turning paper profits real ones may generate 4050 billion francs profits three years books real profits franc weakens snb slowly unwind balance sheet said daniel kalt chief economist switzerland ubs euro strengthened 65 franc far year fetched 114 francs late tuesday dollar weakened 55 franc year though rose slightly july fetched 0966 francs late tuesday mr kalts idea take profits may accumulatewhich says could around 15 billion francs yearas seed money fund one complication snbs assets foreign fluctuate value along franc fed holds dollardenominated treasurys bonds profit isnt affected dollars value holds eurozone worked swisss favor july euros rise made snbs roughly 300 billion francs euro assets worth many billions paper big sudden payouts hard manage huge currency trade leads windfall gain avoid distributing gain politicians would spend one generation mr kalt said brian blackstone end dow jones newswires august 02 2017 0549 et 0949 gmt | 1,176 |
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<p>As the least profitable of the three largest U.S. airlines, United Continental has been relatively cautious about returning cash to shareholders. For example, unlike its peers Delta Air Lines and American Airlines , United currently doesn't pay a dividend.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>United has returned less cash to shareholders than its peers up until now. Image source: The Motley Fool.</p>
<p>However, United has been repurchasing some stock since mid-2014. While it hasn't been nearly as aggressive with its share buybacks as American Airlines in the past year and a half, United Continental is finally ramping up its share repurchase activity this quarter.</p>
<p>United starts returning cashUnited Continental launched its first share buyback program in July 2014, after earning a $919 million Q2 profit. The company intended to buy back $1 billion of stock over the course of three years. At the time, it seemed prudent to start with a relatively small repurchase program, given that United was just one quarter removed from posting an ugly $489 million loss in Q1 2014.</p>
<p>However, July 2014 was also when oil prices began to fall rapidly. The price of Brent crude plummeted from around $110/barrel at the beginning of July 2014 to less than $50/barrel by January 2015, and has more recently fallen to roughly $30/barrel.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/indicators/brent_crude_oil_spot_price" type="external">Brent Crude Oil Spot Price Opens a New Window.</a>. Data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
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<p>This caused profitability to soar. In fact, United Continental's pre-tax earnings nearly doubled in 2014 and more than doubled in 2015, growing from $1.0 billion to $4.5 billion during that time span.</p>
<p>Rising earnings freed up more cash for United to execute its share repurchase program. During the second half of 2014, it spent $320 million on share repurchases. It bought back another $450 million of stock during the first half of 2015. As a result, United announced in July 2015 that the board had authorized a new $3 billion share repurchase program, running through the end of 2017.</p>
<p>United completed the original buyback shortly thereafter, and by the end of 2015, it had also spent $552 million toward the new $3 billion share repurchase authorization.</p>
<p>Time for even more buybacksIn total, United Continental spent $1.2 billion on share buybacks during 2015, repurchasing 21 million shares, or a little more than 5% of its outstanding stock.</p>
<p>That pales in comparison to American Airlines' buyback activity. During 2015, American Airlines (which is roughly the same size as United) <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/01/15/expect-more-buybacks-at-american-airlines-group-in.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">spent $3.6 billion Opens a New Window.</a> on share buybacks, repurchasing 85.1 million shares, or roughly 12% of its outstanding stock.</p>
<p>American Airlines CEO Doug Parker has reasoned that with airline profits at an all-time high and interest rates near record lows, it makes sense to borrow money for airplane purchases while using much of the company's cash flow for buybacks.</p>
<p>American Airlines has devoted a lot of cash to share buybacks lately. Image source: American Airlines.</p>
<p>United's management isn't taking such a hard-line position. However, United Continental stock is just as cheap as American Airlines stock -- both companies trade for just 6 times projected 2016 earnings. Furthermore, United's capital spending is much lower, so it is producing substantially more free cash flow than American Airlines.</p>
<p>This led CFO Gerry Laderman to predict during United's Q4 earnings call last month that the company would buy back $750 million of stock in the first quarter alone. Last week, United went further, stating in a regulatory filing that it now plans to repurchase $1.5 billion of stock during Q1 and complete the entire $3 billion buyback by the second half of 2016.</p>
<p>While United stock has been very volatile in the past year -- and even more so since the recent buyback announcement -- at current prices, United would repurchase more than 7% of its shares in Q1 alone and at least 12% of its shares this year.</p>
<p>This will provide a meaningful lift to earnings per share. With United Continental's underlying pre-tax profit also likely to grow (albeit modestly) in 2016, rising buyback activity should create substantial value for long-term investors.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/02/26/united-continental-accelerates-its-buyback-plans.aspx" type="external">United Continental Accelerates Its Buyback Plans Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFGemHunter/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Adam Levine-Weinberg Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of United Continental Holdings, and is long January 2017 $40 calls on Delta Air Lines, and long January 2017 $30 calls on American Airlines Group. The Motley Fool is long January 2017 $35 calls on American Airlines Group. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/help/index.htm?display=about02" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | least profitable three largest us airlines united continental relatively cautious returning cash shareholders example unlike peers delta air lines american airlines united currently doesnt pay dividend continue reading united returned less cash shareholders peers image source motley fool however united repurchasing stock since mid2014 hasnt nearly aggressive share buybacks american airlines past year half united continental finally ramping share repurchase activity quarter united starts returning cashunited continental launched first share buyback program july 2014 earning 919 million q2 profit company intended buy back 1 billion stock course three years time seemed prudent start relatively small repurchase program given united one quarter removed posting ugly 489 million loss q1 2014 however july 2014 also oil prices began fall rapidly price brent crude plummeted around 110barrel beginning july 2014 less 50barrel january 2015 recently fallen roughly 30barrel brent crude oil spot price opens new window data ycharts opens new window advertisement caused profitability soar fact united continentals pretax earnings nearly doubled 2014 doubled 2015 growing 10 billion 45 billion time span rising earnings freed cash united execute share repurchase program second half 2014 spent 320 million share repurchases bought back another 450 million stock first half 2015 result united announced july 2015 board authorized new 3 billion share repurchase program running end 2017 united completed original buyback shortly thereafter end 2015 also spent 552 million toward new 3 billion share repurchase authorization time even buybacksin total united continental spent 12 billion share buybacks 2015 repurchasing 21 million shares little 5 outstanding stock pales comparison american airlines buyback activity 2015 american airlines roughly size united spent 36 billion opens new window share buybacks repurchasing 851 million shares roughly 12 outstanding stock american airlines ceo doug parker reasoned airline profits alltime high interest rates near record lows makes sense borrow money airplane purchases using much companys cash flow buybacks american airlines devoted lot cash share buybacks lately image source american airlines uniteds management isnt taking hardline position however united continental stock cheap american airlines stock companies trade 6 times projected 2016 earnings furthermore uniteds capital spending much lower producing substantially free cash flow american airlines led cfo gerry laderman predict uniteds q4 earnings call last month company would buy back 750 million stock first quarter alone last week united went stating regulatory filing plans repurchase 15 billion stock q1 complete entire 3 billion buyback second half 2016 united stock volatile past year even since recent buyback announcement current prices united would repurchase 7 shares q1 alone least 12 shares year provide meaningful lift earnings per share united continentals underlying pretax profit also likely grow albeit modestly 2016 rising buyback activity create substantial value longterm investors article united continental accelerates buyback plans opens new window originally appeared foolcom adam levineweinberg opens new window owns shares united continental holdings long january 2017 40 calls delta air lines long january 2017 30 calls american airlines group motley fool long january 2017 35 calls american airlines group try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 537 |
<p />
<p>The Latest on the U.S. presidential election (all times EDT):</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>1 p.m.</p>
<p>Michelle Obama is using a Hillary Clinton rally to denounce Donald Trump's role in the birther movement.</p>
<p>The first lady said questions about her husband's citizenship can't be swept under the rug "by an insincere sentence uttered at a press conference."</p>
<p>She didn't mention Trump by name, but that was clearly a reference to the Republican nominee's brief statement this month finally acknowledging that Obama was born in the United States.</p>
<p>Mrs. Obama said the birther movement raised "hurtful, deceitful questions" aimed at undermining her husband's presidency.</p>
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<p>She said the president has answered those questions "by going high when they go low."</p>
<p>The first lady said the next president "just can't pop off or lash out irrationally."</p>
<p>Mrs. Obama was campaigning at LaSalle University in Philadelphia.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>11:45 a.m.</p>
<p>Donald Trump is pledging if elected to work with Poland to strengthen NATO.</p>
<p>Trump is speaking to Polish-Americans in Chicago. He's praising Poland for paying its fair share to collective defense under NATO.</p>
<p>Trump had been criticized earlier in the campaign for describing NATO as obsolete and questioning the U.S. commitment to the alliance. But Trump says he's helping NATO by putting pressure on it to focus on terrorism.</p>
<p>Trump also touched on other campaign themes, promising he'll be the "greatest president for jobs that God ever created."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>11 a.m.</p>
<p>Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign is airing its first television ad featuring Michelle Obama.</p>
<p>The first lady says in the 30-second ad that Clinton is the best candidate to help America's children.</p>
<p>She says "our children watch everything we do" and Clinton would be a president "our kids can look up to."</p>
<p>Clinton has made the case that rival Donald Trump doesn't have the temperament to be president.</p>
<p>The ad is airing ahead of Mrs. Obama's campaign events Wednesday in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The first lady will urge voters to register before the Oct. 11 registration deadline.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>10:10 a.m.</p>
<p>Former Republican senator John Warner is panning Donald Trump as disrespectful of the military and woefully unprepared to be commander in chief.</p>
<p>Warner is a five-term Virginia senator, veteran and former Secretary of the Navy. He was appearing with Hillary Clinton's running mate, Tim Kaine, in Virginia to endorse the Democratic ticket.</p>
<p>Warner said he's weighing in because he's "distressed" by Trump's comments that the military is in bad shape. He said Clinton is deeply prepared to be president, citing their time together on the Senate Armed Services Committee.</p>
<p>He said above all, Clinton is respectful of the military. He added: "That's one word that's totally lacking on the other side."</p>
<p>This is Warner's first time endorsing a Democrat for president. He endorsed a Democrat for senator in 2014.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>9:50 a.m.</p>
<p>Former Republican Sen. John Warner of Virginia says Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine is a longtime friend who "exemplifies what this country needs."</p>
<p>The five-term senator was formally endorsing Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and her running mate at an event in Virginia, also Kaine's home state.</p>
<p>Kaine and Warner warmly recalled their friendship. Warner is a friend of Kaine's father-in-law, former Republican Virginia Gov. Linwood Holton. Warner said he first appeared on behalf of Kaine when Kaine ran for the Richmond city council decades ago.</p>
<p>Kaine told the crowd that he called Warner for advice when deciding to run for Senate in 2012. He's praising Warner as a politician who has "always put country and commonwealth above everything else."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>9:20 a.m.</p>
<p>President Barack Obama says people don't give Hillary Clinton enough credit — perhaps partially because she's a woman.</p>
<p>Obama was speaking in an interview with radio host Steve Harvey airing Wednesday. He said he's been frustrated at people's reluctance to give Clinton credit. He said it's partially because "she's been around a long time" and possibly because there hasn't been a female president before.</p>
<p>Obama said his legacy is on the ballot this year. He said everything his administration has accomplished in the last eight years is at stake.</p>
<p>The president said Trump "basically admitted" in the first debate that he didn't pay taxes. He said Trump admitted he didn't pay people who worked for him. Obama accused Trump of insulting women during and after the debate.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>7:35 a.m.</p>
<p>Hillary Clinton is trying to build on her widely praised debate performance by making a direct appeal to younger voters.</p>
<p>Clinton is campaigning Wednesday in New Hampshire with Bernie Sanders. It's their first joint campaign appearance since their "unity" rally after Sanders endorsed Clinton. She's struggled to win over the young voters whose enthusiasm drove his primary campaign.</p>
<p>Donald Trump is claiming that the debate was a success for him, too. His campaign is celebrating what it says is about $18 million Republicans raised in the day after the debate.</p>
<p>Trump is campaigning in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Clinton's campaign is also dispatching Michelle Obama to campaign for her in Pennsylvania. The first lady has been one of the most effective campaigners for Democrats this year.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>3:05 a.m.</p>
<p>Donald Trump is refusing to release his tax returns. But he has turned them over when he stood to make a profit, needed a loan or when a judge forced him.</p>
<p>No one who's seen those documents is allowed to say what's in them.</p>
<p>In all the cases reviewed by The Associated Press, each person, organization, company or government office that has seen copies of Trump's tax returns is barred from discussing their contents. That leaves the public with only glimpses into what his tax returns contain.</p>
<p>Trump faces increased criticism from Democrat Hillary Clinton to release his tax returns after he said during the presidential debate that he was smart for not paying federal income taxes in some years. Since 1976, every major party nominee has released their returns.</p> | true | 0 | latest us presidential election times edt continue reading 1 pm michelle obama using hillary clinton rally denounce donald trumps role birther movement first lady said questions husbands citizenship cant swept rug insincere sentence uttered press conference didnt mention trump name clearly reference republican nominees brief statement month finally acknowledging obama born united states mrs obama said birther movement raised hurtful deceitful questions aimed undermining husbands presidency advertisement said president answered questions going high go low first lady said next president cant pop lash irrationally mrs obama campaigning lasalle university philadelphia ___ 1145 donald trump pledging elected work poland strengthen nato trump speaking polishamericans chicago hes praising poland paying fair share collective defense nato trump criticized earlier campaign describing nato obsolete questioning us commitment alliance trump says hes helping nato putting pressure focus terrorism trump also touched campaign themes promising hell greatest president jobs god ever created ___ 11 hillary clintons presidential campaign airing first television ad featuring michelle obama first lady says 30second ad clinton best candidate help americas children says children watch everything clinton would president kids look clinton made case rival donald trump doesnt temperament president ad airing ahead mrs obamas campaign events wednesday pittsburgh philadelphia first lady urge voters register oct 11 registration deadline ___ 1010 former republican senator john warner panning donald trump disrespectful military woefully unprepared commander chief warner fiveterm virginia senator veteran former secretary navy appearing hillary clintons running mate tim kaine virginia endorse democratic ticket warner said hes weighing hes distressed trumps comments military bad shape said clinton deeply prepared president citing time together senate armed services committee said clinton respectful military added thats one word thats totally lacking side warners first time endorsing democrat president endorsed democrat senator 2014 ___ 950 former republican sen john warner virginia says democratic vice presidential nominee tim kaine longtime friend exemplifies country needs fiveterm senator formally endorsing democratic presidential nominee hillary clinton running mate event virginia also kaines home state kaine warner warmly recalled friendship warner friend kaines fatherinlaw former republican virginia gov linwood holton warner said first appeared behalf kaine kaine ran richmond city council decades ago kaine told crowd called warner advice deciding run senate 2012 hes praising warner politician always put country commonwealth everything else ___ 920 president barack obama says people dont give hillary clinton enough credit perhaps partially shes woman obama speaking interview radio host steve harvey airing wednesday said hes frustrated peoples reluctance give clinton credit said partially shes around long time possibly hasnt female president obama said legacy ballot year said everything administration accomplished last eight years stake president said trump basically admitted first debate didnt pay taxes said trump admitted didnt pay people worked obama accused trump insulting women debate ___ 735 hillary clinton trying build widely praised debate performance making direct appeal younger voters clinton campaigning wednesday new hampshire bernie sanders first joint campaign appearance since unity rally sanders endorsed clinton shes struggled win young voters whose enthusiasm drove primary campaign donald trump claiming debate success campaign celebrating says 18 million republicans raised day debate trump campaigning illinois iowa wisconsin clintons campaign also dispatching michelle obama campaign pennsylvania first lady one effective campaigners democrats year ___ 305 donald trump refusing release tax returns turned stood make profit needed loan judge forced one whos seen documents allowed say whats cases reviewed associated press person organization company government office seen copies trumps tax returns barred discussing contents leaves public glimpses tax returns contain trump faces increased criticism democrat hillary clinton release tax returns said presidential debate smart paying federal income taxes years since 1976 every major party nominee released returns | 601 |
<p />
<p>Agriculture could be one of the biggest drone markets. Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>You might be familiar with the idea of drones delivering consumer packages or monitoring security areas, but did you know that drones were first used commercially in Japan for agricultural purposes? In fact, agricultural efficiency is poised to take a big leap with drone technology now that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is streamlining regulations for unmanned aerial vehicles. A <a href="http://www.pwc.pl/pl/pdf/clarity-from-above-pwc.pdf" type="external">recent report from Opens a New Window.</a>PwC pegs the addressable market for agricultural drones to be worth a whopping $32.4 billion, second only to infrastructure.</p>
<p>That's a big number. And the interesting part is that PwC isn't the only one expecting drones to revolutionize agriculture.</p>
<p>Not surprisingly, drone makers like AeroVironment Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) are increasingly focusing on agriculture. The latest example is AeroVironment's Quantix drone, which it unveiled at the just-concluded Drone World Expo at San Jose, California. AeroVironment expects Quantix's features like one-touch launch, which makes it easier to map fields and gather instant analytics, to strike a chord with farm operators.</p>
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<p>In fact, even technology companies are throwing their weight behind agricultural drones. Consider Raven Industries (NASDAQ: RAVN), which specializes in navigation and radar systems solutions. Raven took a big leap earlier this year when it became the exclusive distribution partner for AgEagle's agricultural unmanned aerial systems (UAS). AgEagle uses advanced technology like GoPro Inc.(NASDAQ: GPRO) cameras and sensors in its UAS to capture real-time data for crop surveillance.</p>
<p>AgEagle RX60 agricultural UAS. Image source: Raven Precision.</p>
<p>Considering that Raven already has long-standing partnerships with leading agricultural-equipment manufacturers like Deere &amp; Company (NYSE: DE) and AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO), I wouldn't be surprised to see more and more agricultural companies pump money into drone technology in coming years.</p>
<p>Wait, they're already doing it!</p>
<p>This past April, DuPont (NYSE: DD) invested an undisclosed sum in drones company PrecisionHawk. The news took the market by surprise, as it isn't every day you see an agricultural company turn into a venture capitalist. Clearly, DuPont must be expecting the agricultural drone market to take off to have made the move. PrecisionHawk cited how both companies "recognize the opportunity for drone technology solutions in agriculture," backed by analysts' estimates that peg the "economic impact" of the technology to cross a whopping $60 billion in 10 years.</p>
<p>On the other side of the agriculture spectrum, farm-equipment manufacturers are quietly digitalizing farms by adopting precision agriculture -- a modern farm management concept that uses sensors to scan, record, and collect data from fields. Over time, the scope of precision agriculture has expanded vastly to include GPS, automated systems, geomapping, and satellite imagery. Drones are the latest addition to the list.</p>
<p>Several drone technology and software companies like Sentera and Agribotix have recently tied up with Deere Operations Center to extend their products and solutions to Deere dealers and customers. The Deere Operations Centre platform allows users to gather, analyze, and manage data related to equipment and farm operations virtually. You may call it remote farming. In line with its focus to automate agriculture, Deere is upgrading its Operations Centre with new mobile apps and software.</p>
<p>But none of it comes even close to what AGCO has done on the drone front. Hold your breath: AGCO already has a UAV to its credit! Launchedlast year, the SOLO AGCO Edition drone is equipped with GoPro cameras and can scout about 240 acres in 20 minutes to provide high-resolution aerial field maps.</p>
<p>SOLO AGCO Edition UAV. Image source: AGCO.</p>
<p>With AGCO already taking the plunge, you may soon see more and more drones flying over farms, especially given how beneficial drones can be to farmers.</p>
<p>Farmers today face one of the world's biggest challenges: to feed a growing population amid weather blips and shrinking arable land. The key lies in boosting crop yields -- something drones can help achieve.</p>
<p>Agricultural drones are high-tech systems that can do things a farmer can't: scan every corner of the fields to assess soil, monitor crop health, apply fertilizers, even track weather and estimate yields, and then collect the data and analyze it for prompt action. In short, drones can mechanize every step of farming, eliminating the costs of human errors and enabling farmers to react quickly to threats (such as drought conditions and pests), helping them maximize income and returns on investment in the end.</p>
<p>Long story short, drones can transform agriculture, and with the market potential now pegged at a whopping $32 billion, investors should keep a close watch on the companies that are investing in the technology.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Deere &amp; Company When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=0794253e-9925-4610-b9d3-3cf0b43a1d75&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">ten best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now...and Deere &amp; Company wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
<p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=0794253e-9925-4610-b9d3-3cf0b43a1d75&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of November 7, 2016.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/Nehams/info.aspx" type="external">Neha Chamaria Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends GoPro. The Motley Fool is short Deere &amp; Company and has the following options: short January 2019 $12 calls on GoPro and long January 2019 $12 puts on GoPro. The Motley Fool recommends AeroVironment and Raven Industries. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | agriculture could one biggest drone markets image source getty images continue reading might familiar idea drones delivering consumer packages monitoring security areas know drones first used commercially japan agricultural purposes fact agricultural efficiency poised take big leap drone technology us federal aviation administration streamlining regulations unmanned aerial vehicles recent report opens new windowpwc pegs addressable market agricultural drones worth whopping 324 billion second infrastructure thats big number interesting part pwc isnt one expecting drones revolutionize agriculture surprisingly drone makers like aerovironment inc nasdaq avav increasingly focusing agriculture latest example aerovironments quantix drone unveiled justconcluded drone world expo san jose california aerovironment expects quantixs features like onetouch launch makes easier map fields gather instant analytics strike chord farm operators advertisement fact even technology companies throwing weight behind agricultural drones consider raven industries nasdaq ravn specializes navigation radar systems solutions raven took big leap earlier year became exclusive distribution partner ageagles agricultural unmanned aerial systems uas ageagle uses advanced technology like gopro incnasdaq gpro cameras sensors uas capture realtime data crop surveillance ageagle rx60 agricultural uas image source raven precision considering raven already longstanding partnerships leading agriculturalequipment manufacturers like deere amp company nyse de agco corporation nyse agco wouldnt surprised see agricultural companies pump money drone technology coming years wait theyre already past april dupont nyse dd invested undisclosed sum drones company precisionhawk news took market surprise isnt every day see agricultural company turn venture capitalist clearly dupont must expecting agricultural drone market take made move precisionhawk cited companies recognize opportunity drone technology solutions agriculture backed analysts estimates peg economic impact technology cross whopping 60 billion 10 years side agriculture spectrum farmequipment manufacturers quietly digitalizing farms adopting precision agriculture modern farm management concept uses sensors scan record collect data fields time scope precision agriculture expanded vastly include gps automated systems geomapping satellite imagery drones latest addition list several drone technology software companies like sentera agribotix recently tied deere operations center extend products solutions deere dealers customers deere operations centre platform allows users gather analyze manage data related equipment farm operations virtually may call remote farming line focus automate agriculture deere upgrading operations centre new mobile apps software none comes even close agco done drone front hold breath agco already uav credit launchedlast year solo agco edition drone equipped gopro cameras scout 240 acres 20 minutes provide highresolution aerial field maps solo agco edition uav image source agco agco already taking plunge may soon see drones flying farms especially given beneficial drones farmers farmers today face one worlds biggest challenges feed growing population amid weather blips shrinking arable land key lies boosting crop yields something drones help achieve agricultural drones hightech systems things farmer cant scan every corner fields assess soil monitor crop health apply fertilizers even track weather estimate yields collect data analyze prompt action short drones mechanize every step farming eliminating costs human errors enabling farmers react quickly threats drought conditions pests helping maximize income returns investment end long story short drones transform agriculture market potential pegged whopping 32 billion investors keep close watch companies investing technology 10 stocks like better deere amp company investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe ten best stocks opens new window investors buy right nowand deere amp company wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns november 7 2016 neha chamaria opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends gopro motley fool short deere amp company following options short january 2019 12 calls gopro long january 2019 12 puts gopro motley fool recommends aerovironment raven industries try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 643 |
<p />
<p>It's now been a week since <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/11/09/how-a-donald-trump-presidency-could-affect-bank-st.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Donald Trump Opens a New Window.</a> was elected President of the United States, and <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/11/15/the-trump-bump-why-banks-are-up-after-the-election.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">the rally in bank stocks Opens a New Window.</a> is in full swing.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>So far, The Wall Street Journal reports that the "KBW Nasdaq Bank index" is up "around 14%." Individual bank stocks are doing even better, with giant Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) up 18% in a week. As the Journal joyfully proclaimed, there's a new enthusiasm for " <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/a-radical-new-thought-banks-are-growth-stocks-1479236097" type="external">banks as growth stocks Opens a New Window.</a>."</p>
<p>And yet, it's a truism on Wall Street: By the time news appears on the front page of the Journal, it's not really news anymore, and the time to profit from it has passed. And so it is that at the same time as the Journal is proclaiming the return of bank stocks to prominence, Wall Street bankers themselves are declaring the rally over.</p>
<p>Here are three things you need to know about that.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/KBWB" type="external">KBWB</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
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<p>Beginning with the highest-profile downgrade of the day, well-regarded R.W. Baird ( <a href="http://caps.fool.com/player/trackrwbaird.aspx" type="external">CAPS rating: 90.51 Opens a New Window.</a>) announced this morning that it is pulling its buy recommendation from Bank of America stock, and downgrading the shares to neutral. As explained in a write-up on <a href="http://thefly.com/news.php?symbol=BAC" type="external">TheFly.com Opens a New Window.</a>, Baird believes that "the post-election rally has largely discounted the potential benefits of rising interest rates, lower taxes, and more aggressive capital return" under a Trump administration. Nor is Bank of America the only stock on Baird's chopping block. Among its other downgrades, one that stands out is Baird's drastic ratings cut of Fifth Third (NASDAQ: FITB) stock to underperform. In addition to citing the same concerns that scared it out of B of A stock, Baird warns that Fifth Third stock is already pricing in the benefits of Fifth Third's "Project North Star efficiency program," leaving little room for profits improvement -- and leaving the stock looking overpriced.</p>
<p>Analysts at Bernstein ( <a href="http://caps.fool.com/player/trackbernstein.aspx" type="external">CAPS rating: 96.41 Opens a New Window.</a>), too, are taking an axe to Fifth Third stock, downgrading to market perform, and pointing out that it's not just the Trump effect at work here. Bernstein notes that "mid-cap bank stocks have risen 33% since their June trough." What's more, the stocks' prices aren't tracking improvements in earnings so much as mere "multiple expansion." Bernstein says it "struggles to find compelling upside" in any regional stocks today. For this reason, Bernsteinadded KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY) to its hit list, downgrading that one to market perform as well.</p>
<p>And then there's Piper Jaffray ( <a href="http://caps.fool.com/player/trackpiperjaff.aspx" type="external">CAPS rating: 87.24 Opens a New Window.</a>). Judging from the list of downgrades Piper announced this morning, it looks like just about every stock with "bank" (or "banc") in its name got downgraded today. This includes everyone from well-known Regions Bank (NYSE: RF) -- cut to neutral on concerns it has come "too far, too fast" -- to less famous banking players such as People's United Financial (NASDAQ: PBCT), which Piper now rates underweight, saying it is time to take profits.</p>
<p>So who is an investor to believe in this brave new world for banking stocks? The venerable Wall Street Journal, or the bankers themselves? That's hard to say. On the one hand, the Journal is right to point out that even after their rally, most bank stocks sells for discounts to the stock market as a whole, and significant discounts to their own book values as well.</p>
<p>Traditionally, investors have viewed <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/08/31/the-best-bank-stocks-for-value-investors.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">bank stocks as bargain-priced Opens a New Window.</a> whenever they trade below book value. From that perspective, you have to admit that Bank of America looks kind of cheap at a current valuation of just 0.82 times book value. On the other hand, Regions is coming close to fair value at 0.99 times book, while valuations at People's Financial (1.15 times book), Fifth Third (1.23 times), and KeyCorp (1.31 times), are all starting to look a bit stretched.</p>
<p>Sure, if growth returns to the banking sector under a President Trump, it's possible these banks will grow into their valuations in a few years' time -- but that remains to be proven. For now, the best move may be to heed the warnings of the folks who know banking stocks best: The bankers themselves.</p>
<p>Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than Bank of America Donald Trump was just elected president, and volatility is up. But here's why you should ignore the election:</p>
<p>Investing geniuses Tom and David Gardner have spent a long time beating the market no matter who's in the White House. In fact, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fecap-foolcom-bbn-election%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0000468%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6454%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=038fbd4b-6fbd-4347-a140-7ae2b2d75f06&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">ten best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Bank of America wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
<p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fecap-foolcom-bbn-election%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0000468%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6454%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=038fbd4b-6fbd-4347-a140-7ae2b2d75f06&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of November 7, 2016</p>
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<p>The Motley Fool recommends Bank of America. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | week since donald trump opens new window elected president united states rally bank stocks opens new window full swing continue reading far wall street journal reports kbw nasdaq bank index around 14 individual bank stocks even better giant bank america nyse bac 18 week journal joyfully proclaimed theres new enthusiasm banks growth stocks opens new window yet truism wall street time news appears front page journal really news anymore time profit passed time journal proclaiming return bank stocks prominence wall street bankers declaring rally three things need know kbwb data ycharts opens new window advertisement beginning highestprofile downgrade day wellregarded rw baird caps rating 9051 opens new window announced morning pulling buy recommendation bank america stock downgrading shares neutral explained writeup theflycom opens new window baird believes postelection rally largely discounted potential benefits rising interest rates lower taxes aggressive capital return trump administration bank america stock bairds chopping block among downgrades one stands bairds drastic ratings cut fifth third nasdaq fitb stock underperform addition citing concerns scared b stock baird warns fifth third stock already pricing benefits fifth thirds project north star efficiency program leaving little room profits improvement leaving stock looking overpriced analysts bernstein caps rating 9641 opens new window taking axe fifth third stock downgrading market perform pointing trump effect work bernstein notes midcap bank stocks risen 33 since june trough whats stocks prices arent tracking improvements earnings much mere multiple expansion bernstein says struggles find compelling upside regional stocks today reason bernsteinadded keycorp nyse key hit list downgrading one market perform well theres piper jaffray caps rating 8724 opens new window judging list downgrades piper announced morning looks like every stock bank banc name got downgraded today includes everyone wellknown regions bank nyse rf cut neutral concerns come far fast less famous banking players peoples united financial nasdaq pbct piper rates underweight saying time take profits investor believe brave new world banking stocks venerable wall street journal bankers thats hard say one hand journal right point even rally bank stocks sells discounts stock market whole significant discounts book values well traditionally investors viewed bank stocks bargainpriced opens new window whenever trade book value perspective admit bank america looks kind cheap current valuation 082 times book value hand regions coming close fair value 099 times book valuations peoples financial 115 times book fifth third 123 times keycorp 131 times starting look bit stretched sure growth returns banking sector president trump possible banks grow valuations years time remains proven best move may heed warnings folks know banking stocks best bankers forget 2016 election 10 stocks like better bank america donald trump elected president volatility heres ignore election investing geniuses tom david gardner spent long time beating market matter whos white house fact newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe ten best stocks opens new window investors buy right bank america wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns november 7 2016 fool contributor rich smith opens new windowdoes shares short company named find motley fool caps opens new window publicly pontificating handle tmfditty opens new window currently ranks 314 75000 rated members motley fool recommends bank america try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 568 |
<p>The House of Representatives passed a bill that would usher in the most far-reaching overhaul of the U.S. tax system in 31 years, backing a plan that would lower the corporate tax rate to its lowest point since 1939 and cut individual taxes for most households in 2018.</p>
<p>The bill would repeal the alternative minimum tax, increase the child tax credit, abolish the estate tax by 2025 and transform the U.S. system for taxing multinational corporations. The House plan would raise taxes on some people by removing personal exemptions and deductions for state and local income taxes, medical expenses and student loan interest. On the whole, the bill would reduce federal taxes by $1.4 trillion over the next decade.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>The 227-205 House vote was a victory for Speaker Paul Ryan (R., Wis.) and President Donald Trump, who rallied Republicans before the vote. Republicans want to finish the new tax law before the year ends, and they are banking on it as an economic boon and the key to their political futures.</p>
<p>That political imperative, along with support from business groups and conservatives, spurred Republicans to move quickly, and Thursday's vote came exactly two weeks after they revealed the bill.</p>
<p>But there are warning signs ahead as the focus turns to the Senate's companion bill. Most of the House Republicans who voted no on Thursday opposed the new limits on the state and local tax deduction, and the Senate's changes are even more severe, denying a $10,000 property-tax deduction that the House bill includes. That means Thursday's margin may get even tighter if and when a final bill emerges.</p>
<p>Senate passage is no certainty either, as just three Republicans can block any plan. Sen. Ron Johnson (R., Wis.) already declared his opposition to the treatment of partnerships, S corporations and other so-called pass-through businesses. Sen. Susan Collins (R., Maine) has expressed concerns about the Senate GOP's decision to pair the tax bill with a repeal of the mandate for individuals to have health insurance. And Sens. Jeff Flake (R., Ariz.) and Bob Corker (R., Tenn.) say they are worried about budget deficits.</p>
<p>For the moment, though, House Republicans were gleeful.</p>
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<p>Democrats called the House tax plan a giveaway to wealthy business owners and warned that it would drive the country deeper into debt and serve as a prelude to future cuts in Social Security and Medicare. They highlighted what they called budget gimmicks in the bill, including the expiration of a crucial family credit in 2023 that would mean higher taxes in the future.</p>
<p>Write to Richard Rubin at [email protected] and Siobhan Hughes at [email protected]</p>
<p>WASHINGTON -- The House of Representatives passed a bill that would usher in the most far-reaching overhaul of the U.S. tax system in 31 years, backing a plan that would lower the corporate tax rate to its lowest point since 1939 and cut individual taxes for most households in 2018.</p>
<p>The bill would repeal the alternative minimum tax, increase the child tax credit, abolish the estate tax by 2025 and transform the U.S. system for taxing multinational corporations. The plan would raise taxes on some people by removing personal exemptions and deductions for state and local income taxes, medical expenses and student loan interest. On the whole, the bill would reduce federal taxes by $1.4 trillion over the next decade.</p>
<p>The 227-205 House vote was a victory for Speaker Paul Ryan (R., Wis.) and President Donald Trump, who rallied with Republicans in the Capitol before the vote. Republicans want to finish the new tax law before the year ends, and they are banking on it as an economic boon and the key to their political futures.</p>
<p>Thirteen Republicans voted against the bill; no Democrats voted for it.</p>
<p>"We are in a generational defining moment for our country," Mr. Ryan said on the House floor before the vote, declaring that the bill would lead to faster economic growth and higher wages. "It is finally time that we get the general interest of this country to prevail over the special interests in Washington."</p>
<p>The political imperative for the GOP, along with support from business groups and conservatives, spurred Republicans to move quickly, and Thursday's vote came exactly two weeks after they revealed the first version of the bill.</p>
<p>But there are warning signs ahead as the focus turns to the Senate's companion bill. Most of the House Republicans who voted no on Thursday were from New York, New Jersey and California. They opposed the new limits on the state and local tax deduction, and the Senate's changes are even more severe, denying a $10,000 property-tax deduction that the House bill includes. That means Thursday's margin may get even tighter if and when a final bill emerges.</p>
<p>The Senate's passage of its own bill is no certainty either, as just three Republicans can block any plan. Sen. Ron Johnson (R., Wis.) already declared his opposition to the treatment of partnerships, S corporations and other so-called pass-through businesses. Sen. Susan Collins (R., Maine) has expressed concerns about the Senate GOP's decision to pair the tax bill with a repeal of the mandate for individuals to have health insurance. And Sens. Jeff Flake (R., Ariz.) and Bob Corker (R., Tenn.) say they are worried about budget deficits.</p>
<p>For the moment, though, House Republicans were gleeful. Mr. Ryan hugged Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R. La.), who is responsible for rounding up votes, right after the totals were announced.</p>
<p>Democrats called the House tax plan a giveaway to wealthy business owners and warned that it would drive the country deeper into debt and serve as a prelude to future cuts in Social Security and Medicare. They highlighted what they called budget gimmicks in the bill, including the expiration of a crucial family credit in 2023 that would bring higher taxes in the future.</p>
<p>"They're trying to sell a bill of goods to the middle class," said Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.), the House Democratic leader. "It preys on the middle class and those who aspire to it. It pillages and loots the middle class."</p>
<p>The House plan would provide, on average, tax cuts for every income group in 2019, according to the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation, which analyzes tax policy for Congress. About 8% of households would pay more in 2019 and that proportion would rise over time, according to JCT.</p>
<p>The House vote leaves Republicans exactly where they were on health policy earlier this year, with a bill passed by one chamber that won't be accepted as written by the other.</p>
<p>There are some important differences between the House bill and its Senate counterpart, now headed for a floor vote after Thanksgiving. The Senate version features completely different rules on how the U.S. taxes multinational corporations and pass-through businesses.</p>
<p>Rep. David Schweikert (R., Ariz.) said he was "intrigued" by the Senate's approach on international taxation.</p>
<p>"It might solve one or two of our issues," he said.</p>
<p>The Senate proposal includes provisions that aren't in the House bill at all, including temporary changes to alcohol taxation and a new tax credit for employers who provide family leave.</p>
<p>The Senate plan sets all of its individual tax cuts to expire after 2025. That helps their plan comply with a rule under the fast-track procedure they are using to pass the bill without needing Democratic votes. Under that process, the bill can't increase budget deficits beyond 2027. The corporate tax changes would be permanent.</p>
<p>Senators on Thursday sparred over new analyses of who wins and loses under their plan. In 2021, because some low-income households wouldn't purchase health insurance, they wouldn't get subsidies in the form of tax credits. As a result, households earning between $10,000 and $30,000 would see higher tax burdens on average.</p>
<p>"This is absolutely not a tax increase and you guys know that," Sen. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.) said to Democrats at a Finance Committee meeting.</p>
<p>And by 2027, after the individual tax cuts expire, households earning under $75,000 would have tax increases on average under the Senate plan, compared with current law, an element that has prompted fierce opposition from Democrats.</p>
<p>"I don't know how anybody can go home now to the folks they represent and explain why it's a good idea to hike taxes on parents who barely stay afloat to pay for a massive corporate handout," said Sen. Ron Wyden (D., Ore.). "What is happening now is just shameful."</p>
<p>Write to Richard Rubin at [email protected] and Siobhan Hughes at [email protected]</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>November 16, 2017 14:50 ET (19:50 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | house representatives passed bill would usher farreaching overhaul us tax system 31 years backing plan would lower corporate tax rate lowest point since 1939 cut individual taxes households 2018 bill would repeal alternative minimum tax increase child tax credit abolish estate tax 2025 transform us system taxing multinational corporations house plan would raise taxes people removing personal exemptions deductions state local income taxes medical expenses student loan interest whole bill would reduce federal taxes 14 trillion next decade continue reading 227205 house vote victory speaker paul ryan r wis president donald trump rallied republicans vote republicans want finish new tax law year ends banking economic boon key political futures political imperative along support business groups conservatives spurred republicans move quickly thursdays vote came exactly two weeks revealed bill warning signs ahead focus turns senates companion bill house republicans voted thursday opposed new limits state local tax deduction senates changes even severe denying 10000 propertytax deduction house bill includes means thursdays margin may get even tighter final bill emerges senate passage certainty either three republicans block plan sen ron johnson r wis already declared opposition treatment partnerships corporations socalled passthrough businesses sen susan collins r maine expressed concerns senate gops decision pair tax bill repeal mandate individuals health insurance sens jeff flake r ariz bob corker r tenn say worried budget deficits moment though house republicans gleeful advertisement democrats called house tax plan giveaway wealthy business owners warned would drive country deeper debt serve prelude future cuts social security medicare highlighted called budget gimmicks bill including expiration crucial family credit 2023 would mean higher taxes future write richard rubin richardrubinwsjcom siobhan hughes siobhanhugheswsjcom washington house representatives passed bill would usher farreaching overhaul us tax system 31 years backing plan would lower corporate tax rate lowest point since 1939 cut individual taxes households 2018 bill would repeal alternative minimum tax increase child tax credit abolish estate tax 2025 transform us system taxing multinational corporations plan would raise taxes people removing personal exemptions deductions state local income taxes medical expenses student loan interest whole bill would reduce federal taxes 14 trillion next decade 227205 house vote victory speaker paul ryan r wis president donald trump rallied republicans capitol vote republicans want finish new tax law year ends banking economic boon key political futures thirteen republicans voted bill democrats voted generational defining moment country mr ryan said house floor vote declaring bill would lead faster economic growth higher wages finally time get general interest country prevail special interests washington political imperative gop along support business groups conservatives spurred republicans move quickly thursdays vote came exactly two weeks revealed first version bill warning signs ahead focus turns senates companion bill house republicans voted thursday new york new jersey california opposed new limits state local tax deduction senates changes even severe denying 10000 propertytax deduction house bill includes means thursdays margin may get even tighter final bill emerges senates passage bill certainty either three republicans block plan sen ron johnson r wis already declared opposition treatment partnerships corporations socalled passthrough businesses sen susan collins r maine expressed concerns senate gops decision pair tax bill repeal mandate individuals health insurance sens jeff flake r ariz bob corker r tenn say worried budget deficits moment though house republicans gleeful mr ryan hugged majority whip steve scalise r la responsible rounding votes right totals announced democrats called house tax plan giveaway wealthy business owners warned would drive country deeper debt serve prelude future cuts social security medicare highlighted called budget gimmicks bill including expiration crucial family credit 2023 would bring higher taxes future theyre trying sell bill goods middle class said rep nancy pelosi calif house democratic leader preys middle class aspire pillages loots middle class house plan would provide average tax cuts every income group 2019 according nonpartisan joint committee taxation analyzes tax policy congress 8 households would pay 2019 proportion would rise time according jct house vote leaves republicans exactly health policy earlier year bill passed one chamber wont accepted written important differences house bill senate counterpart headed floor vote thanksgiving senate version features completely different rules us taxes multinational corporations passthrough businesses rep david schweikert r ariz said intrigued senates approach international taxation might solve one two issues said senate proposal includes provisions arent house bill including temporary changes alcohol taxation new tax credit employers provide family leave senate plan sets individual tax cuts expire 2025 helps plan comply rule fasttrack procedure using pass bill without needing democratic votes process bill cant increase budget deficits beyond 2027 corporate tax changes would permanent senators thursday sparred new analyses wins loses plan 2021 lowincome households wouldnt purchase health insurance wouldnt get subsidies form tax credits result households earning 10000 30000 would see higher tax burdens average absolutely tax increase guys know sen pat toomey r pa said democrats finance committee meeting 2027 individual tax cuts expire households earning 75000 would tax increases average senate plan compared current law element prompted fierce opposition democrats dont know anybody go home folks represent explain good idea hike taxes parents barely stay afloat pay massive corporate handout said sen ron wyden ore happening shameful write richard rubin richardrubinwsjcom siobhan hughes siobhanhugheswsjcom end dow jones newswires november 16 2017 1450 et 1950 gmt | 870 |
<p>Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE: PG) -- the maker of household brands Tide, Bounty, Pampers, Crest, Charmin, and Gillette -- is often considered a classic dividend play because it's hiked its dividend annually for six decades. P&amp;G currently pays a forward yield of 3.1%, which is supported by a payout ratio of 75%.</p>
<p>However, P&amp;G also trades at 25 times earnings, which is higher than the industry average of 20 for personal products companies and the S&amp;P 500's multiple of 24. That's likely due to <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/06/14/read-this-before-you-buy-dividend-stocks.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f3e662d6-57e2-11e7-99f0-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">low interest rates</a> pushing income investors from bonds to stocks over the past few years. Since P&amp;G is a classic blue chip dividend play, its shares have soared nearly 50% over the past five years and stretched its valuations to frothy levels.</p>
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<p>However, there are still reliable consumer staple stocks that offer higher yields than P&amp;G and trade at lower valuations. Let's take a closer look at three stocks which fit that bill -- General Mills (NYSE: GIS), B&amp;G Foods (NYSE: BGS), and Altria (NYSE: MO).</p>
<p>General Mills sells packaged foods like Cheerios, Betty Crocker, Haagen-Dazs, Yoplait, and a wide variety of pasta, pizzas, soups, snacks, and spices. In recent quarters, General Mills struggled with the ongoing weakness of its cereal business (as consumers shifted toward healthier or more exciting breakfast foods), as well as softness in its North America, Asia, and Latin America markets.</p>
<p>That's why its organic sales fell 5% during the first nine months of&#160;fiscal 2017, and it expects a 4% drop for the full year when it reports its year-end earnings on June 28. But its adjusted earnings, lifted by buybacks, are still expected to rise 5%-7%. General Mills looks weak today, but it's investing in healthier brands (like organic food maker Annie's) and divesting weaker brands, and the macro headwinds it faces overseas should <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/05/16/3-top-packaged-foods-companies-to-buy-in-2017.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f3e662d6-57e2-11e7-99f0-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">gradually wane</a>.</p>
<p>Until then, General Mills remains a cheap income stock. It pays a forward yield of 3.4%, which is supported by a payout ratio of 70%. It's raised that dividend annually for 13 straight years. The stock trades at 20 times earnings, which is lower than the average multiple of 29 for the packaged foods industry.</p>
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<p>B&amp;G Foods is a packaged foods company that has primarily grown through acquisitions. It acquired the Green Giant brand from General Mills in 2015, and sauce and condiments maker Victoria Foods and&#160;ACH Food Companies' spice business last year. To fund all those acquisitions, B&amp;G announced two secondary offerings last year.</p>
<p>Analysts expect B&amp;G Foods' revenue and earnings to respectively rise 19% and 5% this year, fueled by its recent acquisitions. After annual comparisons normalize, its revenue is expected to grow 1% next year, and its earnings are expected to rise 6%. Looking ahead, the main risk to B&amp;G is that the company "diworsifies" its portfolio by accumulating too many brands.</p>
<p>But for now, it's a cheap income play. It pays a hefty forward yield of 5.1%, and it's raised that dividend annually for six straight years. Its earnings-based payout ratio currently exceeds 100% due to its recent acquisitions, but it only spent 92% of its free cash flow over the past 12 months on those payments -- so the dividend remains sustainable. B&amp;G trades at 22 times earnings, which is well below the industry average of 29.</p>
<p>Last but not least, Altria -- the largest tobacco company in America -- pays a forward yield of 3.2%, which is supported by a payout ratio of 32%. That payout ratio is so low because Altria recently received a <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/06/07/6-reasons-altria-is-a-better-dividend-stock-than-p.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f3e662d6-57e2-11e7-99f0-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">massive windfall</a> from AB InBev's (NYSE: BUD) acquisition of SABMiller, which Altria held a major stake in.</p>
<p>That deal gave Altria a pre-tax gain of $13.7 billion, significantly boosting its earnings and reducing its trailing P/E to just 10 -- which is much lower than the industry average of 18 for tobacco companies. Wall Street expects Altria's revenue and earnings to respectively grow 2% and 8%, fueled by the strength of its flagship Marlboro cigarettes and low gas prices boosting consumer spending.</p>
<p>Altria can consistently grow its bottom line in the face of waning smoking rates because it repeatedly raises prices, cuts expenses, and buys back stock to offset weaker shipments. The company has also raised its dividend every year since it closed its spin-off of Philip Morris International in&#160;2008.</p>
<p>I'm not saying that P&amp;G is a bad stock -- it's still a great long-term play for conservative investors. But the stock looks frothy at current levels, and investors who don't already own P&amp;G might consider buying these other consumer staples plays, which have both higher yields and lower valuations.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Procter &amp; GambleWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=e5b6bee6-4345-46af-8100-82f254f8ca5f&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f3e662d6-57e2-11e7-99f0-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks</a> for investors to buy right now... and Procter &amp; Gamble wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
<p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=e5b6bee6-4345-46af-8100-82f254f8ca5f&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f3e662d6-57e2-11e7-99f0-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here</a> to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of June 5, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSunLion/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f3e662d6-57e2-11e7-99f0-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Leo Sun</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Anheuser-Busch InBev NV. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f3e662d6-57e2-11e7-99f0-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy</a>.</p> | true | 0 | procter amp gamble nyse pg maker household brands tide bounty pampers crest charmin gillette often considered classic dividend play hiked dividend annually six decades pampg currently pays forward yield 31 supported payout ratio 75 however pampg also trades 25 times earnings higher industry average 20 personal products companies sampp 500s multiple 24 thats likely due low interest rates pushing income investors bonds stocks past years since pampg classic blue chip dividend play shares soared nearly 50 past five years stretched valuations frothy levels continue reading however still reliable consumer staple stocks offer higher yields pampg trade lower valuations lets take closer look three stocks fit bill general mills nyse gis bampg foods nyse bgs altria nyse mo general mills sells packaged foods like cheerios betty crocker haagendazs yoplait wide variety pasta pizzas soups snacks spices recent quarters general mills struggled ongoing weakness cereal business consumers shifted toward healthier exciting breakfast foods well softness north america asia latin america markets thats organic sales fell 5 first nine months of160fiscal 2017 expects 4 drop full year reports yearend earnings june 28 adjusted earnings lifted buybacks still expected rise 57 general mills looks weak today investing healthier brands like organic food maker annies divesting weaker brands macro headwinds faces overseas gradually wane general mills remains cheap income stock pays forward yield 34 supported payout ratio 70 raised dividend annually 13 straight years stock trades 20 times earnings lower average multiple 29 packaged foods industry advertisement bampg foods packaged foods company primarily grown acquisitions acquired green giant brand general mills 2015 sauce condiments maker victoria foods and160ach food companies spice business last year fund acquisitions bampg announced two secondary offerings last year analysts expect bampg foods revenue earnings respectively rise 19 5 year fueled recent acquisitions annual comparisons normalize revenue expected grow 1 next year earnings expected rise 6 looking ahead main risk bampg company diworsifies portfolio accumulating many brands cheap income play pays hefty forward yield 51 raised dividend annually six straight years earningsbased payout ratio currently exceeds 100 due recent acquisitions spent 92 free cash flow past 12 months payments dividend remains sustainable bampg trades 22 times earnings well industry average 29 last least altria largest tobacco company america pays forward yield 32 supported payout ratio 32 payout ratio low altria recently received massive windfall ab inbevs nyse bud acquisition sabmiller altria held major stake deal gave altria pretax gain 137 billion significantly boosting earnings reducing trailing pe 10 much lower industry average 18 tobacco companies wall street expects altrias revenue earnings respectively grow 2 8 fueled strength flagship marlboro cigarettes low gas prices boosting consumer spending altria consistently grow bottom line face waning smoking rates repeatedly raises prices cuts expenses buys back stock offset weaker shipments company also raised dividend every year since closed spinoff philip morris international in1602008 im saying pampg bad stock still great longterm play conservative investors stock looks frothy current levels investors dont already pampg might consider buying consumer staples plays higher yields lower valuations 10 stocks like better procter amp gamblewhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks investors buy right procter amp gamble wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click learn picks stock advisor returns june 5 2017 leo sun position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends anheuserbusch inbev nv motley fool disclosure policy | 572 |
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<p>GoPro's(NASDAQ: GPRO) upcoming Hero 5 camera should be tethered to a new cloud platform called "GoPro Plus," according to a recently leaked manual forthe device. Users are instructed to download the new Capture app on iOS or Android, then follow the on-screen instructions to connect their cameras to the app.</p>
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<p>Image source: GoPro.</p>
<p>First-time users will need to subscribe to GoPro Plus. To upload content to the platform, they click a cloud icon within the app and connect the camera to a charger to start the upload process. After the content is uploaded, users can access the cloud-based content from the Capture app, download it to their phones, and use Quik or Splice for editing and sharing.</p>
<p>Will this new platform be a major selling point for the Hero 5, which will reportedly also feature built-in waterproofing, a GPS, andvoice commands? Or will the GoPro Plus fail to deliver a seamless cloud backup experience comparable to Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL) iCloud or Alphabet's (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) Google Photos?</p>
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<p>GoPro CEO Nick Woodman has repeatedly stated that thecompany was leading customers into "a dark forest" with too much footage and no efficient ways to backup, edit, and share their content. He also compared GoPro's cameras to "iPods without iTunes."</p>
<p>Woodman first teased the development of a cloud platform last June, but didn't offer anytechnical details. This February, GoPro signed a collaborative patent licensing agreement withMicrosoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) for "certain file storage and other system technologies," <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/02/16/instant-analysis-what-microsoft-corporations-partn.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">fueling speculation Opens a New Window.</a> that GoPro could tether its cameras to Microsoft's OneDrive platform.</p>
<p>The following month, GoPro acquired <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/03/02/why-gopro-inc-just-bought-two-startups-for-105-mil.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Quik and Opens a New Window.</a> <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/03/02/why-gopro-inc-just-bought-two-startups-for-105-mil.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Splice Opens a New Window.</a> for over $100 million. Quik enabled users to stitch together photos, videos, and music into a single video on the smartphone, while Splice offered PC-grade video editing tools for smartphones. The revelation of GoPro Plus indicates that both apps will play a crucial role in bridging the backup process with the sharing one.</p>
<p>Image source: GoPro.</p>
<p>But the key problem with GoPro Plus is that the process seems more complicated than the cloud backup process on smartphones. When iOS and Android users take photos or videos, the content is automatically uploaded to iCloud or Google Photos, respectively, once a Wi-Fi connection is detected. For most users, this means when their phones automatically connect to the Wi-Fi network at home, at work, or at the coffee shop.</p>
<p>GoPro Plus users, however, must plug the Hero 5 into a charger, wait for the content to be uploaded, then download the content to their phones again for editing and sharing. These extra steps will seem cumbersome to mainstream smartphone users -- a key demographic which GoPro has repeatedly failed to reach.</p>
<p>It's unclear if GoPro will charge users to "subscribe" to GoPro Plus. If it charges a fee, it would throttle the adoption rate among its own users. But if it offers the service for free, it risks boosting its operating expenses significantly.</p>
<p>A single minute of compressed 4K video at 30fps typically requires roughly 375MB ofstorage. A 1080p video at 60fps requires about 200MB per minute. This means that if a user uploads full-resolution videos to GoPro Plus, the upload times will be long and easily gobble up dozens of gigabytes per video.</p>
<p>Cloud storage is getting cheaper, but it would still be expensive to host a few hundred gigabytes of photos and videos per user. That's why Microsoft reduced the amount of free storage onOneDrive from 15GB to 5GB earlier this year.</p>
<p>Google Drive still offers 15GB of free space, along with unlimited free space for "high quality" compressed files on Google Photos. Google's likely taking a loss by offering that much free space, but it's doing so to tether more users to its data and ad-based ecosystem -- which GoPro lacks. Apple offers 5GB offree iCloud space and paid tiers for more storage. Therefore, it's highly likely that GoPro will launch GoPro Plus as a paid service.</p>
<p>I don't want to pass judgment on a product or a platform based on leaked documents alone, but the Hero 5 and GoPro Plus could face some major challenges this holiday season.</p>
<p>The Hero 5 will launch in a highly saturated market of similar looking action cameras with similar specs, and GoPro Plus could suffer from unfavorable comparisons to Google Photos and iCloud. Therefore, investors should hope GoPro prices and markets these products effectively to avoid another Session-like catastrophe.</p>
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<p>Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSunLion/info.aspx" type="external">Leo Sun Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), Apple, and GoPro. The Motley Fool owns shares of Microsoft and has the following options: long January 2018 $90 calls on Apple and short January 2018 $95 calls on Apple. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | goprosnasdaq gpro upcoming hero 5 camera tethered new cloud platform called gopro plus according recently leaked manual forthe device users instructed download new capture app ios android follow onscreen instructions connect cameras app continue reading image source gopro firsttime users need subscribe gopro plus upload content platform click cloud icon within app connect camera charger start upload process content uploaded users access cloudbased content capture app download phones use quik splice editing sharing new platform major selling point hero 5 reportedly also feature builtin waterproofing gps andvoice commands gopro plus fail deliver seamless cloud backup experience comparable apples nasdaq aapl icloud alphabets nasdaq goog nasdaq googl google photos advertisement gopro ceo nick woodman repeatedly stated thecompany leading customers dark forest much footage efficient ways backup edit share content also compared gopros cameras ipods without itunes woodman first teased development cloud platform last june didnt offer anytechnical details february gopro signed collaborative patent licensing agreement withmicrosoft nasdaq msft certain file storage system technologies fueling speculation opens new window gopro could tether cameras microsofts onedrive platform following month gopro acquired quik opens new window splice opens new window 100 million quik enabled users stitch together photos videos music single video smartphone splice offered pcgrade video editing tools smartphones revelation gopro plus indicates apps play crucial role bridging backup process sharing one image source gopro key problem gopro plus process seems complicated cloud backup process smartphones ios android users take photos videos content automatically uploaded icloud google photos respectively wifi connection detected users means phones automatically connect wifi network home work coffee shop gopro plus users however must plug hero 5 charger wait content uploaded download content phones editing sharing extra steps seem cumbersome mainstream smartphone users key demographic gopro repeatedly failed reach unclear gopro charge users subscribe gopro plus charges fee would throttle adoption rate among users offers service free risks boosting operating expenses significantly single minute compressed 4k video 30fps typically requires roughly 375mb ofstorage 1080p video 60fps requires 200mb per minute means user uploads fullresolution videos gopro plus upload times long easily gobble dozens gigabytes per video cloud storage getting cheaper would still expensive host hundred gigabytes photos videos per user thats microsoft reduced amount free storage ononedrive 15gb 5gb earlier year google drive still offers 15gb free space along unlimited free space high quality compressed files google photos googles likely taking loss offering much free space tether users data adbased ecosystem gopro lacks apple offers 5gb offree icloud space paid tiers storage therefore highly likely gopro launch gopro plus paid service dont want pass judgment product platform based leaked documents alone hero 5 gopro plus could face major challenges holiday season hero 5 launch highly saturated market similar looking action cameras similar specs gopro plus could suffer unfavorable comparisons google photos icloud therefore investors hope gopro prices markets products effectively avoid another sessionlike catastrophe secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window suzanne frey executive alphabet member motley fools board directors leo sun opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends alphabet shares alphabet c shares apple gopro motley fool owns shares microsoft following options long january 2018 90 calls apple short january 2018 95 calls apple try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 599 |
<p>Nintendo (NASDAQOTH: NTDOY) has made a big splash with its new Switch console, but production can't keep up with demand. You can get a Switch now if you buy it from a third-party seller, but expect to pay a hefty premium.</p>
<p>In this segment of the <a href="https://www.fool.com/podcasts/industry-focus?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Industry Focus: Consumer Goods Opens a New Window.</a>podcast, analyst Vincent Shen and contributor Seth McNew discuss new games for Switch and other news for the growing video game industry.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>A full transcript follows the video.</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of April 3, 2017</p>
<p>This video was recorded on April 13, 2017.</p>
<p>Vincent Shen: This is the newest video game console from Nintendo that was originally unveiled last October, and made its official debut on March 3. In its six weeks on the market, the Switch continues to fly off store shelves. If you go to the official Nintendo Switch product page online, they have links to retail partners where you should technically be able to buy one of these consoles. I actually checked all six of them -- Best Buy, GameStop,Target, Wal-Mart, and Toys "R" Us. Can you guess, Seth, whether or not I was able to find a Switch available at those retail partners?</p>
<p>Seth McNew: I would say probably not. If you're looking places like eBay, you can definitely get one if you're willing to pay a little bit of a premium.</p>
<p>Shen: Yes, exactly. Amazonwas also one of the partners. It's available only from third-party sellers, not from Amazon themselves. They're charging a premium, like you said, in the face of such high demand. So, buyers can expect to pay at least $360, when the Switch's official MSRP is $299. I got curious, I did go to eBay to see what people had been willing to pony up to get their hands on one of these consoles, and more recent listings are similarly going for around $400. In the initial weeks after the release, when the frenzy was really building up and people had to get their hands on one, there were some listing for the Switch console being sold for well over $1,000.</p>
<p>McNew: That's absurd.</p>
<p>Shen: Pretty incredible. All of this incredible hype bears out in sales for the console in numbers that we've seen. There's a report from DIGITIMES that said, based on estimates from Nintendo's supply chain partners, the company could end up shipping as many as 20 million units in its first year. Looking out further, the president of Nintendo sees a lifetime total for the console of potentially 110 million units, which would far eclipse the previous generation, Wii U.</p>
<p>McNew: 110 million units, but we don't know how long it's going to take for them to actually produce that many. At this rate, it could be a few years before they're able to get that out.</p>
<p>Shen: Yeah. It'll take several years for them to even get that number. Recently, they doubled their shipping estimates from 8 [million] to 16 million. I think that's going up again to potentially this 20 million number that we're seeing. But our biggest concern last episode, in addition to their inability to meet some of this demand, every store being sold out, there was also a concern about a relative lack of top-tier game titles. But with these kinds of forecasts, I have to imagine at this point the developers are getting pretty excited about tapping into this corner of the console market. What do you think? Is that something, with these kinds of numbers, that people, especially third-party developers, are perking up their ears and thinking to themselves, "It's time to get in on this."</p>
<p>McNew: Yeah, I think so. You're right that when the Switch came out it had such a lean amount of titles that came with it. They have already announced some pretty interesting new titles. Mario Kart is coming out this month, which is going to be a hit, I'm sure. Then, other games like Minecraft, Ubisoft has talked about Monopoly is coming out soon. So, you're having these very classic games like Pac-Man that you would expect for this kind of console, but you have some new franchises as well that are coming out as well, some different sports games. And then, I think it lends itself well to some competition. They talk about a Mario Kart competition. But, as we talked about last time I was here, with e-sports, this mobile gaming, it seems like such an easy way to get into that online competitive space. So, I would imagine a lot of third-party developers are pretty interested in that aspect.</p>
<p>Shen: I think Nintendo has also done its part with this specific console, a better job than they did with the Wii U, and that is making the platform more attractive to third-party developers. They're supporting common game engines that make it easier to create the games and the titles for the console. Something that might be more important, you mentioned e-sports, but there's also this online gaming element. The company has announced that there will be an online gaming platform for the Switch that will launch later this year. Initial testing has already started. Like its biggest competitors, Nintendo will actually start charging players for access to this service. That adds another income stream on one hand. On the other hand, I think game developers will be attracted, because you want a robust online player base for additional opportunities to monetize their titles. You look at Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, they're making 60% to 75% of their sales digitally, and it becomes very clear how important getting this online platform right will be for Nintendo.</p>
<p>Moving on, also making waves in the space recently was Microsoft. The tech giant released some additional details for its Project Scorpio. The official reveal will happen at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in June. But, the gist of it is, you get more powerful hardware, better graphics, 4K compatibility, and support for virtual reality headsets. As we discussed a little bit on the last show, titles will be compatible across Xbox One, the Xbox One S, and Scorpio, so game developers will be a very favorable position where they can work on one title and tap into bigger player basis than they have in the past.</p>
<p>Teresa Kersten is an employee of LinkedIn and is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFMcNew/info.aspx" type="external">Seth McNew Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFJourneyMan/info.aspx" type="external">Vincent Shen Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends ATVI, AMZN, and EBAY. The Motley Fool has the following options: short April 2017 $28 puts on GME. The Motley Fool recommends EA. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | nintendo nasdaqoth ntdoy made big splash new switch console production cant keep demand get switch buy thirdparty seller expect pay hefty premium segment industry focus consumer goods opens new windowpodcast analyst vincent shen contributor seth mcnew discuss new games switch news growing video game industry continue reading full transcript follows video 10 stocks like better nintendowhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right nintendo wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks advertisement stock advisor returns april 3 2017 video recorded april 13 2017 vincent shen newest video game console nintendo originally unveiled last october made official debut march 3 six weeks market switch continues fly store shelves go official nintendo switch product page online links retail partners technically able buy one consoles actually checked six best buy gamestoptarget walmart toys r us guess seth whether able find switch available retail partners seth mcnew would say probably youre looking places like ebay definitely get one youre willing pay little bit premium shen yes exactly amazonwas also one partners available thirdparty sellers amazon theyre charging premium like said face high demand buyers expect pay least 360 switchs official msrp 299 got curious go ebay see people willing pony get hands one consoles recent listings similarly going around 400 initial weeks release frenzy really building people get hands one listing switch console sold well 1000 mcnew thats absurd shen pretty incredible incredible hype bears sales console numbers weve seen theres report digitimes said based estimates nintendos supply chain partners company could end shipping many 20 million units first year looking president nintendo sees lifetime total console potentially 110 million units would far eclipse previous generation wii u mcnew 110 million units dont know long going take actually produce many rate could years theyre able get shen yeah itll take several years even get number recently doubled shipping estimates 8 million 16 million think thats going potentially 20 million number seeing biggest concern last episode addition inability meet demand every store sold also concern relative lack toptier game titles kinds forecasts imagine point developers getting pretty excited tapping corner console market think something kinds numbers people especially thirdparty developers perking ears thinking time get mcnew yeah think youre right switch came lean amount titles came already announced pretty interesting new titles mario kart coming month going hit im sure games like minecraft ubisoft talked monopoly coming soon youre classic games like pacman would expect kind console new franchises well coming well different sports games think lends well competition talk mario kart competition talked last time esports mobile gaming seems like easy way get online competitive space would imagine lot thirdparty developers pretty interested aspect shen think nintendo also done part specific console better job wii u making platform attractive thirdparty developers theyre supporting common game engines make easier create games titles console something might important mentioned esports theres also online gaming element company announced online gaming platform switch launch later year initial testing already started like biggest competitors nintendo actually start charging players access service adds another income stream one hand hand think game developers attracted want robust online player base additional opportunities monetize titles look activision blizzard electronic arts theyre making 60 75 sales digitally becomes clear important getting online platform right nintendo moving also making waves space recently microsoft tech giant released additional details project scorpio official reveal happen electronic entertainment expo june gist get powerful hardware better graphics 4k compatibility support virtual reality headsets discussed little bit last show titles compatible across xbox one xbox one scorpio game developers favorable position work one title tap bigger player basis past teresa kersten employee linkedin member motley fools board directors linkedin owned microsoft seth mcnew opens new window position stocks mentioned vincent shen opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends atvi amzn ebay motley fool following options short april 2017 28 puts gme motley fool recommends ea motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 688 |
<p>Thankfully, as we are presently seeing across our computer and television screens, the national political media (or MSM) has absolutely no intention of regaining its credibility. Instead, like cornered animals, they are mindlessly lashing out in the comical hope that falsely screaming RACISM and DISARRAY will somehow work this time, even though it backfired each and every time over the last 18 months.</p>
<p>Simply put: We just had the most racially diverse electorate in history … and Donald Trump won.</p>
<p>Ouch.</p>
<p>The fact that the MSM is in <a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/195542/americans-trust-mass-media-sinks-new-low.aspx" type="external">very real trouble</a>, and is so on every conceivable level, is no longer in dispute. On top of losing the 2016 presidential election in the most spectacular fashion, a <a href="http://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/nb-staff/2016/11/15/mrcyougov-poll-most-voters-saw-rejected-news-media-bias" type="external">full 70% of Americans no longer trust the media</a>, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/chasing-millennials-and-profits-univision-restructures-and-lays-off-200/2016/11/16/90e14b60-ab49-11e6-a31b-4b6397e625d0_story.html" type="external">layoffs abound</a>, <a href="" type="internal">streaming is a growing existential threat</a> to cable and broadcast news, and <a href="" type="internal">New Media absolutely kicked Old Media's butt</a> last week Tuesday.</p>
<p>Worse (for them, good for America), the national media has lost that which they most cherish: all of its power to sway opinion, all of its power to determine the outcome of events, all of its power to fabricate a reality that doesn't exist -- a reality that says you are alone on an island of racism if you believe in border security, the Second Amendment, and oppose Precious Obama.</p>
<p>You would think that such a brutal and humiliating loss would result in some soul-searching. Unfortunately, this is an institution without a soul, without a sense of decency or morality; an institution driven only by left-wing ideologues and those willing to give up their soul in order to Belong.</p>
<p>Hey, this is good news. For the last ten years, I have dedicated my professional life to destroying, marginalizing, and discrediting the media, and I personally do not want them to change.</p>
<p>The media can only destroy itself. Please keep on keeping on.</p>
<p>Still, a piece that lays out how the media can return to relevance is a fun thought exercise, so here we go…</p>
<p>1. Give President-Elect Trump a Chance</p>
<p>Seriously, y'all, take a breath.</p>
<p>Listen, I understand, I do,</p>
<p>You put yourselves on the 2016 ballot, and you lost. You’re angry, bitter, humiliated, and desperately in need of a win, any kind of win, a scalp of some sort to get you through the holidays.</p>
<p>The problem is that in doing so, you are only speeding up your own death spiral.</p>
<p>Your screaming of RACISM and DISARRAY is now so shrill only dogs can hear it. While you morons are fabricating crises, New Media is calmly coming up behind you to remind the people that you found Obama <a href="" type="internal">ducking the press pool totes adorbs</a> (remember the #TheBearIsLoose? We do.), and that after only 8 days, Trump is nowhere near a deadline for any kind of personnel announcement. Basically, you have gone back to hiding facts in order to push a Narrative and are doing so as though the world hasn't changed, as though you cannot be instantly exposed through New Media's journalism and Social Media's distribution pipeline.</p>
<p>Reality Check: You are not going to get a scalp from a president-elect who soundly defeated you, and did so in front of pretty girls and your own mothers. You are not going to get a win from a president-elect who neither respects nor fears you.</p>
<p>So why not use this time to act like journalists again?</p>
<p>That way when there truly is something amiss in Trumpistan, you won't be The Little Neo-Stalinists Who Cried Wolf.</p>
<p>-</p>
<p>2. Acknowledge the Problem</p>
<p>I live here in a small North Carolina town. We have an ABC liquor store, a Cracker Barrel, a Bojangles, and if you throw a stick you are going to hit a church. Our necks are red, our Gulps are Big, our accents southern, our guns aplenty, and camouflage is the new black. Nevertheless, on the whole, the elite media are much more provincial than my fellow hinterlanders.</p>
<p>What I mean by that is that more of us have spent more time in Blue America than the elite media have in Red America (from a political rally to the hotel room doesn't count). What I mean by that is through travel and popular culture, we are more worldly and you are nowhere near as exotic to us as we are alien to you.</p>
<p>We actually watch and enjoy "Breaking Bad" and "Grey's Anatomy," while you point and laugh and try to destroy "The Passion of the Christ" and "Duck Dynasty."</p>
<p>The media are objectively the most out-of-touch, insulated, provincial, and ignorant institution not living in Hollywood.</p>
<p>If you want to be better you must…</p>
<p>-</p>
<p>3. Pop the Bubble and Let Kansas In</p>
<p>Diversity is not just about race. Diversity is not just about moving even further to the Left and normalizing 9/11 Truthers like Van Jones or the flip-side of the alt-right known as La Raza and Black Lives Matter. Let's not fool ourselves; the MSM knows that diversity also means a diversity of thought and ideas, but this scares them so much they just can't bring themselves to do anything about it.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, if the national media wants to earn back its credibility, it has no choice.</p>
<p>And no, I am not talking about some sort of road trip across America where you try to explain and understand the Common Folk like "colonial administrators checking in on the natives" (as <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/commentary-the-unbearable-smugness-of-the-press-presidential-election-2016/" type="external">Will Rahn so beautifully put it</a>.). What I'm talking about is a massive cultural infusion of people who think differently from you, an infusion so large it makes you uncomfortable and less sure of yourself.</p>
<p>You need to flood your newsrooms, bureaus, and editorial staff with people who…</p>
<p>Oppose abortion, and can explain to you why that position is not misogynist.</p>
<p>Oppose same-sex marriage, and can explain to you why that is not homophobic.</p>
<p>Carry a gun with a concealed carry permit.</p>
<p>Do not see government as the answer to every problem. In many cases, quite the opposite.</p>
<p>Do not believe gay or minority Republicans are damaged in some way.</p>
<p>Love Jesus with all of their heart and do not believe that translates into Bigger Government.</p>
<p>Want the border secured, and can explain why that is not racist.</p>
<p>Believe it is the worst kind of statist fascism to force bakers to make same-sex wedding cakes.</p>
<p>Can explain the difference between culture and race, and in doing so make the case for why American and Western culture is objectively superior to any other.</p>
<p>Desperately want poor, predominantly minority children to receive a school voucher.</p>
<p>Understand that political correctness is fascism.</p>
<p>And on and on…</p>
<p>This will challenge the media, make the media better, force them to better hone their arguments as opposed to shutting people up with name-calling or the cutting off of their microphones. Moreover, maybe it will allow the media to at least recognize the humanity of those they disagree with.</p>
<p>You watch any cable news segment involving an everyday Trump supporter and it's like watching Margaret Dumont have a conversation with Groucho Marx. Whenever she does this, CNN's Carol Costello literally tilts her head like a scientist who has just discovered a new animal species. And this is when the oh-so superior interviewer is not venomously trying to discredit the Red State Freak.</p>
<p>Groupthink is so pervasive in the national media, it has become its own form of satire. Worse, in order to enforce the GroupThink, a bullying clique has emerged that jumps online to immediately ridicule and threaten with expulsion anyone coloring outside the lines.</p>
<p>If I were CNN, I would immediately replace Costello, Cuomo, Brooke, Don, Wolf, or Jake with Mike Rowe.</p>
<p>P.S. I am not talking about a token conservative you pat on the head. I am talking about placing into real positions of power those who can openly disagree with, challenge, and even overrule you.</p>
<p>4. Destroy Skynet</p>
<p>When James Cameron's "The Terminator" predicted the machines would try to take over the world, who knew he was talking about Ezra Klein, Josh Barro, everyone at The Upshot and HuffPo Pollster, Josh Marshall, Philip Bump, Nate Silver, etc.</p>
<p>There is plenty of intelligence at work here, no one is questioning anyone's IQ. We all know that Data Journalists can make a slide-rule sing, dance, and whistle "Dixie" (even though that's racist). What they do not have, though, is even a hint of the wisdom that comes from real world experience. And to make up for it, they hide behind "science" and data and metrics and demographics and, most of all, arrogance.</p>
<p>Some of us who barely made it out of high school, but who have clocked some real time in a factory, in a cubicle, in a church, in the unemployment line, and in flyover country, don't question facts, but we do have the wisdom and experience to add the human condition to the equation.</p>
<p>Without Kirk, Spock is useless.</p>
<p>If the MSM truly wanted to be better, the money being wasted on the data journalism that appears to exist only to reassure The Collective that Trump has no shot of being president, would be better spent on a living breathing news bureau located in Evangelical Country and staffed with us Jesus Freaks.</p>
<p>-</p>
<p>5. Nuke the Narrative Plantation</p>
<p>This to me is the National Political Media's biggest problem.</p>
<p>If you read the front page of one MSM newspaper or web page, you have read them all.</p>
<p>If you watch one cable news hour or morning news show or nightly newscast, you have seen them all.</p>
<p>If you watch one Sunday show, you have watched them all…</p>
<p>As an example: We have "Meet the Press," "State of the Union, "This Week,""Washington Week," and "Face the Nation," and yet every Sunday they all push the exact same Narrative using the exact same top stories, and do so using the exact same angle: 1) Government is good 2) more government is better 3) we must ignore e pluribus unum to bow before the god of multiculturalism 4) Democrats may be imperfect but they are virtuous 5) and anyone who disagrees crazy, stupid, or racist.</p>
<p>How is it possible that all of these different news outlets, news anchors, reporters… How is it possible that they all think and believe and push the same nonsense?</p>
<p>Why does Chuck Todd have to focus on what John Dickerson and Jake Tapper and George Stephanopoulos focus on? Why is every cable news hour on CNN and MSNBC run through the exact same template as all the other ones? Why is every broadcast news hour pretty much an exact clone of every other one? (Yes, there are exceptions, but those exceptions only prove the rule.)</p>
<p>It is not just madness (and coordinated propagandizing), it is tedious.</p>
<p>Of course if there is a 9/11 or a big election the cloning makes sense, but that is usually not the case.</p>
<p>Turn on your television right now and then flip around and then surf the web… Racist Steve Bannon. Trump transition is disarray. Trump snubs press pool.</p>
<p>And those stories will likely lead all 5 Sunday shows, and all 5 Sunday shows will bring the exact same anti-Trump perspective to those stories.</p>
<p>This is what I call The Narrative Plantation, and if the media is going to survive, this plantation needs to be nuked.</p>
<p>If I were anchoring a cable news hour or hosting a Sunday show or editing the front page of an MSM outlet, I would do everything in my power to free myself from these intellectual chains in order to promise my customers something different -- the promise that there is real news and a different point of view out there that is just as worthwhile as what the Narrative Slaves are currently selling, and you will get it here.</p>
<p>Across the entire spectrum of the elite political media, it appears as though there is only one editor-in-chief telling ABCNBCPBSCNNNPRMSNBCTheWashingtonPostTheNewYorkTimesTheLosAngelesTimesTheBostonGlobe what stories to focus on and from what angle.</p>
<p>Moreover, isn't it human nature to want to rebel, to break out of the pack, to be different? It's like there is something horribly wrong with these people that they are so desperate to … Be The Same.</p>
<p>Whatever.</p>
<p>Thought exercise over.</p>
<p>Say ungovernable, America.</p>
<p>Follow John Nolte on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/NolteNC" type="external">@NolteNC</a></p> | true | 0 | thankfully presently seeing across computer television screens national political media msm absolutely intention regaining credibility instead like cornered animals mindlessly lashing comical hope falsely screaming racism disarray somehow work time even though backfired every time last 18 months simply put racially diverse electorate history donald trump ouch fact msm real trouble every conceivable level longer dispute top losing 2016 presidential election spectacular fashion full 70 americans longer trust media layoffs abound streaming growing existential threat cable broadcast news new media absolutely kicked old medias butt last week tuesday worse good america national media lost cherish power sway opinion power determine outcome events power fabricate reality doesnt exist reality says alone island racism believe border security second amendment oppose precious obama would think brutal humiliating loss would result soulsearching unfortunately institution without soul without sense decency morality institution driven leftwing ideologues willing give soul order belong hey good news last ten years dedicated professional life destroying marginalizing discrediting media personally want change media destroy please keep keeping still piece lays media return relevance fun thought exercise go 1 give presidentelect trump chance seriously yall take breath listen understand put 2016 ballot lost youre angry bitter humiliated desperately need win kind win scalp sort get holidays problem speeding death spiral screaming racism disarray shrill dogs hear morons fabricating crises new media calmly coming behind remind people found obama ducking press pool totes adorbs remember thebearisloose 8 days trump nowhere near deadline kind personnel announcement basically gone back hiding facts order push narrative though world hasnt changed though instantly exposed new medias journalism social medias distribution pipeline reality check going get scalp presidentelect soundly defeated front pretty girls mothers going get win presidentelect neither respects fears use time act like journalists way truly something amiss trumpistan wont little neostalinists cried wolf 2 acknowledge problem live small north carolina town abc liquor store cracker barrel bojangles throw stick going hit church necks red gulps big accents southern guns aplenty camouflage new black nevertheless whole elite media much provincial fellow hinterlanders mean us spent time blue america elite media red america political rally hotel room doesnt count mean travel popular culture worldly nowhere near exotic us alien actually watch enjoy breaking bad greys anatomy point laugh try destroy passion christ duck dynasty media objectively outoftouch insulated provincial ignorant institution living hollywood want better must 3 pop bubble let kansas diversity race diversity moving even left normalizing 911 truthers like van jones flipside altright known la raza black lives matter lets fool msm knows diversity also means diversity thought ideas scares much cant bring anything nevertheless national media wants earn back credibility choice talking sort road trip across america try explain understand common folk like colonial administrators checking natives rahn beautifully put im talking massive cultural infusion people think differently infusion large makes uncomfortable less sure need flood newsrooms bureaus editorial staff people oppose abortion explain position misogynist oppose samesex marriage explain homophobic carry gun concealed carry permit see government answer every problem many cases quite opposite believe gay minority republicans damaged way love jesus heart believe translates bigger government want border secured explain racist believe worst kind statist fascism force bakers make samesex wedding cakes explain difference culture race make case american western culture objectively superior desperately want poor predominantly minority children receive school voucher understand political correctness fascism challenge media make media better force better hone arguments opposed shutting people namecalling cutting microphones moreover maybe allow media least recognize humanity disagree watch cable news segment involving everyday trump supporter like watching margaret dumont conversation groucho marx whenever cnns carol costello literally tilts head like scientist discovered new animal species ohso superior interviewer venomously trying discredit red state freak groupthink pervasive national media become form satire worse order enforce groupthink bullying clique emerged jumps online immediately ridicule threaten expulsion anyone coloring outside lines cnn would immediately replace costello cuomo brooke wolf jake mike rowe ps talking token conservative pat head talking placing real positions power openly disagree challenge even overrule 4 destroy skynet james camerons terminator predicted machines would try take world knew talking ezra klein josh barro everyone upshot huffpo pollster josh marshall philip bump nate silver etc plenty intelligence work one questioning anyones iq know data journalists make sliderule sing dance whistle dixie even though thats racist though even hint wisdom comes real world experience make hide behind science data metrics demographics arrogance us barely made high school clocked real time factory cubicle church unemployment line flyover country dont question facts wisdom experience add human condition equation without kirk spock useless msm truly wanted better money wasted data journalism appears exist reassure collective trump shot president would better spent living breathing news bureau located evangelical country staffed us jesus freaks 5 nuke narrative plantation national political medias biggest problem read front page one msm newspaper web page read watch one cable news hour morning news show nightly newscast seen watch one sunday show watched example meet press state union weekwashington week face nation yet every sunday push exact narrative using exact top stories using exact angle 1 government good 2 government better 3 must ignore e pluribus unum bow god multiculturalism 4 democrats may imperfect virtuous 5 anyone disagrees crazy stupid racist possible different news outlets news anchors reporters possible think believe push nonsense chuck todd focus john dickerson jake tapper george stephanopoulos focus every cable news hour cnn msnbc run exact template ones every broadcast news hour pretty much exact clone every one yes exceptions exceptions prove rule madness coordinated propagandizing tedious course 911 big election cloning makes sense usually case turn television right flip around surf web racist steve bannon trump transition disarray trump snubs press pool stories likely lead 5 sunday shows 5 sunday shows bring exact antitrump perspective stories call narrative plantation media going survive plantation needs nuked anchoring cable news hour hosting sunday show editing front page msm outlet would everything power free intellectual chains order promise customers something different promise real news different point view worthwhile narrative slaves currently selling get across entire spectrum elite political media appears though one editorinchief telling abcnbcpbscnnnprmsnbcthewashingtonpostthenewyorktimesthelosangelestimesthebostonglobe stories focus angle moreover isnt human nature want rebel break pack different like something horribly wrong people desperate whatever thought exercise say ungovernable america follow john nolte twitter noltenc | 1,045 |
<p />
<p>Now that the two leading diversified 3D printing companies,3D Systems(NYSE: DDD) and Stratasys(NASDAQ: SSYS), have reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2016 earnings, we can directly compare their 2016 results and 2017 guidance.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Keep in mind that qualitative factors can be just as meaningful as quantitative ones, and future results are more important than current ones. Even with these caveats, the findings from this metric face-off should be helpful for making investing decisions in this space.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Data sources: 2016 earnings reports.</p>
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<p>Advantage: Stratasys, slightly.</p>
<p>Image source: Stratasys.</p>
<p>Stratasys generated the most revenue in 2016, and its year-over-year revenue decline was smaller than 3D Systems', so it wins this category. However, its advantage isn't as solid as it might appear. If we exclude 3D Systems' 2015 revenue from consumer products -- a category it discontinued -- its year-over-year revenue edged down only about 2%.</p>
<p>Both companies have struggled to grow revenue over the past two years. Stratasys' management has attributed the slowdown in demand for 3D printers largely to overcapacity in the field resulting from the large number of machines purchased in the preceding few years, as well as to a lengthening of sales cycles resulting from an increasing number of product choices. This latter dynamic could continue, as compelling new entrants -- such as HP Inc. and venture capital-backed Carbon -- launched 3D printers in 2016.</p>
<p>Data sources: 2016 earnings reports. GAAP = generally accepted accounting principles.</p>
<p>Advantage: Tie.</p>
<p>We can't draw conclusions by directly comparing EPS results because the companies don't have the same number of shares outstanding. Both companies are unprofitable from a GAAP standpoint, so neither is doing well. That said, they both showed significant improvement on this key metric in 2016.</p>
<p>Data sources: 2016 earnings reports.</p>
<p>Advantage:3D Systems.</p>
<p>Image source: 3D Systems.</p>
<p>The same comment as before applies to directly comparing the companies' adjusted EPS results. Relative to 2015's results, however, 3D Systems is the decisive winner because its adjusted EPS increased more than Stratasys' did.</p>
<p>Data sources: 2016 earnings reports.</p>
<p>Advantage:Stratasys, slightly.</p>
<p>Stratasys wins this category since it has the better GAAP gross margin -- though not by much. Stratasys' GAAP gross margin was extremely low in 2015, largely because of hefty goodwill impairment charges for both its enterprise business ($730 million to $770 million)and MakerBot ($436 million to $476 million).The desktop 3D printer unit imploded in 2015 following the company releasing thefifth-generationReplicator with widespread quality issues.</p>
<p>Data sources: 2016 earnings reports.</p>
<p>Advantage: Stratasys.</p>
<p>Both companies are in good shape from a liquidity standpoint. Stratasys wins this competition because it has a 52% bigger cash stash than its rival -- $280.3 million, versus $184.9 million. There was no notable difference between the amount of cash they each generated from operations in 2016.</p>
<p>Data sources: 2016 earnings reports.</p>
<p>Advantage: Tie.</p>
<p>Both companies spent about the same quite solid percentage of their revenue on research and development. R&amp;D efforts are critical in rapidly evolving technology spaces, so this is a metric investors should monitor.</p>
<p>Data sources: 2016 earnings reports.</p>
<p>Advantage:3D Systems.</p>
<p>3D Systems wins this category. However, this one is a tough call for a couple of reasons, most notably because Stratasys' adjusted EPS guidance range is very broad.</p>
<p>3D Systems has the better revenue and GAAP EPS guidance. It's the clear GAAP EPS winner, since it expects to be profitable from a GAAP basis in 2017 and Stratasys does not. However, things are more cloudy on the revenue front. The company expects year-over-year revenue to increase from 2% to 8%, whereas Stratasys projects that its revenue could decrease as much as 4.1% or increase up to 1.1%. However, there's one not-so-obvious relevant factor: 3D Systems' revenue guidance includes thecontribution from Vertex Dental and NextDent, dental material brands that it acquired in late January. We don't know how much revenue these brands generate, so it's possible that on the basis of organic revenue (which excludes acquisitions made within the last year), Stratasys' revenue guidance might be on par with -- or even better than -- 3D Systems'.</p>
<p>As for adjusted EPS guidance, we can't call a winner. 3D Systems expects a modest 10% to 20% year-over-year increase, whereas Stratasys projects that its adjusted EPS could decline by as much as 32%, but also could jump by as much as 32%. Ultimately, GAAP EPS is what counts, but adjusted EPS is arguably just as important and perhaps even more important in certain cases, including in an industry where companies are investing for growth or are reorganizing. Both apply here.</p>
<p>Final score: Stratasys: 3; 3D Systems: 2; tie: 2. Things are even closer than this score reflects, however, because Stratasys won two of its categories by a slim margin. Moreover, the guidance category -- which 3D Systems won -- is arguably the most important one.</p>
<p>Also, keep in mind the caveats listed in the opening: We're only looking at one quarter, qualitative factors can be at least as important as quantitative ones, and future results are more important than current ones. Moreover, we didn't look at stock valuations.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than 3D SystemsWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=e65944b1-80f2-48fc-971f-441c9c055cc3&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and 3D Systems wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of February 6, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFMcKenna/info.aspx" type="external">Beth McKenna Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends 3D Systems and Stratasys. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | two leading diversified 3d printing companies3d systemsnyse ddd stratasysnasdaq ssys reported fourthquarter fullyear 2016 earnings directly compare 2016 results 2017 guidance continue reading keep mind qualitative factors meaningful quantitative ones future results important current ones even caveats findings metric faceoff helpful making investing decisions space image source getty images data sources 2016 earnings reports advertisement advantage stratasys slightly image source stratasys stratasys generated revenue 2016 yearoveryear revenue decline smaller 3d systems wins category however advantage isnt solid might appear exclude 3d systems 2015 revenue consumer products category discontinued yearoveryear revenue edged 2 companies struggled grow revenue past two years stratasys management attributed slowdown demand 3d printers largely overcapacity field resulting large number machines purchased preceding years well lengthening sales cycles resulting increasing number product choices latter dynamic could continue compelling new entrants hp inc venture capitalbacked carbon launched 3d printers 2016 data sources 2016 earnings reports gaap generally accepted accounting principles advantage tie cant draw conclusions directly comparing eps results companies dont number shares outstanding companies unprofitable gaap standpoint neither well said showed significant improvement key metric 2016 data sources 2016 earnings reports advantage3d systems image source 3d systems comment applies directly comparing companies adjusted eps results relative 2015s results however 3d systems decisive winner adjusted eps increased stratasys data sources 2016 earnings reports advantagestratasys slightly stratasys wins category since better gaap gross margin though much stratasys gaap gross margin extremely low 2015 largely hefty goodwill impairment charges enterprise business 730 million 770 millionand makerbot 436 million 476 millionthe desktop 3d printer unit imploded 2015 following company releasing thefifthgenerationreplicator widespread quality issues data sources 2016 earnings reports advantage stratasys companies good shape liquidity standpoint stratasys wins competition 52 bigger cash stash rival 2803 million versus 1849 million notable difference amount cash generated operations 2016 data sources 2016 earnings reports advantage tie companies spent quite solid percentage revenue research development rampd efforts critical rapidly evolving technology spaces metric investors monitor data sources 2016 earnings reports advantage3d systems 3d systems wins category however one tough call couple reasons notably stratasys adjusted eps guidance range broad 3d systems better revenue gaap eps guidance clear gaap eps winner since expects profitable gaap basis 2017 stratasys however things cloudy revenue front company expects yearoveryear revenue increase 2 8 whereas stratasys projects revenue could decrease much 41 increase 11 however theres one notsoobvious relevant factor 3d systems revenue guidance includes thecontribution vertex dental nextdent dental material brands acquired late january dont know much revenue brands generate possible basis organic revenue excludes acquisitions made within last year stratasys revenue guidance might par even better 3d systems adjusted eps guidance cant call winner 3d systems expects modest 10 20 yearoveryear increase whereas stratasys projects adjusted eps could decline much 32 also could jump much 32 ultimately gaap eps counts adjusted eps arguably important perhaps even important certain cases including industry companies investing growth reorganizing apply final score stratasys 3 3d systems 2 tie 2 things even closer score reflects however stratasys two categories slim margin moreover guidance category 3d systems arguably important one also keep mind caveats listed opening looking one quarter qualitative factors least important quantitative ones future results important current ones moreover didnt look stock valuations 10 stocks like better 3d systemswhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right 3d systems wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 beth mckenna opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool recommends 3d systems stratasys motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 612 |
<p>Last week, German auto giant Daimler AG (NASDAQOTH: DDAIF) announced a notable $1 billion investment&#160;in electric vehicle and battery production. Daimler's Mercedes said in a press release that it believed the investment delivered a "clear message" about its commitment to "be on the cutting-edge of electric vehicle development and production."</p>
<p>But Tesla's (NASDAQ: TSLA) co-founder and CEO Elon Musk was disappointed with the commitment. "That's not a lot of money for a giant like Daimler/Mercedes," Musk tweeted over the weekend. "Wish they'd do more. Off by a zero." In other words, Musk thinks Daimler should be investing $10 billion instead.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>But now Daimler is firing back on Monday. "You're absolutely right [Elon Musk]," Daimler tweeted back. In the tweet, the company said it is investing more than $10 billion in next-generation electric vehicles, with over $1 billion slated for battery production. Musk seemed happy with the bigger commitment, responding, "Good."</p>
<p>However, even after Daimler's additional zero, the German automaker may still be undershooting.</p>
<p>The German automaker's new $1 billion investment announced last week will feature production capacity expansion at its Alabama facility to build its EQ-branded electric SUV. Production of the electric SUV will better position Mercedes to compete with Tesla's growing presence in the premium market. Sales of Tesla's Model S sedan and Model X SUV have catapulted to compete with top-selling, comparably priced luxury sedans and SUVs. Furthermore, Tesla's recently launched midsize sedan -- <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/07/30/model-3-10-things-we-learned-from-teslas-launch-ev.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=5088c5fc-a21f-11e7-88f9-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">the Model 3 Opens a New Window.</a> -- will threaten premium vehicles at a lower price point, like Mercedes' C-Class.</p>
<p>"With the addition of electric SUVs to our future fleet, we will provide discerning drivers with a new, high quality automotive option that will marry performance, luxury, and environmental stewardship," Mercedes said in a statement&#160;about the expansion.</p>
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<p>In addition, the investment includes a new 1 million-square-foot battery plant near its Alabama auto factory. Daimler will start construction on the factory next year, and it plans for operations to begin by 2020.</p>
<p>Together, these new U.S.-based investments will enable Mercedes to start producing electric SUVs by "the beginning of the next decade," the company said. "EQ models will be integrated into the series production at the plant. This is possible because of the early investments in flexibility and technical equipment at the plant that offer trailblazing Industry 4.0 technologies."</p>
<p>As Daimler clarified on Monday, its total planned investment for global electric vehicles is more than $10 billion, with $1 billion slated for battery production.</p>
<p>Daimler still has lots of catching up to do when it comes to spending on electric vehicles if it wants to catch up to Tesla.</p>
<p>It was over three years ago that Tesla announced its plans for a $5 billion&#160;battery factory called the <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/09/17/tesla-gigafactory-what-investors-need-to-know.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=5088c5fc-a21f-11e7-88f9-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Gigafactory Opens a New Window.</a>. And Tesla has moved quickly on the investment. Initially targeting battery output at the factory to be capable of supporting production of 500,000 vehicles by 2020, the electric-car maker has moved this target two years earlier, to 2018.</p>
<p>The Gigafactory obviously dwarfs Daimler's plans to spend over $1 billion on global battery production. Tesla's impressive investment in battery production is particularly evident from the estimated 15 million square feet of operational space the building is supposed to have when it is finished -- 15 times the size of Daimler's planned battery factory. Of course, the factory isn't finished yet. Today, its operational footprint is only about a third complete. But there are no signs of Tesla slowing down, as the company expects its vehicle production to climb fivefold by the end of next year.</p>
<p>But Tesla believes that even this aggressive construction on its $5 billion Gigafactory is only the beginning. In the electric-car maker's annual shareholder meeting earlier this year, Musk said Tesla wants to build <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/06/08/4-must-see-takeaways-from-tesla-incs-annual-shareh.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=5088c5fc-a21f-11e7-88f9-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">several Gigafactories in the near future Opens a New Window.</a> and as many as 10 to 20 over the long haul.</p>
<p>In addition to Tesla's Gigafactory spending, the electric-car company will need to spend billions to achieve its goal of increasing production capacity fivefold to 500,000 units by next year, putting the electric-car maker years ahead of Mercedes' plans for achieving high-volume EV production. And Tesla doesn't want to slow down at 500,000 annual units. It's aiming to build 1 million electric vehicles per year by 2020.</p>
<p>To this end, Tesla's capital expenditures <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/08/23/tesla-incs-capital-expenditures-are-soaring.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=5088c5fc-a21f-11e7-88f9-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">have been soaring Opens a New Window.</a>. In the trailing 12 months, Tesla has spent $1.5 billion on capex, and it plans to spend $2 billion in the second half of the year. That $2 billion in just six months will allow Tesla to "make milestone-based payments for Model 3 equipment, continue with Gigafactory 1 construction, and expand our Supercharger, store, delivery hub, and service networks," the company said in its most recent shareholder letter.</p>
<p>Mercedes' plans for investing $10 billion in EVs is noteworthy, but Tesla is already well into its big bet on an electric future -- and its investments will likely only get bigger.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than TeslaWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=cf000ab9-c582-4dd3-ab53-a98262ee41af&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=5088c5fc-a21f-11e7-88f9-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Tesla wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of September 5, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFDanielSparks/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=5088c5fc-a21f-11e7-88f9-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Daniel Sparks Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Tesla. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Tesla. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=5088c5fc-a21f-11e7-88f9-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | last week german auto giant daimler ag nasdaqoth ddaif announced notable 1 billion investment160in electric vehicle battery production daimlers mercedes said press release believed investment delivered clear message commitment cuttingedge electric vehicle development production teslas nasdaq tsla cofounder ceo elon musk disappointed commitment thats lot money giant like daimlermercedes musk tweeted weekend wish theyd zero words musk thinks daimler investing 10 billion instead continue reading daimler firing back monday youre absolutely right elon musk daimler tweeted back tweet company said investing 10 billion nextgeneration electric vehicles 1 billion slated battery production musk seemed happy bigger commitment responding good however even daimlers additional zero german automaker may still undershooting german automakers new 1 billion investment announced last week feature production capacity expansion alabama facility build eqbranded electric suv production electric suv better position mercedes compete teslas growing presence premium market sales teslas model sedan model x suv catapulted compete topselling comparably priced luxury sedans suvs furthermore teslas recently launched midsize sedan model 3 opens new window threaten premium vehicles lower price point like mercedes cclass addition electric suvs future fleet provide discerning drivers new high quality automotive option marry performance luxury environmental stewardship mercedes said statement160about expansion advertisement addition investment includes new 1 millionsquarefoot battery plant near alabama auto factory daimler start construction factory next year plans operations begin 2020 together new usbased investments enable mercedes start producing electric suvs beginning next decade company said eq models integrated series production plant possible early investments flexibility technical equipment plant offer trailblazing industry 40 technologies daimler clarified monday total planned investment global electric vehicles 10 billion 1 billion slated battery production daimler still lots catching comes spending electric vehicles wants catch tesla three years ago tesla announced plans 5 billion160battery factory called gigafactory opens new window tesla moved quickly investment initially targeting battery output factory capable supporting production 500000 vehicles 2020 electriccar maker moved target two years earlier 2018 gigafactory obviously dwarfs daimlers plans spend 1 billion global battery production teslas impressive investment battery production particularly evident estimated 15 million square feet operational space building supposed finished 15 times size daimlers planned battery factory course factory isnt finished yet today operational footprint third complete signs tesla slowing company expects vehicle production climb fivefold end next year tesla believes even aggressive construction 5 billion gigafactory beginning electriccar makers annual shareholder meeting earlier year musk said tesla wants build several gigafactories near future opens new window many 10 20 long haul addition teslas gigafactory spending electriccar company need spend billions achieve goal increasing production capacity fivefold 500000 units next year putting electriccar maker years ahead mercedes plans achieving highvolume ev production tesla doesnt want slow 500000 annual units aiming build 1 million electric vehicles per year 2020 end teslas capital expenditures soaring opens new window trailing 12 months tesla spent 15 billion capex plans spend 2 billion second half year 2 billion six months allow tesla make milestonebased payments model 3 equipment continue gigafactory 1 construction expand supercharger store delivery hub service networks company said recent shareholder letter mercedes plans investing 10 billion evs noteworthy tesla already well big bet electric future investments likely get bigger 10 stocks like better teslawhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right tesla wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns september 5 2017 daniel sparks opens new window owns shares tesla motley fool owns shares recommends tesla motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 601 |
<p><a href="//videos/37/61403" type="external" /></p>
<p>RUSH: Okay, wait for it, wait for it. You’re gonna love this. Folks, you’re absolutely going to love this. Well, wait. Maybe some of you won’t love this. Let me speak for myself. I love this. You know that <a href="" type="internal">magical serum that was given to two white Americans suffering from Ebola</a>" You know what the magic ingredient is" Nicotine. Tobacco is the magical ingredient in the serum. It’s a Kentucky tobacco plant from which they derive the magical serum that has caused massive reversals of the symptoms of Ebola in the two white Americans.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: Okay. So yesterday on this program, when it was learned that two American missionaries are a man by the name of Brantly and a woman by the name of Writebol, Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol… She, by the way, is the last to arrive. She’s arriving today from Africa. T <a href="" type="internal">hey both have Ebola</a>, and a super-secret serum unbeknownst to anybody but a precious few researchers had been tested on monkeys; it had shown some success.</p>
<p>So the rescue flights took doses of this magical serum on the jet from Georgia to Liberia, wherever they went to pick up these two people, and administered the doses, and the reports were that symptom reversals began rather quickly. Now, some people said they noticed changes in an hour. Others say, “No, no, no, no! Not possible.” But nevertheless, symptom reversal has been profound.</p>
<p>So yesterday on this program, I — your sensitive, ever-in-touch host — posited that it wouldn’t be long before we would hear people in the media saying, “Wait. Wait just a second. You have people dropping like flies with this disease in Africa, and you only took enough of this stuff for two white Americans, and you didn’t give any to the native Africans who are dying in record numbers with this disease? What’s with that? How in the world can you only give this to Americans? White Americans to boot! Why didn’t you take enough for everybody?”</p>
<p>Well, it didn’t take five hours. Let’s go to audio sound bite number one from CNN last night.</p>
<p>BURNETT: I know it’s miraculous. I know it was untested, that it was very risky, but what about everyone else? I mean (stammering), nearly a thousand have died, all of them Africans! Suddenly two white Americans, um, get the disease, and — and suddenly all the stops get pulled out?</p>
<p>GUPTA: Keep in mind, this had never been done before. I mean, he was the first human. So I think there is now some proof of principle, and the question becomes: “Is this something that could be, y’know, made more available to the masses?” This is a very unusual situation, Erin. Typically you test things. It goes through a clinical trial to test for safety —</p>
<p>BURNETT: (mumbling)</p>
<p>GUPTA: — to test for how effective it is, and then they figure out if it can be distributed to the masses.</p>
<p>RUSH: Right. That is Dr. Sanjay Gupta, who announced the details of the serum yesterday, and he said, “Weeeell, look, it had only been tested on monkeys. I mean, the fact of the matter is, these ‘white people,’ as you say, were guinea pigs. We didn’t know what was gonna happen. You can’t say that we denied giving it to Africans — who are black, by the way — in favor of two Americans — who are white, by the way — ’cause, hell, it could have killed ’em!</p>
<p>“We didn’t know. This stuff had never been tested. Now there’s some proof of principle. Now we know that maybe it could be used. So these two Americans…” (chuckles) That’s excuse that’s being offered. I don’t buy it. They wouldn’t have given this stuff to these two people if they thought it was gonna make ’em worse. In other words, they had enough evidence to know, based on the reaction that monkeys had with it.</p>
<p>But, I mean, how long did it take? It was hours! It was hours.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" />Do I know these people or do I know these people? Now the piece de resistance. The name of the serum is ZMapp. It’s named after a Kentucky bioprocessing company in Owensboro, and it is made from … tobacco! It is made from a unique Kentucky tobacco plant. “The drug is a cocktail of three ‘humanized’ monoclonal antibodies that are manufactured in a group of fragrant plants or bushes known by the genus name Nicotiana.”</p>
<p>What do you think the root word of “Nicotiana” is? Try Joe Camel. Try nicotine. Exactly right. Joe Camel is the root word. Nicotine! As Granny on the Beverly Hillbillies used to say, “Tabacki!” It is “tabacki” that is responsible for the magical potion and serum that was used to treat these two white Americans.</p>
<p>Again, the “drug cocktail” is known as ZMapp, developed by a San Diego company, Mapp Biopharmaceutical (two P’s in there: Mapp). “It is manufactured in Kentucky using fast-growing tobacco plants, which act as ‘photocopiers’ to produce proteins that are extracted from the plants and processed into the drug.” Not just any tobacco plant. I mean, this is a bat-out-of-hell, fast growing tobacco plant.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: You know what? You know how convoluted things are, folks. Here the media is all concerned that we have this magical serum from the tobacco plant in Kentucky that has produced a magical reversal in two white Americans suffering from Ebola, and why didn’t we give that to these poor, suffering Africans? Why did they only take enough for these two white Americans?</p>
<p>Yet nobody talks about the number of Africans who have been killed from malaria because we banned DDT! Do you know how many people have died unnecessarily because of this nutcase Rachel Carson? The ban on DDT has caused the spread of malaria, which has killed people by the tens and hundreds of thousands in Africa.</p>
<p>There’s always a sense of proportion that is missing on all of these things, and it’s largely because conventional wisdom simply picks up some piece of information that is wrong. But it’s established as so-called fact, and it just survives — and, again, it survives because it’s approved by left wingers! <a href="" type="internal">It’s all political</a>, every bit of this. Ebola is political — given the way it’s dealt with, I mean.</p>
<p>You know, I think that’s the thing that really presents us with the biggest problem in trying to persuade low-information voters of what’s going on. Isn’t it true that most low-information voters — and maybe not confined to low-information voters. Isn’t it true that you hear a lot of people say, “I just hate politics! I hate it. I don’t trust politicians. I’m fed up with it. I don’t want to hear about it. Nothing ever gets done,” blah, blah.</p>
<p>You hear that all the time from people. Those are the same people that do not know that everything is political. They hate “politics,” but the only thing to them that’s “politics” is whatever the president and Congress might be arguing about or if it’s happening in Washington. But they would never see that there’s politics attached to virtually everything in pop culture that they are consuming.</p>
<p>They hate politics — and this my point. If they knew, if they were able to spot the politics in everything, given how much they hatred, it might be productive. But that, to me, is an indication of the great task it is. I mean, low-information people, let’s be frank: They’re gonna have to be turned into more-information-than-they’ve-got people if we’re gonna have a serious reversal here.</p>
<p>We can’t continue to have the lowest-common denominator among us dominate things. It’s not that we do. It’s that the Democrat Party panders to them. The Democrat Party cultivates them. The Democrat Party wants them to remain low-information for as long as possible, and they don’t even see that. There’s politics in so much, and these are the people that hate “politics.”</p>
<p>They think they’re escaping politics by watching TMZ, or E! Entertainment TV or reading whatever they read, or going to Twitter and Facebook. There’s nothing but politics on social media. But they don’t see it there. They only see it if acknowledged politicians are talking about things, and therefore they miss so much. That’s why, folks, for 27 years, 26 years I have been on this quest to get everybody to see the ideology that’s present in practically every news story.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: This Jim in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. You’re next, sir. Great to have you. Hello.</p>
<p>CALLER: Mega dittos, Rush. Good to talk to you.</p>
<p>RUSH: Thank you very much, sir. I appreciate that.</p>
<p>CALLER: Yes, sir. I have a different take on this Ebola virus serum that they’ve made. Now, it’s never before been tested on humans, correct?</p>
<p>RUSH: Supposedly it has only been tested on monkeys, correct, and that comes from Dr. Anthony Fauci at the National Institutes of Health.</p>
<p>CALLER: All right. These two folks that we brought back, they would have been considered — for all intents and purposes — terminal, correct?</p>
<p>RUSH: Not necessarily. I mean, the death rate is between 50% and 90%. The fatality rate is between 50% and 90%. It’s not 100%.</p>
<p>CALLER: Right.</p>
<p>RUSH: It does depend on medical care, the treatment that you get. There’s a number of factors. The three countries in Africa where the outbreak has taken place, they’re very backwards, particularly the health care systems, and it stands to reason that patients in America would not be as adversely affected, theoretically —</p>
<p>CALLER: Right.</p>
<p>RUSH: — as people in these three countries in Africa.</p>
<p>CALLER: Okay. Yeah, well, I was just going down the line of this being an experimental drug and having never been tested on humans, per se. Why is it that cancer patients that are terminal don’t get the same respect?</p>
<p>RUSH: You know, it’s strange that you ask that. While I was having this discussing on the air, I got an e-mail from a friend of mine who is currently starring in a major television show on TNT, Adam Baldwin. He plays the XO, the executive officer on <a href="" type="internal">this show, Last Ship</a>. He said that a friend of his father… Let me double-check here. Where is it?</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" />Oh, it’s either his friend or a friend of his father is suffering from cancer and was given… He doesn’t know if it was this concoction, but it was monoclonal antibodies, whatever is being given monoclonal antibodies, which is an ingredient in this conduction. Apparently Baldy’s friend’s dad has had profound success in reversing the cancer with whatever it is they’ve given him.</p>
<p>I don’t know what it is, and Adam doesn’t, either. He doesn’t know if it’s the same thing or not. But your question at large is, “Well, how in the world does an experimental drug that’s never been used on humans all of a sudden get used on two people who have Ebola?” ‘Cause I know that you are probably either somebody who has had this experience or knows somebody who has had cancer of some kind.</p>
<p>And there is an experimental drug not released to the market ’cause it hasn’t passed all the trials but you’ll try anything, and they won’t give it to you. That’s why people go to Mexico and other places to try things as a last-ditch effort. Now, here you have a serum that’s derived from a Kentucky tobacco plant, that, as far as we’ve been told, has only been used and tested on monkeys.</p>
<p>Yet somebody made the decision, “Oh, yeah. Let’s go ahead and use it on these two missionaries, these Americans. We’ll take some doses over to Africa. We’ll administer them there, we’ll bring ’em home, and we’ll continue the treatment.” The story we’re getting is of a massive, miraculous reversal. No cure yet. Neither of these two patients is out of the woods. They’re still suffering, but they’re better. They’re much better.</p>
<p>I understand your question. How in the world does this happen without human trials? Nobody knows what the… Well, we do know what it is. It’s called MZapp. That’s the name of the serum. It comes from a Kentucky tobacco plant. Now, I don’t have the answer for you. I don’t know why it is that other drugs have to go through this extensive trial period.</p>
<p>They need documented results and so forth for years before they’re ever administered to humans, and this happened to be administered to humans without any of that taking place, as far as we know. Again, we only know what’s been reported, and the first place any of this was reported was CNN. It was Dr. Sanjay Gupta who reported yesterday that this has only been tried on monkeys, and his source was Dr. Fauci at the National Institutes of Health.</p>
<p>So it is curious what the protocols are and how this all works, from a regulatory standpoint.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: A little clarification here on the serum that the National Institutes for Health administered to the two Ebola patients. It seems the term monoclonal antibodies has got people thinking that, “Well, I’ve had that, I’ve had that.” And you haven’t. This is something brand-new, and it really hasn’t been administered before. Monoclonal antibodies simply describe the way the drug is made, i.e., cloned from antibodies, but the antibodies will differ, depending on the disease.</p>
<p>In this case, a company in San Diego — don’t know how — experimented with a rapidly growing tobacco plant in Kentucky, and, for whatever reason that they learned, they essentially photocopied antibodies found in it that works in Ebola in monkeys. And the National Institutes of Health determined to give some dosages to the two missionaries from America who were discovered in Africa to have come down with the disease.</p>
<p>There all kinds of cancer treatments, in fact, that feature monoclonal antibodies, so it’s not the same thing that was used here. Monoclonal antibodies specifically bind to a substance like a cancer cell. A monoclonal antibody is basically a detective. It’s used to detect and find a specific substance, say, in the bloodstream, and glom onto it and try to kill it.</p>
<p>Now, in the case of the Ebola serum, the antibodies, the monoclonal antibodies that they have found in this Kentucky tobacco plant, apparently do something to the Ebola virus and retard it, harm it, when in monkeys. They tried it on these two human beings, these two white Americans, and the news reports are it was profoundly successful, overwhelming successful, which now is causing people to ask, as I predicted yesterday, “Well, why didn’t you take enough to give to all the poor people in Africa?” CNN asked that last night.</p>
<p>And other people are saying, “Wait a minute. This thing hasn’t been tried on humans, and yet they released it? Why don’t they do that for cancer drugs?” Well, sometimes they do. Sometimes the National Institutes of Health will administer experimental drugs. It does happen. But not all the time. There are times they withhold some of the drugs that they’re working on, largely because of the side effects or the real fear that the side effects will be worse than whatever benefits there are. So that’s as much as I have been able to learn here just in the short three and a half, four-minute time-out at the bottom of the hour.</p>
<p>The bottom line, just because you might have heard that a friend or a relative was given treatment that contained monoclonal antibodies, it’s not this. That’s just a technique that is used in order to bind these attack agents to the proper cells that are considered the problem in the body. Just imagine little detectives, little Inspector Clouseau’s and they’re released and they are to find, in this case, the Ebola virus. And then they’re to glom onto it and attack it. And if it works, then the virus suffers, it is harmed, and it is weakened, and there is a reversal of symptoms. That has apparently happened here. But you’re still gonna see people ticked off about this, about a lot of things on this.</p>
<p>You’re gonna see, “Why do it on Americans first?” The answer, why not? Why not use Americans as the guinea pigs? Why not, if it’s not gonna work, why not try it on Americans first and spare anybody else potential suffering. There’s any number of things. The point is, we shared with you the Facebook post yesterday. We read to you this really caustic and mean post aimed at people who are alarmed here that we’re bringing Ebola patients into this country for the first time ever. There are people that don’t understand why we’re doing this. Why would we bring a deadly virus into this country in the form of infected people? The reaction to that has been really caustic. And it’s been from people who are identified, people who I know are leftists.</p>
<p>They’re really mad about this. “If you don’t have it, you’re not gonna get it, stop worrying, screw off!” You know, this kind of stuff. Reactions that you’d never see when people talk about bird flu, swine flu. So the question is — and I of course have the answer, but I’m not gonna give you the answer. Problem is, when I say something about anything, there’s nothing left to be said. And I have to leave some things for you to say on this program.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: Okay. Back to the phones, and we go to Bethel, Connecticut. This is Laurie. Great to have you on the program. Hi.</p>
<p>CALLER: Mega dittos, Rush. Longtime listener, and I have been a responsible citizen by raising both my now-adult children on your show, so they vote responsibly, and they are well informed.</p>
<p><a href="https://members.premiereinteractive.com/pcd/eServCart?iServ=MDU0U0MyODU2NiZpUGFnZUlkPTQxODYzJmlDb250UGFnZT01" type="external" />RUSH: <a href="https://members.premiereinteractive.com/pcd/eServCart?iServ=MDU0U0MyODU2NiZpUGFnZUlkPTQxODYzJmlDb250UGFnZT01" type="external">Rush Babies!</a></p>
<p>CALLER: Yes, they definitely are. (laughs)</p>
<p>RUSH: Well, thank you very much. I really appreciate that.</p>
<p>CALLER: I just wanted to make a comment. As a retired math teacher, I always look at permutations and combinations. I was thinking about how this Ebola cure scenario could have been played out, and I was just wondering what your thoughts would be. Let’s say that they tested this supposed cure on African citizens after having just been tested on monkeys.</p>
<p>I wonder whether there would be a racial slur associated with that, saying, “Well, Africans, are they just the next step up from monkeys, as opposed to the white Americans?” That’s one scenario. Another one: Let’s say, instead of the two Americans being white Americans, what if they had been Afro-American or black Americans, and let’s say they were not Christians. Let’s say they were Muslim instead. So you wonder how those different scenarios would have played out. What are your thoughts on that?</p>
<p>RUSH: Well, now, you see here’s a great example, ladies and gentlemen. This is a woman — our caller here, Laurie — who is looking at the politics of this, exactly as I teach, exactly as I hope people would. Those excellent thoughts, and she is only able to conceive of those thoughts because she knows how the left operates.</p>
<p>For example, I hadn’t even stopped to think about what the case would be if the news got out that we tested a serum only on monkeys and then we gave it to Africans suffering the disease. Even if it had been successful, you’re exactly right: There would have been people on the left who, when they heard that, would have charged racism at the NIH or something and, “How dare they!”</p>
<p>So your basic point is that they needed some public trials of this, but they had to be white Americans —</p>
<p>CALLER: Correct.</p>
<p>RUSH: — because political correctness would not permit any other such trial. Is that basically your point?</p>
<p>CALLER: That’s one of the points. The other thing, aside from the insult that they were “white Americans,” let’s say they had been “black Americans,” and let’s say they hadn’t been Christians. Let’s say they were part of a Muslim-outreach organization. Would there still have been the same hue and cry?</p>
<p>RUSH: Well, wait a minute. There isn’t any hue and cry over this. The hue that I’ve heard… Well, I’ve got two seconds. Let me take a break and have more time on the other side.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: As far as I know, there is no hue and cry over who got the vaccine. And it’s not a vaccine. I’m just using that to simplify our discussion here. I don’t think there’s any anger over who got it. Not yet, anyway. But I tell you the thinking that went in. There’s no way the NIH was going to use Africans as guinea pigs. Remember, this has not been tried on human beings. There’s no way. They had no idea what the result was gonna be. Well, maybe they did. I don’t know. If you’ve been studying on monkeys and it’s okay on monkeys do you make the assumption that it’s gonna work on humans the first time?</p>
<p>I don’t have any experience with this. I have to assume that as much as they exercise caution with this stuff, I would think that they would probably think of the worst-case scenario in determining who gets it, and the last thing that was gonna happen, knowing this bunch, the last thing was gonna happen was they’re gonna give something to a couple of Africans and have it not work. So you give it to a couple of Americans and roll the dice and see what happens. Which has happened. And, for now, we’re being told that the serum is working and is reversing systems.</p>
<p>But nobody’s talking cure yet. We don’t know if the Ebola virus is gonna rebound and figure out this serum and overwhelm it later this week. Nobody knows this. So everybody’s still cautiously analyzing this. The reason that we even think this way, though, folks, the real point to Laurie’s question is, is exactly the politics of the left is what forces us to think this way. If there were no politics to this, you know all this would be? “Oh, my God, there’s a serum and they gave it to a couple of people and it worked, hallelujah!” End of story.</p>
<p>“My gosh, maybe we’ve made some inroads. Whoa, wow,” is all it would be. Nobody would care about who got it. Nobody would care about the race of who got it. Nobody would be raising questions about where it was administered or any of that. But because of political correctness and identity politics and the way the left determines things and because the left has already politicized this, the only hue and cry I have seen is directed at people who think it’s a little weird to bring the disease within the borders. We’ve never done that before. We’ve never had Ebola in our country. And we’ve brought two patients with it in and they’re in Atlanta at Emory Hospital.</p>
<p>You ought to see, there were motorcades. The news media had helicopters flying over the ambulances and the accompanying SUV army guarding these ambulances as they were on the way from the airport into the hospital. And then when they had the patient, Nancy Writebol, when she got out of the ambulance she was on a stretcher, people in full hazmat gear carrying the stretcher, or rolling the stretcher, wheeling it, she’s laying down on the stretcher also totally covered. The camera from the chopper is covering this like a visiting dignitary had arrived or something.</p>
<p>We’re forced to look at it like this because we’re just waiting, we’re just waiting for some angry leftist to start bitching and moaning about this. And look, like yesterday, it didn’t take hours for it to happen. “Why did only Americans get it? Why did we only take enough for Americans?” That was asked on CNN last night. That was an easy prediction. It’s easy for somebody who knows the left, and I know the left.</p>
<p>We’ll just have to wait and see what else causes them anger over this. Give it time. Something about it will besides, “Well, why give it to a couple of white Americans? Why not take enough to give to the Africans?” There was no way we’re gonna give a serum that has not been tried on human beings to Africans first, no way, in case it didn’t work, no way. That was not gonna happen.</p> | true | 0 | rush okay wait wait youre gon na love folks youre absolutely going love well wait maybe wont love let speak love know magical serum given two white americans suffering ebola know magic ingredient nicotine tobacco magical ingredient serum kentucky tobacco plant derive magical serum caused massive reversals symptoms ebola two white americans break transcript rush okay yesterday program learned two american missionaries man name brantly woman name writebol kent brantly nancy writebol way last arrive shes arriving today africa hey ebola supersecret serum unbeknownst anybody precious researchers tested monkeys shown success rescue flights took doses magical serum jet georgia liberia wherever went pick two people administered doses reports symptom reversals began rather quickly people said noticed changes hour others say possible nevertheless symptom reversal profound yesterday program sensitive everintouch host posited wouldnt long would hear people media saying wait wait second people dropping like flies disease africa took enough stuff two white americans didnt give native africans dying record numbers disease whats world give americans white americans boot didnt take enough everybody well didnt take five hours lets go audio sound bite number one cnn last night burnett know miraculous know untested risky everyone else mean stammering nearly thousand died africans suddenly two white americans um get disease suddenly stops get pulled gupta keep mind never done mean first human think proof principle question becomes something could yknow made available masses unusual situation erin typically test things goes clinical trial test safety burnett mumbling gupta test effective figure distributed masses rush right dr sanjay gupta announced details serum yesterday said weeeell look tested monkeys mean fact matter white people say guinea pigs didnt know gon na happen cant say denied giving africans black way favor two americans white way cause hell could killed em didnt know stuff never tested theres proof principle know maybe could used two americans chuckles thats excuse thats offered dont buy wouldnt given stuff two people thought gon na make em worse words enough evidence know based reaction monkeys mean long take hours hours know people know people piece de resistance name serum zmapp named kentucky bioprocessing company owensboro made tobacco made unique kentucky tobacco plant drug cocktail three humanized monoclonal antibodies manufactured group fragrant plants bushes known genus name nicotiana think root word nicotiana try joe camel try nicotine exactly right joe camel root word nicotine granny beverly hillbillies used say tabacki tabacki responsible magical potion serum used treat two white americans drug cocktail known zmapp developed san diego company mapp biopharmaceutical two ps mapp manufactured kentucky using fastgrowing tobacco plants act photocopiers produce proteins extracted plants processed drug tobacco plant mean batoutofhell fast growing tobacco plant break transcript rush know know convoluted things folks media concerned magical serum tobacco plant kentucky produced magical reversal two white americans suffering ebola didnt give poor suffering africans take enough two white americans yet nobody talks number africans killed malaria banned ddt know many people died unnecessarily nutcase rachel carson ban ddt caused spread malaria killed people tens hundreds thousands africa theres always sense proportion missing things largely conventional wisdom simply picks piece information wrong established socalled fact survives survives approved left wingers political every bit ebola political given way dealt mean know think thats thing really presents us biggest problem trying persuade lowinformation voters whats going isnt true lowinformation voters maybe confined lowinformation voters isnt true hear lot people say hate politics hate dont trust politicians im fed dont want hear nothing ever gets done blah blah hear time people people know everything political hate politics thing thats politics whatever president congress might arguing happening washington would never see theres politics attached virtually everything pop culture consuming hate politics point knew able spot politics everything given much hatred might productive indication great task mean lowinformation people lets frank theyre gon na turned moreinformationthantheyvegot people gon na serious reversal cant continue lowestcommon denominator among us dominate things democrat party panders democrat party cultivates democrat party wants remain lowinformation long possible dont even see theres politics much people hate politics think theyre escaping politics watching tmz e entertainment tv reading whatever read going twitter facebook theres nothing politics social media dont see see acknowledged politicians talking things therefore miss much thats folks 27 years 26 years quest get everybody see ideology thats present practically every news story break transcript rush jim harrisburg pennsylvania youre next sir great hello caller mega dittos rush good talk rush thank much sir appreciate caller yes sir different take ebola virus serum theyve made never tested humans correct rush supposedly tested monkeys correct comes dr anthony fauci national institutes health caller right two folks brought back would considered intents purposes terminal correct rush necessarily mean death rate 50 90 fatality rate 50 90 100 caller right rush depend medical care treatment get theres number factors three countries africa outbreak taken place theyre backwards particularly health care systems stands reason patients america would adversely affected theoretically caller right rush people three countries africa caller okay yeah well going line experimental drug never tested humans per se cancer patients terminal dont get respect rush know strange ask discussing air got email friend mine currently starring major television show tnt adam baldwin plays xo executive officer show last ship said friend father let doublecheck oh either friend friend father suffering cancer given doesnt know concoction monoclonal antibodies whatever given monoclonal antibodies ingredient conduction apparently baldys friends dad profound success reversing cancer whatever theyve given dont know adam doesnt either doesnt know thing question large well world experimental drug thats never used humans sudden get used two people ebola cause know probably either somebody experience knows somebody cancer kind experimental drug released market cause hasnt passed trials youll try anything wont give thats people go mexico places try things lastditch effort serum thats derived kentucky tobacco plant far weve told used tested monkeys yet somebody made decision oh yeah lets go ahead use two missionaries americans well take doses africa well administer well bring em home well continue treatment story getting massive miraculous reversal cure yet neither two patients woods theyre still suffering theyre better theyre much better understand question world happen without human trials nobody knows well know called mzapp thats name serum comes kentucky tobacco plant dont answer dont know drugs go extensive trial period need documented results forth years theyre ever administered humans happened administered humans without taking place far know know whats reported first place reported cnn dr sanjay gupta reported yesterday tried monkeys source dr fauci national institutes health curious protocols works regulatory standpoint break transcript rush little clarification serum national institutes health administered two ebola patients seems term monoclonal antibodies got people thinking well ive ive havent something brandnew really hasnt administered monoclonal antibodies simply describe way drug made ie cloned antibodies antibodies differ depending disease case company san diego dont know experimented rapidly growing tobacco plant kentucky whatever reason learned essentially photocopied antibodies found works ebola monkeys national institutes health determined give dosages two missionaries america discovered africa come disease kinds cancer treatments fact feature monoclonal antibodies thing used monoclonal antibodies specifically bind substance like cancer cell monoclonal antibody basically detective used detect find specific substance say bloodstream glom onto try kill case ebola serum antibodies monoclonal antibodies found kentucky tobacco plant apparently something ebola virus retard harm monkeys tried two human beings two white americans news reports profoundly successful overwhelming successful causing people ask predicted yesterday well didnt take enough give poor people africa cnn asked last night people saying wait minute thing hasnt tried humans yet released dont cancer drugs well sometimes sometimes national institutes health administer experimental drugs happen time times withhold drugs theyre working largely side effects real fear side effects worse whatever benefits thats much able learn short three half fourminute timeout bottom hour bottom line might heard friend relative given treatment contained monoclonal antibodies thats technique used order bind attack agents proper cells considered problem body imagine little detectives little inspector clouseaus theyre released find case ebola virus theyre glom onto attack works virus suffers harmed weakened reversal symptoms apparently happened youre still gon na see people ticked lot things youre gon na see americans first answer use americans guinea pigs gon na work try americans first spare anybody else potential suffering theres number things point shared facebook post yesterday read really caustic mean post aimed people alarmed bringing ebola patients country first time ever people dont understand would bring deadly virus country form infected people reaction really caustic people identified people know leftists theyre really mad dont youre gon na get stop worrying screw know kind stuff reactions youd never see people talk bird flu swine flu question course answer im gon na give answer problem say something anything theres nothing left said leave things say program break transcript rush okay back phones go bethel connecticut laurie great program hi caller mega dittos rush longtime listener responsible citizen raising nowadult children show vote responsibly well informed rush rush babies caller yes definitely laughs rush well thank much really appreciate caller wanted make comment retired math teacher always look permutations combinations thinking ebola cure scenario could played wondering thoughts would lets say tested supposed cure african citizens tested monkeys wonder whether would racial slur associated saying well africans next step monkeys opposed white americans thats one scenario another one lets say instead two americans white americans afroamerican black americans lets say christians lets say muslim instead wonder different scenarios would played thoughts rush well see heres great example ladies gentlemen woman caller laurie looking politics exactly teach exactly hope people would excellent thoughts able conceive thoughts knows left operates example hadnt even stopped think case would news got tested serum monkeys gave africans suffering disease even successful youre exactly right would people left heard would charged racism nih something dare basic point needed public trials white americans caller correct rush political correctness would permit trial basically point caller thats one points thing aside insult white americans lets say black americans lets say hadnt christians lets say part muslimoutreach organization would still hue cry rush well wait minute isnt hue cry hue ive heard well ive got two seconds let take break time side break transcript rush far know hue cry got vaccine vaccine im using simplify discussion dont think theres anger got yet anyway tell thinking went theres way nih going use africans guinea pigs remember tried human beings theres way idea result gon na well maybe dont know youve studying monkeys okay monkeys make assumption gon na work humans first time dont experience assume much exercise caution stuff would think would probably think worstcase scenario determining gets last thing gon na happen knowing bunch last thing gon na happen theyre gon na give something couple africans work give couple americans roll dice see happens happened told serum working reversing systems nobodys talking cure yet dont know ebola virus gon na rebound figure serum overwhelm later week nobody knows everybodys still cautiously analyzing reason even think way though folks real point lauries question exactly politics left forces us think way politics know would oh god theres serum gave couple people worked hallelujah end story gosh maybe weve made inroads whoa wow would nobody would care got nobody would care race got nobody would raising questions administered political correctness identity politics way left determines things left already politicized hue cry seen directed people think little weird bring disease within borders weve never done weve never ebola country weve brought two patients theyre atlanta emory hospital ought see motorcades news media helicopters flying ambulances accompanying suv army guarding ambulances way airport hospital patient nancy writebol got ambulance stretcher people full hazmat gear carrying stretcher rolling stretcher wheeling shes laying stretcher also totally covered camera chopper covering like visiting dignitary arrived something forced look like waiting waiting angry leftist start bitching moaning look like yesterday didnt take hours happen americans get take enough americans asked cnn last night easy prediction easy somebody knows left know left well wait see else causes anger give time something besides well give couple white americans take enough give africans way gon na give serum tried human beings africans first way case didnt work way gon na happen | 2,035 |
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<p>These customers may be young, but they're old pros when it comes to consuming.Twenty million strong nationwide, tweens — kids ages 8 to 14, who are often called “Generation Z” or “digital natives” — now flex $43 billion worth of annual spending power, according to Larissa Faw, editor at Youth Markets Alert, a trade newsletter based in New York City.The young consumers receive an average weekly allowance of $12 each, up from only $5 in 2009. So despite family belt-tightening these days, parents still aren’t scrimping on their kids. Plus, says Faw, “nearly half of their parents [47 percent] dole out the allowance knowing it will be spent rather than saved.” That’s big news for small businesses looking to grow with new products or expand into new markets.Predictably, the biggest slice of the tween money pie goes to <a href="" type="internal">video games</a> (31 percent), with apparel/footwear and impulse buys, like snacks, tying for second (20 percent each). <a href="" type="internal">Consumer electronics</a> and music/books vie for third (10 percent each), followed closely by toys/crafts (9 percent).Reel in parents to pitch the kidsBut make no mistake. While tweens drive demand, parents are the real buyers.“We tend to live by the tagline, ‘Ask not what your product or service can do for them, ask what your product or service can do for their parents,’” says Tyler Sickmeyer, whose 5Stone Marketing agency in Kilbourne, Illinois, works with clients that cater to tweens.Few tweens earn money on their own, and those who do are under parental control. Kids don’t drive and usually don’t shop alone. As a result, businesses that focus on benefits to parents, such as educational value or nutrition, while still appealing to kids — by offering fun experiences, cool trends or sweet tastes — will likely be winners in this market. “Everything from cell phones to cereal is a family-driven decision,” says Sickmeyer.In today’s market, even when products are geared to grown-ups, you may also be selling to tweens.</p>
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<p>According to “Consumers of Tomorrow,” an in-depth market study from Grail Research, a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based global researcher, Gen Z is “more connected with their parents than prior generations.” To back that up, Grail emphasizes the fact that Gen X parents and Gen Z kids are watching the same TV channels (Nickelodeon and Nick at Nite), developing affinities for the same brands (Gap, J. Crew, <a href="" type="internal">Polo Ralph Lauren</a>) and playing the same <a href="" type="internal">video games</a> — often together as a family.What’s more, tweens are major influences on parental decisions about big-ticket items, like cars, homes, vacations, entertainment and restaurants.How to run the tween playbookMarketers with traction in this segment offer some surprises about what works and what doesn’t. Here are a few tips and tactics:- Social media don’t rock this world. Internet regulations and COPPA (the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) prevent marketers from targeting kids under 13. In addition, tweens rarely use search engines, often don’t spell correctly when they do, and frequently don’t have mobile phones. Says editor Faw, “The biggest mistake marketers make in targeting tweens is that they try to be cool rather than effective.”- Offer experiences, not transactions. “Businesses need to champion the tween and resist the urge to be the authority,” says Kit Yarrow, professor at Golden Gate University and co-author of “Gen BuY: How Tweens, Teens and Twenty-Somethings Are Revolutionizing Retail.”Marketers recommend interactive adventures to engage tweens, whether that involves in-store contests, product testing seminars, or product promotion fairs at schools, sports leagues or other events.For instance, at Yaldah magazine, a publication for Jewish girls 8 to 14 years old, publisher Leah Larson relies on an editorial board of 20 girls to brainstorm, edit and design the product. That, she says, makes the girls feel like they “own” the publication, so they’re more excited to share it.LittleMissMatched, a retailer of mismatched accessories — like socks and gloves — for girls, leveraged its glamorous location in New York City’s Grand Central Terminal to host an evening fashion show for tweens and their parents in one of the station’s grand beaux arts halls.Of course, all such events are also videoed and posted on YouTube.- Think beyond the kid box. Since you can’t sell to a tween without persuading a parent, you might as well target adults directly. For instance, Robert Richardson, who runs a Las Vegas marketing agency, suggests sending your products to mommy bloggers for free review. “If you can get enough of them blogging about your product, you can make a significant impact in the marketplace,” says Richardson.All in all, leveraging traditional marketing is likely to connect best with this age group. Sums up Faw:­­­ “Tweens are rather simple. They get excited about in-store samples, actually watch TV ads, and desire anything their older sibling has.”Joanna L. Krotz writes about small-business marketing and management issues. She is the co-author of " <a href="" type="internal">Microsoft</a> Small Business Kit" and runs Muse2Muse Productions, a New York City-based custom content provider.</p> | true | 0 | customers may young theyre old pros comes consumingtwenty million strong nationwide tweens kids ages 8 14 often called generation z digital natives flex 43 billion worth annual spending power according larissa faw editor youth markets alert trade newsletter based new york citythe young consumers receive average weekly allowance 12 5 2009 despite family belttightening days parents still arent scrimping kids plus says faw nearly half parents 47 percent dole allowance knowing spent rather saved thats big news small businesses looking grow new products expand new marketspredictably biggest slice tween money pie goes video games 31 percent apparelfootwear impulse buys like snacks tying second 20 percent consumer electronics musicbooks vie third 10 percent followed closely toyscrafts 9 percentreel parents pitch kidsbut make mistake tweens drive demand parents real buyerswe tend live tagline ask product service ask product service parents says tyler sickmeyer whose 5stone marketing agency kilbourne illinois works clients cater tweensfew tweens earn money parental control kids dont drive usually dont shop alone result businesses focus benefits parents educational value nutrition still appealing kids offering fun experiences cool trends sweet tastes likely winners market everything cell phones cereal familydriven decision says sickmeyerin todays market even products geared grownups may also selling tweens continue reading according consumers tomorrow indepth market study grail research cambridge massachusettsbased global researcher gen z connected parents prior generations back grail emphasizes fact gen x parents gen z kids watching tv channels nickelodeon nick nite developing affinities brands gap j crew polo ralph lauren playing video games often together familywhats tweens major influences parental decisions bigticket items like cars homes vacations entertainment restaurantshow run tween playbookmarketers traction segment offer surprises works doesnt tips tactics social media dont rock world internet regulations coppa childrens online privacy protection act prevent marketers targeting kids 13 addition tweens rarely use search engines often dont spell correctly frequently dont mobile phones says editor faw biggest mistake marketers make targeting tweens try cool rather effective offer experiences transactions businesses need champion tween resist urge authority says kit yarrow professor golden gate university coauthor gen buy tweens teens twentysomethings revolutionizing retailmarketers recommend interactive adventures engage tweens whether involves instore contests product testing seminars product promotion fairs schools sports leagues eventsfor instance yaldah magazine publication jewish girls 8 14 years old publisher leah larson relies editorial board 20 girls brainstorm edit design product says makes girls feel like publication theyre excited share itlittlemissmatched retailer mismatched accessories like socks gloves girls leveraged glamorous location new york citys grand central terminal host evening fashion show tweens parents one stations grand beaux arts hallsof course events also videoed posted youtube think beyond kid box since cant sell tween without persuading parent might well target adults directly instance robert richardson runs las vegas marketing agency suggests sending products mommy bloggers free review get enough blogging product make significant impact marketplace says richardsonall leveraging traditional marketing likely connect best age group sums faw tweens rather simple get excited instore samples actually watch tv ads desire anything older sibling hasjoanna l krotz writes smallbusiness marketing management issues coauthor microsoft small business kit runs muse2muse productions new york citybased custom content provider | 520 |
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<p>Dividend stocks can make for a wonderful part of any investor's portfolio. And while low interest rates have helped drive a lot of dividend stocks up to premium valuations, there are still solid dividend investments to be had if you're patient and know what to look for.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>We asked three of our contributors to write about some of their favorite dividend ideas -- specifically, dividend stocks investors should put on their shopping lists right now. They gave usBank of America(NYSE: BAC), with its reasonable valuation and dividend-growth prospects; chipmaker giantIntel Corporation(NASDAQ: INTC), with its aggressive move into what could be a trillion-dollar industry; andFederal RealtyInvestment Trust(NYSE: FRT), which has grown its payout every year for almost five decades, while still having plenty of growth left in its future.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Shopping for great dividend stocks? Keep reading to learn why these three companies should be on your list.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFVelvetHammer/info.aspx" type="external">Jason Opens a New Window.</a> <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFVelvetHammer/info.aspx" type="external">Hall Opens a New Window.</a>(Bank of America): There are legitimate reasons to be concerned about what megabank Bank of America's (BofA) stock will do in the short term. Like most financial companies, BofA saw its shares go on a tear following the election of Donald J Trump as President of the United States, setting expectations that it would benefit from reduced regulations, lower taxes, and a more business-friendly federal government, in general.At the same time, it's expected that interest rates will rise, a belief that was recently confirmed when the Fed voted to raise overnight rates by 25 basis points.</p>
<p>But a lot of the thesis above is based on hopes for potential actions by the Republican administration and congressional majority, and not anything that's actually happened so far. For this reason, along with other concerns, Bank of America shares have fallen more than 10% since the beginning of March.</p>
<p>More millennial homebuyers is one thing that could help drive profits for BofA. Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Yet even with the uncertainty about the potential easing of bank regulations and concerns about Bank of America's stock price falling in the short term, the company is still worth a high spot on your short list. Its shares trade for right around book value, which is cheap compared to almost every other big bank.</p>
<p>Furthermore, interest rates are going up, which should drive higher profits for Bank of America. This will likely allow it to increase its dividend. CEO <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/18/bank-of-america-just-proved-its-serious-about-rais.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Bryan Moynihan wrote about this, at length Opens a New Window.</a>,as being a priority in his most recent letter to shareholders.</p>
<p>While BofA's dividend only yields 1.2% at current prices and payouts, this could be an excellent time to invest in future dividend growth. There are a few things to keep an eye on, but the odds seem better than even that this big bank will be able to pump up its payout going forward.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFlushDraw/info.aspx" type="external">Travis Hoium Opens a New Window.</a> (Intel): Tech companies tend to go in cycles, dominating one market and then missing out on the next, because they're still raking in money from the market that's being disrupted. But successful tech companies find a way to learn their lessons, and urgently enter the following market trend, returning to profitability.</p>
<p>Intel has made a big bet on autonomous vehicles. Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>This is something that's going on with Intel. The company dominated the world of PCs, but when the market shifted to mobile devices, it was caught flat-footed, with chips that didn't meet customers' demands. Management has learned some hard lessons during the last decade, but after flopping in mobile, they're determined not to miss the next trends in the cloud, Internet of Things, and autonomous vehicles.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/13/why-intel-is-betting-153-billion-on-self-driving-c.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">$15.3 billion agreement Opens a New Window.</a> to buy Mobileye N.V. (NYSE: MBLY) is an indication of Intel's seriousness in autonomous vehicles and connected devices. The deal gives Intel a front-row seat in the development of autonomous-driving technology, and will allow it to marry Mobileye's tech with Intel's data-center products. An integrated suite of products to offer to automakers and technology companies could be a winning combination, and something that would be tough for rivals to duplicate.</p>
<p>What I think you're seeing now is Intel becoming a technology leader for the next generation of tech devices. And that's a great position for investors shopping in the tech sector.</p>
<p><a href="https://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTypeoh/info.aspx" type="external">Brian Feroldi Opens a New Window.</a>(Federal Realty Investment Trust): Real estate investment trusts, or <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/reit.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">REITs</a>, are a fertile hunting ground for income investors, since these companies are required by law to pay out 90% of their taxable income as adividend. One REIT that I think is deserving a spot on any income investor's watchlist is Federal Realty.</p>
<p>Physical retail is changing, but Federal Realty is well-positioned for the future. Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Federal Realty specializes in buying high-quality retail properties that are located in major coastal markets. The company's strategy is to own and operate properties that combine shopping, dining, living, and working in a single destination. These properties attract affluent customers, which, in turn, attract high-class tenants. That allows Federal Realty to charge a premium, which its customers are happy to pay.</p>
<p>This strategy clearly works, asFederal Realty has increased its dividend for 49 years in a row. That's the longest track record of increases in the entire REIT industry, and it spans multiple periods of economic turmoil. You can't do that without a business model that works.</p>
<p>While Federal Realty has been in operation for decades, it's still a growth company. Over the past five years, it has grown its funds from operations -- a REIT proxy for earnings -- by more than 7% annually.Between rent increases, acquisitions, and continued property development, I see no reason why it can't produce similar results on a go-forward basis. That makesFederal Realty a great stock to put on your radar.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Bank of AmericaWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=7dd147af-7095-45aa-b0f1-f63bf2ededff&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Bank of America wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
<p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=7dd147af-7095-45aa-b0f1-f63bf2ededff&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of February 6, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTypeoh/info.aspx" type="external">Brian Feroldi Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/elihpaudio/info.aspx" type="external">Jason Hall Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Bank of America and Intel. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFlushDraw/info.aspx" type="external">Travis Hoium</a> owns shares of Intel. The Motley Fool recommends Intel. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | dividend stocks make wonderful part investors portfolio low interest rates helped drive lot dividend stocks premium valuations still solid dividend investments youre patient know look continue reading asked three contributors write favorite dividend ideas specifically dividend stocks investors put shopping lists right gave usbank americanyse bac reasonable valuation dividendgrowth prospects chipmaker giantintel corporationnasdaq intc aggressive move could trilliondollar industry andfederal realtyinvestment trustnyse frt grown payout every year almost five decades still plenty growth left future image source getty images shopping great dividend stocks keep reading learn three companies list advertisement jason opens new window hall opens new windowbank america legitimate reasons concerned megabank bank americas bofa stock short term like financial companies bofa saw shares go tear following election donald j trump president united states setting expectations would benefit reduced regulations lower taxes businessfriendly federal government generalat time expected interest rates rise belief recently confirmed fed voted raise overnight rates 25 basis points lot thesis based hopes potential actions republican administration congressional majority anything thats actually happened far reason along concerns bank america shares fallen 10 since beginning march millennial homebuyers one thing could help drive profits bofa image source getty images yet even uncertainty potential easing bank regulations concerns bank americas stock price falling short term company still worth high spot short list shares trade right around book value cheap compared almost every big bank furthermore interest rates going drive higher profits bank america likely allow increase dividend ceo bryan moynihan wrote length opens new windowas priority recent letter shareholders bofas dividend yields 12 current prices payouts could excellent time invest future dividend growth things keep eye odds seem better even big bank able pump payout going forward travis hoium opens new window intel tech companies tend go cycles dominating one market missing next theyre still raking money market thats disrupted successful tech companies find way learn lessons urgently enter following market trend returning profitability intel made big bet autonomous vehicles image source getty images something thats going intel company dominated world pcs market shifted mobile devices caught flatfooted chips didnt meet customers demands management learned hard lessons last decade flopping mobile theyre determined miss next trends cloud internet things autonomous vehicles 153 billion agreement opens new window buy mobileye nv nyse mbly indication intels seriousness autonomous vehicles connected devices deal gives intel frontrow seat development autonomousdriving technology allow marry mobileyes tech intels datacenter products integrated suite products offer automakers technology companies could winning combination something would tough rivals duplicate think youre seeing intel becoming technology leader next generation tech devices thats great position investors shopping tech sector brian feroldi opens new windowfederal realty investment trust real estate investment trusts reits fertile hunting ground income investors since companies required law pay 90 taxable income adividend one reit think deserving spot income investors watchlist federal realty physical retail changing federal realty wellpositioned future image source getty images federal realty specializes buying highquality retail properties located major coastal markets companys strategy operate properties combine shopping dining living working single destination properties attract affluent customers turn attract highclass tenants allows federal realty charge premium customers happy pay strategy clearly works asfederal realty increased dividend 49 years row thats longest track record increases entire reit industry spans multiple periods economic turmoil cant without business model works federal realty operation decades still growth company past five years grown funds operations reit proxy earnings 7 annuallybetween rent increases acquisitions continued property development see reason cant produce similar results goforward basis makesfederal realty great stock put radar 10 stocks like better bank americawhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right bank america wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 brian feroldi opens new window position stocks mentioned jason hall opens new window owns shares bank america intel travis hoium owns shares intel motley fool recommends intel motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 676 |
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<p>As the <a href="http://www.zillow.com/" type="external">real estate market Opens a New Window.</a> starts to pick up in many parts of the country, <a href="http://www.zillow.com/directory/real-estate-agents/" type="external">real estate agents Opens a New Window.</a> from small towns to the big cities are blogging, tweeting, ranting and raving about multiple-offer situations.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>A seller’s asking price is just that: an asking price. The <a href="http://www.zillow.com/learnmore/what-zillow-offers-sellers.htm" type="external">seller Opens a New Window.</a> may choose to price their home above, at or well below what the actual market will bear. Then, with luck, come the offers from <a href="http://www.zillow.com/learnmore/what-zillow-offers-buyers.htm" type="external">buyers Opens a New Window.</a>. Sometimes, there are multiple offers all under the asking price. Other times, all offers come in right around the asking price.</p>
<p>But in some situations, there are more than six offers coming in over asking price. Depending on where you live, you, as a potential buyer, may be forced to compete with other buyers in a bidding war. Here are five steps you can take to beat the competition in a multiple-offer situation.</p>
<p>Hire a good local agent</p>
<p>In most communities, 80% of the business is done by 20% of the agents. These agents are experienced in the local market and have relationships with other agents as well as <a href="http://www.zillow.com/directory/real-estate-services-inspection/" type="external">inspectors Opens a New Window.</a>, <a href="http://www.zillow.com/directory/home-improvement-general-contracting/" type="external">contractors Opens a New Window.</a>, <a href="http://www.zillow.com/directory/mortgage-lenders/" type="external">mortgage brokers Opens a New Window.</a> and <a href="http://www.zillow.com/directory/real-estate-services-appraisal/" type="external">appraisers Opens a New Window.</a>. More than anything, these 20% of agents “get” it.</p>
<p>A seller is looking for a sure thing and a smooth, clean <a href="http://www.zillow.com/directory/real-estate-services-escrow/" type="external">escrow Opens a New Window.</a>. With stakes high, who wouldn’t want a sure thing? In fact, the last thing the seller (or their agent) wants is to enter into escrow with an inexperienced or out-of-the-area agent.</p>
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<p>That’s why, when faced with multiple offers, a seller, guided by their agent, may choose to work with a lower-priced offer because that buyer has a good agent. Many times, a lower priced offer will be countered up to match the price of a buyer with an unknown agent.</p>
<p>Get your financial ducks in a row before making an offer</p>
<p>Before you can make a strong and winning offer, you need to have your finances in order. This means being pre-approved for a <a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage-rates/" type="external">loan Opens a New Window.</a> and staying in regular contact with your <a href="http://www.zillow.com/directory/mortgage-lenders/" type="external">lender</a> or mortgage broker. Have an auto email alert set up from your real estate agent’s MLS. Know the new listings as they hit the market and be prepared to visit them right away. Be ready to make a move when the right house comes along.</p>
<p>An informed buyer has been in the market for some time. They’ve seen multiple properties, either at open houses or private appointments. They come to the multiple-offer situation fully prepared, knowledgeable of the market and ready to present themselves as a strong, motivated buyer. The seller and their agent will appreciate that.</p>
<p>Don’t wait</p>
<p>Many times, a new listing is sold before the first open house. If a desirable property hits the MLS on a Tuesday, you need to see it Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. As agents tell sellers all the time, <a href="http://www.zillow.com/blog/2012-05-04/why-your-first-offer-is-always-your-best-offer/" type="external">your first buyer is likely your best buyer Opens a New Window.</a>. The buyers who don’t rest on their laurels get the home. They show that they are on it, they’re motivated and they really want the property. This often translates into a successful deal or smooth escrow for the seller and the <a href="http://www.zillow.com/directory/real-estate-agents-sellers-agent/" type="external">listing agent Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>If you’re serious about buying and have your financial ducks in a row, don’t wait for the open house. As soon as you see the listing, let your agent know you’re interested or have them start doing the research.</p>
<p>Make a ‘clean’ offer</p>
<p>There’s an assumption that the successful bidder simply pays the most money. But this isn’t usually the case. While price is a huge factor, the terms and conditions are as important, if not more so.</p>
<p>To make your bid the most compelling, be as flexible as possible to the seller’s needs. If you know the seller needs a quick escrow because they just bought a place, give it to them. If they just had a baby and need some extra time, go with a longer close or offer to close quickly but give them a “rent-back.” If you’re going to have inspections, check with the inspector and see if you can get an appointment soon after getting your offer accepted. That way you can remove your inspection contingency quicker.</p>
<p>The same holds true with an appraisal. If your lender is able to pre-schedule an appraisal or at least check their schedule, it can only help. The last thing a seller wants is to accept an offer, only to wait 14 or 21 days to discover the buyer can’t get a loan or the leaky roof scared them away. Make your offer clean with swift timeframes for contingencies. There have been times when a seller leaves 2 to 3 percent on the table; just to be sure the deal will close “cleanly.”</p>
<p>Present yourself in the best possible light</p>
<p>Presentation can’t be emphasized enough. Make sure your agent presents your offer to the seller in a professional way. The offer should, when possible, be presented in person. A contract should be typed, not handwritten. Without a doubt, a pre-approval letter from your bank or broker should be attached to the offer. A cover letter from you or your agent presenting you, as buyers, to the sellers should always accompany your offer. If there are <a href="http://www.zillow.com/blog/2011-11-15/5-things-you-should-know-about-real-estate-disclosures/" type="external">disclosures Opens a New Window.</a> presented to you prior to your making an offer, sign off on them. Make it clear to the seller that you’re serious, motivated and ready to move ahead should they choose to work with you.</p>
<p>Strong and clean is the way to go</p>
<p>It’s the common sense stuff that will help differentiate you from the pack. Be up front, show that you’re motivated and look at the big picture of your offer — not just the dollar amount.</p>
<p>Of course, many times the highest bidder wins. But every day, there are dozens of buyers who kick themselves because they would have paid the price that it took to win the bidding war. Presenting yourself and your offer in the strongest and most clean way will go a long way to assuring you come out on top.</p>
<p>Read More From Zillow:</p> | true | 0 | real estate market opens new window starts pick many parts country real estate agents opens new window small towns big cities blogging tweeting ranting raving multipleoffer situations continue reading sellers asking price asking price seller opens new window may choose price home well actual market bear luck come offers buyers opens new window sometimes multiple offers asking price times offers come right around asking price situations six offers coming asking price depending live potential buyer may forced compete buyers bidding war five steps take beat competition multipleoffer situation hire good local agent communities 80 business done 20 agents agents experienced local market relationships agents well inspectors opens new window contractors opens new window mortgage brokers opens new window appraisers opens new window anything 20 agents get seller looking sure thing smooth clean escrow opens new window stakes high wouldnt want sure thing fact last thing seller agent wants enter escrow inexperienced outofthearea agent advertisement thats faced multiple offers seller guided agent may choose work lowerpriced offer buyer good agent many times lower priced offer countered match price buyer unknown agent get financial ducks row making offer make strong winning offer need finances order means preapproved loan opens new window staying regular contact lender mortgage broker auto email alert set real estate agents mls know new listings hit market prepared visit right away ready make move right house comes along informed buyer market time theyve seen multiple properties either open houses private appointments come multipleoffer situation fully prepared knowledgeable market ready present strong motivated buyer seller agent appreciate dont wait many times new listing sold first open house desirable property hits mls tuesday need see tuesday night wednesday morning agents tell sellers time first buyer likely best buyer opens new window buyers dont rest laurels get home show theyre motivated really want property often translates successful deal smooth escrow seller listing agent opens new window youre serious buying financial ducks row dont wait open house soon see listing let agent know youre interested start research make clean offer theres assumption successful bidder simply pays money isnt usually case price huge factor terms conditions important make bid compelling flexible possible sellers needs know seller needs quick escrow bought place give baby need extra time go longer close offer close quickly give rentback youre going inspections check inspector see get appointment soon getting offer accepted way remove inspection contingency quicker holds true appraisal lender able preschedule appraisal least check schedule help last thing seller wants accept offer wait 14 21 days discover buyer cant get loan leaky roof scared away make offer clean swift timeframes contingencies times seller leaves 2 3 percent table sure deal close cleanly present best possible light presentation cant emphasized enough make sure agent presents offer seller professional way offer possible presented person contract typed handwritten without doubt preapproval letter bank broker attached offer cover letter agent presenting buyers sellers always accompany offer disclosures opens new window presented prior making offer sign make clear seller youre serious motivated ready move ahead choose work strong clean way go common sense stuff help differentiate pack front show youre motivated look big picture offer dollar amount course many times highest bidder wins every day dozens buyers kick would paid price took win bidding war presenting offer strongest clean way go long way assuring come top read zillow | 555 |
<p>TIDMTSCO</p>
<p>FORM 8.3</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY</p>
<p>A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE</p>
<p>Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code")</p>
<p>1. KEY INFORMATION</p>
<p>(a) Full name of discloser: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. ("Dimensional"), in</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>its capacity as investment manager and on behalf its</p>
<p>affiliates who are also investment managers. Dimensional</p>
<p>and its affiliates expressly disclaim beneficial ownership</p>
<p>of the shares described in this form 8.3</p>
<p>(b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions</p>
<p>disclosed, if different from 1(a):</p>
<p>The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient.</p>
<p>For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries</p>
<p>must be named.</p>
<p>(c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant Tesco Plc</p>
<p>securities this form relates: (GB0008847096)</p>
<p>Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree</p>
<p>(d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree,</p>
<p>state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:</p>
<p>(e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: 30 January 2018</p>
<p>For an opening position disclosure, state the latest</p>
<p>practicable date prior to the disclosure</p>
<p>(f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the YES</p>
<p>discloser making disclosures in respect of any other If YES, specify which:</p>
<p>party to the offer? Booker Group Plc</p>
<p>If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state (GB00B01TND91)</p>
<p>"N/A"</p>
<p>2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE</p>
<p>If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than</p>
<p>one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c),</p>
<p>copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of</p>
<p>relevant security.</p>
<p>(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of</p>
<p>the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the</p>
<p>dealing (if any)</p>
<p>Class of relevant security: 5p Ordinary Shares</p>
<p>Short</p>
<p>Interests positions</p>
<p>Number % Number %</p>
<p>(1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 45,536,399* 0.56</p>
<p>(2) Cash-settled derivatives:</p>
<p>(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options)</p>
<p>and agreements to purchase/sell:</p>
<p>TOTAL: 45,536,399 0.56</p>
<p>*Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. and / or its affiliates do not control</p>
<p>voting discretion for 308,537 shares.</p>
<p>All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.</p>
<p>Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded</p>
<p>options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should</p>
<p>be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).</p>
<p>(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors'</p>
<p>and other employee options)</p>
<p>Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription</p>
<p>right exists:</p>
<p>Details, including nature of the rights concerned</p>
<p>and relevant percentages:</p>
<p>3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE</p>
<p>Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant</p>
<p>securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b),</p>
<p>(c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant</p>
<p>security dealt in.</p>
<p>The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.</p>
<p>(a) Purchases and sales</p>
<p>Class of relevant Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit</p>
<p>security</p>
<p>Ordinary shares Purchase 9,192 GBP 2.1052</p>
<p>(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions</p>
<p>Class of Product description Nature of dealing Number of Price</p>
<p>relevant e.g. CFD e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing reference per</p>
<p>security a long/short position securities unit</p>
<p>(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)</p>
<p>(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying</p>
<p>Class of Product Writing, Number of Exercise Type Expiry Option</p>
<p>relevant description purchasing, securities price e.g. American, European etc. date money</p>
<p>security e.g. call selling, to which per paid/</p>
<p>option varying option unit received</p>
<p>etc. relates per</p>
<p>unit</p>
<p>(ii) Exercise</p>
<p>Class of Product description Exercising/ Number of Exercise</p>
<p>relevant e.g. call option exercised securities price per</p>
<p>security against unit</p>
<p>(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)</p>
<p>Class of Nature of dealing Details Price per unit</p>
<p>relevant e.g. subscription, conversion (if</p>
<p>security applicable)</p>
<p>4. OTHER INFORMATION</p>
<p>(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements</p>
<p>Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or</p>
<p>any agreement or understanding, formal or informal,</p>
<p>relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement</p>
<p>to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the</p>
<p>person making the disclosure and any party to the</p>
<p>offer or any person acting in concert with a party</p>
<p>to the offer:</p>
<p>Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should</p>
<p>not be included. If there are no such agreements,</p>
<p>arrangements or understandings, state "none"</p>
<p>(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to</p>
<p>options or derivatives</p>
<p>Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding,</p>
<p>formal or informal, between the person making the</p>
<p>disclosure and any other person relating to:</p>
<p>(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under</p>
<p>any option; or</p>
<p>(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal</p>
<p>of any relevant securities to which any derivative</p>
<p>is referenced:</p>
<p>If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings,</p>
<p>state "none"</p>
<p>(c) Attachments</p>
<p>Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO</p>
<p>Date of disclosure: 31 January 2018</p>
<p>Contact name: Joann Kong</p>
<p>Telephone number: 020 3033 4876</p>
<p>Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory</p>
<p>Information Service and must also be emailed to the Takeover Panel at</p>
<p>[email protected]. The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is</p>
<p>available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure</p>
<p>requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.</p>
<p>The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at</p>
<p>www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.</p>
<p>This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf</p>
<p>of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.</p>
<p>The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely</p>
<p>responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information</p>
<p>contained therein.</p>
<p>Source: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. via Globenewswire</p>
<p>https://www.dimensional.com/</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>January 31, 2018 05:36 ET (10:36 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | tidmtsco form 83 continue reading public opening position disclosuredealing disclosure person interests relevant securities representing 1 rule 83 takeover code code 1 key information full name discloser dimensional fund advisors ltd dimensional advertisement capacity investment manager behalf affiliates also investment managers dimensional affiliates expressly disclaim beneficial ownership shares described form 83 b owner controller interests short positions disclosed different 1a naming nominee vehicle companies insufficient trust trustees settlor beneficiaries must named c name offerorofferee relation whose relevant tesco plc securities form relates gb0008847096 use separate form offerorofferee exempt fund manager connected offerorofferee state specify identity offerorofferee e date position helddealing undertaken 30 january 2018 opening position disclosure state latest practicable date prior disclosure f addition company 1c yes discloser making disclosures respect yes specify party offer booker group plc cash offer possible cash offer state gb00b01tnd91 na 2 positions person making disclosure positions rights subscribe disclose one class relevant securities offeror offeree named 1c copy table 2a b appropriate additional class relevant security interests short positions relevant securities offeror offeree disclosure relates following dealing class relevant security 5p ordinary shares short interests positions number number 1 relevant securities owned andor controlled 45536399 056 2 cashsettled derivatives 3 stocksettled derivatives including options agreements purchasesell total 45536399 056 dimensional fund advisors ltd affiliates control voting discretion 308537 shares interests short positions disclosed details open stocksettled derivative positions including traded options agreements purchase sell relevant securities given supplemental form 8 open positions b rights subscribe new securities including directors employee options class relevant security relation subscription right exists details including nature rights concerned relevant percentages 3 dealings person making disclosure dealings one class relevant securities offeror offeree named 1c copy table 3a b c appropriate additional class relevant security dealt currency prices monetary amounts stated purchases sales class relevant purchasesale number securities price per unit security ordinary shares purchase 9192 gbp 21052 b cashsettled derivative transactions class product description nature dealing number price relevant eg cfd eg openingclosing longshort position increasingreducing reference per security longshort position securities unit c stocksettled derivative transactions including options writing selling purchasing varying class product writing number exercise type expiry option relevant description purchasing securities price eg american european etc date money security eg call selling per paid option varying option unit received etc relates per unit ii exercise class product description exercising number exercise relevant eg call option exercised securities price per security unit dealings including subscribing new securities class nature dealing details price per unit relevant eg subscription conversion security applicable 4 information indemnity dealing arrangements details indemnity option arrangement agreement understanding formal informal relating relevant securities may inducement deal refrain dealing entered person making disclosure party offer person acting concert party offer irrevocable commitments letters intent included agreements arrangements understandings state none b agreements arrangements understandings relating options derivatives details agreement arrangement understanding formal informal person making disclosure person relating voting rights relevant securities option ii voting rights future acquisition disposal relevant securities derivative referenced agreements arrangements understandings state none c attachments supplemental form 8 open positions attached date disclosure 31 january 2018 contact name joann kong telephone number 020 3033 4876 public disclosures rule 8 code must made regulatory information service must also emailed takeover panel monitoringdisclosureorguk panels market surveillance unit available consultation relation codes disclosure requirements 44 020 7638 0129 code viewed panels website wwwthetakeoverpanelorguk announcement distributed nasdaq corporate solutions behalf nasdaq corporate solutions clients issuer announcement warrants solely responsible content accuracy originality information contained therein source dimensional fund advisors ltd via globenewswire httpswwwdimensionalcom end dow jones newswires january 31 2018 0536 et 1036 gmt | 592 |
<p>My investing thesis for Paycom Software (NYSE: PAYC) is pretty simple. This provider of payroll and workforce management software has a long runway for growth ahead. Its products are highly valued by its customers. And its margins should continue to rise as Paycom's business scales up. All of which should help power robust earnings growth in the years ahead.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>The human capital management (HCM) industry is a crowded field full of large competitors like ADP, Paychex, Oracle, and SAP. With a market cap of around $4.8 billion , Paycom is still a small fish in that big pond -- which is getting larger every year. According to Markets and Markets, the global HCM market is expected to grow from $14.5 billion in 2017 to $22.5 billion by 2022.</p>
<p>Paycom's growth over the last few years has been nothing short of impressive. From 2012 to 2016, Paycom's revenue has increased at a compound annual growth rate of 44%. And while that number has cooled off a bit, in 2017, the company is guiding for another year of 30+% top-line growth.</p>
<p>Future growth will be driven by Paycom's <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/05/28/3-things-investors-need-to-know-about-paycom.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=32b0f7f6-b288-11e7-ab0e-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">plans to increase its number of sales offices Opens a New Window.</a> from 45 today to an ultimate goal of 120. With each office able to support around $6.15 million in annual sales, Paycom's eventual annual sales capacity would be roughly $738 million&#160;-- which would be incremental to the recurring revenue generated by existing clients. When you consider that the company's full-year 2017 revenue guidance is $430.5 million at the midpoint, and that nearly all of that will be recurring revenue, Paycom's growth potential remains enormous.</p>
<p>The scenario above might even dramatically understate Paycom's long-term growth prospects. According to the company, roughly half of American workers are employed by businesses in Paycom's target range of 50 to 2,000 employees. But on an annualized revenue per employee basis, CEO Chad Richison has stated that Paycom currently represents just 2% of the total addressable market for companies of that size. Richison has also said he believes the company <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/07/11/paycom-softwares-1-billion-ambitions.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=32b0f7f6-b288-11e7-ab0e-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">could one day reach $1 billion in annual sales Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>Paycom offers its clients an all-in-one HCM solution that runs on a single database in the cloud, eliminating the complexities, costs and headaches sometimes caused by cobbling together single-function solutions from multiple providers.</p>
<p>Paycom's customers appear to see plenty of value in this solution, because over the last several years, the company's retention rate -- which measures the percentage of revenue retained from existing clients -- has remained steady at 91%. That means Paycom's "churn" is just 9% of its revenue base -- which would include companies that go out of business, are acquired, or who leave Paycom for a competitor. That solid retention rate speaks volumes about Paycom's customer satisfaction, and also demonstrates that its clients don't tend to be susceptible to competitors offering lower prices.</p>
<p>As Paycom has scaled up, its margins have steadily increased. The company's adjusted EBITDA margin -- which measures operating profitability as a percentage of revenue -- nearly doubled from 16.7% in 2012 to 28.7% in 2016. And even with Paycom investing heavily in R&amp;D, marketing, and its sales team in order to maximize top-line growth in 2017, the company is on track to match the record margin level it achieved last year.</p>
<p>While the company will continue to spend aggressively to build its sales team, and R&amp;D costs will likely keep growing at 80% to 100% each quarter (compared to the prior year), Paycom's margins should continue to rise in the years ahead as these expenses get spread across an ever-increasing revenue base. In fact, management's long-term target for adjusted EBITDA margin is a range of 30% and 33%.</p>
<p>Paycom's combination of rapidly rising revenues, high levels of client satisfaction, and expanding margins ought to lead to significant earnings growth for the foreseeable future. The company is guiding for adjusted EBITDA growth of more than 30% in 2017, and I expect this serial compounder will be able to repeat this formula for many years to come.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Paycom SoftwareWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=d4f63bb6-f696-4135-af79-eb0a8b0e48d1&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=32b0f7f6-b288-11e7-ab0e-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Paycom Software wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
<p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=d4f63bb6-f696-4135-af79-eb0a8b0e48d1&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=32b0f7f6-b288-11e7-ab0e-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of October 9, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/CMFGouldberg/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=32b0f7f6-b288-11e7-ab0e-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Andy Gould Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Paycom Software. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Paycom Software. The Motley Fool owns shares of Oracle. The Motley Fool recommends Automatic Data Processing. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=32b0f7f6-b288-11e7-ab0e-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | investing thesis paycom software nyse payc pretty simple provider payroll workforce management software long runway growth ahead products highly valued customers margins continue rise paycoms business scales help power robust earnings growth years ahead continue reading human capital management hcm industry crowded field full large competitors like adp paychex oracle sap market cap around 48 billion paycom still small fish big pond getting larger every year according markets markets global hcm market expected grow 145 billion 2017 225 billion 2022 paycoms growth last years nothing short impressive 2012 2016 paycoms revenue increased compound annual growth rate 44 number cooled bit 2017 company guiding another year 30 topline growth future growth driven paycoms plans increase number sales offices opens new window 45 today ultimate goal 120 office able support around 615 million annual sales paycoms eventual annual sales capacity would roughly 738 million160 would incremental recurring revenue generated existing clients consider companys fullyear 2017 revenue guidance 4305 million midpoint nearly recurring revenue paycoms growth potential remains enormous scenario might even dramatically understate paycoms longterm growth prospects according company roughly half american workers employed businesses paycoms target range 50 2000 employees annualized revenue per employee basis ceo chad richison stated paycom currently represents 2 total addressable market companies size richison also said believes company could one day reach 1 billion annual sales opens new window advertisement paycom offers clients allinone hcm solution runs single database cloud eliminating complexities costs headaches sometimes caused cobbling together singlefunction solutions multiple providers paycoms customers appear see plenty value solution last several years companys retention rate measures percentage revenue retained existing clients remained steady 91 means paycoms churn 9 revenue base would include companies go business acquired leave paycom competitor solid retention rate speaks volumes paycoms customer satisfaction also demonstrates clients dont tend susceptible competitors offering lower prices paycom scaled margins steadily increased companys adjusted ebitda margin measures operating profitability percentage revenue nearly doubled 167 2012 287 2016 even paycom investing heavily rampd marketing sales team order maximize topline growth 2017 company track match record margin level achieved last year company continue spend aggressively build sales team rampd costs likely keep growing 80 100 quarter compared prior year paycoms margins continue rise years ahead expenses get spread across everincreasing revenue base fact managements longterm target adjusted ebitda margin range 30 33 paycoms combination rapidly rising revenues high levels client satisfaction expanding margins ought lead significant earnings growth foreseeable future company guiding adjusted ebitda growth 30 2017 expect serial compounder able repeat formula many years come 10 stocks like better paycom softwarewhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right paycom software wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns october 9 2017 andy gould opens new window owns shares paycom software motley fool owns shares recommends paycom software motley fool owns shares oracle motley fool recommends automatic data processing motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 513 |
<p />
<p><a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/on_the_front_lines_of_the_culture_wars/files/2011/04/kitty-werthmann2.jpg" type="external" /></p>
<p>Kitty Werthmann</p>
<p>Kitty Werthmann survived Hitler.</p>
<p>“What I am about to tell you is something you’ve probably never heard or read in history books,” she likes to tell audiences.</p>
<p>“I am a witness to history.&#160;</p>
<p>“I cannot tell you that Hitler took Austria by tanks and guns; it would distort history.</p>
<p><a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/on_the_front_lines_of_the_culture_wars/files/2011/04/hitler_heil.jpg" type="external" /></p>
<p>Adolph Hitler</p>
<p>“We voted him in.”</p>
<p>If you remember the plot of the&#160;Sound of Music,&#160;the Von Trapp family escaped over the Alps rather than submit to the Nazis. Kitty wasn’t so lucky. Her family chose to stay in her native Austria. She was 10 years old, but bright and aware. And she was watching.</p>
<p>“We elected him by a landslide – 98 percent of the vote,” she recalls.</p>
<p>She wasn’t old enough to vote in 1938 – approaching her 11th birthday. But she remembers.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>“Everyone thinks that Hitler just rolled in with his tanks and took Austria by force.”</p>
<p>No so.</p>
<p><a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/on_the_front_lines_of_the_culture_wars/files/2011/04/hitler-austria.gif" type="external" /></p>
<p>Hitler is welcomed to Austria</p>
<p>“In 1938, Austria was in deep Depression. Nearly one-third of our workforce was unemployed. We had 25 percent inflation and 25 percent bank loan interest rates.</p>
<p>Farmers and business people were declaring bankruptcy daily. Young people were going from house to house begging for food. Not that they didn’t want to work; there simply weren’t any jobs.</p>
<p>“My mother was a Christian woman and believed in helping people in need. Every day we cooked a big kettle of soup and baked bread to feed those poor, hungry people – about 30 daily.’</p>
<p>“We looked to our neighbor on the north, Germany, where Hitler had been in power since 1933.” she recalls. “We had been told that they didn’t have unemployment or crime, and they had a high standard of living.</p>
<p><a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/on_the_front_lines_of_the_culture_wars/files/2011/04/hitler-austrian-women.jpg" type="external" /></p>
<p>Austrian girls welcome Hitler</p>
<p>“Nothing was ever said about persecution of any group – Jewish or otherwise. We were led to believe that everyone in Germany was happy. We wanted the same way of life in Austria. We were promised that a vote for Hitler would mean the end of unemployment and help for the family. Hitler also said that businesses would be assisted, and farmers would get their farms back.</p>
<p>“Ninety-eight percent of the population voted to annex Austria to Germany and have Hitler for our ruler.</p>
<p>“We were overjoyed,” remembers Kitty, “and for three days we danced in the streets and had candlelight parades. The new government opened up big field kitchens and everyone was fed.</p>
<p><a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/on_the_front_lines_of_the_culture_wars/files/2011/04/hitler-uildup-to-world-war-2-15.jpg" type="external" /></p>
<p>Austrians saluting</p>
<p>“After the election, German officials were appointed, and like a miracle, we suddenly had law and order. Three or four weeks later, everyone was employed. The government made sure that a lot of work was created through the Public Work Service.</p>
<p>“Hitler decided we should have equal rights for women. Before this, it was a custom that married Austrian women did not work outside the home. An able-bodied husband would be looked down on if he couldn’t support his family. Many women in the teaching profession were elated that they could retain the jobs they previously had been required to give up for marriage.</p>
<p>“Then we lost religious education for kids</p>
<p><a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/on_the_front_lines_of_the_culture_wars/files/2011/04/hitleryouth01.jpg" type="external" /></p>
<p>Poster promoting “Hitler Youth”</p>
<p>“Our education was nationalized. I attended a very good public school.. The population was predominantly Catholic, so we had religion in our schools. The day we elected Hitler (March 13, 1938), I walked into my schoolroom to find the crucifix replaced by Hitler’s picture hanging next to a Nazi flag. Our teacher, a very devout woman, stood up and told the class we wouldn’t pray or have religion anymore. Instead, we sang ‘Deutschland, Deutschland, Uber Alles,’ and had physical education.</p>
<p>“Sunday became National Youth Day with compulsory attendance. Parents were not pleased about the sudden change in curriculum. They were told that if they did not send us, they would receive a stiff letter of warning the first time. The second time they would be fined the equivalent of $300, and the third time they would be subject to jail.”</p>
<p>And then things got worse.</p>
<p>“The first two hours consisted of political indoctrination. The rest of the day we had sports. As time went along, we loved it. Oh, we had so much fun and got our sports equipment free.</p>
<p>“We would go home and gleefully tell our parents about the wonderful time we had.</p>
<p>“My mother was very unhappy,” remembers Kitty. “When the next term started, she took me out of public school and put me in a convent. I told her she couldn’t do that and she told me that someday when I grew up, I would be grateful. There was a very good curriculum, but hardly any fun – no sports, and no political indoctrination.</p>
<p>“I hated it at first but felt I could tolerate it. Every once in a while, on holidays, I went home. I would go back to my old friends and ask what was going on and what they were doing.</p>
<p><a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/on_the_front_lines_of_the_culture_wars/files/2011/04/hitler-crowd.jpg" type="external" /></p>
<p>A pro-Hitler rally</p>
<p>“Their loose lifestyle was very alarming to me. They lived without religion. By that time, unwed mothers were glorified for having a baby for Hitler.</p>
<p>“It seemed strange to me that our society changed so suddenly. As time went along, I realized what a great deed my mother did so that I wasn’t exposed to that kind of humanistic philosophy.</p>
<p>“Then food rationing began</p>
<p>“In 1939, the war started and a food bank was established. All food was rationed and could only be purchased using food stamps. At the same time, a full-employment law was passed which meant if you didn’t work, you didn’t get a ration card, and if you didn’t have a card, you starved to death.</p>
<p>“Women who stayed home to raise their families didn’t have any marketable skills and often had to take jobs more suited for men.</p>
<p>“Soon after this, the draft was implemented.</p>
<p><a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/on_the_front_lines_of_the_culture_wars/files/2011/04/hitler-youth.jpg" type="external" /></p>
<p>Young Austrians</p>
<p>“It was compulsory for young people, male and female, to give one year to the labor corps,” remembers Kitty. “During the day, the girls worked on the farms, and at night they returned to their barracks for military training just like the boys.</p>
<p>“They were trained to be anti-aircraft gunners and participated in the signal corps. After the labor corps, they were not discharged but were used in the front lines.</p>
<p>“When I go back to Austria to visit my family and friends, most of these women are emotional cripples because they just were not equipped to handle the horrors of combat.</p>
<p>“Three months before I turned 18, I was severely injured in an air raid attack. I nearly had a leg amputated, so I was spared having to go into the labor corps and into military service.</p>
<p>“When the mothers had to go out into the work force, the government immediately established child care centers.</p>
<p>“You could take your children ages four weeks old to school age and leave them there around-the-clock, seven days a week, under the total care of the government.</p>
<p>“The state raised a whole generation of children. There were no motherly women to take care of the children, just people highly trained in child psychology. By this time, no one talked about equal rights. We knew we had been had.</p>
<p>“Before Hitler, we had very good medical care. Many American doctors trained at the University of Vienna..</p>
<p>“After Hitler, health care was socialized, free for everyone. Doctors were salaried by the government. The problem was, since it was free, the people were going to the doctors for everything.</p>
<p>“When the good doctor arrived at his office at 8 a.m., 40 people were already waiting and, at the same time, the hospitals were full.</p>
<p><a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/on_the_front_lines_of_the_culture_wars/files/2011/04/hitler-nazi-march.jpg" type="external" />“If you needed elective surgery, you had to wait a year or two for your turn. There was no money for research as it was poured into socialized medicine. Research at the medical schools literally stopped, so the best doctors left Austria and emigrated to other countries.</p>
<p>“As for healthcare, our tax rates went up to 80 percent of our income. Newlyweds immediately received a $1,000 loan from the government to establish a household. We had big programs for families.</p>
<p>“All day care and education were free. High schools were taken over by the government and college tuition was subsidized. Everyone was entitled to free handouts, such as food stamps, clothing, and housing.</p>
<p>“We had another agency designed to monitor business. My brother-in-law owned a restaurant that had square tables.</p>
<p>“ Government officials told him he had to replace them with round tables because people might bump themselves on the corners. Then they said he had to have additional bathroom facilities. It was just a small dairy business with a snack bar. He couldn’t meet all the demands.</p>
<p>“Soon, he went out of business. If the government owned the large businesses and not many small ones existed, it could be in control.</p>
<p>“We had consumer protection, too</p>
<p><a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/on_the_front_lines_of_the_culture_wars/files/2011/04/hilter_youth_mind_contol.jpg" type="external" /></p>
<p>Austrian kids loyal to Hitler</p>
<p>“We were told how to shop and what to buy. Free enterprise was essentially abolished. We had a planning agency specially designed for farmers. The agents would go to the farms, count the live-stock, and then tell the farmers what to produce, and how to produce it.</p>
<p>“In 1944, I was a student teacher in a small village in the Alps. The villagers were surrounded by mountain passes which, in the winter, were closed off with snow, causing people to be isolated.</p>
<p>“So people intermarried and offspring were sometimes retarded. When I arrived, I was told there were 15 mentally retarded adults, but they were all useful and did good manual work.</p>
<p>“I knew one, named Vincent, very well. He was a janitor of the school. One day I looked out the window and saw Vincent and others getting into a van.</p>
<p>“I asked my superior where they were going. She said to an institution where the State Health Department would teach them a trade, and to read and write. The families were required to sign papers with a little clause that they could not visit for 6 months.</p>
<p>“They were told visits would interfere with the program and might cause homesickness.</p>
<p>“As time passed, letters started to dribble back saying these people died a natural, merciful death. The villagers were not fooled. We suspected what was happening. Those people left in excellent physical health and all died within 6 months. We called this euthanasia.</p>
<p>“Then they took our guns</p>
<p>“Next came gun registration. People were getting injured by guns. Hitler said that the real way to catch criminals (we still had a few) was by matching serial numbers on guns. Most citizens were law abiding and dutifully marched to the police station to register their firearms. Not long afterwards, the police said that it was best for everyone to turn in their guns. The authorities already knew who had them, so it was futile not to comply voluntarily.</p>
<p><a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/on_the_front_lines_of_the_culture_wars/files/2011/04/kitty-werthmann.jpg" type="external" /></p>
<p>Kitty Werthmann</p>
<p>“No more freedom of speech. Anyone who said something against the government was taken away. We knew many people who were arrested, not only Jews, but also priests and ministers who spoke up.</p>
<p>“Totalitarianism didn’t come quickly, it took 5 years from 1938 until 1943, to realize full dictatorship in Austria. Had it happened overnight, my countrymen would have fought to the last breath. Instead, we had creeping gradualism. Now, our only weapons were broom handles. The whole idea sounds almost unbelievable that the state, little by little eroded our freedom.”</p>
<p>“This is&#160;my eye-witness account.</p>
<p>“It’s true. Those of us who sailed past the Statue of Liberty came to a country of unbelievable freedom and opportunity.</p>
<p>“America is truly is the greatest country in the world.</p>
<p>“Don’t let freedom slip away.</p>
<p>“After America, there is no place to go.”</p> | true | 0 | kitty werthmann kitty werthmann survived hitler tell something youve probably never heard read history books likes tell audiences witness history160 tell hitler took austria tanks guns would distort history adolph hitler voted remember plot the160sound music160the von trapp family escaped alps rather submit nazis kitty wasnt lucky family chose stay native austria 10 years old bright aware watching elected landslide 98 percent vote recalls wasnt old enough vote 1938 approaching 11th birthday remembers 160 everyone thinks hitler rolled tanks took austria force hitler welcomed austria 1938 austria deep depression nearly onethird workforce unemployed 25 percent inflation 25 percent bank loan interest rates farmers business people declaring bankruptcy daily young people going house house begging food didnt want work simply werent jobs mother christian woman believed helping people need every day cooked big kettle soup baked bread feed poor hungry people 30 daily looked neighbor north germany hitler power since 1933 recalls told didnt unemployment crime high standard living austrian girls welcome hitler nothing ever said persecution group jewish otherwise led believe everyone germany happy wanted way life austria promised vote hitler would mean end unemployment help family hitler also said businesses would assisted farmers would get farms back ninetyeight percent population voted annex austria germany hitler ruler overjoyed remembers kitty three days danced streets candlelight parades new government opened big field kitchens everyone fed austrians saluting election german officials appointed like miracle suddenly law order three four weeks later everyone employed government made sure lot work created public work service hitler decided equal rights women custom married austrian women work outside home ablebodied husband would looked couldnt support family many women teaching profession elated could retain jobs previously required give marriage lost religious education kids poster promoting hitler youth education nationalized attended good public school population predominantly catholic religion schools day elected hitler march 13 1938 walked schoolroom find crucifix replaced hitlers picture hanging next nazi flag teacher devout woman stood told class wouldnt pray religion anymore instead sang deutschland deutschland uber alles physical education sunday became national youth day compulsory attendance parents pleased sudden change curriculum told send us would receive stiff letter warning first time second time would fined equivalent 300 third time would subject jail things got worse first two hours consisted political indoctrination rest day sports time went along loved oh much fun got sports equipment free would go home gleefully tell parents wonderful time mother unhappy remembers kitty next term started took public school put convent told couldnt told someday grew would grateful good curriculum hardly fun sports political indoctrination hated first felt could tolerate every holidays went home would go back old friends ask going prohitler rally loose lifestyle alarming lived without religion time unwed mothers glorified baby hitler seemed strange society changed suddenly time went along realized great deed mother wasnt exposed kind humanistic philosophy food rationing began 1939 war started food bank established food rationed could purchased using food stamps time fullemployment law passed meant didnt work didnt get ration card didnt card starved death women stayed home raise families didnt marketable skills often take jobs suited men soon draft implemented young austrians compulsory young people male female give one year labor corps remembers kitty day girls worked farms night returned barracks military training like boys trained antiaircraft gunners participated signal corps labor corps discharged used front lines go back austria visit family friends women emotional cripples equipped handle horrors combat three months turned 18 severely injured air raid attack nearly leg amputated spared go labor corps military service mothers go work force government immediately established child care centers could take children ages four weeks old school age leave aroundtheclock seven days week total care government state raised whole generation children motherly women take care children people highly trained child psychology time one talked equal rights knew hitler good medical care many american doctors trained university vienna hitler health care socialized free everyone doctors salaried government problem since free people going doctors everything good doctor arrived office 8 40 people already waiting time hospitals full needed elective surgery wait year two turn money research poured socialized medicine research medical schools literally stopped best doctors left austria emigrated countries healthcare tax rates went 80 percent income newlyweds immediately received 1000 loan government establish household big programs families day care education free high schools taken government college tuition subsidized everyone entitled free handouts food stamps clothing housing another agency designed monitor business brotherinlaw owned restaurant square tables government officials told replace round tables people might bump corners said additional bathroom facilities small dairy business snack bar couldnt meet demands soon went business government owned large businesses many small ones existed could control consumer protection austrian kids loyal hitler told shop buy free enterprise essentially abolished planning agency specially designed farmers agents would go farms count livestock tell farmers produce produce 1944 student teacher small village alps villagers surrounded mountain passes winter closed snow causing people isolated people intermarried offspring sometimes retarded arrived told 15 mentally retarded adults useful good manual work knew one named vincent well janitor school one day looked window saw vincent others getting van asked superior going said institution state health department would teach trade read write families required sign papers little clause could visit 6 months told visits would interfere program might cause homesickness time passed letters started dribble back saying people died natural merciful death villagers fooled suspected happening people left excellent physical health died within 6 months called euthanasia took guns next came gun registration people getting injured guns hitler said real way catch criminals still matching serial numbers guns citizens law abiding dutifully marched police station register firearms long afterwards police said best everyone turn guns authorities already knew futile comply voluntarily kitty werthmann freedom speech anyone said something government taken away knew many people arrested jews also priests ministers spoke totalitarianism didnt come quickly took 5 years 1938 1943 realize full dictatorship austria happened overnight countrymen would fought last breath instead creeping gradualism weapons broom handles whole idea sounds almost unbelievable state little little eroded freedom is160my eyewitness account true us sailed past statue liberty came country unbelievable freedom opportunity america truly greatest country world dont let freedom slip away america place go | 1,037 |
<p />
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>The music streaming wars are getting hotter.</p>
<p>In recent weeks,Pandora Media(NYSE: P) announced plans for an on-demand streaming service to match Spotfiy andApple(NASDAQ: AAPL), Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN)said it plans to launch an on-demand service compatible with its voice-activated Echo device for just $5/month, and SoundCloud, after launching a subscription service earlier this year, is offering three months of SoundCloud Go for just $0.99.</p>
<p>And those players are fighting with Jay-Z's Tidal, Alphabet's(NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL)Google Play and YouTube, iHeartRadio, and other services for market share.</p>
<p>There's a problem, here, though. No one is making any money.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>Once upon a time, people who wanted to hear their favorite band's new album had to fork over $15 at their local record store. Today, you can have access to millions of songs for less than that each month.</p>
<p>File-sharing broke the music industry since competing with free is difficult, and it never really recovered. For a while, iTunes offered a viable option, but streaming services have gradually replaced downloads, and low prices across the board are squeezing artists and the streaming services themselves. Consumers are the ones who come out on top.</p>
<p>Spotify now claims 40 million paid subscribers, making it the clear leader in the industry, but the company is still burning cash. Spotify lost $188.7 million last year on $2.12 billion in revenue.</p>
<p>In its quest to turn a profit, Spotify faces the same conundrum as every other streaming service. Royalty fees to artists and record labels increase just as fast as revenues, and sometimes faster. Spotify's revenue grew 81% last year, but royalty fees jumped 85% to nearly $2 billion, taking up 84% of revenue.Such a business model leaves little left over to pay for marketing, technology, and corporate salaries.</p>
<p>At Pandora, the other pure-play veteran in the mix, the challenges have been much the same. On a GAAP-basis, Pandora has never had a profitable year in its four years as a publicly traded company, and 2015 marked its biggest loss, at $170 million.Because Pandora doesn't allow users to select individual songs, its royalty fees aren't as high as Spotify's, but the company has consistently paid about 50% revenues in content acquisition costs. The need for it to spend heavily on sales and marketing -- in particular, to sell ads against its music -- means the company has been unable to turn a profit.</p>
<p>The story is the same at Tidal, whose loss doubled from $14 million to $28 million last year.It's worth noting also that Spotify and Pandora are no longer start-ups, being founded in 2006 and 2000, respectively.</p>
<p>The internet leveled a number of industries, and almost all of them have struggled to make profits the way they did in the analog days.</p>
<p>Like music, print media has seen profits shrivel as newspapers and magazines made the transition to the web. While most of the nation's largest newspapers now require a subscription to access them online, digital advertising is still much less profitable than print advertising, and free, web-only publications likeThe Huffington Post are a constant threat.</p>
<p>In brick-and-mortar retail, Amazon has been content to operate at breakeven, and most online retailers have been unable to turn a profit. Brick-and-mortar operators have also conceded that profits are thinner online.</p>
<p>In video streaming, perhaps analog for the music industry, profits have also been rare, asNetflixhas operated at breakeven levels as it builds out its service internationally. The company has promised material profits by next year, but its ability to break free from oppressive content costs by producing its own original series has helped neutralize the problem. Music streamers don't have that luxury, however, as there are tens of billions of songs under copyright, making it much more fragmented than TV and movies.</p>
<p>The music streamers have taken some steps to mimic the Netflix model with exclusive deals, but it has yet to shift the competitive landscape or solve the underlying problem with the business model.</p>
<p>The biggest challenge to profits, though, may be the presence of heavyweights like Apple, Amazon, and Google since those companies aren't interested in profits from music, but rather to sell more devices or services -- whether they be iPhones, Echos, Prime memberships, Android, or YouTube ads.</p>
<p>There's already been some fallout in the industry. Google shut down Songza late last year, and Rdio filed for bankruptcy around the same time, but there will have to be much more consolidation if the industry hopes to float on its own.</p>
<p>Spending on music in the U.S. is still less than half of what it was in 1999, before the digital revolution, and it only grew by 0.9% last year despite the plethora of options. Consumers have been conditioned to expect to pay almost nothing for music over the last 16 years, and with so much competition in the industry, prices will remain low. For pure-play streamers, the recent pattern is unlikely to change.</p>
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<p>We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | image source getty images continue reading music streaming wars getting hotter recent weekspandora medianyse p announced plans ondemand streaming service match spotfiy andapplenasdaq aapl amazoncom nasdaq amznsaid plans launch ondemand service compatible voiceactivated echo device 5month soundcloud launching subscription service earlier year offering three months soundcloud go 099 players fighting jayzs tidal alphabetsnasdaq goog nasdaq googlgoogle play youtube iheartradio services market share theres problem though one making money advertisement upon time people wanted hear favorite bands new album fork 15 local record store today access millions songs less month filesharing broke music industry since competing free difficult never really recovered itunes offered viable option streaming services gradually replaced downloads low prices across board squeezing artists streaming services consumers ones come top spotify claims 40 million paid subscribers making clear leader industry company still burning cash spotify lost 1887 million last year 212 billion revenue quest turn profit spotify faces conundrum every streaming service royalty fees artists record labels increase fast revenues sometimes faster spotifys revenue grew 81 last year royalty fees jumped 85 nearly 2 billion taking 84 revenuesuch business model leaves little left pay marketing technology corporate salaries pandora pureplay veteran mix challenges much gaapbasis pandora never profitable year four years publicly traded company 2015 marked biggest loss 170 millionbecause pandora doesnt allow users select individual songs royalty fees arent high spotifys company consistently paid 50 revenues content acquisition costs need spend heavily sales marketing particular sell ads music means company unable turn profit story tidal whose loss doubled 14 million 28 million last yearits worth noting also spotify pandora longer startups founded 2006 2000 respectively internet leveled number industries almost struggled make profits way analog days like music print media seen profits shrivel newspapers magazines made transition web nations largest newspapers require subscription access online digital advertising still much less profitable print advertising free webonly publications likethe huffington post constant threat brickandmortar retail amazon content operate breakeven online retailers unable turn profit brickandmortar operators also conceded profits thinner online video streaming perhaps analog music industry profits also rare asnetflixhas operated breakeven levels builds service internationally company promised material profits next year ability break free oppressive content costs producing original series helped neutralize problem music streamers dont luxury however tens billions songs copyright making much fragmented tv movies music streamers taken steps mimic netflix model exclusive deals yet shift competitive landscape solve underlying problem business model biggest challenge profits though may presence heavyweights like apple amazon google since companies arent interested profits music rather sell devices services whether iphones echos prime memberships android youtube ads theres already fallout industry google shut songza late last year rdio filed bankruptcy around time much consolidation industry hopes float spending music us still less half 1999 digital revolution grew 09 last year despite plethora options consumers conditioned expect pay almost nothing music last 16 years much competition industry prices remain low pureplay streamers recent pattern unlikely change secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window suzanne frey executive alphabet member motley fools board directors jeremy bowman opens new window owns shares apple netflix motley fool owns shares recommends alphabet c shares amazoncom apple netflix pandora media motley fool following options long january 2018 90 calls apple short january 2018 95 calls apple try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 607 |
<p><a href="//videos/37/51902" type="external" /></p>
<p>RUSH: So I was going through the show prep today and you know what I find myself doing? I have to catch myself. I’m throwing more stuff away and halfway to the trash container is where I throw things. The way this show gets prepped, I constantly am reading. When I read something I like I print it to my studio printer and then I forget about it. Wherever I am, the afternoon or night, I print to the studio printer. And once I have printed it, I forget it. Because I’m confident that when I go in the next day and collect the things from the printer, start going through it, I’ll remember why I wanted to print it and why it was a possibility for the Stack of stuff.</p>
<p>I find myself lately throwing more stuff away, and I caught myself on a thing today throwing it away, and I asked myself, “Would you have thrown this away ten years ago? Would you have thrown it away 15 years ago? Would you have thrown it away one year ago?” And I stopped myself, and I put it back in the stack. And in order to illustrate what I’m talking about, I put it at the top of the stack. Now I threw it away because it’s depraved. And I threw it away because it’s just another example of the descent our culture is taking toward the sewer. But then I stopped myself and I asked — and I think it’s crucial that we all ask ourselves every time we think that — is it really a crashing toward the sewer and if it is, is it really new? Does it represent something that has not happened before? And the honest answer most of the time is no, it’s not anything really new.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" /></p>
<p>I think the depths of depravity have been plunged long before today. I don’t know that we’re setting any new standards for depravity. I think what’s happening is we’re learning more and more about it. I take that back. Television is clearly more depraved. The other day, I gotta tell you I was surprised, the TV show Ray Donovan came up. <a href="" type="internal">I watch Ray Donovan but I’ve not told anybody</a>, because you know what? I thought that if you knew that I watched Ray Donovan that you would think that my own morality had hit the sewer. So I didn’t mention that I watch it and it’s not about not plugging it, it’s not that. It’s not an “appointment” watch. I mean, I won’t stop what I’m doing to watch it, but after I know it’s aired — I don’t watch it live. I don’t watch much of anything live anymore. But if there are a list of things on Apple TV or on the DVR to watch, it’s not going to go to the top, but I will eventually watch it.</p>
<p>And I was shocked. I really was. I probably shouldn’t admit this. I was shocked to learn of the people that I think would be not just offended, but angry about such filth, loving it, which is all good. I mean, the surprises learning that you’re wrong, those are all good things to happen. But some of the people that I can’t believe not only watch it, but like it, are the same kind of people in the past that have told me that TV needs to be cleaned up, it’s going to hell in a handbasket, all the sex and violence and crude language. Now I guess everybody has given up. We’ve defined decency down now that we look at the entertainment value of it, whether the acting is good, the writing is good, the story is good, no matter the depravity, we’ll watch it. And then somebody said, “Wait a minute. What’s the difference between that and The Sopranos? And you loved The Sopranos.”</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">When Gandolfini passed away</a>, I went back and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006CR2OOA?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=theoffiwebs0d-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B006CR2OOA" type="external">I watched some Sopranos episodes from every season</a>and I don’t think The Sopranos got anywhere near this show in terms of things that happened, language. I could tell you everything that happened on The Sopranos. I would not be nervous in describing, there’s not much that happened on that show that I’d be afraid to recount. But if you haven’t seen Ray Donovan, there’s stuff I can’t tell you without violating decency standards like crazy. So the show prep and talking about cultural things, it bothers me, and yet here I am watching this show. It bothers me. It bothers me for the country, that’s all. Like so much of what’s going on does.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006CR2OOA?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=theoffiwebs0d-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B006CR2OOA" type="external" /></p>
<p>Now, here’s the story that I was going to throw away, and I didn’t because something about it made me realize that it will help me make a point that I’ve been making about the cultural depravity that’s taking place. One half of this story is no big deal. It happens all the time and it’s been happening since the beginning of time. “Florida Man Accused of Killing Wife.”</p>
<p>Okay. Big deal. People have been killing each other since the beginning of time. What this guy did, though… It’s in Miami. “A South Florida man who authorities say fatally shot his wife … was charged with first-degree murder [last] night after turning himself in.” Do you know how they caught him? He posted a photo of her dead, shot-up body on Facebook. I’m going through this today and I said, “Okay, that’s trash, absolute trash.</p>
<p>“If I start talking about this, the Stick-to the-Issues Crowd is going to inundate me.” But something stopped me halfway to the trash bin and I said, “No, this dovetails with precisely the a point that I’ve been making for I don’t know how many years,” and that is this social media — this desire for fame, this desire to get noticed, this desire that so many people have to get on TV or to be talked about — is causing some really dangerous things to happen.</p>
<p>“Miami-Dade police said in an arrest affidavit that Derek Medina, 31, said he shot Jennifer Alfonso, 26, at their South Miami home after she said she was ‘leaving him.'” Just leaving, splitting. The guy, apparently, was a loser. “According to the affidavit, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Medina said the couple became involved in a heated argument in an upstairs bedroom when he armed himself with a gun and pointed it at her. He said [she] left the bedroom, returning later to say she was leaving him.</p>
<p>“He says he went downstairs and confronted her in the kitchen, when she began punching him. He claims he went back upstairs to get his gun and confronted her again, at which time she grabbed a knife. [He] said he was able to disarm her and put the knife in a drawer, but that when she began punching him again, he shot her several times, the affidavit says. A post on a Facebook page identified as Medina’s said at 11:11 .a.m. [yesterday], ‘Im going to prison or death sentence for killing my wife love you guys miss you guys takecare (sic) Facebook people you will see me in the news.'”</p>
<p>To think I almost threw this story away because it’s depraved, because it’s depressing.Well, the reason… I don’t know this guy and it’s just one example, but look at what this social media… Look, I’m really running a risk talking about this, because I’m going to come across as an old fuddy-duddy and that’s not the point. (sigh) It’s all about wanting a great country. It’s all about wanting this country to stay great with plenty of prosperity and opportunity.</p>
<p>And every time I see something like this, I think that there’s no putting the genie back in the bottle. I just think it’s unfortunate there aren’t any standards here. We have so many people so obsessed with becoming famous that they’re engaging in activity that ruins their lives in this quest. We have people who are destroying their own humanity. Now some would say, “Rush, don’t worry about it. These same kind of people have always existed. They just destroyed themselves in different ways before this social media hit.”</p>
<p />
<p>That may be.</p>
<p>It may be.</p>
<p>I just think that there’s a rising level of ignorance, stupidity, surfaceness, shallowness, self-absorption, and all of these things that… People are pursuing happiness, but they’re pursuing things that will never, ever make them happy, and they don’t know that. They’ve got a distorted view of what will make them happy, what happiness is, and it’s based on what they see on television. That just makes me sad at the end of the day and it makes me wish there was something I could do about it, and, of course, there isn’t.</p>
<p>Because it’s a free country and there is free will. Anyway, this guy’s “post claimed that his wife was punching him and that he wasn’t going to stand any more abuse. However, YouTube videos linked to his Facebook page earlier this week show him working out in a martial arts studio, punching and kicking a heavy bag. The next and final post — also at 11:11 a.m. and titled ‘RIP Jennifer Alfonso’ — was a gruesome photograph showing a woman in black leotards slumped on the floor.</p>
<p>“She looked like she had fallen backward, with her legs bent to her sides and blood on her left arm and left cheek. The photo was up for more than five hours before Facebook removed the page late [yesterday] afternoon.” The obsession people have with sharing everything, becoming famous, and now this guy even says it. (summarized) “You guys take care, you Facebook people. You are a going to see me on the news and you’re going to see my dead wife’s body on the news. You’ll see that on Facebook! I’ll do anything I can do get noticed.”</p>
<p>These are the people electing Democrats, if they vote.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: One more thing about this article about this Medina guy, the guy that killed his wife and put the picture on the Facebook. “On his Facebook page, Medina claimed to be a supervisor at a property management company and to have appeared in the Miami-based crime drama ‘Burn Notice,’ though his name doesn’t appear in online credits for the show.” But he’s out there bragging.</p>
<p>“I was on TV! I was on Burn Notice! I killed my wife; I put it on Facebook! Hey, Facebook friends, I’ll he see you later! You’ll be seeing a lot of me!” <a href="http://davidlimbaugh.com/" type="external">My brother, David</a>, sent me a note. He says, “You’re right about one thing, wrong about the other. We’re experiencing no greater depravity today than ever. It’s the same, because human nature is human nature.”</p>
<p>Then he said, “I think there is a striking difference now in America, in that our politically correctly liberal culture is condoning and glorifying all of this and calling it ‘tolerance,'” and you know, that is right. That sort of rings the bell for me. That’s what it is. It’s not that it’s happening; it’s always happened, this kind of depravity. “There’s nothing new since Genesis.” You’ve heard the old thing. What is bothering me is that it doesn’t bother as many people.</p>
<p>It’s Moynihan, the “defining deviancy down” business, and we end up condoning this stuff — and if we don’t condone it, we glorify it, because the left wants to take every one of these acts of depravity and use it to advance their agenda or an element of their agenda, such as guns or what have you. “We have to understand the rage,” it’s said. “We have to be tolerant of people who have come from unfortunate, low-class socioeconomic circumstances.”</p>
<p>It’s called tolerance and acceptance and understanding, rather than some of this stuff being condemned and dealt with, and that’s what’s disturbing. Then you add to it that the secular left, the people that traffic and love immortality, love throwing standards out the window; they don’t want any standards. That’s exactly what it is. It is the lack of being shocked, lack of revulsion, and even the laughing at and acceptance of this stuff.</p> | true | 0 | rush going show prep today know find catch im throwing stuff away halfway trash container throw things way show gets prepped constantly reading read something like print studio printer forget wherever afternoon night print studio printer printed forget im confident go next day collect things printer start going ill remember wanted print possibility stack stuff find lately throwing stuff away caught thing today throwing away asked would thrown away ten years ago would thrown away 15 years ago would thrown away one year ago stopped put back stack order illustrate im talking put top stack threw away depraved threw away another example descent culture taking toward sewer stopped asked think crucial ask every time think really crashing toward sewer really new represent something happened honest answer time anything really new think depths depravity plunged long today dont know setting new standards depravity think whats happening learning take back television clearly depraved day got ta tell surprised tv show ray donovan came watch ray donovan ive told anybody know thought knew watched ray donovan would think morality hit sewer didnt mention watch plugging appointment watch mean wont stop im watch know aired dont watch live dont watch much anything live anymore list things apple tv dvr watch going go top eventually watch shocked really probably shouldnt admit shocked learn people think would offended angry filth loving good mean surprises learning youre wrong good things happen people cant believe watch like kind people past told tv needs cleaned going hell handbasket sex violence crude language guess everybody given weve defined decency look entertainment value whether acting good writing good story good matter depravity well watch somebody said wait minute whats difference sopranos loved sopranos gandolfini passed away went back watched sopranos episodes every seasonand dont think sopranos got anywhere near show terms things happened language could tell everything happened sopranos would nervous describing theres much happened show id afraid recount havent seen ray donovan theres stuff cant tell without violating decency standards like crazy show prep talking cultural things bothers yet watching show bothers bothers country thats like much whats going heres story going throw away didnt something made realize help make point ive making cultural depravity thats taking place one half story big deal happens time happening since beginning time florida man accused killing wife okay big deal people killing since beginning time guy though miami south florida man authorities say fatally shot wife charged firstdegree murder last night turning know caught posted photo dead shotup body facebook im going today said okay thats trash absolute trash start talking stickto theissues crowd going inundate something stopped halfway trash bin said dovetails precisely point ive making dont know many years social media desire fame desire get noticed desire many people get tv talked causing really dangerous things happen miamidade police said arrest affidavit derek medina 31 said shot jennifer alfonso 26 south miami home said leaving leaving splitting guy apparently loser according affidavit 6foot2 200pound medina said couple became involved heated argument upstairs bedroom armed gun pointed said left bedroom returning later say leaving says went downstairs confronted kitchen began punching claims went back upstairs get gun confronted time grabbed knife said able disarm put knife drawer began punching shot several times affidavit says post facebook page identified medinas said 1111 yesterday im going prison death sentence killing wife love guys miss guys takecare sic facebook people see news think almost threw story away depraved depressingwell reason dont know guy one example look social media look im really running risk talking im going come across old fuddyduddy thats point sigh wanting great country wanting country stay great plenty prosperity opportunity every time see something like think theres putting genie back bottle think unfortunate arent standards many people obsessed becoming famous theyre engaging activity ruins lives quest people destroying humanity would say rush dont worry kind people always existed destroyed different ways social media hit may may think theres rising level ignorance stupidity surfaceness shallowness selfabsorption things people pursuing happiness theyre pursuing things never ever make happy dont know theyve got distorted view make happy happiness based see television makes sad end day makes wish something could course isnt free country free anyway guys post claimed wife punching wasnt going stand abuse however youtube videos linked facebook page earlier week show working martial arts studio punching kicking heavy bag next final post also 1111 titled rip jennifer alfonso gruesome photograph showing woman black leotards slumped floor looked like fallen backward legs bent sides blood left arm left cheek photo five hours facebook removed page late yesterday afternoon obsession people sharing everything becoming famous guy even says summarized guys take care facebook people going see news youre going see dead wifes body news youll see facebook ill anything get noticed people electing democrats vote break transcript rush one thing article medina guy guy killed wife put picture facebook facebook page medina claimed supervisor property management company appeared miamibased crime drama burn notice though name doesnt appear online credits show hes bragging tv burn notice killed wife put facebook hey facebook friends ill see later youll seeing lot brother david sent note says youre right one thing wrong experiencing greater depravity today ever human nature human nature said think striking difference america politically correctly liberal culture condoning glorifying calling tolerance know right sort rings bell thats happening always happened kind depravity theres nothing new since genesis youve heard old thing bothering doesnt bother many people moynihan defining deviancy business end condoning stuff dont condone glorify left wants take every one acts depravity use advance agenda element agenda guns understand rage said tolerant people come unfortunate lowclass socioeconomic circumstances called tolerance acceptance understanding rather stuff condemned dealt thats whats disturbing add secular left people traffic love immortality love throwing standards window dont want standards thats exactly lack shocked lack revulsion even laughing acceptance stuff | 978 |
<p>In this episode of the <a href="https://www.fool.com/podcasts/marketfoolery/?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=e983cc86-d5bc-11e7-8d23-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Market Foolery Opens a New Window.</a> podcast, host Mac Greer talks with Jeff Fischer from Motley Fool Pro and Options and Bill Man, The Motley Fool's director of small cap strategy, about today's biggest market news. First, revised GDP numbers and the NASDAQ's subsequent drop, and what to keep in mind when looking at Goldman Sachs' (NYSE: GS) foreboding predictions for the market at large. Chipotle's (NYSE: CMG) CEO is stepping down, and the market isn't shedding many tears to see him go. Shake Shack's (NYSE: SHAK) short interest continues to rise as the company's model continues to struggle. And Uber -- which lost a whopping $1.5 billion this quarter -- is planning to go public in 2019, but there are more than a few reasons to be skeptical about their long-term horizon. Listen in to find out more.</p>
<p>A full transcript follows the video.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of November 6, 2017The author(s) may have a position in any stocks mentioned.</p>
<p>This video was recorded on Nov. 29, 2017.</p>
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<p>Mac Greer: It's&#160;Wednesday, Nov. 29. Welcome to Market Foolery. I'm Mac Greer, and joining me in studio, we have Jeff Fischer from Motley Fool Pro and Options, and Bill Mann, The Motley Fool's director of Small Cap Strategy. Gentlemen, welcome!</p>
<p>Jeff Fischer: Hey, Mac! How are you?</p>
<p>Bill Mann: How are you?</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;I'm good. Jeff, you were saying you're a little tired, had a rough night last night?</p>
<p>Fischer: If you want to get into it, I didn't sleep well last night. I'm not sure why. Maybe someone can help me out, tips for sleeping.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;I have a theory. Were you excited about the revised GDP numbers?</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;That's what I was waiting for, yeah.</p>
<p>Mann: It definitely goes into the list.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;OK, well, wait no longer, because the revised GDP numbers are here. GDP, guys, growing at a 3.3% annualized rate for the third quarter. That's the strongest growth since 2014. But it really didn't do much for the market. In fact, the NASDAQ at the time of our taping right now is down big.</p>
<p>Mann: The NASDAQ hates GDP growth.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;The NASDAQ apparently hates GDP growth. And Bill, this comes against a backdrop where Goldman Sachs has come out warning that stocks are at their highest valuation since 1900.</p>
<p>Mann: Not just stocks, but every asset class. Every asset class. And what they're saying is, since 1900, there's only been a few times in which stocks and bonds have really moved in the same direction and become as distended as they are now. And the other time was 1920, which I understand...</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;And how did that work out?</p>
<p>Mann: Yeah, I'm not much on history but, [laughs] they didn't call it the Great Depression for nothing.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;There's no question that we're going to see volatility in bonds in stocks, and I guess almost any investment, Bill. I don't know about real estate. We'll see. I have a long statement I could make, but I want to keep the conversation going, because we're not quite to what I want to say yet. Maybe now we are.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;Let's talk about that, because we have all these different data points. We have a roaring stock market -- until today, at least. We have GDP numbers that are really strong. We have the prospect of tax reform. And we have this ongoing issue with North Korea, which may not be great.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;Yeah, throw that in there, too.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;Yeah, throw that into the soup. As an investor, what do you do with all that?</p>
<p>Fischer: Janet Yellen and the Fed is talking about this today, how interest rates are only going to rise moderately, slowly. So where we are at is, interest rates are still low, the S&amp;P 500 has a 2.1% yield, which is right around where it has historically been. The S&amp;P 500 trades on estimates from Cap IQ at about 18.5 times normalized earnings for 2018.</p>
<p>Mann: Kind of middle of the road.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;Yeah. And GAAP [P/E], I'm happy to see, is right at the same level. So, 18 times. The mean P/E ratio of the S&amp;P over history is 15.7 times. So, we're about 15% above that on 2018 estimates. So, as you say, Bill, we're not that far out of line.</p>
<p>Mann: Goldman somehow disagrees with you, though.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;They do, and they're also looking at the Shiller P/E, which I don't buy into completely. The Shiller P/E is 32 times. The Shiller P/E takes the last 10 years and averages it, more or less.</p>
<p>Mann: So, here's the deal. We're getting ready to go into our ninth year, tenth year following the financial collapse. And what has been in place in that entire time has been asset purchases by governments around the world. The central banks have taken on a huge amount. There's $13 trillion of sovereign debt that has a negative interest rate now. At some point, that has to reverse. At some point, they have to start selling. They will sell down their balance sheets. What they're doing is propping up assets. And I don't know what's going to happen. We have been in uncharted territory for a long time. I don't want to be Doctor Doom about this, but it has to happen. And I think that has something to do with the fact that all of the assets classes are as expensive as they are now. We're not even talking about bitcoin, which I know you don't want to talk about.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;Yeah. At least, Warren Buffett and other people say to avoid it, it's a sign of speculation, there's no real value there. But I have no strong opinion about it. But, Bill is right. As the quantitative easing of the prior decade, more or less, slowly starts to unwind,&#160;what will happen? Nobody knows. You would expect asset prices to not rise as much.</p>
<p>Mann: Classical finance would say that's the case.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;Yeah. Rise moderately, maybe, which, along with GDP, that's really going to be the driver of value, in the end, of the stock market. But, we also don't know, if the economy gets weak again, are we now addicted to this drug? Will governments come out, assuming that we have a functioning government, and say, "We're going to&#160;reinstate QE, we're going to support asset prices," because that's what we're getting used to now.</p>
<p>Greer: Coming back to what&#160;all this means for individual investors -- when you take all that into consideration, when you take the Goldman Sachs report into consideration, are you still looking at companies on a company by company basis? Or does the macro weigh on your investment thesis?</p>
<p>Fischer: I think I can speak for almost everybody at The Fool, where we look at a company itself and what it is creating and the value it's deriving from its business. And you can look at so many stocks that did well the prior decade, like, say, 2000-2009, when overall the market did badly. But you had Netflix in there, and Google, and MasterCard and all these businesses --</p>
<p>Mann: Pretty good.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;-- Fool names, Fool companies,&#160;that did really well. So, that's what we're trying to find, regardless of what the economy does. That said, the backdrop of the macro does, of course, play in your mind a little bit. It might direct you to what sort of companies you look at, for example.</p>
<p>Mann: I think there's actually very little linkage between what the price of the market is at any given point and how it performs over the next 10 years. There's not a huge amount of correlation. Simply because all of the other inputs that go into what's going to happen in the future. I think the thing, and Jeff was talking about this as well, the thing that's really hard to get your head around is what's going to happen with those balance sheets. If you believe that they have to unwind, that's not a bullish case for assets. But, people have been waiting now for six or seven years for a pullback in the market and it hasn't happened.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;Bill, we were trading emails this morning, I know one of the things you were fired up to talk about was regulatory concerns with regards to big tech. So, now that we're talking&#160;companies, when we look at the last 10 years and we look at this bull market,&#160;Amazon, Apple,&#160;Alphabet, Netflix,&#160;Facebook, have had huge run-ups. But,&#160;there's this whole issue of regulatory concerns. And, oh, by the way, we're not just talking about the U.S., we're talking about Europe and the rest of the world. How much does that weigh on you?</p>
<p>Mann: I think we're especially talking about Europe in the rest of the world. I think&#160;Europe has been really, really nervous about Google and Amazon. We love these companies, but I think if you pull back the layers from Amazon, what you really can't get away from is, they are anti-competitive in some ways. They just are. And that's something that the U.S. tolerates much more than Europe tends to. So, you can get away with that when you are 0.2% of all commerce. Can you get away with it when you're 2%? Can you get away with it when you're 4% or 5%? And I don't know the answer to that.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;And&#160;keep in mind, Europe does not benefit from Amazon and Google the way the U.S. does, by hosting these U.S. companies.</p>
<p>Greer: Chipotle is looking for a new CEO. Current CEO and founder Steve Ells will become executive chairman, where he will focus on innovation.&#160;Jeff, shares of Chipotle trading around $300 today. Back in 2015, trading north of $700. Can a new CEO turn it around?</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;You could say there's no question that they need to make a change, and this may even be overdue, because the company has been stumbling for about two years or so. And I don't think any of us would argue that they had a clear strategy to right the ship and bring customer confidence back into the store and to grow traffic. They've struggled on all these counts. I think they need to refresh, they need someone who's going to look at everything they do and not have any sacred cows, so to speak.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;Is this primarily a story of their foodborne illnesses and all of the health concerns? Or did Chipotle just get over its skis in terms of its valuation and growth?</p>
<p>Mann: First of all, I do want to say, how bad must it feel for Steve and else to announce that he's stepping down and have the stock go up, I think it's been as high as 13%?</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;Yeah, that's got to sting.</p>
<p>Mann: As a founder, that's not the way that you want to&#160;increase the value of your company.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;True, although maybe it helps him affirm, "I'm making the right decision, all right." [laughs]</p>
<p>Mann: So, to me, there are a couple of questions here. One is, I think it's very clear that the environment around Chipotle has changed. When they came out, they were special, because they were coming out in an environment where there weren't&#160;that many restaurants or chains that were doing something that was similar to what they were doing, Food with Integrity. These were real things. But, I think in 2017, you've kind of lost the plot there. You can walk out from Fool headquarters and find five places within 500 feet that also do something similar to what Chipotle does. So, they had a game plan, and the environment shifted, and they did not. So,&#160;I think that's a real thing that a new manager needs to bring to the table. And I happen to think that Steve Ells did a bang-up job for a lot of years, but this isn't an environment he is prepared to deal with.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;So, how about the next CEO? Who are we going to bring in?</p>
<p>Fischer: I would love to see Panera's CEO, Ron Shaich. Is that how you pronounce his last name?&#160;I never listen to the show. [laughs] He did a great job.</p>
<p>Mann: [laughs] I knew how to say it.</p>
<p>Fischer: I do listen to the show, it's even worse. Yeah,&#160;he did a great job turning Panera around, and I think they've lived up to quality food in a way that Chipotle apparently hasn't.</p>
<p>Mann: That's actually who I was going to say. The other person I was thinking of who is soon-to-be maybe looking for work or a change would be Sally Smith, who is getting ready to be done at Buffalo Wild Wings. You saw the announcement that they're actually going to be taken over by&#160;Roark Capital. Previously,&#160;she said she was stepping down. So, she's someone who we have known for a long time, have a tremendous amount of respect for her, and she has operated in an environment in which she has made something that was maybe not very differentiated, Buffalo Wings, and differentiated them. And to me, that might be a good step for both parties.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;The one I want to throw in the mix is Patrick Doyle from Domino's, because he scored high on my proprietary Humility Index a few years back when he basically acknowledged, "People think our pizza tastes like cardboard, we're going to make it better." And I love, love, love that sort of humility because then you're looking at all possible solutions. And that's my problem with Chipotle, and I'm a shareholder, but this whole Food with Integrity, and this patting ourselves on our own back, as a customer, that doesn't really help me.&#160;I want food that tastes good. And I think there's a little too much navel-gazing there. They have to get rid of that stuff.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;Bill brings up a great point. That's no longer novel. There are so many places that bring you local, quality Food with Integrity. My wife is an actress --</p>
<p>Mann: So, you're going to throw her out as the next CEO?</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;She's looking for a job, yeah. [laughs] She said at the production meeting last night, which is about 20 production crew, cast, they had dinner and dinner was brought into them and it was Chipotle. And I was surprised when she told me last night that everyone looked at each other with worry. None of them had eaten Chipotle since the scare two years ago, and I haven't either. So, it's amazing how quickly you can kill a brand or kill the trust in a brand. But, they did all eat it, and she said it was great.</p>
<p>Mann: Only three of them died.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;[laughs] But, that's how much work they have to do still to get people back in those locations.</p>
<p>Mann: They do.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;It's a totally unfair comparison, but I was in Texas for the holidays, and I was going to go to Jack in The Box&#160;for breakfast tacos and I didn't, because remember Jack in the Box --</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;I do.</p>
<p>Greer: -- has&#160;some of their own issues.</p>
<p>Mann: You know who else, actually, would be a great CEO for them is Cheryl Bachelder, who's the CEO at Popeye's, which was a legit turn around. 10 years ago, it was irrelevant, it was dirty, with the exception of the fact that their chicken is awesome, it had really, really bad name recognition. But now it doesn't.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;Not&#160;Food with Integrity.</p>
<p>Mann:&#160;No. No. Now,&#160;it's my favorite Cajun restaurant.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;Popeye's is? Really?</p>
<p>Mann: Over -- oh, Chick-fil-A isn't Cajun.</p>
<p>Mann: No. But, Popeye's is legit.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;OK, let's keep it on the subject of restaurants, because I know we also love talking Shake Shack.</p>
<p>The hook here is, for the month of November, Bill, the short interest, the people betting against this stock, a lot of people betting against Shake Shack, short interest on the rise. So, when you look at Shake Shack right now, is this another star waiting to fall? Or do you think it has some --</p>
<p>Mann: There's something really interesting about this. For people who are not familiar, who have not tried Shake Shack, Shake Shack is a very high-end burger restaurant, and they do a really good job. It was based in New York. The founder is Danny Meyer. Most of their profits and revenue still come from New York, from the Big Apple. They do much less well outside of New York. So, as you're getting to the point now where New York is a saturated market for them, where do they go where the economics are similar, that they have the same level of pricing power, if you will? And that's the core of the short thesis. It's not that they're a poorly run company,&#160;it's not that they're out ahead of their skis. The valuation is really high, and New York is about as good as it's going to get for Shake Shack. To me, those two things at least bear thinking about.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;Initially -- I should say, I thought you pronounced it Shake Shaich. [laughs] But, it's another Shack, OK,&#160;Shake Shack. We've been short shares of Shake Shack...</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;Easy for you to say.</p>
<p>Fischer: ...for about a year. And they're down about 15%. But, in this market, that's a good result. It does look very expensive, as Bill said. Trades at about 75 times expected earnings for next year. Even as their employment costs are going up, their promotion costs are going up, traffic has been down the last three quarters with a 3.8% drop in traffic last quarter.</p>
<p>Mann: And&#160;that's for stores that have been open for more than a year.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;That's right, same-store sales. I think it's a young chain to be posting big drops in traffic like that. Bill is exactly right, these stores in New York and Manhattan make $7 million each per year,&#160;and newer stores make half that, more or less. And then, further out, locations that are even less central will make a bit less.</p>
<p>Mann: They can't charge that much in Louisville. I mean, they just can't.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;And there are so many good burger places now. This feels a lot like the cupcake craze a few years ago.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;It does feel saturated. And they do, as Bill said, have a good brand and a good story and people who love it.</p>
<p>Mann: Yeah. You don't have to say anything bad about the operations of the company to come up with that conclusion. I'm not saying Shake Shack is doomed because they're idiots. Essentially, what you're saying is the model is going to struggle as they try and push it out.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;That's what bears are thinking, and shorts are thinking. They do have $77 million in net cash. They look to grow their store count by 36-40% next year, which would be&#160;the biggest jump since they IPO-ed. They're looking to add 32-35 new locations next year. But they're still in the U.S., domestic-owned Shacks. But, they're&#160;still a small company,&#160;and they're trading extremely expensively on a per unit basis, on earnings, on cash flow, on anything you look at. And it's still, in the end, just a burger chain. I hate to put it that way...</p>
<p>Mann: Do you like investing in restaurants?</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;Almost never, and I've missed some giant winners because of it. But I've also missed a lot of heartache.</p>
<p>Mann: Yeah, I think what we've learned with Chipotle that you've seen over time is that the brand means so much, but I don't know that there's an industry where the brands are more fragile than they are in the restaurant industry.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;Yeah. And if you get it right, look at McDonald's, life-making fortune. But there are so few of those when you had them up. Cheesecake&#160;was great.</p>
<p>Mann: But McDonald's also had a walk in the shadow of the valley of death.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;And it's coming back.</p>
<p>Mann: But, in 1999, in 2000, people were valuing McDonald's based on its real estate. That's how bad the brand itself was at that time. So, yeah, they can come back. It's certainly possible. I would much rather be in Chipotle's place right now than I would be in Shake Shack's place right now, because they have an installed base, and they have a brand that is known, and it's recoverable.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;Even, now, the story has changed completely. As we've seen, and Panera has done so well, is that&#160;you have to be in the customer's pocket, on an app, and make it easy to order and deliver and pick it up. So, even now, the competitive landscape is getting more and more brutal.</p>
<p>Greer: OK, guys, our&#160;final story, Uber. Uber reporting a $1.5 billion quarterly loss. Bill, that seems like a large number to me.</p>
<p>Mann: But, it's a quarterly number, so if you annualize it, it's pretty good. [laughs] It really takes something to lose that much money. I want a chance to lose $1.5 billion a quarter, who's with me?</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;I like it. So, the CEO has said that the company plans to IPO in 2019. I don't want to say are they still on track, but&#160;how are you feeling about Uber?</p>
<p>Mann: Well, they're going to have to IPO. For one, they're going to have too many shareholders. Remember when...</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;Facebook.</p>
<p>Mann: Yeah, I was going to say Google, but it was Facebook, when they came public, it was simply because they had too many shareholders of record to remain private. So, Uber is coming public one way or another. It's just going to happen.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;And what about the business?</p>
<p>Mann: It's a mess. It's a mess with huge optionality. It's one of those businesses that, and this is terrible for a podcast, that I kind of feel like I don't have to have an opinion on. It really could do either. But you would have to say now, with their core business, that it's really big, and they're still not making profits. And, to me, that's an issue.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;And&#160;there's some argument to be said that some companies have profitability in their DNA. They become profitable early on, and that's how they run the business, and that's how they grow it. Google was an example, it came public profitable.&#160;eBay,&#160;Facebook, a lot of great companies are profitable when they come public. Then again, some others are not,&#160;like Amazon. But, the size of these losses, and the way they've grown the business to date, which is chasing market share, it may make it more difficult for them to become a steadily profitable business. It may be hard for them to turn that corner and make their foundation.</p>
<p>Mann: Yeah. The thing I can't get over with Uber, and I can't get around this, is that this business was founded based upon ignoring and breaking the laws and regulations. It was, right?</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;Yeah.</p>
<p>Mann: So, that's what's in their DNA. Of all the businesses that have been beset by scandal, by managerial scandal, Uber was the one that surprised me the least, because when they started -- and I'm not saying this wasn't a benefit to a lot of people, but they said, "Look, the taxi regulations are really stupid and anti-competitive, so we're just going to do something else, we're just going to ignore them."</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;Kind of a Napster sort of thing.</p>
<p>Mann: Kind of Napster, yeah. So, I don't know. Do I have to know?</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;You don't have to know.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;No. We'll&#160;look forward to seeing the financials when they file their statements.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;Great service, not necessarily great investment.</p>
<p>Mann: Yeah. If you love red numbers...</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;The other thing is, there's no switching cost at all. I haven't used Uber for a long time. I switch to Lyft and I'm just as happy.</p>
<p>Mann: They're just the same cars and the drivers.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;Yeah, for the most part. Lyft has been great. Lyft is my go-to now.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;Happier drivers, maybe, perhaps.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;You think so?</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;Well, I haven't researched this to know if it's true, but one Lyft driver told me that after eight hours or so, Lyft makes you take a break. They say, "You have to take six hours off," or whatever, "Go get some sleep." Uber has no such&#160;governor on their people, and they can drive 30 hours in a row, and so it goes. If that's true, they should change that.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;That's what I'm looking for, someone who's been driving for 30 straight hours.</p>
<p>Mann:&#160;[laughs] Yeah, exactly.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;[laughs] That's stamina.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;Do I get a discount if someone has been driving for three days?</p>
<p>Mann:&#160;"I can drive to Dallas Airport in my sleep. Watch this. Do you mind?"</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;"I'll pay you to let me drive for you, because I've been driving for so many days,"... I hope that's not true.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;So, if there's no switching costs, what are your margins going to be in the end?</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;Yeah, that's not good.</p>
<p>Mann: It's still a pretty powerful network.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;It's a powerful network, I can't deny that.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;OK, so I'm going to count you both as cautiously pessimistic on Uber.</p>
<p>Fischer: I want to be bullish, in fact, but you have to have good management...</p>
<p>Mann: You can't be cautiously pessimistic. Pessimistic is cautious. You have to be...</p>
<p>Greer: No, but it's not unbridled.</p>
<p>Mann: [laughs] Unbridled pessimism, there we go.</p>
<p>Fischer:&#160;I'd be more drawn to Lyft, just because they avoided scandal for the most part. And Airbnb, which may go public as soon as next year. They've also had their own basket of shakes.</p>
<p>Greer:&#160;That's a whole 'nother show. Well, guys, we'll keep an eye on it. Jeff, Bill, thanks for joining me today!</p>
<p>As always, people on the program may have interests in the stocks they talk about, and The Motley Fool may have formal recommendations for or against, so don't buy or sell stocks based solely on what you hear. That's it for this edition of Market Foolery. The show is mixed by Dan Boyd. I'm Mac Greer. Thanks for listening! We'll see you tomorrow!</p>
<p>John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFOtter/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=e983cc86-d5bc-11e7-8d23-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Bill Mann Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFischer/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=e983cc86-d5bc-11e7-8d23-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Jeff Fischer Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Alphabet (C shares), Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Mastercard, and Netflix. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFMac/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=e983cc86-d5bc-11e7-8d23-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Mac Greer Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Alphabet (C shares), Amazon, Apple, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Facebook, McDonald's, and Netflix. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), Amazon, Apple, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chipotle Mexican Grill, eBay, Facebook, Mastercard, and Netflix. The Motley Fool is short shares of Shake Shack and has the following options: long January 2020 $150 calls on Apple and short January 2020 $155 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=e983cc86-d5bc-11e7-8d23-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | episode market foolery opens new window podcast host mac greer talks jeff fischer motley fool pro options bill man motley fools director small cap strategy todays biggest market news first revised gdp numbers nasdaqs subsequent drop keep mind looking goldman sachs nyse gs foreboding predictions market large chipotles nyse cmg ceo stepping market isnt shedding many tears see go shake shacks nyse shak short interest continues rise companys model continues struggle uber lost whopping 15 billion quarter planning go public 2019 reasons skeptical longterm horizon listen find full transcript follows video continue reading 10 stocks like better than160walmartwhen investing geniuses david tom160gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter they160have run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom160just revealed believe the160 ten best stocks opens new window160for investors buy right walmart wasnt one thats right they160think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window160to learn picks stock advisor returns november 6 2017the authors may position stocks mentioned video recorded nov 29 2017 advertisement mac greer its160wednesday nov 29 welcome market foolery im mac greer joining studio jeff fischer motley fool pro options bill mann motley fools director small cap strategy gentlemen welcome jeff fischer hey mac bill mann greer160im good jeff saying youre little tired rough night last night fischer want get didnt sleep well last night im sure maybe someone help tips sleeping greer160i theory excited revised gdp numbers fischer160thats waiting yeah mann definitely goes list greer160ok well wait longer revised gdp numbers gdp guys growing 33 annualized rate third quarter thats strongest growth since 2014 really didnt much market fact nasdaq time taping right big mann nasdaq hates gdp growth greer160the nasdaq apparently hates gdp growth bill comes backdrop goldman sachs come warning stocks highest valuation since 1900 mann stocks every asset class every asset class theyre saying since 1900 theres times stocks bonds really moved direction become distended time 1920 understand greer160and work mann yeah im much history laughs didnt call great depression nothing fischer160theres question going see volatility bonds stocks guess almost investment bill dont know real estate well see long statement could make want keep conversation going quite want say yet maybe greer160lets talk different data points roaring stock market today least gdp numbers really strong prospect tax reform ongoing issue north korea may great fischer160yeah throw greer160yeah throw soup investor fischer janet yellen fed talking today interest rates going rise moderately slowly interest rates still low sampp 500 21 yield right around historically sampp 500 trades estimates cap iq 185 times normalized earnings 2018 mann kind middle road fischer160yeah gaap pe im happy see right level 18 times mean pe ratio sampp history 157 times 15 2018 estimates say bill far line mann goldman somehow disagrees though fischer160they theyre also looking shiller pe dont buy completely shiller pe 32 times shiller pe takes last 10 years averages less mann heres deal getting ready go ninth year tenth year following financial collapse place entire time asset purchases governments around world central banks taken huge amount theres 13 trillion sovereign debt negative interest rate point reverse point start selling sell balance sheets theyre propping assets dont know whats going happen uncharted territory long time dont want doctor doom happen think something fact assets classes expensive even talking bitcoin know dont want talk fischer160yeah least warren buffett people say avoid sign speculation theres real value strong opinion bill right quantitative easing prior decade less slowly starts unwind160what happen nobody knows would expect asset prices rise much mann classical finance would say thats case fischer160yeah rise moderately maybe along gdp thats really going driver value end stock market also dont know economy gets weak addicted drug governments come assuming functioning government say going to160reinstate qe going support asset prices thats getting used greer coming back what160all means individual investors take consideration take goldman sachs report consideration still looking companies company company basis macro weigh investment thesis fischer think speak almost everybody fool look company creating value deriving business look many stocks well prior decade like say 20002009 overall market badly netflix google mastercard businesses mann pretty good fischer160 fool names fool companies160that really well thats trying find regardless economy said backdrop macro course play mind little bit might direct sort companies look example mann think theres actually little linkage price market given point performs next 10 years theres huge amount correlation simply inputs go whats going happen future think thing jeff talking well thing thats really hard get head around whats going happen balance sheets believe unwind thats bullish case assets people waiting six seven years pullback market hasnt happened greer160bill trading emails morning know one things fired talk regulatory concerns regards big tech talking160companies look last 10 years look bull market160amazon apple160alphabet netflix160facebook huge runups but160theres whole issue regulatory concerns oh way talking us talking europe rest world much weigh mann think especially talking europe rest world think160europe really really nervous google amazon love companies think pull back layers amazon really cant get away anticompetitive ways thats something us tolerates much europe tends get away 02 commerce get away youre 2 get away youre 4 5 dont know answer fischer160and160keep mind europe benefit amazon google way us hosting us companies greer chipotle looking new ceo current ceo founder steve ells become executive chairman focus innovation160jeff shares chipotle trading around 300 today back 2015 trading north 700 new ceo turn around fischer160you could say theres question need make change may even overdue company stumbling two years dont think us would argue clear strategy right ship bring customer confidence back store grow traffic theyve struggled counts think need refresh need someone whos going look everything sacred cows speak greer160is primarily story foodborne illnesses health concerns chipotle get skis terms valuation growth mann first want say bad must feel steve else announce hes stepping stock go think high 13 greer160yeah thats got sting mann founder thats way want to160increase value company fischer160true although maybe helps affirm im making right decision right laughs mann couple questions one think clear environment around chipotle changed came special coming environment werent160that many restaurants chains something similar food integrity real things think 2017 youve kind lost plot walk fool headquarters find five places within 500 feet also something similar chipotle game plan environment shifted so160i think thats real thing new manager needs bring table happen think steve ells bangup job lot years isnt environment prepared deal greer160so next ceo going bring fischer would love see paneras ceo ron shaich pronounce last name160i never listen show laughs great job mann laughs knew say fischer listen show even worse yeah160he great job turning panera around think theyve lived quality food way chipotle apparently hasnt mann thats actually going say person thinking soontobe maybe looking work change would sally smith getting ready done buffalo wild wings saw announcement theyre actually going taken by160roark capital previously160she said stepping shes someone known long time tremendous amount respect operated environment made something maybe differentiated buffalo wings differentiated might good step parties greer160the one want throw mix patrick doyle dominos scored high proprietary humility index years back basically acknowledged people think pizza tastes like cardboard going make better love love love sort humility youre looking possible solutions thats problem chipotle im shareholder whole food integrity patting back customer doesnt really help me160i want food tastes good think theres little much navelgazing get rid stuff fischer160bill brings great point thats longer novel many places bring local quality food integrity wife actress mann youre going throw next ceo fischer160shes looking job yeah laughs said production meeting last night 20 production crew cast dinner dinner brought chipotle surprised told last night everyone looked worry none eaten chipotle since scare two years ago havent either amazing quickly kill brand kill trust brand eat said great mann three died fischer160laughs thats much work still get people back locations mann greer160its totally unfair comparison texas holidays going go jack box160for breakfast tacos didnt remember jack box fischer160i greer has160some issues mann know else actually would great ceo cheryl bachelder whos ceo popeyes legit turn around 10 years ago irrelevant dirty exception fact chicken awesome really really bad name recognition doesnt greer160not160food integrity mann160no now160its favorite cajun restaurant greer160popeyes really mann oh chickfila isnt cajun mann popeyes legit greer160ok lets keep subject restaurants know also love talking shake shack hook month november bill short interest people betting stock lot people betting shake shack short interest rise look shake shack right another star waiting fall think mann theres something really interesting people familiar tried shake shack shake shack highend burger restaurant really good job based new york founder danny meyer profits revenue still come new york big apple much less well outside new york youre getting point new york saturated market go economics similar level pricing power thats core short thesis theyre poorly run company160its theyre ahead skis valuation really high new york good going get shake shack two things least bear thinking fischer160initially say thought pronounced shake shaich laughs another shack ok160shake shack weve short shares shake shack greer160easy say fischer year theyre 15 market thats good result look expensive bill said trades 75 times expected earnings next year even employment costs going promotion costs going traffic last three quarters 38 drop traffic last quarter mann and160thats stores open year fischer160thats right samestore sales think young chain posting big drops traffic like bill exactly right stores new york manhattan make 7 million per year160and newer stores make half less locations even less central make bit less mann cant charge much louisville mean cant greer160and many good burger places feels lot like cupcake craze years ago fischer160it feel saturated bill said good brand good story people love mann yeah dont say anything bad operations company come conclusion im saying shake shack doomed theyre idiots essentially youre saying model going struggle try push fischer160thats bears thinking shorts thinking 77 million net cash look grow store count 3640 next year would be160the biggest jump since ipoed theyre looking add 3235 new locations next year theyre still us domesticowned shacks theyre160still small company160and theyre trading extremely expensively per unit basis earnings cash flow anything look still end burger chain hate put way mann like investing restaurants fischer160almost never ive missed giant winners ive also missed lot heartache mann yeah think weve learned chipotle youve seen time brand means much dont know theres industry brands fragile restaurant industry fischer160yeah get right look mcdonalds lifemaking fortune cheesecake160was great mann mcdonalds also walk shadow valley death greer160and coming back mann 1999 2000 people valuing mcdonalds based real estate thats bad brand time yeah come back certainly possible would much rather chipotles place right would shake shacks place right installed base brand known recoverable fischer160even story changed completely weve seen panera done well that160you customers pocket app make easy order deliver pick even competitive landscape getting brutal greer ok guys our160final story uber uber reporting 15 billion quarterly loss bill seems like large number mann quarterly number annualize pretty good laughs really takes something lose much money want chance lose 15 billion quarter whos greer160i like ceo said company plans ipo 2019 dont want say still track but160how feeling uber mann well theyre going ipo one theyre going many shareholders remember fischer160facebook mann yeah going say google facebook came public simply many shareholders record remain private uber coming public one way another going happen greer160and business mann mess mess huge optionality one businesses terrible podcast kind feel like dont opinion really could either would say core business really big theyre still making profits thats issue fischer160and160theres argument said companies profitability dna become profitable early thats run business thats grow google example came public profitable160ebay160facebook lot great companies profitable come public others not160like amazon size losses way theyve grown business date chasing market share may make difficult become steadily profitable business may hard turn corner make foundation mann yeah thing cant get uber cant get around business founded based upon ignoring breaking laws regulations right fischer160yeah mann thats whats dna businesses beset scandal managerial scandal uber one surprised least started im saying wasnt benefit lot people said look taxi regulations really stupid anticompetitive going something else going ignore greer160kind napster sort thing mann kind napster yeah dont know know greer160you dont know fischer160no well160look forward seeing financials file statements greer160great service necessarily great investment mann yeah love red numbers fischer160the thing theres switching cost havent used uber long time switch lyft im happy mann theyre cars drivers greer160yeah part lyft great lyft goto fischer160happier drivers maybe perhaps greer160you think fischer160well havent researched know true one lyft driver told eight hours lyft makes take break say take six hours whatever go get sleep uber such160governor people drive 30 hours row goes thats true change greer160thats im looking someone whos driving 30 straight hours mann160laughs yeah exactly fischer160laughs thats stamina greer160do get discount someone driving three days mann160i drive dallas airport sleep watch mind greer160ill pay let drive ive driving many days hope thats true fischer160so theres switching costs margins going end greer160yeah thats good mann still pretty powerful network fischer160its powerful network cant deny greer160ok im going count cautiously pessimistic uber fischer want bullish fact good management mann cant cautiously pessimistic pessimistic cautious greer unbridled mann laughs unbridled pessimism go fischer160id drawn lyft avoided scandal part airbnb may go public soon next year theyve also basket shakes greer160thats whole nother show well guys well keep eye jeff bill thanks joining today always people program may interests stocks talk motley fool may formal recommendations dont buy sell stocks based solely hear thats edition market foolery show mixed dan boyd im mac greer thanks listening well see tomorrow john mackey ceo whole foods market amazon subsidiary member motley fools board directors suzanne frey executive alphabet member motley fools board directors bill mann opens new window position stocks mentioned jeff fischer opens new window owns shares alphabet c shares amazon apple facebook mastercard netflix mac greer opens new window owns shares alphabet c shares amazon apple chipotle mexican grill facebook mcdonalds netflix motley fool owns shares recommends alphabet shares alphabet c shares amazon apple buffalo wild wings chipotle mexican grill ebay facebook mastercard netflix motley fool short shares shake shack following options long january 2020 150 calls apple short january 2020 155 calls apple motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 2,380 |
<p>AP</p>
<p>BY: <a href="" type="internal">Bill Gertz</a> September 3, 2013 4:01 pm</p>
<p>Senior Obama administration officials urged Congress on Tuesday to authorize limited military strikes against Syria for its poison gas attacks, asserting that a failure to act would encourage further atrocities.</p>
<p>"So this is a vote for accountability. Norms and laws that keep the civilized world civil mean nothing if they're not enforced," said Secretary of State John Kerry.</p>
<p>"We have no intention of assuming responsibility for Syria's civil war," he said.</p>
<p>President Barack Obama "is asking only for the power to make clear, to make certain that the United States means what we say, that the world, when we join together in a multilateral statement, mean what we say. He's asking for authorization to degrade and deter Bashar al-Assad's capacity to use chemical weapons," he said.</p>
<p>Kerry, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff&#160;Gen. Martin Dempsey testified on the need for military action before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.</p>
<p>Kerry said limited military attacks were needed to send "the unmistakable message" to Syria regarding the Aug. 21 nerve gas attack near Damascus that "we don’t mean sometimes, never means never."</p>
<p>"Forcing Assad to change his calculation about his ability to act with impunity can contribute to his realization that he cannot gas or shoot his way out of his predicament," Kerry said.</p>
<p>Hagel said the military options for Syria are designed to "hold the [Syrian leader Bashar al-]Assad regime accountable, degrade its ability to carry out these kinds of attacks, and deter the regime from further use of chemical weapons."</p>
<p>"The Department of Defense has developed military options to achieve these objectives, and we have positioned U.S. assets throughout the region to successfully execute this mission," Hagel said. "We believe we can achieve them with a military action that would be limited in duration and scope."</p>
<p>Among the risks of a military strike, Hagel said the regime could conduct "even more devastating chemical weapons attacks."</p>
<p>However, he said refusing to act would undermine the credibility of U.S. security commitments, including promises to block Iran from acquiring nuclear arms, Hagel said.</p>
<p>Dempsey, who unlike Kerry and Hagel did not offer an opening statement, told the panel that the goal of military action would be to degrade Syria’s chemical warfare capabilities.</p>
<p>The four-star general said any upcoming military strike would be focused on the threat of Syria’s chemical weapons. He said supporting the opposition with arms and assistance could come later.</p>
<p>The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that promised U.S. military support for the Free Syrian Army has been delayed.</p>
<p>However, Saudi Arabia and Turkey currently are providing arms to Islamist groups, including two rebel groups linked to al Qaeda, in addition to the Free Syrian Army, a group dominated by former Syrian army officers and troops.</p>
<p>Obama on Saturday announced he has decided to take military action against Syria but would first seek congressional approval.</p>
<p>At least five U.S. warships are deployed near Syria in the Eastern Mediterranean and are equipped with cruise missiles.</p>
<p>Defense officials have said a limited, one-day series of cruise missile strikes would be aimed to attack Syrian artillery, rockets, and missiles near Damascus, where the chemical attack took place.</p>
<p>U.S. intelligence agencies determined that nerve agent was sued, killing some 1,400 people, including more than 400 children.</p>
<p>Assad told the French newspaper Le Figaro this week that western military strikes would lead to a regional conflict in the Middle East, an area he called a "powder keg."</p>
<p>France’s government released an intelligence report that confirmed that Syria’s government was behind the gas attack.</p>
<p>"The attack on Aug. 21 could only have been ordered and carried out by the regime," the report stated. "We believe the Syrian opposition does not have the capacity to carry out an operation of such magnitude with chemical agents," it said.</p>
<p>France’s military is prepared to join the United States in attacks on Syria in response to the gas attacks, although French government spokesmen have said the military would not act on its own and must join a coalition.</p>
<p>Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said on Monday that "statements from Washington threatening to use force against Syria are unacceptable." He warned that U.S. action would violate international law, undermine the prospects for a resolution to the Syrian conflict,&#160;and provoke further confrontation, Interfax reported.</p>
<p>Also on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said China has "serious concerns" about plans for military strikes. Hong said international military action must conform to the United Nations charter and basic rules of international relations.</p>
<p>Sen. Bob Corker (R., Tenn.), ranking member of the committee, said he hoped the officials would "make a case as to why Syria is important to our national interests, why Syria matters to the region, why it's important for us to carry out the stated strategy and how we're going to continue to carry out that stated strategy."</p>
<p>Dempsey said the military is closely watching Syria amid reports that the Syrian military is moving or hiding assets to protect them from a strike.</p>
<p>"We have significant intelligence capabilities and we continued to refine our targets," Dempsey said.</p> | true | 0 | ap bill gertz september 3 2013 401 pm senior obama administration officials urged congress tuesday authorize limited military strikes syria poison gas attacks asserting failure act would encourage atrocities vote accountability norms laws keep civilized world civil mean nothing theyre enforced said secretary state john kerry intention assuming responsibility syrias civil war said president barack obama asking power make clear make certain united states means say world join together multilateral statement mean say hes asking authorization degrade deter bashar alassads capacity use chemical weapons said kerry defense secretary chuck hagel chairman joint chiefs staff160gen martin dempsey testified need military action senate foreign relations committee kerry said limited military attacks needed send unmistakable message syria regarding aug 21 nerve gas attack near damascus dont mean sometimes never means never forcing assad change calculation ability act impunity contribute realization gas shoot way predicament kerry said hagel said military options syria designed hold syrian leader bashar alassad regime accountable degrade ability carry kinds attacks deter regime use chemical weapons department defense developed military options achieve objectives positioned us assets throughout region successfully execute mission hagel said believe achieve military action would limited duration scope among risks military strike hagel said regime could conduct even devastating chemical weapons attacks however said refusing act would undermine credibility us security commitments including promises block iran acquiring nuclear arms hagel said dempsey unlike kerry hagel offer opening statement told panel goal military action would degrade syrias chemical warfare capabilities fourstar general said upcoming military strike would focused threat syrias chemical weapons said supporting opposition arms assistance could come later wall street journal reported tuesday promised us military support free syrian army delayed however saudi arabia turkey currently providing arms islamist groups including two rebel groups linked al qaeda addition free syrian army group dominated former syrian army officers troops obama saturday announced decided take military action syria would first seek congressional approval least five us warships deployed near syria eastern mediterranean equipped cruise missiles defense officials said limited oneday series cruise missile strikes would aimed attack syrian artillery rockets missiles near damascus chemical attack took place us intelligence agencies determined nerve agent sued killing 1400 people including 400 children assad told french newspaper le figaro week western military strikes would lead regional conflict middle east area called powder keg frances government released intelligence report confirmed syrias government behind gas attack attack aug 21 could ordered carried regime report stated believe syrian opposition capacity carry operation magnitude chemical agents said frances military prepared join united states attacks syria response gas attacks although french government spokesmen said military would act must join coalition russian foreign ministry spokesman alexander lukashevich said monday statements washington threatening use force syria unacceptable warned us action would violate international law undermine prospects resolution syrian conflict160and provoke confrontation interfax reported also monday chinese foreign ministry spokesman hong lei said china serious concerns plans military strikes hong said international military action must conform united nations charter basic rules international relations sen bob corker r tenn ranking member committee said hoped officials would make case syria important national interests syria matters region important us carry stated strategy going continue carry stated strategy dempsey said military closely watching syria amid reports syrian military moving hiding assets protect strike significant intelligence capabilities continued refine targets dempsey said | 548 |
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<p>Which is a better buy:Suncor Energy Inc.(NYSE: SU)orPhillips 66(NYSE: PSX)? The answer may depend on what piece of the energy market you're looking to invest in. However, oil prices are another issue you'll want to think about carefully. When you boil things down, one very big thing separates this pair.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>The first thing you need to understand about Suncor Energy is that it's a play on the Canadian Oil Sands. In fact, oil sands make up nearly 90% of the company's 7.7 billion barrels of reserves. Clearly, the company has other oil operations, including Norway, the U.K., Libya, and Syria. But the future of Suncor is really tied to the Canadian oil sands.</p>
<p>Phillips 66, meanwhile, doesn't drill for oil. It's business is focused on what comes after the drilling, including midstream, chemicals, and refining. The company's chemicals exposure comes from a 50/50 partnership with Chevron. Midstream, meanwhile, moves oil from where it's drilled to where it's used, and Phillips 66's exposure here is largely made up of its investment in Phillips 66 Partners LP (NYSE: PSXP).</p>
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<p>Phillips 66 Partners LP is an interesting relationship because Phillips is the general partner of the LP, allowing it to earn a fee for managing the assets. It also owns partnership units so it gets distributions. And it can earn incentive payments for increasing the distribution over time. All the while, it gets to retain control of assets that it has sold, or dropped down in industry speak, to the partnership -- allowing it to raise cash for further investment at the parent company without losing control of key assets.</p>
<p>Suncor has similar assets to Phillips 66, but they aren't the main focus of its business. It's oil that rules the day. So if you're looking at Suncor and Phillips, the first question you have to ask is, what part of the energy industry do you want to focus on? If the answer is the oil part, then Suncor is the better choice, assuming you want to spotlight the Canadian oil sands.</p>
<p>For reference, Canada's Alberta Oil Sands has thethird largest oil reserves in the world, after Venezuela and Saudi Arabia. If you believe the oil industry has a long-term future, the size of the oil sands will make it an increasingly important piece of the global oil puzzle. And a big part of that is because of the long reserve life of oil sands projects, which can last up to 50 years.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/PSX" type="external">PSX</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>That said, there's another interesting thing that separates these two stocks; performance. Since Phillips 66's initial public offering in early 2012, the stock is up over 140%. Over the same time span, Suncor Energy has fallen 16%. Phillips advance has a lot to do with growth in its midstream business, but it's interesting to note that Phillips 66's return on invested capital was heading generally lower through that span.</p>
<p>So a big piece of Phillips' advance appears to be related to multiple expansion. And falling oil prices have helped that along. Companies that have refining operations make money on the difference between their input costs (oil and natural gas) and the cost of what they sell (chemicals, gasoline, and such). Low natural gas and oil prices, as we've had in recent years, are often a plus for refiners and investors clearly know that. To put some numbers on that, Phillips remained solidly in the black as oil prices plunged in mid-2014 while Suncor has lost money in four of the past eight quarters. Clearly, oil price moves affect the two companies very differently and investors have reacted to the shares differently, too.</p>
<p>But there's change afoot. Phillips 66's earnings peaked in 2014; held fairly steady in 2015, dropping about 7%; and have fallen off around 50% year over year in the first half of 2016. The reason is that margins are being squeezed primarily by falling prices for refined products, but it doesn't help that oil and natural gas prices have trended higher lately, too.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/PSX" type="external">PSX</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a></p>
<p>But higher oil prices are very helpful to Suncor Energy's business. That's why Suncor is up around 8% over the year-to-date period. In fact, Suncor's cash flow from operations had trended down for four consecutive quarters but picked up in the second quarter of the year. That's a hint that the worst may be over, though second-quarter earnings looked particularly weak because of write-offs related to fires in the Oil Sands region.</p>
<p>All of that said, if you look at the chart above, Suncor's stock price has been following its return on invested capital lower while Phillips 66's stock has been heading higher while return on invested capital has been falling. That makes Phillips appear a lot less desirable now that its starting to face business headwinds. Suncor, on the other hand, could soon have the wind at its back--or at least a breeze--instead of running headlong into an oil price tsunami. In other words, Suncor could be the better value if oil prices strengthen, as they appear to be doing.</p>
<p>If you're trying to figure out which is the better buy, Suncor Energy Inc. vs Phillips 66, then you have two things to think about. First, do you want to highlight midstream and refining (Phillips 66) or oil (Suncor)? But you also might want to consider the outlook for each, since rising oil prices, as we've seen so far this year, will help Suncor's business to stabilize and, perhaps, move higher. Conversely, rising energy prices mean rising input costs for Phillips 66, which could make life harder on the midstream-focused company. Right now, it seems Suncor could be in the better position to prosper.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/ReubenGBrewer/info.aspx" type="external">Reuben Brewer Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Chevron. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | better buysuncor energy incnyse suorphillips 66nyse psx answer may depend piece energy market youre looking invest however oil prices another issue youll want think carefully boil things one big thing separates pair continue reading image source getty images first thing need understand suncor energy play canadian oil sands fact oil sands make nearly 90 companys 77 billion barrels reserves clearly company oil operations including norway uk libya syria future suncor really tied canadian oil sands phillips 66 meanwhile doesnt drill oil business focused comes drilling including midstream chemicals refining companys chemicals exposure comes 5050 partnership chevron midstream meanwhile moves oil drilled used phillips 66s exposure largely made investment phillips 66 partners lp nyse psxp advertisement phillips 66 partners lp interesting relationship phillips general partner lp allowing earn fee managing assets also owns partnership units gets distributions earn incentive payments increasing distribution time gets retain control assets sold dropped industry speak partnership allowing raise cash investment parent company without losing control key assets suncor similar assets phillips 66 arent main focus business oil rules day youre looking suncor phillips first question ask part energy industry want focus answer oil part suncor better choice assuming want spotlight canadian oil sands reference canadas alberta oil sands thethird largest oil reserves world venezuela saudi arabia believe oil industry longterm future size oil sands make increasingly important piece global oil puzzle big part long reserve life oil sands projects last 50 years psx data ycharts opens new window said theres another interesting thing separates two stocks performance since phillips 66s initial public offering early 2012 stock 140 time span suncor energy fallen 16 phillips advance lot growth midstream business interesting note phillips 66s return invested capital heading generally lower span big piece phillips advance appears related multiple expansion falling oil prices helped along companies refining operations make money difference input costs oil natural gas cost sell chemicals gasoline low natural gas oil prices weve recent years often plus refiners investors clearly know put numbers phillips remained solidly black oil prices plunged mid2014 suncor lost money four past eight quarters clearly oil price moves affect two companies differently investors reacted shares differently theres change afoot phillips 66s earnings peaked 2014 held fairly steady 2015 dropping 7 fallen around 50 year year first half 2016 reason margins squeezed primarily falling prices refined products doesnt help oil natural gas prices trended higher lately psx data ycharts higher oil prices helpful suncor energys business thats suncor around 8 yeartodate period fact suncors cash flow operations trended four consecutive quarters picked second quarter year thats hint worst may though secondquarter earnings looked particularly weak writeoffs related fires oil sands region said look chart suncors stock price following return invested capital lower phillips 66s stock heading higher return invested capital falling makes phillips appear lot less desirable starting face business headwinds suncor hand could soon wind backor least breezeinstead running headlong oil price tsunami words suncor could better value oil prices strengthen appear youre trying figure better buy suncor energy inc vs phillips 66 two things think first want highlight midstream refining phillips 66 oil suncor also might want consider outlook since rising oil prices weve seen far year help suncors business stabilize perhaps move higher conversely rising energy prices mean rising input costs phillips 66 could make life harder midstreamfocused company right seems suncor could better position prosper secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window reuben brewer opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool recommends chevron try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 646 |
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<p>When the president of Marymount Manhattan College, Judson Shaver, was a boy, his grandmother, a committed conservative Christian, used to bring him along for her volunteer work at a women’s prison. It was kind of like Sunday school twice a month and it was something she did for 80 years. The prison in Riverside, Calif., named her volunteer of the century.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>I am rapt listening to Shaver tell the story in our recent interview. Primarily because the reason I am speaking with him in the first place is to discuss the degree program his college offers inmates at the Bedford Correctional Facility for Women, but also because as he tells the story he calls this all a coincidence.</p>
<p>So I circle him back to that “coincidence” thing and ask, really?</p>
<p>“What you’re getting at, I think, pleases me to no end and that is I grew up believing that if you live your life for yourself, you would have a very empty, shallow life,” Shaver says. “The source of that for me was a religious upbringing, but its fruition in my adult life is secular. It’s as strong a commitment as ever that if we don’t use some of our gifts, some of our time, some of our advantages, some of our strengths to be of service to others, to help others, we just haven’t really fully lived. The good life includes being of value and service to others.”</p>
<p>Nora Moran knows a little something about Shaver’s commitment to value and service to others. She earned a bachelor’s degree through the <a href="http://www.mmm.edu/" type="external">Marymount Manhattan College Opens a New Window.</a>program while incarcerated at Bedford (beginning from age 18). While there serving time for armed robbery, Moran encountered the organization <a href="http://www.puppiesbehindbars.com/index.asp" type="external">Puppies Behind Bars Opens a New Window.</a> (PBB) which, according to its website, “trains prison inmates to raise service dogs for wounded war veterans and explosive detection canines for law enforcement.”</p>
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<p>Now, at age 31 and out of prison since 2008, Moran is the director of the <a href="http://www.puppiesbehindbars.com/about_service.asp" type="external">Dog Tags Program Opens a New Window.</a> that places service dogs with Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries. She is also an instructor for PBB, going back into prison twice a week to teach women at Bedford and men at the Fishkill Correctional Facility to raise and train puppies to become service dogs.</p>
<p>“I wasn’t aware how much [studying for a degree] would change me,” Moran told me in our recent interview. “I knew I was kind of thirsty for what they had to say. It made me and a number of my peers passionate. They created a dialogue.”</p>
<p>Moran took two or three courses at a time from 1999 through 2006 and particularly loved sociology (“learning how people in different cultures created their world”), psychology (“how we operate and how our minds work”) and women’s studies (“how women’s rights have evolved over time”). She also became immersed in Shakespeare and English literature, crediting an especially passionate teacher for making it “come alive.”</p>
<p>Considering this was once a troubled young woman who was, by her own admission, leading a double life of church groups and drinking/drugs, imagine the coupling of a school regimen and the Puppies Behind Bars curriculum as a way to turn a life around. Moran began working with PBB in 2000.</p>
<p>“What I did to go to prison, there’s no way to atone for that,” Moran said. “This gave me a way to grow up and give back at the same time. Dogs, they teach so much, reflect back who you are.”</p>
<p>As director of the Dog Tags Program, part of Moran’s administrative role is to go through the over 100 veteran applications per year from candidates who want to receive dogs; only 15 dogs per year are placed. She is also looking into graduate school, likely for public administration with a specialty in non-profit business management.</p>
<p>“One of the best parts of my job is after almost two years, to see how empowering it is for puppy raisers to hand the dog over,” she said. “It’s extraordinary to witness, extraordinary to be a part of that.”</p>
<p>While Moran is relating her life story to me, I find myself having to ask if she always knew she had this potential, even when she was an angry and confused teen.</p>
<p>“Definitely,” she said. “I have a really supportive mom. She’s been amazing throughout my incarceration and now. I have support even in my hometown and that’s important to me. The church I grew up in is still supportive of me. That’s one of the things that has made my story a success story.”</p>
<p>Support. That brings us back to Judson Shaver and the Marymount Manhattan College mission. Shaver has held his position for 11 years and over that time the benefits of the already established prison program have been reinforced over and over again.</p>
<p>“I think there are 700 or 800 women in prison there and maybe 170 of them at any given time are our students,” he says. “We’ve been there since the mid 90s. [Women who have participated] said that the college program not only changed their lives and their prospects, their families’ lives and prospects and their own sense of themselves. They said it changes the entire prison.</p>
<p>“One of the highest status things you can do at that prison is be a college student of Marymount Manhattan College. In order to be in our program, there can be no marks against your name. You have to be well behaved in every way or they’ll yank you from the program. It’s a privilege not a right.”</p>
<p>A right that, thanks to Shaver, can be earned by those incarcerated at Bedford well into the future. After inmates lost Pell Grants under the Clinton administration and funding had to come from other sources, the college took a series of steps that had the program alternately flourishing, struggling, flourishing. Shaver found himself wondering what would happen one day when he left, so he set out to raise some serious money. The endowment now stands at $2.5 million and he has a sense of peace that the program is “secure in perpetuity.”</p>
<p>He tells me seeing what it has done for women like Nora Moran makes his eyes mist.</p>
<p>“We must do as much good as we can for each other,” he says.</p>
<p>That coincidence we spoke of earlier? I think not.</p>
<p>Nancy Colasurdo is a practicing life coach and freelance writer. Her Web site is <a href="http://www.nancola.com" type="external">www.nancola.com Opens a New Window.</a> and you can follow her on Twitter @nancola. Please direct all questions/comments to <a href="http://mailto:[email protected]" type="external">[email protected] Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | president marymount manhattan college judson shaver boy grandmother committed conservative christian used bring along volunteer work womens prison kind like sunday school twice month something 80 years prison riverside calif named volunteer century continue reading rapt listening shaver tell story recent interview primarily reason speaking first place discuss degree program college offers inmates bedford correctional facility women also tells story calls coincidence circle back coincidence thing ask really youre getting think pleases end grew believing live life would empty shallow life shaver says source religious upbringing fruition adult life secular strong commitment ever dont use gifts time advantages strengths service others help others havent really fully lived good life includes value service others nora moran knows little something shavers commitment value service others earned bachelors degree marymount manhattan college opens new windowprogram incarcerated bedford beginning age 18 serving time armed robbery moran encountered organization puppies behind bars opens new window pbb according website trains prison inmates raise service dogs wounded war veterans explosive detection canines law enforcement advertisement age 31 prison since 2008 moran director dog tags program opens new window places service dogs iraq afghanistan war veterans suffering posttraumatic stress disorder traumatic brain injuries also instructor pbb going back prison twice week teach women bedford men fishkill correctional facility raise train puppies become service dogs wasnt aware much studying degree would change moran told recent interview knew kind thirsty say made number peers passionate created dialogue moran took two three courses time 1999 2006 particularly loved sociology learning people different cultures created world psychology operate minds work womens studies womens rights evolved time also became immersed shakespeare english literature crediting especially passionate teacher making come alive considering troubled young woman admission leading double life church groups drinkingdrugs imagine coupling school regimen puppies behind bars curriculum way turn life around moran began working pbb 2000 go prison theres way atone moran said gave way grow give back time dogs teach much reflect back director dog tags program part morans administrative role go 100 veteran applications per year candidates want receive dogs 15 dogs per year placed also looking graduate school likely public administration specialty nonprofit business management one best parts job almost two years see empowering puppy raisers hand dog said extraordinary witness extraordinary part moran relating life story find ask always knew potential even angry confused teen definitely said really supportive mom shes amazing throughout incarceration support even hometown thats important church grew still supportive thats one things made story success story support brings us back judson shaver marymount manhattan college mission shaver held position 11 years time benefits already established prison program reinforced think 700 800 women prison maybe 170 given time students says weve since mid 90s women participated said college program changed lives prospects families lives prospects sense said changes entire prison one highest status things prison college student marymount manhattan college order program marks name well behaved every way theyll yank program privilege right right thanks shaver earned incarcerated bedford well future inmates lost pell grants clinton administration funding come sources college took series steps program alternately flourishing struggling flourishing shaver found wondering would happen one day left set raise serious money endowment stands 25 million sense peace program secure perpetuity tells seeing done women like nora moran makes eyes mist must much good says coincidence spoke earlier think nancy colasurdo practicing life coach freelance writer web site wwwnancolacom opens new window follow twitter nancola please direct questionscomments foxgameplangmailcom opens new window | 577 |
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<p>( <a href="https://www.intellihub.com/" type="external">INTELLIHUB</a>) — In yet another “Dear White People” article from a hard left extremist,&#160;Emory University professor&#160;George Yancy published a Christmas Eve message in the New York Times aimed at all&#160;white people – you are racist no matter what.</p>
<p>Yancy starts out his article by cleverly claiming that he wants readers to listen to his full on 100% anti-white screed with “love” before going on to explain that his letter is a gift to all <a href="" type="internal">white people</a> who need to silence themselves and just listen, despite their actual lived experiences.</p>
<p>Tellingly, Yancy has in the past <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prPzX2KczxQ" type="external">described</a> love as “partly a function of denying whiteness” so when the NYT’s allows him to provide <a href="" type="internal">white America</a> with a gift the day before Christmas we should all understand what that actually means.</p>
<p>The professor then attempts to calm down any immediate angry reaction to being labeled a racist no matter what by telling readers that he is a sexist for existing in a male dominated world. And if a hard left academic can admit in the New York Times that he is sexist&#160;then surely all <a href="" type="internal">white people</a> can accept the claim that they are automatically racist&#160;simply for being alive!</p>
<p>Moving forward Yancy gets to the meat of his holiday message which is one infused by extreme critical race theory brainwashing that attempts to shame and guilt (while directly claiming they are doing no such thing) all <a href="" type="internal">white people</a> simply for being alive and not living their lives full of self hate because&#160;of the horrible actions of other white people they never knew.</p>
<p>“If you are white, and you are reading this letter, I ask that you don’t run to seek shelter from your own racism. Don’t hide from your responsibility. Rather, begin, right now, to practice being vulnerable. Being neither a “good” white person nor a liberal white person will get you off the proverbial hook,” Yancy writes.</p>
<p>Not to have his message misconstrued as anything else but a full on attack on the existence of <a href="" type="internal">white people</a>, Yancy continues, “After all, it is painful to let go of your “white innocence,” to use this letter as a mirror, one that refuses to show you what you want to see, one that demands that you look at the lies that you tell yourself so that you don’t feel the weight of responsibility for those who live under the yoke of whiteness, your whiteness.”</p>
<p>There you have it <a href="" type="internal">white people</a>. Trayvon Martin killed by an overzealous vigilante? Your fault. Michael Brown struggling with a police officer leading to his death. Your fault. Black on Black crime. Your fault. War on drugs. Your fault. Just shut up and accept your role in the actions of other white people you never met.</p>
<p>After again acknowledging that readers by now are most likely fuming, Yancy further reveals the mindset of hard left identify politics obsessed liberals (both black and white) by directly writing that a white persons actual lived experiences with those of different races doesn’t matter whatsoever. Again, simply existing as white is racist.</p>
<p>Again, take a deep breath. Don’t tell me about how many black friends you have. Don’t tell me that you are married to someone of color. Don’t tell me that you voted for Obama. Don’t tell me that I’m&#160;the racist. Don’t tell me that you don’t see color. Don’t tell me that I’m blaming whites for everything.</p>
<p>To do so is to hide yet again. You may have never used the N-word in your life, you may hate the K.K.K., but that does not mean that you don’t harbor racism and benefit from racism.</p>
<p>After all, you are part of a system that allows you to walk into stores where you are not followed, where you get to go for a bank loan and your skin does not count against you, where you don’t need to engage in “the talk” that black people and people of color must tell their children when they are confronted by white police officers.</p>
<p>The worldview expressed here by Yancy and held by many on the new left is important to understand, especially in the context of the recent campus “uprisings” across the country.</p>
<p>When authoritarian “activists” issue demands that include punishing anyone who says things like all lives matter we must remember that they already hold beliefs that say all white people are racist regardless of their own actions so are therefore almost guaranteed to not be happy with any reforms short of some sort of reparations for past crimes committed. &#160;(This is <a href="http://dailycaller.com/2015/07/15/meet-the-rich-mans-malcolm-x/" type="external">particularly apparent</a> in the writings of&#160;Nehisi Coates)</p>
<p>An <a href="http://dailycaller.com/2015/12/27/not-another-dear-white-america-letter/" type="external">article in the Daily Caller</a> about Yancy’s letter detailed this key fact and its importance when attempting to understand the outcry on college campus.</p>
<p>The new outcry on college campuses is not over merely being offended — it’s against “systematic racism.” This notion says that institutions like universities are full of unintentional discrimination against people of color, and it makes college life unbearable for non-whites.</p>
<p>With allusions to violence which seemed ripped straight from Coates himself, protesters claim that minority students are brutalized on a daily basis and they can no longer take the pain of living under systematic oppression.</p>
<p>The agony they supposedly live with is how they get away with shutting down opposing viewpoints and forcing out administrators on dubiously-thin charges. The argument also allows them to demand benefits that have little to do with restoring harmony to campus and are all about expanding the power of a specific racial group.</p>
<p>Basically, if all whites are automatically racists then activists of color can and should demand anything they so choose while shutting down all dissenting speech as again a form of racism. If existing while white is racist then surely speaking as a Caucasian is even worse.</p>
<p>Moving back to the holiday gift for white people, Yancy further expounds on the&#160;belief that white peoples simple existence is directly related to the pain&#160;experienced by blacks in the same way that extremist feminists claim being male automatically makes you sexist. In other words, flat-out cultural Marxist bullshit.</p>
<p>As you reap comfort from being white, we suffer for being black and people of color. But your comfort is linked to our pain and suffering. Just as my comfort in being male is linked to the suffering of women, which makes me sexist, so, too, you are racist.</p>
<p>That is the gift that I want you to accept, to embrace. It is a form of knowledge that is taboo. Imagine the impact that the acceptance of this gift might have on you and the world.</p>
<p>The arrogance of penning a letter in the New York Times that labels all whites racists no matter what and then continually calling it a “gift” that comes from a place of love when you have publicly called love denying the act of whiteness is simply astonishing.</p>
<p>Yancy finishes up the article praising a few white liberals who have publicly declared themselves bad no matter what before closing&#160;with a rallying cry for whites to “go to war” with themselves and their white identity.</p>
<p>You truly couldn’t make this stuff up.</p>
<p>In the Daily Caller report quoted above, Scott Greer&#160;finishes his article with perhaps the most important message that one can take away&#160;after reading something as divisive as the anti white screed professor Yancy somehow got published by the New York Times.</p>
<p>To say this kind of rhetoric is divisive is an understatement. It stirs up racial animosity against one group of people and places all of the woes of the country upon their shoulders. It removes any degree of responsibility for the actions of minorities from themselves and allows them to blame all their problems on whites.</p>
<p>Most troubling of all, it’s an insidious way to demand more power for people of a certain skin color — making racialism all the more attractive in our society.</p>
<p>While white liberals may go hogwild at being lectured on how racist they are, the rest of society will be repulsed by the idea. Contrary to Yancy’s wishes, the majority of Americans don’t want to live in a society where people are deemed racist solely due to their skin color.</p>
<p>And remember, having the different races at each others throats while ignoring the criminal elite is exactly what the globalist power structure wants which is why billionaire scum such as <a href="" type="internal">George Soros fund groups like&#160;Black Lives Matter</a>.</p>
<p>The best thing we can do is to denounce and expose the race baiters on both sides of the aisle&#160;why attempting to wake up as many people of all races as possible. Instead of a race war we need to continue this so-called info war against the global elite and their corrupt plans for world domination.</p>
<p>Alex Thomas is a reporter and opinion journalist who has worked in the alternative media for over three years. His work has been featured on numerous news outlets including Infowars and RT. Alex is an exclusive weapon of Intellihub. Established in 2013, Intellihub.com is ranked in the upper 1% traffic tier on the World Wide Web. Read more articles from <a href="https://www.intellihub.com/alexsside/" type="external">Alex’s Side</a>.</p>
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<p /> | true | 0 | youtubelasalletv philly intellihub yet another dear white people article hard left extremist160emory university professor160george yancy published christmas eve message new york times aimed all160white people racist matter yancy starts article cleverly claiming wants readers listen full 100 antiwhite screed love going explain letter gift white people need silence listen despite actual lived experiences tellingly yancy past described love partly function denying whiteness nyts allows provide white america gift day christmas understand actually means professor attempts calm immediate angry reaction labeled racist matter telling readers sexist existing male dominated world hard left academic admit new york times sexist160then surely white people accept claim automatically racist160simply alive moving forward yancy gets meat holiday message one infused extreme critical race theory brainwashing attempts shame guilt directly claiming thing white people simply alive living lives full self hate because160of horrible actions white people never knew white reading letter ask dont run seek shelter racism dont hide responsibility rather begin right practice vulnerable neither good white person liberal white person get proverbial hook yancy writes message misconstrued anything else full attack existence white people yancy continues painful let go white innocence use letter mirror one refuses show want see one demands look lies tell dont feel weight responsibility live yoke whiteness whiteness white people trayvon martin killed overzealous vigilante fault michael brown struggling police officer leading death fault black black crime fault war drugs fault shut accept role actions white people never met acknowledging readers likely fuming yancy reveals mindset hard left identify politics obsessed liberals black white directly writing white persons actual lived experiences different races doesnt matter whatsoever simply existing white racist take deep breath dont tell many black friends dont tell married someone color dont tell voted obama dont tell im160the racist dont tell dont see color dont tell im blaming whites everything hide yet may never used nword life may hate kkk mean dont harbor racism benefit racism part system allows walk stores followed get go bank loan skin count dont need engage talk black people people color must tell children confronted white police officers worldview expressed yancy held many new left important understand especially context recent campus uprisings across country authoritarian activists issue demands include punishing anyone says things like lives matter must remember already hold beliefs say white people racist regardless actions therefore almost guaranteed happy reforms short sort reparations past crimes committed 160this particularly apparent writings of160nehisi coates article daily caller yancys letter detailed key fact importance attempting understand outcry college campus new outcry college campuses merely offended systematic racism notion says institutions like universities full unintentional discrimination people color makes college life unbearable nonwhites allusions violence seemed ripped straight coates protesters claim minority students brutalized daily basis longer take pain living systematic oppression agony supposedly live get away shutting opposing viewpoints forcing administrators dubiouslythin charges argument also allows demand benefits little restoring harmony campus expanding power specific racial group basically whites automatically racists activists color demand anything choose shutting dissenting speech form racism existing white racist surely speaking caucasian even worse moving back holiday gift white people yancy expounds the160belief white peoples simple existence directly related pain160experienced blacks way extremist feminists claim male automatically makes sexist words flatout cultural marxist bullshit reap comfort white suffer black people color comfort linked pain suffering comfort male linked suffering women makes sexist racist gift want accept embrace form knowledge taboo imagine impact acceptance gift might world arrogance penning letter new york times labels whites racists matter continually calling gift comes place love publicly called love denying act whiteness simply astonishing yancy finishes article praising white liberals publicly declared bad matter closing160with rallying cry whites go war white identity truly couldnt make stuff daily caller report quoted scott greer160finishes article perhaps important message one take away160after reading something divisive anti white screed professor yancy somehow got published new york times say kind rhetoric divisive understatement stirs racial animosity one group people places woes country upon shoulders removes degree responsibility actions minorities allows blame problems whites troubling insidious way demand power people certain skin color making racialism attractive society white liberals may go hogwild lectured racist rest society repulsed idea contrary yancys wishes majority americans dont want live society people deemed racist solely due skin color remember different races others throats ignoring criminal elite exactly globalist power structure wants billionaire scum george soros fund groups like160black lives matter best thing denounce expose race baiters sides aisle160why attempting wake many people races possible instead race war need continue socalled info war global elite corrupt plans world domination alex thomas reporter opinion journalist worked alternative media three years work featured numerous news outlets including infowars rt alex exclusive weapon intellihub established 2013 intellihubcom ranked upper 1 traffic tier world wide web read articles alexs side | 791 |
<p>President Barack Obama's visit to Cuba is humiliating on many levels, as The Daily Wire editor-in-chief Ben Shapiro explains <a href="" type="internal">here,</a> and one of the reasons involves a photo of Obama standing with a mural of Ernesto "Che" Guevara:</p>
<p>Finally, our POTUS is able to honor the mural of a racist, terrorist, mass murderer who oversaw concentration camps <a href="https://t.co/eGTDsPSocD" type="external">pic.twitter.com/eGTDsPSocD</a></p>
<p>Leftists are probably excited about this photo. Guevara has been portrayed as a revolutionary icon among the left, as rock stars, college students and athletes proudly wear T-shirts displaying Guevara's face in vain attempts to act like they're cool, hip and in tune with today's culture. In reality, Obama and other leftist fanatics are lionizing a bloodthirsty, power-hungry tyrant who is responsible for the murder and destitute misery of a significant number of a Cubans. To elaborate on this further, here are five reasons why Obama's photo with Guevara's mural is a disgrace.</p>
<p>1. Guevara was a communist thug with a lust for power. To understand the sick, twisted mind of Guevara, one must take note of his ideological roots. The Independent Institute's Alvara Vargas Llosa <a href="http://www.independent.org/newsroom/article.asp?id=1535" type="external">describes</a> Guevara as having "the predatory urge to take over other people’s lives and property, and to abolish their free will":</p>
<p>In 1958, after taking the city of Sancti Spiritus, Guevara unsuccessfully tried to impose a kind of sharia, regulating relations between men and women, the use of alcohol, and informal gambling—a puritanism that did not exactly characterize his own way of life. He also ordered his men to rob banks, a decision that he justified in a letter to Enrique Oltuski, a subordinate, in November of that year: “The struggling masses agree to robbing banks because none of them has a penny in them.” This idea of revolution as a license to re-allocate property as he saw fit led the Marxist Puritan to take over the mansion of an emigrant after the triumph of the revolution.</p>
<p>The urge to dispossess others of their property and to claim ownership of others’ territory was central to Guevara’s politics of raw power. In his memoirs, the Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser records that Guevara asked him how many people had left his country because of land reform. When Nasser replied that no one had left, Che countered in anger that the way to measure the depth of change is by the number of people “who feel there is no place for them in the new society.” This predatory instinct reached a pinnacle in 1965, when he started talking, God-like, about the “New Man” that he and his revolution would create.</p>
<p>Naturally, Guevara eventually became "infatuated with the Soviet Union" after "years of training in Mexico" and becoming a part of the armed insurgency against the regime of then-Cuban President Fulgencio Batista. According to French historian Pascal Fontaine, Guevara once <a href="http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/blog/michael-j-totten/truth-about-che-guevara" type="external">wrote</a> to a friend, "My ideological training means that I am one of those people who believe that the solution to the world’s problems is to be found behind the Iron Curtain."</p>
<p>"When the would-be revolutionaries were arrested in Mexico in 1956, Guevara was the only one who admitted that he was a communist and was studying Russian. (He spoke openly about his relationship with Nikolai Leonov from the Soviet Embassy.)," writes Llosa. "During the armed struggle in Cuba, he forged a strong alliance with the Popular Socialist Party (the island’s Communist Party) and with Carlos Rafael Rodríguez, a key player in the conversion of [Fidel] Castro’s regime to communism. This fanatical disposition made Che into a linchpin of the 'Sovietization' of the revolution that had repeatedly boasted about its independent character."</p>
<p>Guevara became one of the key figures in forging a Soviet-Cuba alliance that resulted in Cuba becoming a "nuclear beachhead" for the Soviet Union, resulting in "the introduction of forty-two Soviet missiles, half of which were armed with nuclear warheads, as well as launchers and some forty-two thousand soldiers." The love affair between Guevara and the Soviet Union eventually ended when Guevara became disillusioned with what he perceived to be the Soviet Union's penchant for compromise, and instead turned to worshipping the iron fist of Mao Ze Dong's communist regime in China.</p>
<p>2. Guevara was a cold-blooded murderer. Being a tyrannical fanatic, Guevara relished the opportunity to inflict pain, violence and death towards enemies of his precious revolution. Here is Guevara in his own words, via <a href="http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/blog/michael-j-totten/truth-about-che-guevara" type="external">World Affairs Journal</a> and <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/article/321089/re-branding-guevara-che-butcher-john-fund" type="external">National Review</a>:</p>
<p>The last quote is taken straight from Guevara's diary and is referring to his murder of <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=9Ka45SCW_98C&amp;pg=PA97&amp;lpg=PA97&amp;dq=eutimio+guerra+che+guevara&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=W1kY28a0e8&amp;sig=5KVzVPTXlBII7atEoUpdzIp0SDw&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjOxvX3xNLLAhUDSCYKHWEiBKk4ChDoAQhUMAk#v=onepage&amp;q=eutimio%20guerra%20che%20guevara&amp;f=false" type="external">Eutimio Guerra,</a> a Cuban army peasant who served as a double agent as he provided the Cuban army with key information on Castro's armed insurgency during Cuba's revolutionary war period.</p>
<p>Under the Castro regime, Guevara was responsible for running La Cabana Fortress prison for five months, where Guevara oversaw executions. According to <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/article/321089/re-branding-guevara-che-butcher-john-fund" type="external">National Review</a>'s John Fund, "More than 100 journalists, businessmen, and followers of the previous regime faced death by firing squad at La Cabaña, under Che’s jurisdiction." Judicial process was virtually nonexistent when prisoners were sentenced to death, as Guevara referred to proof as "unnecessary" because it was "an archaic bourgeois detail."</p>
<p>Guevara admitted to ordering thousands of executions at La Cabana in one year–which he would watch with glee from his office as the firing squad destroyed the lives of his victims–and it is believed that he would finish off any survivors with the use of his own gun.</p>
<p>Author Humberto Fontova <a href="http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2009/10/che_guevaras_whacking_a_glorio.html" type="external">described</a> the execution of a mentally disabled boy to highlight Guevara's twisted, evil mind:</p>
<p>Rigoberto Hernandez was 17 when Che's soldiers dragged him from his cell in La Cabana, jerked his head back to gag him, and started dragging him to the stake. Little "Rigo" pleaded his innocence to the very bloody end. But his pleas were garbled and difficult to understand. His struggles while being gagged and bound to the stake were also awkward. The boy had been a janitor in a Havana high school and was mentally retarded. His single mother had pleaded his case with hysterical sobs. She had begged, beseeched and finally proven to his "prosecutors" that it was a case of mistaken identity. Her only son, a boy in such a condition, couldn't possibly have been "a CIA agent planting bombs."</p>
<p>"FUEGO!" and the firing squad volley shattered Rigo's little bent body as he moaned and struggled awkwardly against his bounds, blindfold and gag.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.nationalreview.com/nrd/articles/353799/anti-che" type="external">National Review</a>'s Jay Nordlinger interviewed Felix Rodriguez, a Cuban who used to work for the CIA and was the last man to see Guevara alive before he was executed by the Bolivian government, and Rodriguez relayed the following story on Guevara's cruelty:</p>
<p>He remembers meeting a woman some 30 years ago, whose son had been executed at La Cabaña. He was 15 years old. She went to the fortress to beg for his life. Guevara received her. This was on a Monday. He called an assistant and said, “When is this prisoner scheduled to be executed?” On Friday, he was told. The prisoner’s mother thought Guevara was going to grant a reprieve. Instead, he said, “Get him and execute him now, so his mother doesn’t have to wait until Friday.” She fainted. Says Rodriguez, “He was a very, very cruel man.”</p>
<p>3. Guevara subjected numerous Cubans to concentration camps as well as the inhumane conditions of La Cabana. According to <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/article/215531/che-chic-jay-nordlinger" type="external">Nordlinger,</a> Guevara established forced labor camps that evolved into concentration camps where "countless citizens–dissidents, democrats, artists, homosexuals–would suffer and die."</p>
<p>Fontova <a href="http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/blog/michael-j-totten/truth-about-che-guevara" type="external">quotes</a> a Cuban exile who noted ironically that if Guevara's leftist admirers had taken their supposedly rebellious stances against the Castro regime, they would have been "jabbed in the butt by 'groovy' bayonets when they dared slow down and perhaps getting their teeth shattered by a 'groovy' machine-gun butt if they adopted the same attitude in front of Che’s militia as they adopted in front of those campus cops" in Guevara's labor camps.</p>
<p>"This is the gulag," Nordlinger writes.</p>
<p>In La Cabana, those who weren't sentenced to death were subject to grimy, inhumane and tortuous conditions. According to World Affairs Journal:</p>
<p>“It was a sweltering place without a bathroom. Gays were not treated like human beings, they were treated like beasts. They were the last ones to come out for meals, so we saw them walk by, and the most insignificant incident was an excuse to beat them mercilessly.”</p>
<p>And he writes about the prison system’s crushing of his colleague in letters Heberto Padilla. “[He] was locked up in a cell, intimidated, and beaten. Thirty days later he emerged from that cell a human wreck. The night [he] made his confession was unforgettable. That vital man, who had written beautiful poetry, apologized for everything he had done, his entire previous work, throwing the blame upon himself, branding himself a despicable coward and traitor. He said that during his detention at State Security he had come to understand the beauty of the Revolution… Padilla not only retracted all he had said in his previous work but publicly denounced his friends and even his wife.”</p>
<p>4. Castro and Guevara plotted to launch a 9/11-esque terrorist attack against the United States. Fontova writes in a column at <a href="http://townhall.com/columnists/humbertofontova/2014/11/28/the-blackest-of-fridays-planned-by-fidel-castro-and-che-guevara-n1924230/page/full" type="external">Townhall</a> providing evidence that Castro and Guevara had attempted to launch a deadly terror attack against the U.S. that would have involved "a dozen incendiary devices and 500 kilos of TNT" used on Macy's, Gimbels, Bloomingdales, and Manhattan’s Grand Central Station on Black Friday in 1962. Fontova puts the horror of Castro and Guevara's terror plot in perspective by pointing out that in 2004, al-Qaeda used 100 kilos of TNT that injured and murdered nearly 2,000 people in Madrid, Spain. Castro and Guevara were planning to use five times the amount of explosives used in the Madrid attacks in areas where thousands of people were going to be cramped together as they fought to purchase gifts for their loved ones. Fortunately, the FBI was able to quash the terror plot.</p>
<p>"Had those detonators gone off, 9/11 might be remembered as the SECOND deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil," writes Fontova.</p>
<p>5. The first black president is standing with a mural of a man who has a history of virulently racist statements. Guevara has a history of espousing racist statements towards blacks. Here are some of them, via <a href="http://www.thecommentator.com/article/3657/che_guevara_was_no_hero_he_was_a_racist" type="external">The Commentator</a>:</p>
<p>“The blacks, those magnificent examples of the African race who have maintained their racial purity thanks to their lack of an affinity with bathing, have seen their territory invaded by a new kind of slave: the Portuguese.”</p>
<p>“The black is indolent and a dreamer; spending his meager wage on frivolity or drink; the European has a tradition of work and saving, which has pursued him as far as this corner of America and drives him to advance himself, even independently of his own individual aspirations.”</p>
<p>Guevara did later condemn racism after the Cuban revolution, which suggests that his views on race were politically expedient. It's ironic that Obama, himself a race-baiting president, would stand with a mural of someone like that.</p>
<p>The most disgusting part of Obama standing with a mural of Guevara is that the Cuban-Americans who escaped the tyranny of the Castro regime have to see the president of the free world posing for a picture with a mural of one of the chief architects of the bloodbath that tore apart their families and their country.</p>
<p>"Practically every day, we turn on our televisions or go out to the street only to see the image of the very man who trained the secret police to murder our relatives—thousands of men, women, and boys," <a href="http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/blog/michael-j-totten/truth-about-che-guevara" type="external">writes</a> Fontova in the introduction to his book The Longest Romance: The Mainstream Media and Fidel Castro. "This man committed many of these murders with his own hands. And yet we see him celebrated everywhere as the quintessence of humanity, progress, and compassion.”</p>
<p>Now, the leader of the free world is standing with Guevara. Disgusting.</p> | true | 0 | president barack obamas visit cuba humiliating many levels daily wire editorinchief ben shapiro explains one reasons involves photo obama standing mural ernesto che guevara finally potus able honor mural racist terrorist mass murderer oversaw concentration camps pictwittercomegtdspsocd leftists probably excited photo guevara portrayed revolutionary icon among left rock stars college students athletes proudly wear tshirts displaying guevaras face vain attempts act like theyre cool hip tune todays culture reality obama leftist fanatics lionizing bloodthirsty powerhungry tyrant responsible murder destitute misery significant number cubans elaborate five reasons obamas photo guevaras mural disgrace 1 guevara communist thug lust power understand sick twisted mind guevara one must take note ideological roots independent institutes alvara vargas llosa describes guevara predatory urge take peoples lives property abolish free 1958 taking city sancti spiritus guevara unsuccessfully tried impose kind sharia regulating relations men women use alcohol informal gamblinga puritanism exactly characterize way life also ordered men rob banks decision justified letter enrique oltuski subordinate november year struggling masses agree robbing banks none penny idea revolution license reallocate property saw fit led marxist puritan take mansion emigrant triumph revolution urge dispossess others property claim ownership others territory central guevaras politics raw power memoirs egyptian leader gamal abdel nasser records guevara asked many people left country land reform nasser replied one left che countered anger way measure depth change number people feel place new society predatory instinct reached pinnacle 1965 started talking godlike new man revolution would create naturally guevara eventually became infatuated soviet union years training mexico becoming part armed insurgency regime thencuban president fulgencio batista according french historian pascal fontaine guevara wrote friend ideological training means one people believe solution worlds problems found behind iron curtain wouldbe revolutionaries arrested mexico 1956 guevara one admitted communist studying russian spoke openly relationship nikolai leonov soviet embassy writes llosa armed struggle cuba forged strong alliance popular socialist party islands communist party carlos rafael rodríguez key player conversion fidel castros regime communism fanatical disposition made che linchpin sovietization revolution repeatedly boasted independent character guevara became one key figures forging sovietcuba alliance resulted cuba becoming nuclear beachhead soviet union resulting introduction fortytwo soviet missiles half armed nuclear warheads well launchers fortytwo thousand soldiers love affair guevara soviet union eventually ended guevara became disillusioned perceived soviet unions penchant compromise instead turned worshipping iron fist mao ze dongs communist regime china 2 guevara coldblooded murderer tyrannical fanatic guevara relished opportunity inflict pain violence death towards enemies precious revolution guevara words via world affairs journal national review last quote taken straight guevaras diary referring murder eutimio guerra cuban army peasant served double agent provided cuban army key information castros armed insurgency cubas revolutionary war period castro regime guevara responsible running la cabana fortress prison five months guevara oversaw executions according national reviews john fund 100 journalists businessmen followers previous regime faced death firing squad la cabaña ches jurisdiction judicial process virtually nonexistent prisoners sentenced death guevara referred proof unnecessary archaic bourgeois detail guevara admitted ordering thousands executions la cabana one yearwhich would watch glee office firing squad destroyed lives victimsand believed would finish survivors use gun author humberto fontova described execution mentally disabled boy highlight guevaras twisted evil mind rigoberto hernandez 17 ches soldiers dragged cell la cabana jerked head back gag started dragging stake little rigo pleaded innocence bloody end pleas garbled difficult understand struggles gagged bound stake also awkward boy janitor havana high school mentally retarded single mother pleaded case hysterical sobs begged beseeched finally proven prosecutors case mistaken identity son boy condition couldnt possibly cia agent planting bombs fuego firing squad volley shattered rigos little bent body moaned struggled awkwardly bounds blindfold gag national reviews jay nordlinger interviewed felix rodriguez cuban used work cia last man see guevara alive executed bolivian government rodriguez relayed following story guevaras cruelty remembers meeting woman 30 years ago whose son executed la cabaña 15 years old went fortress beg life guevara received monday called assistant said prisoner scheduled executed friday told prisoners mother thought guevara going grant reprieve instead said get execute mother doesnt wait friday fainted says rodriguez cruel man 3 guevara subjected numerous cubans concentration camps well inhumane conditions la cabana according nordlinger guevara established forced labor camps evolved concentration camps countless citizensdissidents democrats artists homosexualswould suffer die fontova quotes cuban exile noted ironically guevaras leftist admirers taken supposedly rebellious stances castro regime would jabbed butt groovy bayonets dared slow perhaps getting teeth shattered groovy machinegun butt adopted attitude front ches militia adopted front campus cops guevaras labor camps gulag nordlinger writes la cabana werent sentenced death subject grimy inhumane tortuous conditions according world affairs journal sweltering place without bathroom gays treated like human beings treated like beasts last ones come meals saw walk insignificant incident excuse beat mercilessly writes prison systems crushing colleague letters heberto padilla locked cell intimidated beaten thirty days later emerged cell human wreck night made confession unforgettable vital man written beautiful poetry apologized everything done entire previous work throwing blame upon branding despicable coward traitor said detention state security come understand beauty revolution padilla retracted said previous work publicly denounced friends even wife 4 castro guevara plotted launch 911esque terrorist attack united states fontova writes column townhall providing evidence castro guevara attempted launch deadly terror attack us would involved dozen incendiary devices 500 kilos tnt used macys gimbels bloomingdales manhattans grand central station black friday 1962 fontova puts horror castro guevaras terror plot perspective pointing 2004 alqaeda used 100 kilos tnt injured murdered nearly 2000 people madrid spain castro guevara planning use five times amount explosives used madrid attacks areas thousands people going cramped together fought purchase gifts loved ones fortunately fbi able quash terror plot detonators gone 911 might remembered second deadliest terrorist attack us soil writes fontova 5 first black president standing mural man history virulently racist statements guevara history espousing racist statements towards blacks via commentator blacks magnificent examples african race maintained racial purity thanks lack affinity bathing seen territory invaded new kind slave portuguese black indolent dreamer spending meager wage frivolity drink european tradition work saving pursued far corner america drives advance even independently individual aspirations guevara later condemn racism cuban revolution suggests views race politically expedient ironic obama racebaiting president would stand mural someone like disgusting part obama standing mural guevara cubanamericans escaped tyranny castro regime see president free world posing picture mural one chief architects bloodbath tore apart families country practically every day turn televisions go street see image man trained secret police murder relativesthousands men women boys writes fontova introduction book longest romance mainstream media fidel castro man committed many murders hands yet see celebrated everywhere quintessence humanity progress compassion leader free world standing guevara disgusting | 1,105 |
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<p>The Federal Reserve on Wednesday announced no changes to its easy-money policies, instead using its July statement to clarify and reaffirm that bond purchases will continue and interest rates will remain low for the foreseeable future.</p>
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<p>As was widely expected, the Federal Open Markets Committee, the 12-member board that sets most Fed policy, kept interest rates at near zero percent and maintained the Fed’s $85 billion monthly bond purchase program known as quantitative easing.</p>
<p>Analysts had predicted as much.</p>
<p>“At the end of the day, we’re still in a slow growth economy with high unemployment and low inflation. And with that backdrop the Fed has no reason to start scaling back the $85 billion in monthly bond purchases,” Greg McBride, senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com, said ahead of the release of the Fed’s statement.</p>
<p>Stock markets added to gains after the statement's release, apparently pleased that the stimulus programs will continue.</p>
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<p>In subtle a shift in wording, the FOMC statement said the economy is growing at a “modest" pace. Previous Fed statements have said the economy is growing at a "moderate" pace. The Fed also reiterated that fiscal policy, which has included a tax increase and cutbacks in government spending, is “restraining” economic growth.</p>
<p>The July statement took a stronger position on inflation than recent statements, saying the low rate of inflation – currently about 1%, well below the Fed’s target rate of 2% -- could pose risks but that the long-term inflation picture isn’t cause for immediate concern. The short-term concern is over deflation, which occurs when prices fall because demand is weak and can lead to a long-term stagnant economy.</p>
<p>Rising mortgage rates were also singled out as a concern.</p>
<p>The FOMC voted 11-1 in favor of maintaining its current policies, with Kansas City Fed President Esther George casting the lone dissenting vote. George has voted in dissent of easy-money policies at every Fed meeting this year.</p>
<p>The Fed has said for months that the key Fed funds interest rate, or the rate banks charge one another for short-term loans, will remain near zero at least until the unemployment range falls to 6.5%.</p>
<p>The only recent change in Fed policy regarding the funds rate is that Bernanke has taken pains to make it clear that the 6.5% unemployment rate is a “threshold” rather than a firm target. In other words, the unemployment rate could hit 6.5% but the Fed may see other economic indicators – housing, manufacturing, whatever -- that requires the Fed to keep interest rates low.</p>
<p>After weeks of market speculation and Fed clarification on when and how the central bank will begin phasing out bond purchases, Fed policy makers evidently want to make it clear to investors that the timing of bond purchase tapering is not connected to the timing for raising interest rates from their historic lows.</p>
<p>The Fed said in its statement Wednesday that low interest rates will remain in place “for a considerable time” after bond purchases are phased out.</p>
<p>The Fed lowered the funds rate to an historically low range of 0%-0.25% in December 2008 during the peak of the financial crisis. The Fed has also nearly tripled its balance sheet to $3.6 trillion through bond purchases since 2008. Both efforts are aimed at spurring economic activity by lowering long-term interest rates.</p>
<p>The Fed statement reiterated the central bank’s often-stated message of recent months that bond purchases will only begin to be phased out once economic data shows that the program is no longer needed. Specifically, the Fed is looking for a stronger U.S. labor market.</p>
<p>Economists are predicting that the U.S. added 184,000 jobs in July, fewer than the 195,000 added in June but enough to reduce the unemployment rate to 7.5% from 7.6% in June. The Labor Department will release its July jobs report on Friday.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, a government report on Wednesday showed GDP expanded at a faster-than-expected 1.7 percent annual rate in the second quarter, but the figure for the first quarter was revised down to 1.1 percent from 1.8 percent.</p>
<p>Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke has said the unemployment rate is too high and overall workforce participation too low for the Fed to end its easy money policies any time soon.</p>
<p>Bernanke spooked markets last month when he suggested a hypothetical time frame for when bond purchases might be tapered, saying the process could begin as early as September and end by mid-2014. His comments sent stock markets plunging and bond yields surging.</p>
<p>Many investors mistakenly tied the phasing out of bond purchases to raising interest rates. The thought was that if bond purchases were ending sooner rather than later, interest rates will also be raised sooner than later as well.</p>
<p>Bernanke and his colleagues have spent the past six weeks vigorously attempting to clarify their message.</p>
<p>“The market is addicted to Fed stimulus and investors shudder at the mere mention that eventually that stimulus is going to have to be scaled back,” said McBride.</p> | true | 0 | federal reserve wednesday announced changes easymoney policies instead using july statement clarify reaffirm bond purchases continue interest rates remain low foreseeable future continue reading widely expected federal open markets committee 12member board sets fed policy kept interest rates near zero percent maintained feds 85 billion monthly bond purchase program known quantitative easing analysts predicted much end day still slow growth economy high unemployment low inflation backdrop fed reason start scaling back 85 billion monthly bond purchases greg mcbride senior financial analyst bankratecom said ahead release feds statement stock markets added gains statements release apparently pleased stimulus programs continue advertisement subtle shift wording fomc statement said economy growing modest pace previous fed statements said economy growing moderate pace fed also reiterated fiscal policy included tax increase cutbacks government spending restraining economic growth july statement took stronger position inflation recent statements saying low rate inflation currently 1 well feds target rate 2 could pose risks longterm inflation picture isnt cause immediate concern shortterm concern deflation occurs prices fall demand weak lead longterm stagnant economy rising mortgage rates also singled concern fomc voted 111 favor maintaining current policies kansas city fed president esther george casting lone dissenting vote george voted dissent easymoney policies every fed meeting year fed said months key fed funds interest rate rate banks charge one another shortterm loans remain near zero least unemployment range falls 65 recent change fed policy regarding funds rate bernanke taken pains make clear 65 unemployment rate threshold rather firm target words unemployment rate could hit 65 fed may see economic indicators housing manufacturing whatever requires fed keep interest rates low weeks market speculation fed clarification central bank begin phasing bond purchases fed policy makers evidently want make clear investors timing bond purchase tapering connected timing raising interest rates historic lows fed said statement wednesday low interest rates remain place considerable time bond purchases phased fed lowered funds rate historically low range 0025 december 2008 peak financial crisis fed also nearly tripled balance sheet 36 trillion bond purchases since 2008 efforts aimed spurring economic activity lowering longterm interest rates fed statement reiterated central banks oftenstated message recent months bond purchases begin phased economic data shows program longer needed specifically fed looking stronger us labor market economists predicting us added 184000 jobs july fewer 195000 added june enough reduce unemployment rate 75 76 june labor department release july jobs report friday meanwhile government report wednesday showed gdp expanded fasterthanexpected 17 percent annual rate second quarter figure first quarter revised 11 percent 18 percent fed chairman ben bernanke said unemployment rate high overall workforce participation low fed end easy money policies time soon bernanke spooked markets last month suggested hypothetical time frame bond purchases might tapered saying process could begin early september end mid2014 comments sent stock markets plunging bond yields surging many investors mistakenly tied phasing bond purchases raising interest rates thought bond purchases ending sooner rather later interest rates also raised sooner later well bernanke colleagues spent past six weeks vigorously attempting clarify message market addicted fed stimulus investors shudder mere mention eventually stimulus going scaled back said mcbride | 514 |
<p>How A Two State Solution Fulfills End Times Bible Prophecy It Is God's Land, and It Will Not Be Divided "Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep." Psalm 121:4 Whose land? Everywhere in the news today we read about the coming 'two-state' solution for peace in the Middle East. It is something that the Obama administration is pushing as hard as they possibly can, and even some Jews are for the idea. In case you have been vacationing on Mars and don't know what the two-state solution is, it goes a litte something like this. <a href="http://www.israelandstuff.com/" type="external" /> The Muslim Dome of thr Rock mosque sits atop the holiest place in Israel, the Temple Mount. The Two-State Solution Here is the theory - The Arabs who occupy Gaza, and call themselves the 'palestinians', would be nice to the Jews if they had their own state - Palestine. So, again in theory, all the Jews would have to do to make peace is to create a state called Palestine, and let the Muslims in Gaza be free. Right? Wrong. There are a number of things wrong with this idea, not the least of which is that fact that written into the charter of the PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organization, a terrorist group), is this gem from article 22 of the offical PLO charter: "Article 22: Zionism is a political movement organically associated with international imperialism and antagonistic to all action for liberation and to progressive movements in the world. It is racist and fanatic in its nature, aggressive, expansionist, and colonial in its aims, and fascist in its methods. Israel is the instrument of the Zionist movement, and geographical base for world imperialism placed strategically in the midst of the Arab homeland to combat the hopes of the Arab nation for liberation, unity, and progress. Israel is a constant source of threat vis-a-vis peace in the Middle East and the whole world. Since the liberation of Palestine will destroy the Zionist and imperialist presence and will contribute to the establishment of peace in the Middle East, the Palestinian people look for the support of all the progressive and peaceful forces and urge them all, irrespective of their affiliations and beliefs, to offer the Palestinian people all aid and support in their just struggle for the liberation their homeland." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">source - MFA.gov</a> This is just one of many articles in the PLO charter which call for an "end to Zionsim" in the Middle East. Translation - Israel must be destroyed. The PLO in no way, shape or form recognizes the right of Israel to exist as a nation, and actively works toward it's destruction. And yet, amazingly, people like President Obama continue to push hard for the notion that all this hatred and animosity will miraculously disappear if Israel agrees to create a Muslim state from Israeli land. I wish I knew of some high-brow, intellectual way to say it, but in plain english, you would have to be a moron to think that would work. An absolute imbecile. Yet, that's where the push remains. So maybe there are other forces at work, like the fulfillment of bible prophecy. Let's look and see if there are any verses which talk about the land of Israel being "divided" and given to outsiders.</p>
<p>The apple of God's eye In the book of Zechariah, we read an incredible passage where the LORD declares that Israel is the 'apple of His eye', and that disaster is waiting for all those who would 'plunder' her. "I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand. Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what [is] the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof. And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him, And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein:</p>
<p>For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her. - Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD. Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon. - For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. " <a href="javascript:;" type="external">Zechariah 2:1-8</a> <a href="http://www.jewsnews.co.il/" type="external" /> Jimmy Carter, a nortorious Jew-hater, took his best shot at dividing Israel. Obama is giving it his best shot now.</p>
<p>The bible says that when you mess with Israel, you mess with God Himself! God continues this theme in the book of Joel where He talks about those who would dare to "part my land"...evidentally, God foresaw this mad rush by political leaders living in the end times to divide up the land of Israel and take it for themselves and their own purposes - "For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and [for] my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">Joel 3: 1,2</a> But the what I want you to see here is exactly Who claims ultimate ownership of the land of Israel. I will give you a clue - it's not the Jews, and it is certainly not the Muslims. It is Almighty God who says that it is His land, and He alone will make the final decision on who gets it. True, He has given it to Israel for an 'everlasting possesion' but even Israel cannot give it away. (see sidebar for quote from David Ben-Gurion). But the fact that the two-state solution is on the verge of becoming a reality is a sign that end times bible prophecy is being fulfilled! Of course, the result of this will be terrible Judgment from God, but fulfilled it will be nonetheless.</p>
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<p>&#160;</p> Whose land? The Two-State Solution Article 22: A wake-up call is coming for Obama and Company Rabin and Sharon found this Truth out the hard way | true | 0 | two state solution fulfills end times bible prophecy gods land divided behold keepeth israel shall neither slumber sleep psalm 1214 whose land everywhere news today read coming twostate solution peace middle east something obama administration pushing hard possibly even jews idea case vacationing mars dont know twostate solution goes litte something like muslim dome thr rock mosque sits atop holiest place israel temple mount twostate solution theory arabs occupy gaza call palestinians would nice jews state palestine theory jews would make peace create state called palestine let muslims gaza free right wrong number things wrong idea least fact written charter plo palestinian liberation organization terrorist group gem article 22 offical plo charter article 22 zionism political movement organically associated international imperialism antagonistic action liberation progressive movements world racist fanatic nature aggressive expansionist colonial aims fascist methods israel instrument zionist movement geographical base world imperialism placed strategically midst arab homeland combat hopes arab nation liberation unity progress israel constant source threat visavis peace middle east whole world since liberation palestine destroy zionist imperialist presence contribute establishment peace middle east palestinian people look support progressive peaceful forces urge irrespective affiliations beliefs offer palestinian people aid support struggle liberation homeland source mfagov one many articles plo charter call end zionsim middle east translation israel must destroyed plo way shape form recognizes right israel exist nation actively works toward destruction yet amazingly people like president obama continue push hard notion hatred animosity miraculously disappear israel agrees create muslim state israeli land wish knew highbrow intellectual way say plain english would moron think would work absolute imbecile yet thats push remains maybe forces work like fulfillment bible prophecy lets look see verses talk land israel divided given outsiders apple gods eye book zechariah read incredible passage lord declares israel apple eye disaster waiting would plunder lifted mine eyes looked behold man measuring line hand said whither goest thou said unto measure jerusalem see breadth thereof length thereof behold angel talked went forth another angel went meet said unto run speak young man saying jerusalem shall inhabited towns without walls multitude men cattle therein saith lord unto wall fire round glory midst ho ho come forth flee land north saith lord spread abroad four winds heaven saith lord deliver thyself zion dwellest daughter babylon thus saith lord hosts glory hath sent unto nations spoiled toucheth toucheth apple eye zechariah 218 jimmy carter nortorious jewhater took best shot dividing israel obama giving best shot bible says mess israel mess god god continues theme book joel talks would dare part landevidentally god foresaw mad rush political leaders living end times divide land israel take purposes behold days time shall bring captivity judah jerusalem also gather nations bring valley jehoshaphat plead people heritage israel scattered among nations parted land joel 3 12 want see exactly claims ultimate ownership land israel give clue jews certainly muslims almighty god says land alone make final decision gets true given israel everlasting possesion even israel give away see sidebar quote david bengurion fact twostate solution verge becoming reality sign end times bible prophecy fulfilled course result terrible judgment god fulfilled nonetheless 160 160 160 whose land twostate solution article 22 wakeup call coming obama company rabin sharon found truth hard way | 538 |
<p>Well, the hammer finally dropped.&#160;General Electric&#160;(NYSE: GE) has cut its dividend by 50%, from $0.24 per share to $0.12. And the percentage isn't the only thing that's huge about the news.</p>
<p>This is the second time in a decade that GE has cut its dividend... and also only the second time since the Great Depression. That has to make current investors concerned, particularly since GE's rivals&#160;Honeywell&#160;and&#160;United Technologies&#160;haven't had to cut their dividends since the 1990s.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>But in the wake of a collapsing share price and declining earnings, a dividend cut may actually be a good thing for General Electric. Here's why.</p>
<p>Ever since new CEO John Flannery took over from Jeff Immelt this summer, speculation has been rampant that he would cut the dividend... or possibly break up the company altogether. Flannery <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/06/13/immelt-is-out-at-ge-3-things-investors-need-to-kno.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=8305a336-c88c-11e7-9fce-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">did an admirable job Opens a New Window.</a> of playing his cards close to the vest, saying he would need to perform a thorough review of the company's operations before making any decisions.</p>
<p>In the meantime, the stock price continued to fall, pushing the dividend above 4%, then above 4.5%. While GE was still able to cover its dividend, it was relying on payments from its GE Capital arm to do so, and many analysts pointed out that such cash could be better deployed elsewhere in the company.</p>
<p>The dividend debate <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/19/will-general-electric-cut-its-dividendagain.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=8305a336-c88c-11e7-9fce-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">reached a fever pitch Opens a New Window.</a> ahead of GE's Q3 earnings report. And Flannery -- to the surprise of many -- opted not to cut it... at least, not right away. But any potential upside to this decision was wiped out by <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/25/3-must-read-takeaways-from-general-electric-compan.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=8305a336-c88c-11e7-9fce-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">GE's underwhelming earnings Opens a New Window.</a> and a reduction in full-year guidance. That sent the stock price tumbling to about $20 per share, where it's hovered ever since.</p>
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<p>Now that the dividend has been officially cut, it puts an end to this five-month "will-he-or-won't-he" period of uncertainty for investors. And as we all know, the stock market hates uncertainty. So this actually may prove beneficial to the company's shares, because we can now be sure the market is factoring in the dividend cut and is looking beyond it to the company's fundamentals. And a calmer, more rational approach to GE's situation will be a breath of fresh air after months of hysteria.</p>
<p>It's helpful to put this latest move in context. GE's first dividend cut since the Great Depression came in 2009, as its financial and consumer credit arm, GE Capital, was being decimated by the Great Recession. The company cut its quarterly dividend from $0.31 per share to just $0.10 per share. That knocked the annual yield down to just under 3%, in line with what the company had historically offered. Of course, that was cold comfort to investors who saw their $40 shares drop to less than $10 apiece in reaction to the move.&#160;But it did free up much-needed cash.</p>
<p>Since the recovery, GE's dividend has mostly hovered between 3% and 4%, as the share price climbed back to above $30 per share. But the company's disastrous 2017 has boosted the yield to almost 5% as shares have dropped below $20. This new cut to a quarterly $0.12 per share would represent a 2.4% yield at a stock price of $20: low by GE's historical standards, but a reasonable dividend for a large industrial conglomerate. GE's rivals United Technologies and Honeywell currently yield 2.3% and 1.8%, respectively.</p>
<p>So, returning the dividend to a more manageable level&#160;will probably be good for the company.</p>
<p>When a company like GE starts spending too much of its cash on dividend payouts, it may make investors happy, but that comes at a price. The company has less cash to devote to researching and developing new products. It has fewer resources to pursue restructuring efforts. Or market its products.</p>
<p>It also may be reluctant to shed underperforming businesses that bring in lower-margin revenue. If a company needs every penny to maintain its dividend payouts, it may feel obligated to hold on to every scrap of revenue it can to avoid a cash crunch.</p>
<p>By cutting the dividend, Flannery has given himself some flexibility to jettison some revenue streams and pursue restructuring efforts. Indeed, he has already announced that he's looking to sell GE's transportation and consumer lighting businesses. This would free up resources that can be used for R&amp;D or marketing, or other efforts that would improve GE's overall business model.</p>
<p>It's not going to win Flannery a lot of friends among income investors, certainly, but it will probably save him more than a few headaches down the road.</p>
<p>A dividend cut isn't going to be good for GE's shares in the short term, and indeed, the share price has dropped more than 5% on the morning of the announcement. That said, the fact that it didn't fall further indicates that a drop was already partially priced into the stock.</p>
<p>Long term, however -- which is how we at the Fool recommend looking at your investments -- the dividend cut is probably a good thing for the company. It ends the uncertainty of whether Flannery will cut the dividend and returns the yield to historic and more-manageable levels. Most important, it frees up company resources so that Flannery can implement restructuring and <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/30/3-things-ceo-john-flannery-wants-to-change-at-ge.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=8305a336-c88c-11e7-9fce-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">a corporate agenda Opens a New Window.</a> that will hopefully get GE back on track.</p>
<p>Make no mistake: It's likely to be a rough couple of years for GE investors as Flannery tries to sort everything out, and there's no guarantee he'll be successful. But now that the dividend cut is over and done with, it may be that the worst is over. Even though it's tough to do, long-term investors should probably hang on to their shares and hope for the best.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than General ElectricWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=17aee17c-63d9-4b88-97f2-5dcb935473d0&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=8305a336-c88c-11e7-9fce-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and General Electric wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of November 6, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTruth2Power/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=8305a336-c88c-11e7-9fce-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">John Bromels Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of General Electric. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=8305a336-c88c-11e7-9fce-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | well hammer finally dropped160general electric160nyse ge cut dividend 50 024 per share 012 percentage isnt thing thats huge news second time decade ge cut dividend also second time since great depression make current investors concerned particularly since ges rivals160honeywell160and160united technologies160havent cut dividends since 1990s continue reading wake collapsing share price declining earnings dividend cut may actually good thing general electric heres ever since new ceo john flannery took jeff immelt summer speculation rampant would cut dividend possibly break company altogether flannery admirable job opens new window playing cards close vest saying would need perform thorough review companys operations making decisions meantime stock price continued fall pushing dividend 4 45 ge still able cover dividend relying payments ge capital arm many analysts pointed cash could better deployed elsewhere company dividend debate reached fever pitch opens new window ahead ges q3 earnings report flannery surprise many opted cut least right away potential upside decision wiped ges underwhelming earnings opens new window reduction fullyear guidance sent stock price tumbling 20 per share hovered ever since advertisement dividend officially cut puts end fivemonth willheorwonthe period uncertainty investors know stock market hates uncertainty actually may prove beneficial companys shares sure market factoring dividend cut looking beyond companys fundamentals calmer rational approach ges situation breath fresh air months hysteria helpful put latest move context ges first dividend cut since great depression came 2009 financial consumer credit arm ge capital decimated great recession company cut quarterly dividend 031 per share 010 per share knocked annual yield 3 line company historically offered course cold comfort investors saw 40 shares drop less 10 apiece reaction move160but free muchneeded cash since recovery ges dividend mostly hovered 3 4 share price climbed back 30 per share companys disastrous 2017 boosted yield almost 5 shares dropped 20 new cut quarterly 012 per share would represent 24 yield stock price 20 low ges historical standards reasonable dividend large industrial conglomerate ges rivals united technologies honeywell currently yield 23 18 respectively returning dividend manageable level160will probably good company company like ge starts spending much cash dividend payouts may make investors happy comes price company less cash devote researching developing new products fewer resources pursue restructuring efforts market products also may reluctant shed underperforming businesses bring lowermargin revenue company needs every penny maintain dividend payouts may feel obligated hold every scrap revenue avoid cash crunch cutting dividend flannery given flexibility jettison revenue streams pursue restructuring efforts indeed already announced hes looking sell ges transportation consumer lighting businesses would free resources used rampd marketing efforts would improve ges overall business model going win flannery lot friends among income investors certainly probably save headaches road dividend cut isnt going good ges shares short term indeed share price dropped 5 morning announcement said fact didnt fall indicates drop already partially priced stock long term however fool recommend looking investments dividend cut probably good thing company ends uncertainty whether flannery cut dividend returns yield historic moremanageable levels important frees company resources flannery implement restructuring corporate agenda opens new window hopefully get ge back track make mistake likely rough couple years ge investors flannery tries sort everything theres guarantee hell successful dividend cut done may worst even though tough longterm investors probably hang shares hope best 10 stocks like better general electricwhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right general electric wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns november 6 2017 john bromels opens new window owns shares general electric motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 618 |
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<p>RUSH: I was out playing golf yesterday and I saw this. It’s a Wall Street Journal story. “ <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2017/02/05/senate-republican-leader-distances-himself-from-trump-stances-on-russia-judge-vote-probe/" type="external">Senate Republican Leader McConnell Distances Himself From Trump Stances</a>.” Wall Street Journal: “The leader of the Senate Republicans distanced himself from President Donald Trump Sunday, disagreeing on issues involving Russia, the judiciary and alleged voter fraud.</p>
<p>“[McConnell] on Sunday was pressed on CNN about Mr. Trump’s recent statements, and repeatedly said he disagreed with them.” Now, one of the things that Trump’s really being ripped over the coals for, is Trump did an interview are O’Reilly for the Super Bowl. You know when that interview was done? Friday. They did the interview in the White House on Friday. This is… I know most people think those interviews are live, with the president taking time out from his Super Bowl party in the White House. But Trump was here over the weekend, so that interview took place on Friday.</p>
<p>And Trump was being queried about Putin. And so Bill O’Reilly said, “Putin’s a killer.” And Trump said, “Well, you know, we’re not so filled with innocent people ourselves.” And the roof blew. You would have thought that Barack Obama was back — except when Obama said stuff like that, nobody cared. And so now the same people who covered for Obama… The same people that when Obama was doing worse than that, Obama was out apologizing for America, Obama was admitting to the Chinese that we really shouldn’t be lecturing you ChiComs on civil rights violations because, man, do we have a history of it ourselves.</p>
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<p>Remember that? There were frequent examples with Obama, even when it came to immigration, telling other nations, “Well, you know, we haven’t been perfect in this area, so we’re not gonna preach to you!” With Iran and the nuke deal, Obama was saying, “Well, imagine what would have happened if somebody told us we couldn’t have nukes?” And it was always a moral equivalence. And when Obama did it, the United States was always guilty. The United States always had some explaining to do.</p>
<p>So Trump comes up with one of these off-the-wall or maybe spur-of-the-moment comments, O’Reilly says, “Well, Putin’s a killer,” and Trump says whatever he said about, “Well, you know, we have our share of those kinds of people, too,” and everybody is just blowing a gasket. And now you got right-wing commentators and analysts wondering if Trump even understands American exceptionalism or believes in American exceptionalism. You have others… Pelosi is out there saying, “I want to know what Putin has on Trump. That’s the only thing that can explain this. I want to know what Putin has on Trump.”</p>
<p>I don’t pretend, folks, to be able to explain to you what Trump’s attitude toward Putin is and why there is this unwillingness to categorize Putin in the ways that most people actually view Putin. I have no idea what it is. But I don’t think it’s gonna be long until we find out. But I need to ask some serious question. If you’ve listened to this campaign, if you’ve paid attention to the campaign, you saw Trump rally after Trump rally where all he did was stand up for this country. All he did time after time after time was talk about his effort to “Make America Great Again.”</p>
<p>And it’s clear that he thinks America lost ground in competition with foreign countries, trade deals, jobs, economics. But how anybody can then, after hearing Trump promise to work so hard and to tell people, “You’re gonna get so tired of the winning ’cause we’re gonna start winning again! Our country’s gonna start winning,” then Trump has one of these comments, “Well, you know, we have our killers, too,” or I forget the exact quote, whatever it was.</p>
<p>And to take that to mean that Trump doesn’t understand American exceptionalism and doesn’t believe in it, when Obama got a pass — routine pass — numerous times for saying things much worse than that? I don’t know. I don’t know what Trump meant by it. I don’t know why he felt the need to defend. If that’s what he was doing, if he was defending Putin under the blithering assault of Bill O’Reilly and calling him a killer. But now guess what? Putin is demanding an apology from Fox News!</p>
<p>Did he threaten to sue or is he just demanding an apology? (interruption) Yeah. Wouldn’t it be great if Putin sued Fox News for defamation? (laughing) O’Reilly. Folks, I promise we’ll get to the bottom of this and find out what this is all about. But this business with McConnell, this is something that I have known (I’m sure you have, too), that just because Trump won the election doesn’t mean all these Republicans in the leadership are on his side. I mean, many of them are just waiting for what they consider to be the best opportunity that will present itself for them to distance themselves from him.</p>
<p>These are establishment guys. It’s kind of like when Reagan won in 1980. He was not popular with the Republican establishment until he won, and he won with 49 states. There was no question about it. So the Republican establishment, they had to grit their teeth and bite the bullet and sign on and get on board. But privately they were never happy about it because of conservatism.</p>
<p>You know, Reagan was anti-establishment, too. The establishment hangs together. Trump’s anti-establishment. And all members of the establishment, Republican, Democrat, all members are first and foremost devoted to making sure nothing happens to them and their world and their establishment. The Republicans live in a never ending fear of what the media says, because they believe that a majority of Americans are going to believe what the media says, ’cause that’s their experience with it. So it’s a combination of self-preservation — just keep a sharp eye on this.</p>
<p>McConnell poured cold water on the pledge by Trump to launch a national investigation of voter fraud. The president has claimed without evidence that millions of people voted fraudulently in the presidential election. This is a Wall Street Journal story. So keep a sharp eye on that.</p>
<p>Here’s the <a href="http://news.sky.com/story/killer-putin-kremlin-wants-fox-news-apology-over-oreilly-remark-10758394" type="external">Sky News</a> report on the Trump-Putin dustup. Bill O’Reilly used the word “killer” while pressing Trump on whether he thought he would get along with Putin. O’Reilly said, “Putin’s a killer.” Trump said, “There’s a lot of killers. We’ve got a lot of killers. What? You think our country is so innocent?” That’s what set off the fire alarms. “You think our country’s so innocent?” No. No, no, no. Don’t misunderstand. I can totally understand people reacting to that.</p>
<p>My question is where was the reaction when Obama was doing that and worse? You know, when Obama was out there establishing that America was guilty, that America’s superpower status wasn’t really deserved, that the world was out of balance when we, the United States, were the lone superpower in the world. And when Obama belittled American exceptionalism (imitating Obama), “Well, you know, I bet in Denmark they think they’re pretty exceptional too. In Yemen, even in Yemen they think they’re pretty exceptional, too.”</p>
<p>It was obviously a put-down of the whole concept of American exceptionalism, which these people think is us saying we’re better people and that’s not at all what American exceptionalism is. American exceptionalism, it’s actually the root of the word, we are the exception to the way most people have had to live. Human beings, since the beginning of time, have lived in bondage, servitude, authoritarian dictators, political prisoners, in dungeons, in poverty, I mean, dire poverty.</p>
<p>The human condition since human life began has been, for the vast majority of people, real suffering. The United States comes along and all of that changes. That’s American exceptionalism. Not that we’re better than anybody. But Obama heard that as us saying we’re better people. (imitating Obama) “No, that’s not right. We’re not better. In fact, we’re worse, because of our past.” It was convoluted. Nobody ever harped on Obama. Of course nobody ever harped on it for anything. We all know why.</p>
<p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “We consider such words from the Fox TV company to be unacceptable and insulting; and, honestly speaking, we would prefer to get an apology from such a respected TV company.”</p> | true | 0 | rush playing golf yesterday saw wall street journal story senate republican leader mcconnell distances trump stances wall street journal leader senate republicans distanced president donald trump sunday disagreeing issues involving russia judiciary alleged voter fraud mcconnell sunday pressed cnn mr trumps recent statements repeatedly said disagreed one things trumps really ripped coals trump interview oreilly super bowl know interview done friday interview white house friday know people think interviews live president taking time super bowl party white house trump weekend interview took place friday trump queried putin bill oreilly said putins killer trump said well know filled innocent people roof blew would thought barack obama back except obama said stuff like nobody cared people covered obama people obama worse obama apologizing america obama admitting chinese really shouldnt lecturing chicoms civil rights violations man history remember frequent examples obama even came immigration telling nations well know havent perfect area gon na preach iran nuke deal obama saying well imagine would happened somebody told us couldnt nukes always moral equivalence obama united states always guilty united states always explaining trump comes one offthewall maybe spurofthemoment comments oreilly says well putins killer trump says whatever said well know share kinds people everybody blowing gasket got rightwing commentators analysts wondering trump even understands american exceptionalism believes american exceptionalism others pelosi saying want know putin trump thats thing explain want know putin trump dont pretend folks able explain trumps attitude toward putin unwillingness categorize putin ways people actually view putin idea dont think gon na long find need ask serious question youve listened campaign youve paid attention campaign saw trump rally trump rally stand country time time time talk effort make america great clear thinks america lost ground competition foreign countries trade deals jobs economics anybody hearing trump promise work hard tell people youre gon na get tired winning cause gon na start winning countrys gon na start winning trump one comments well know killers forget exact quote whatever take mean trump doesnt understand american exceptionalism doesnt believe obama got pass routine pass numerous times saying things much worse dont know dont know trump meant dont know felt need defend thats defending putin blithering assault bill oreilly calling killer guess putin demanding apology fox news threaten sue demanding apology interruption yeah wouldnt great putin sued fox news defamation laughing oreilly folks promise well get bottom find business mcconnell something known im sure trump election doesnt mean republicans leadership side mean many waiting consider best opportunity present distance establishment guys kind like reagan 1980 popular republican establishment 49 states question republican establishment grit teeth bite bullet sign get board privately never happy conservatism know reagan antiestablishment establishment hangs together trumps antiestablishment members establishment republican democrat members first foremost devoted making sure nothing happens world establishment republicans live never ending fear media says believe majority americans going believe media says cause thats experience combination selfpreservation keep sharp eye mcconnell poured cold water pledge trump launch national investigation voter fraud president claimed without evidence millions people voted fraudulently presidential election wall street journal story keep sharp eye heres sky news report trumpputin dustup bill oreilly used word killer pressing trump whether thought would get along putin oreilly said putins killer trump said theres lot killers weve got lot killers think country innocent thats set fire alarms think countrys innocent dont misunderstand totally understand people reacting question reaction obama worse know obama establishing america guilty americas superpower status wasnt really deserved world balance united states lone superpower world obama belittled american exceptionalism imitating obama well know bet denmark think theyre pretty exceptional yemen even yemen think theyre pretty exceptional obviously putdown whole concept american exceptionalism people think us saying better people thats american exceptionalism american exceptionalism actually root word exception way people live human beings since beginning time lived bondage servitude authoritarian dictators political prisoners dungeons poverty mean dire poverty human condition since human life began vast majority people real suffering united states comes along changes thats american exceptionalism better anybody obama heard us saying better people imitating obama thats right better fact worse past convoluted nobody ever harped obama course nobody ever harped anything know kremlin spokesman dmitry peskov said consider words fox tv company unacceptable insulting honestly speaking would prefer get apology respected tv company | 708 |
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<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
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<p>While many companies' shares are risingpast their fair values right now, others are trading at potentially bargain prices. The difficulty with bargain shopping, though, is that you may be understandably hesitant to buy stocks wallowing near their 52-week lows. In an effort to separate the rebound candidates from the laggards, it makes sense to start by determining whether the market has overreacted to a company's bad news.</p>
<p>Here's a look at three fallen angels trading near their 52-week lows that could be worth buying.</p>
<p>Topping the list of intriguing value stock candidates this week is specialty drug distributor Diplomat Pharmacy (NYSE: DPLO), which was raked over the coals last week after reporting disappointing third-quarter results.</p>
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<p>For the quarter, Diplomat Pharmacy announced revenue of $1.18 billion, a 25% increase from the prior-year period, though organic and dispensed prescription growth came in at a tamer 12% and 9%, respectively. Net income wound up dropping by nearly 50% to $5.4 million or $0.08 per share. Both figures wound up falling well short of Wall Street's consensus, and not surprisingly Diplomat also lowered its full-year forecast.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>A big component of the disappointment was weakness in the hepatitis C pricing market. Larger gross-to-net discounting has reduced margins for both the drugmakers and distributors. On the other hand, other aspects of Diplomat's specialty distribution business grew quite nicely. For example, revenue generated from oncology grew 57% inclusive of acquisitions and 36% on an organic basis. Considering the immense dollar sum being thrown at oncology, rare disease, and other specialty therapeutics, the adverse effect from hepatitis C pricing probably isn't a long-term concern.</p>
<p>Mergers and acquisitions are another clear avenue of growth for Diplomat Pharmacy. Earlier this year Diplomat purchased TNH Advanced Specialty Pharmacy. TNH specializes in oncology drug distribution, and it gives Diplomat a presence in the California and Texas markets. In February 2015, Diplomat gobbled up BioRx for $315 million in a cash-and-stock deal. BioRx's specialty relates to infusion services for ultra-rare, rare, and chronic diseases. With healthy cash flow from operations ($31.4 million in Q3), Diplomat should have enough in the tank to continue to make bolt-on acquisitions as it sees fit.</p>
<p>Given that specialty drugmakers have a <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/07/20/10-reasons-your-prescription-drug-prices-are-so-pa.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">laundry list of pricing advantages Opens a New Window.</a>, and taking into account Congress's history of sweeping drug reform discussions under the rug, Diplomat's business model appears quite attractive over the long run. Currently value at 15 times forward earnings, but sporting a sub-one PEG, which signifies its exceptionally fast growth rate, Diplomat Pharmacy is worth a closer look by both value and growth investors.</p>
<p>Consider this one of those rare double-down considerations. It wasn't long ago that I suggested to value investors that solar panel manufacturer First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) could be worth a look. Shares of the company rebounded modestly since that suggestion, but like Diplomat the company was taken to the woodshed after releasing its quarterly earnings report.</p>
<p>In the third quarter, First Solar witnessed its net sales decline to $688 million from $1.27 billion in the prior-year period as a number of key projects wound down. On an adjusted basis, when factoring in restructuring charges and a foreign tax benefit, the company earned $1.22 per share in Q3, which trounced Wall Street's expectations. Unfortunately, the company also shaved $1 billion off of its GAAP revenue guidance for 2016. With solar panel pricing down by double-digits, and revenue from the California Flats and Moapa projects now being recognized in 2017, not 2016, First Solar made the move to adjust its top-line guidance. Wall Street was none too pleased.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, there are reasons to believe that this best of breed solar company could be worth owning for the long-term. For starters, it has arguably the best balance sheet within the industry. Whereas most solar companies are mired in debt, First Solar is expected to have between $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion in net cash by year's end. This essentially means that as much as $1.5 billion of its $3.5 billion valuation is entirely comprised of cash. It also means that if First Solar sees an attractive product or company within the rapidly consolidating industry, it has the finances to acquire it.</p>
<p>Longer-term, First Solar's business model appears destined for success. Developed countries around the world are pushing initiatives and credits for businesses and individuals who switch to alternative energy platforms, of which solar is probably the most practical. Yes, lower pricing can hurt First Solar's margins, but it could also help improve the company's backlog by making projects all the more affordable.</p>
<p>Assuming First Solar can continue to improve the efficiency of its panels and retain its superior balance sheet, then its current valuation at approximately 60% of book value could be too enticing to pass up.</p>
<p>Lastly, value stock investors may want to give national hospital operator Tenet Healthcare (NYSE: THC) a closer examination.</p>
<p>As you may have rightly surmised, Tenet, like the rest of this week's value stocks, recently plummeted after reporting its quarterly results. During the third quarter, Tenet recorded a $9 million net loss from continuing operations, which was about half of what it lost in Q3 2015, while net operating revenue dipped about 0.4% to $4.16 billion. After adjusting for certain items, Tenet earned $0.16 per share, which was $0.02 below what Wall Street was expecting. The company's profit guidance for the fourth quarter was also well below the consensus.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>As with the other value stocks above, investors can't be faulted for feeling disappointed. However, as we've seen with the other two companies, there's a long-term growth story that can't be overlooked. During its "bad" quarter, Tenet also announced a drop in its doubtful accounts revenue to $367 million, or 7% of total revenue, from $371 million, or 7.3% of total revenue in the year-ago period. This means more people that are walking through its doors are insured, which in turn should mean that Tenet has more operating cash flow to work with in the coming years that it can use to either differentiate its hospitals from those of its peers or use for M&amp;A purposes.</p>
<p>Short-sighted investors may have also overlooked the fact that same-hospital revenue grew 5.3% year-over-year, with same-hospital exchange admissions rising 16.9% during Q3 from the prior-year period, and same-hospital exchange outpatient visits rocketing 32% higher. The data suggests that as the uninsured rate falls, consumers are feeling more comfortable heading to hospitals or specialty care facilities for medical care.</p>
<p>With health insurance remaining a critical issue during this election cycle, it's likely that Tenet will continue to benefit from steadily falling uninsured rates. Now sporting a forward P/E of less than nine, Tenet Healthcare could be an attractive addition to your portfolio.</p>
<p>The $15,834 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $15,834 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. <a href="http://www.fool.com/mms/mark/ecap-foolcom-social-security?source=irreditxt0000002&amp;ftm_cam=ryr-ss-intro-report&amp;ftm_pit=3186&amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies. Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFUltraLong/info.aspx" type="external">Sean Williams Opens a New Window.</a>has no material interest in any companies mentioned in this article. You can follow him on CAPS under the screen name <a href="http://caps.fool.com/player/tmfultralong.aspx" type="external">TMFUltraLong Opens a New Window.</a>, and check him out on Twitter, where he goes by the handle <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/TMFUltraLong" type="external">@TMFUltraLong Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>The Motley Fool recommends Diplomat Pharmacy. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | image source getty images continue reading many companies shares risingpast fair values right others trading potentially bargain prices difficulty bargain shopping though may understandably hesitant buy stocks wallowing near 52week lows effort separate rebound candidates laggards makes sense start determining whether market overreacted companys bad news heres look three fallen angels trading near 52week lows could worth buying topping list intriguing value stock candidates week specialty drug distributor diplomat pharmacy nyse dplo raked coals last week reporting disappointing thirdquarter results advertisement quarter diplomat pharmacy announced revenue 118 billion 25 increase prioryear period though organic dispensed prescription growth came tamer 12 9 respectively net income wound dropping nearly 50 54 million 008 per share figures wound falling well short wall streets consensus surprisingly diplomat also lowered fullyear forecast image source getty images big component disappointment weakness hepatitis c pricing market larger grosstonet discounting reduced margins drugmakers distributors hand aspects diplomats specialty distribution business grew quite nicely example revenue generated oncology grew 57 inclusive acquisitions 36 organic basis considering immense dollar sum thrown oncology rare disease specialty therapeutics adverse effect hepatitis c pricing probably isnt longterm concern mergers acquisitions another clear avenue growth diplomat pharmacy earlier year diplomat purchased tnh advanced specialty pharmacy tnh specializes oncology drug distribution gives diplomat presence california texas markets february 2015 diplomat gobbled biorx 315 million cashandstock deal biorxs specialty relates infusion services ultrarare rare chronic diseases healthy cash flow operations 314 million q3 diplomat enough tank continue make bolton acquisitions sees fit given specialty drugmakers laundry list pricing advantages opens new window taking account congresss history sweeping drug reform discussions rug diplomats business model appears quite attractive long run currently value 15 times forward earnings sporting subone peg signifies exceptionally fast growth rate diplomat pharmacy worth closer look value growth investors consider one rare doubledown considerations wasnt long ago suggested value investors solar panel manufacturer first solar nasdaq fslr could worth look shares company rebounded modestly since suggestion like diplomat company taken woodshed releasing quarterly earnings report third quarter first solar witnessed net sales decline 688 million 127 billion prioryear period number key projects wound adjusted basis factoring restructuring charges foreign tax benefit company earned 122 per share q3 trounced wall streets expectations unfortunately company also shaved 1 billion gaap revenue guidance 2016 solar panel pricing doubledigits revenue california flats moapa projects recognized 2017 2016 first solar made move adjust topline guidance wall street none pleased image source getty images nonetheless reasons believe best breed solar company could worth owning longterm starters arguably best balance sheet within industry whereas solar companies mired debt first solar expected 14 billion 15 billion net cash years end essentially means much 15 billion 35 billion valuation entirely comprised cash also means first solar sees attractive product company within rapidly consolidating industry finances acquire longerterm first solars business model appears destined success developed countries around world pushing initiatives credits businesses individuals switch alternative energy platforms solar probably practical yes lower pricing hurt first solars margins could also help improve companys backlog making projects affordable assuming first solar continue improve efficiency panels retain superior balance sheet current valuation approximately 60 book value could enticing pass lastly value stock investors may want give national hospital operator tenet healthcare nyse thc closer examination may rightly surmised tenet like rest weeks value stocks recently plummeted reporting quarterly results third quarter tenet recorded 9 million net loss continuing operations half lost q3 2015 net operating revenue dipped 04 416 billion adjusting certain items tenet earned 016 per share 002 wall street expecting companys profit guidance fourth quarter also well consensus image source getty images value stocks investors cant faulted feeling disappointed however weve seen two companies theres longterm growth story cant overlooked bad quarter tenet also announced drop doubtful accounts revenue 367 million 7 total revenue 371 million 73 total revenue yearago period means people walking doors insured turn mean tenet operating cash flow work coming years use either differentiate hospitals peers use mampa purposes shortsighted investors may also overlooked fact samehospital revenue grew 53 yearoveryear samehospital exchange admissions rising 169 q3 prioryear period samehospital exchange outpatient visits rocketing 32 higher data suggests uninsured rate falls consumers feeling comfortable heading hospitals specialty care facilities medical care health insurance remaining critical issue election cycle likely tenet continue benefit steadily falling uninsured rates sporting forward pe less nine tenet healthcare could attractive addition portfolio 15834 social security bonus retirees completely overlook youre like americans youre years behind retirement savings handful littleknown social security secrets could help ensure boost retirement income example one easy trick could pay much 15834 year learn maximize social security benefits think could retire confidently peace mind simply click discover learn strategies opens new window sean williams opens new windowhas material interest companies mentioned article follow caps screen name tmfultralong opens new window check twitter goes handle tmfultralong opens new window motley fool recommends diplomat pharmacy try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 844 |
<p>Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) is looking to cozy up even more with its biggest trans-Atlantic partners. Under a deal announced last week, Delta will take a 10% stake in joint venture partner Air France-KLM, while Air France-KLM will buy 31% of Virgin Atlantic (Delta's British partner). The three airline operators also plan to form a new combined joint venture.</p>
<p>These deals should foster even greater cooperation among the airlines. Virgin Atlantic -- being far smaller than the others -- has the most to gain. But that means Delta Air Lines is poised to profit, too, because it already owns a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic.</p>
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<p>All three U.S. legacy carriers have made broad use of antitrust-immunized joint ventures with&#160;foreign airlines to serve international markets. These allow U.S. carriers to offer more flight options to customers, while reducing competition -- a proven tactic for boosting profitability.</p>
<p>Of the three, though, Delta Air Lines is probably the biggest joint venture proponent. For years, it has had a joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia to serve traffic between the U.S. and Continental Europe. In 2013, it finalized a separate joint venture with Virgin Atlantic for flights to the U.K.</p>
<p>In 2011, it formed a joint venture with Virgin Australia for flights between the U.S. and the South Pacific. Delta also recently formed a joint venture with Aeromexico for U.S.-Mexico routes, and signed an <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/06/28/delta-air-lines-and-korean-air-sign-a-joint-ventur.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=38d9cd5c-76cd-11e7-8103-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">agreement with Korean Air Opens a New Window.</a> to form a joint venture for U.S.-Asia flights.</p>
<p>Minority investments are another cornerstone of Delta's strategy. The company owns 49% of Virgin Atlantic and Aeromexico, and holds smaller stakes in Brazilian airline GOL and China Eastern. These investments typically give Delta board representation, offering it more influence with its partners.</p>
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<p>Under last week's deal, Delta will invest 375 million euros (about $411 million) for that 10% stake in Air France-KLM. Air France-KLM will in turn spend 220 million pounds (about $291 million) to buy 31% of Virgin Atlantic from founder Richard Branson's Virgin Group. The companies will then form a combined joint venture. Separately, China Eastern also plans to buy a 10% stake in Air France-KLM.</p>
<p>Delta already cooperates very closely with Air France-KLM -- and to a lesser extent, Alitalia -- to coordinate schedules and fares for U.S.-Europe flights. It also works closely with Virgin Atlantic for the key U.S.-U.K. market.</p>
<p>By contrast, Air France-KLM has no relationship with Virgin Atlantic today. Thus, the intra-European side of the deal will drive the biggest changes. Air France-KLM may profit from Virgin Atlantic's access to London's crowded Heathrow Airport, while Virgin Atlantic will benefit from Air France-KLM's global route network.</p>
<p>While Virgin Atlantic has a loyal following, it has had trouble staying competitive with British Airways, its much larger rival. It also made an ill-advised bet on four-engine aircraft like the A340 and 747, which has put it at a cost disadvantage. As a result, Virgin Atlantic routinely lost money prior to forming its joint venture with Delta a few years ago.</p>
<p>After partnering with Delta, Virgin Atlantic's results <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/03/25/delta-air-lines-virgin-atlantic-investment-is-bein.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=38d9cd5c-76cd-11e7-8103-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">improved significantly Opens a New Window.</a>. For the past few years, it has been profitable -- but just barely. Then Brexit took a toll on the carrier's results due to the plunge in the pound that followed the U.K.'s exit vote.</p>
<p>Virgin Atlantic's biggest problem is its small size. British Airways holds more than half of the slots at Heathrow Airport -- the preferred London airport for business travelers -- while Virgin Atlantic has just 3%. That's only enough to support about two dozen daily departures, putting severe limits on the number of destinations it can serve.</p>
<p>A joint venture with Air France-KLM will help address this issue. Virgin Atlantic will be able to connect passengers from its North American markets to Paris and Amsterdam, two key business and leisure destinations that it doesn't serve itself. Its customers will also be able to make connections in Paris and Amsterdam to an enormous number of cities served by Air France and KLM.</p>
<p>Thus, a tie-up between Delta, Virgin Atlantic, Air France, and KLM could be the key to improving Virgin Atlantic's profit margin. Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM would then participate in this success due to their significant ownership stakes in Virgin Atlantic.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Delta Air LinesWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=45748e23-0f7c-4f7a-91bb-e20ec2cbe185&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=38d9cd5c-76cd-11e7-8103-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Delta Air Lines wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
<p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=45748e23-0f7c-4f7a-91bb-e20ec2cbe185&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=38d9cd5c-76cd-11e7-8103-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of July 6, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFGemHunter/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=38d9cd5c-76cd-11e7-8103-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Adam Levine-Weinberg Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Delta Air Lines. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=38d9cd5c-76cd-11e7-8103-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | delta air lines nyse dal looking cozy even biggest transatlantic partners deal announced last week delta take 10 stake joint venture partner air franceklm air franceklm buy 31 virgin atlantic deltas british partner three airline operators also plan form new combined joint venture deals foster even greater cooperation among airlines virgin atlantic far smaller others gain means delta air lines poised profit already owns 49 stake virgin atlantic continue reading three us legacy carriers made broad use antitrustimmunized joint ventures with160foreign airlines serve international markets allow us carriers offer flight options customers reducing competition proven tactic boosting profitability three though delta air lines probably biggest joint venture proponent years joint venture air franceklm alitalia serve traffic us continental europe 2013 finalized separate joint venture virgin atlantic flights uk 2011 formed joint venture virgin australia flights us south pacific delta also recently formed joint venture aeromexico usmexico routes signed agreement korean air opens new window form joint venture usasia flights minority investments another cornerstone deltas strategy company owns 49 virgin atlantic aeromexico holds smaller stakes brazilian airline gol china eastern investments typically give delta board representation offering influence partners advertisement last weeks deal delta invest 375 million euros 411 million 10 stake air franceklm air franceklm turn spend 220 million pounds 291 million buy 31 virgin atlantic founder richard bransons virgin group companies form combined joint venture separately china eastern also plans buy 10 stake air franceklm delta already cooperates closely air franceklm lesser extent alitalia coordinate schedules fares useurope flights also works closely virgin atlantic key usuk market contrast air franceklm relationship virgin atlantic today thus intraeuropean side deal drive biggest changes air franceklm may profit virgin atlantics access londons crowded heathrow airport virgin atlantic benefit air franceklms global route network virgin atlantic loyal following trouble staying competitive british airways much larger rival also made illadvised bet fourengine aircraft like a340 747 put cost disadvantage result virgin atlantic routinely lost money prior forming joint venture delta years ago partnering delta virgin atlantics results improved significantly opens new window past years profitable barely brexit took toll carriers results due plunge pound followed uks exit vote virgin atlantics biggest problem small size british airways holds half slots heathrow airport preferred london airport business travelers virgin atlantic 3 thats enough support two dozen daily departures putting severe limits number destinations serve joint venture air franceklm help address issue virgin atlantic able connect passengers north american markets paris amsterdam two key business leisure destinations doesnt serve customers also able make connections paris amsterdam enormous number cities served air france klm thus tieup delta virgin atlantic air france klm could key improving virgin atlantics profit margin delta air lines air franceklm would participate success due significant ownership stakes virgin atlantic 10 stocks like better delta air lineswhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right delta air lines wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns july 6 2017 adam levineweinberg opens new window owns shares delta air lines motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 540 |
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<p>Welcome to Top 10, Recruiter.com's weekly rundown of the best&#160;of the best in recruiting! Every Friday, we release a list of some of our favorite people, things, and ideas dominating the industry. From awesome tech tools and cool companies to great books and powerful trends, no stone in the recruiting space will be left unturned.</p>
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<p>This Week:&#160;Top 10 Tech Tools for Job Seekers</p>
<p>Technology is a wonderful thing. You can hail a ride through your smartphone, <a href="http://www.eater.com/2016/4/12/11413190/facebook-messenger-bots-order-food" type="external">order food through Facebook Opens a New Window.</a>, and hold face-to-face conversations with friends and loved ones over Skype even if you're on opposite sides of the world.</p>
<p>You can also, thanks to technology, find a better job much more easily than ever before. For today's edition of Recruiter Top 10, we rounded up 10 great tech tools that all <a href="/job/" type="external">job seekers Opens a New Window.</a> should consider adopting. Take a look – and then take your job hunt to the next level:</p>
<p>1. Shapr</p>
<p>Networking doesn't have to be a chore. Just sign up for Shapr. By analyzing your interests, work experience, and location, Shapr is able to match you with 10-15 relevant professional connections every day. If you and a connection show mutual interest in one another, you can begin chatting – and even plan a real-world meetup if you'd like. Now you don't have to spend your evenings handing out business cards at awkward cocktail hours in the hopes that someone – anyone – will call you back.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.shapr.co/" type="external">Learn more. Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>2. ChangeDetection.com</p>
<p>ChangeDetection.com is a site that allows you to monitor any other website for changes. Create a "change log" for any conceivable Web page, and ChangeDetection.com will email you the minute that page updates.</p>
<p>At first glance, this might not seem like a job-search technology, but it can be if you know how to use it. Here's job seeker Scott Stadum describing how he uses ChangeDetection.com to find new career opportunities: "I set it to the jobs page of a company I want to work for, and the moment there's a change, I'll know about it."</p>
<p>In this way, ChangeDetection.com can act as a job alert system –&#160;and you're guaranteed to only hear about open roles at companies you care about.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.changedetection.com/" type="external">Learn more. Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>3. Gladeo</p>
<p>Gladeo is a job search resource for those of us who aren't even sure what kinds of jobs we want yet. The site collects interviews, in-depth videos, and more to give users accurate pictures of a variety of careers across a number of industries. Recent graduates, first-time job hunters, and anyone in need of a career change at any stage of their life would do well to spend a few hours browsing Gladeo.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gladeo.org/" type="external">Learn more. Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>4. JobScan</p>
<p>In the age of the ATS, only resumes that contain the right keywords make it to the hiring manager's desk. JobScan is a tool that ensures yours is one of those resumes.</p>
<p>JobScan screens your resume and the description of a job you're applying for side by side. It then scores how well your resume matches the description and offers suggestions about missing keywords and skill sets that you might want to add to your resume in order to be seen as a better match. The point isn't that you should lie and say you have skills you don't! Rather, JobScan is here to jog your memory about skills you may have forgotten to list, and it also ensures that you and the employer are speaking the same language when it comes to the skills you have and the skills the job requires.</p>
<p><a href="" type="external">Learn more. Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>5. Email Hunter</p>
<p>Informational interviews can be a great way to learn about a target industry or employer. They can also help you get your foot in the door with your dream company.</p>
<p>The only problem is that getting in touch with someone at your dream company can be a major hassle.</p>
<p>That's where Email Hunter comes in. It allows you to search company domains for people's email addresses – and it really works. I tried it out on Recruiter.com, and I found everyone from myself to our CEO.</p>
<p>Now, when you want to set up an informational interview, you don't have to spend weeks trying to crack a department head's LinkedIn profile. You can just use Email Hunter.</p>
<p>(We'd like to give a shoutout here to Marzena Ermler of the New York Public Library [NYPL], as she is the person who put Email Hunter on our radar. Ermler also rightfully pointed out that public libraries can be great resources for job seekers, too. We didn't include public libraries as their own entry on this list, but we do want to share <a href="https://www.nypl.org/collections/articles-databases/alpha%3D%26subject%3D816%26location%3D0%26audience%3D0%26language%3D0%26keyword%3D%26limit%3D0" type="external">a link to the NYPL's job and career database Opens a New Window.</a>. There's a lot to look at here – enough even to trigger its own Top 10 list.)</p>
<p><a href="https://emailhunter.co/" type="external">Learn more. Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>6. Glassdoor</p>
<p>You're likely already well aware of Glassdoor, but if you're not using it as a critical component of your job search, you're missing out. When it comes to researching a company's culture, work environment, salary structure, and more, there's no better resource than Glassdoor.</p>
<p>"In my eyes, it is the ultimate prep guide for finding the right fit," says Anne Weeks of <a href="http://www.beyondtheu.com/" type="external">Beyond the U Opens a New Window.</a>, an online community of students and employers. "For young college grads, it is especially helpful in lowering anxiety about the interview process."</p>
<p><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm" type="external">Learn more. Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>7. Rake</p>
<p>If you're tired of loading your bookmarks bar up with a flood of disorganized job posts, Rake is the app you've been looking for. Rake allows you to save any job post from any job site in the same place, either through the app itself or a convenient Chrome extension. From there, job seekers can keep track of where they are in each application process for each job opening.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.getrake.io/" type="external">Learn more. Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>8. Woo.io</p>
<p>Woo flips the job search process on its head. Job seekers create profiles and set "wishlists" composed of the things they're looking for in a new job. Woo then matches the job seeker only with companies that meet their wishlist criteria. Best of all, it's up to you, the job seeker, to decide whether or not a company's opportunity is right for you. If you want to learn more about a company that has approached you, you can. If not, you can pass on the opportunity, and Woo will keep your identity totally anonymous to the company.</p>
<p><a href="https://woo.io/#/" type="external">Learn more. Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>9. Uptowork</p>
<p>When it comes to crafting a resume, there's no need to go it alone. Uptowork's resume builder has all the resume-writing resources you need: professional templates, document customization, relevant tips from expert resume writers – it can even help you craft a customized cover letter to go along with each customized resume for each specific role. Of all the resume builders out there, Uptowork might just be the best.</p>
<p><a href="https://uptowork.com/" type="external">Learn more. Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>10. Mixmax</p>
<p>Say goodbye to the blackhole. While Mixmax markets itself as a sales tool, it can be incredibly useful for job seekers as well because it allows you to track who opens your emails and when. No more wondering whether or not the hiring manager has seen your message: Mixmax can tell you exactly when it happens.</p>
<p>The tool also offers a scheduling function and the ability to create custom email templates. Sending out resumes and scheduling interviews has never been easier.</p>
<p><a href="https://mixmax.com/" type="external">Learn more. Opens a New Window.</a></p> | true | 0 | welcome top 10 recruitercoms weekly rundown best160of best recruiting every friday release list favorite people things ideas dominating industry awesome tech tools cool companies great books powerful trends stone recruiting space left unturned continue reading week160top 10 tech tools job seekers technology wonderful thing hail ride smartphone order food facebook opens new window hold facetoface conversations friends loved ones skype even youre opposite sides world also thanks technology find better job much easily ever todays edition recruiter top 10 rounded 10 great tech tools job seekers opens new window consider adopting take look take job hunt next level 1 shapr networking doesnt chore sign shapr analyzing interests work experience location shapr able match 1015 relevant professional connections every day connection show mutual interest one another begin chatting even plan realworld meetup youd like dont spend evenings handing business cards awkward cocktail hours hopes someone anyone call back advertisement learn opens new window 2 changedetectioncom changedetectioncom site allows monitor website changes create change log conceivable web page changedetectioncom email minute page updates first glance might seem like jobsearch technology know use heres job seeker scott stadum describing uses changedetectioncom find new career opportunities set jobs page company want work moment theres change ill know way changedetectioncom act job alert system 160and youre guaranteed hear open roles companies care learn opens new window 3 gladeo gladeo job search resource us arent even sure kinds jobs want yet site collects interviews indepth videos give users accurate pictures variety careers across number industries recent graduates firsttime job hunters anyone need career change stage life would well spend hours browsing gladeo learn opens new window 4 jobscan age ats resumes contain right keywords make hiring managers desk jobscan tool ensures one resumes jobscan screens resume description job youre applying side side scores well resume matches description offers suggestions missing keywords skill sets might want add resume order seen better match point isnt lie say skills dont rather jobscan jog memory skills may forgotten list also ensures employer speaking language comes skills skills job requires learn opens new window 5 email hunter informational interviews great way learn target industry employer also help get foot door dream company problem getting touch someone dream company major hassle thats email hunter comes allows search company domains peoples email addresses really works tried recruitercom found everyone ceo want set informational interview dont spend weeks trying crack department heads linkedin profile use email hunter wed like give shoutout marzena ermler new york public library nypl person put email hunter radar ermler also rightfully pointed public libraries great resources job seekers didnt include public libraries entry list want share link nypls job career database opens new window theres lot look enough even trigger top 10 list learn opens new window 6 glassdoor youre likely already well aware glassdoor youre using critical component job search youre missing comes researching companys culture work environment salary structure theres better resource glassdoor eyes ultimate prep guide finding right fit says anne weeks beyond u opens new window online community students employers young college grads especially helpful lowering anxiety interview process learn opens new window 7 rake youre tired loading bookmarks bar flood disorganized job posts rake app youve looking rake allows save job post job site place either app convenient chrome extension job seekers keep track application process job opening learn opens new window 8 wooio woo flips job search process head job seekers create profiles set wishlists composed things theyre looking new job woo matches job seeker companies meet wishlist criteria best job seeker decide whether companys opportunity right want learn company approached pass opportunity woo keep identity totally anonymous company learn opens new window 9 uptowork comes crafting resume theres need go alone uptoworks resume builder resumewriting resources need professional templates document customization relevant tips expert resume writers even help craft customized cover letter go along customized resume specific role resume builders uptowork might best learn opens new window 10 mixmax say goodbye blackhole mixmax markets sales tool incredibly useful job seekers well allows track opens emails wondering whether hiring manager seen message mixmax tell exactly happens tool also offers scheduling function ability create custom email templates sending resumes scheduling interviews never easier learn opens new window | 703 |
<p />
<p>As outstanding student loan debt stays above the trillion-dollar mark, many fresh graduates are faced with the seemingly insurmountable task of paying down their loans in a weak labor and economic environment.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>For many new grads, the student loan payments have started rolling in, but a steady and adequate paycheck might be more elusive, making it hard to make payments. To help sort through their budget and work with lenders, some young adults have started working with student loan ombudsman.</p>
<p>An ombudsman serves as a neutral party to review discrepancies and disputes to work with borrowers and loan holders or servicers (lenders, guarantors, collection agencies, <a href="http://www.ed.gov/" type="external">the Department of Education Opens a New Window.</a>) to fix any mistakes and potentially reach a compromise.</p>
<p>“They help the borrower understand his or her specific issue and provide options for the borrower, both immediate and longer term, so future problems can be avoided,” says Karen McCarthy, spokesperson for the&#160; <a href="http://www.nasfaa.org/" type="external">National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>While an ombudsman can be a great resource for grads seeking additional guidance, experts stress it should be an avenue of last resort only after the borrower has taken extensive steps to resolve the issue(s) on their own with the loan servicer.</p>
<p>“The loan servicers want to help the borrowers resolve the issues [and] is the entity with which they’re going to have that long time relationship with while they’re repaying that loan, so it’s really important for them to try to work through it with the loan servicer,” says Joyce DeMoss, <a href="http://studentaid.ed.gov/redirects/ombudsman-ed-gov" type="external">Federal Student Aid Ombudsman Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
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<p>Do You Need Help?</p>
<p>If borrowers have reached an impasse with loan servicers, the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman Group will listen to their issue and help them figure out a solution that’s tailored to their situation, according to DeMoss.</p>
<p>“Maybe they feel that the servicer [is not] developing a personalized enough solution for them or they’re just not explaining things in a way that is helpful to the student,” she says.</p>
<p>It’s essential to understand that an ombudsman is completely impartial when it comes to resolving issues on behalf of the borrower, says Dave Macoubrie, vice president of Repayment Solutions for Inceptia, a division of <a href="http://www.nslp.org/" type="external">National Student Loan Program (NSLP) Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>“The ombudsman does not always automatically take the student’s side in complaint; their role as an independent third party is to investigate complaints, not take a side or render a decision,” he says. “They work to ensure both parties understand the facts in an effort to find agreement.”</p>
<p>While students and recent grads with federal student loan disputes can contact the U.S. Department of Education FSA Ombudsman Group, <a href="http://www.consumerfinance.gov/ombudsman/" type="external">The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Opens a New Window.</a> has a complaint process for private student loans. Although the services of an ombudsman are free, students and grads may incur costs for providing copies of documentation, says Macoubrie.</p>
<p>What to Expect From an Ombudsman</p>
<p>The ombudsman’s office can help resolve discrepancies and disputes regarding loan payments, tax offsets, consolidation, default status, interest and collection charges, and other related loan repayment issues, explains McCarthy.</p>
<p>“They can also help borrowers who don’t necessarily have disputes, but need help understanding loan repayment issues,” she says.</p>
<p>According to <a href="http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/disputes/prepare" type="external">Federal Student Aid Opens a New Window.</a>, an ombudsman will not make binding decisions or overturn the decisions of other entities, accept complaints about grants or private student loans, accept complaints when the Education Department has already begun formal or legal investigations, accept loan payments or process deferment, forbearance, or discharge requests (loan servicers&#160;or&#160;collection agencies must be contacted directly), testify or serve as a witness.</p>
<p>“We’ve got to work within the current law, within the regulations,” says DeMoss. “If you’re looking to have a loan written off or forgiven for something that is not explicitly stated in the law or statute, we’re not going to be able to get that for you.”</p>
<p>How to be Prepared for Help</p>
<p>Before meeting with an ombudsman, grads should ready questions about the process, gather &#160;supporting documents (previous contact with servicer, documentation of loan balance and create a detailed payment history to save time and effort, says Macoubrie.</p>
<p>“Be patient and don’t assume they know everything about your situation,” he says. “If the representative is unable to provide a response to your questions, calmly state your issue again and request the information or resolution you are seeking.”</p>
<p>Borrowers should have prepared answers to a series of questions: What are their expectations? What is preventing them from resolving the issue?&#160;&#160;Is the borrower willing to complete the necessary actions to achieve the desired outcome?</p>
<p>“If you speak with a representative on the phone, keep track of whom you spoke with, the date and time of the call, and what was said,” says Macoubrie. “If you choose to communicate in writing, keep a copy of your letter or e-mail and any replies you receive.”</p>
<p>DeMoss recommends borrowers use the <a href="http://studentaid.ed.gov/sites/default/files/ombudsman-information-checklist.pdf" type="external">FSA’s Ombudsman Information checklist Opens a New Window.</a> as a guide to prepare their questions about resolving their federal student loan issues.</p>
<p>“We’re confidential so we can help people think through some really tough situations and they can ask all kinds of questions and express some things to us that they might not feel comfortable expressing directly to their loan holder or loan servicer,” she says. “The [desired] outcome is resolving the issue and seeing it brought to closure.”</p> | true | 0 | outstanding student loan debt stays trilliondollar mark many fresh graduates faced seemingly insurmountable task paying loans weak labor economic environment continue reading many new grads student loan payments started rolling steady adequate paycheck might elusive making hard make payments help sort budget work lenders young adults started working student loan ombudsman ombudsman serves neutral party review discrepancies disputes work borrowers loan holders servicers lenders guarantors collection agencies department education opens new window fix mistakes potentially reach compromise help borrower understand specific issue provide options borrower immediate longer term future problems avoided says karen mccarthy spokesperson the160 national association student financial aid administrators opens new window ombudsman great resource grads seeking additional guidance experts stress avenue last resort borrower taken extensive steps resolve issues loan servicer loan servicers want help borrowers resolve issues entity theyre going long time relationship theyre repaying loan really important try work loan servicer says joyce demoss federal student aid ombudsman opens new window advertisement need help borrowers reached impasse loan servicers federal student aid ombudsman group listen issue help figure solution thats tailored situation according demoss maybe feel servicer developing personalized enough solution theyre explaining things way helpful student says essential understand ombudsman completely impartial comes resolving issues behalf borrower says dave macoubrie vice president repayment solutions inceptia division national student loan program nslp opens new window ombudsman always automatically take students side complaint role independent third party investigate complaints take side render decision says work ensure parties understand facts effort find agreement students recent grads federal student loan disputes contact us department education fsa ombudsman group consumer financial protection bureau opens new window complaint process private student loans although services ombudsman free students grads may incur costs providing copies documentation says macoubrie expect ombudsman ombudsmans office help resolve discrepancies disputes regarding loan payments tax offsets consolidation default status interest collection charges related loan repayment issues explains mccarthy also help borrowers dont necessarily disputes need help understanding loan repayment issues says according federal student aid opens new window ombudsman make binding decisions overturn decisions entities accept complaints grants private student loans accept complaints education department already begun formal legal investigations accept loan payments process deferment forbearance discharge requests loan servicers160or160collection agencies must contacted directly testify serve witness weve got work within current law within regulations says demoss youre looking loan written forgiven something explicitly stated law statute going able get prepared help meeting ombudsman grads ready questions process gather 160supporting documents previous contact servicer documentation loan balance create detailed payment history save time effort says macoubrie patient dont assume know everything situation says representative unable provide response questions calmly state issue request information resolution seeking borrowers prepared answers series questions expectations preventing resolving issue160160is borrower willing complete necessary actions achieve desired outcome speak representative phone keep track spoke date time call said says macoubrie choose communicate writing keep copy letter email replies receive demoss recommends borrowers use fsas ombudsman information checklist opens new window guide prepare questions resolving federal student loan issues confidential help people think really tough situations ask kinds questions express things us might feel comfortable expressing directly loan holder loan servicer says desired outcome resolving issue seeing brought closure | 526 |
<p />
<p>CEO Mary Barra has GM on a surprisingly strong path to growth, yetthe Detroit giant's stock is still cheap. Image source: General Motors.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Looking for big dividend payments? Searching for well-run companies at value prices? How about an earnings-growth story that has slid under Wall Street's radar?</p>
<p>How about General Motors (NYSE: GM)?</p>
<p>GM shares are cheap right now, and that makes thedividend yield look great. But a cheap stock is only a buy if it's undervalued. In this case, there's good reason to think that GM is cheapbecause of some short-term concerns about the new-car market, but its longer-term prospects looksurprisingly bright.</p>
<p>During last month's earnings call, CEO Mary Barra said she thought investors should look at GM's shares as both a dividend playand <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/08/01/why-general-motors-is-a-great-dividend-stock-and-a.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">an earnings-growth story Opens a New Window.</a>. That may sound far-fetched, but she has a strong case on both fronts. Here's why.</p>
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<p>GM is trading at just about 4 times trailing twelve-month earnings. Even for a century-old automaker, that's cheap: The historical norm during good times is more like 10 times earnings. And at current prices, GM's dividend yield is about 4.9%.</p>
<p>That 4.9% dividend yield is impressive, but it doesn't mean much if GM has to cut the dividend as soon as the economy slows. Autos are a cyclical business: Profits rise during good times, and fall as auto sales slow during recessions.</p>
<p>That's a big part of why GM is cheap right now: Investors are worried that the important U.S. new-vehicle market appears to be peaking. But we're Fools, so we know that there are big benefits to taking a longer view.</p>
<p>Historically, GM and its Detroit rivals swung to steep losses during recessions. That probably won't happen at GM next time: GM has lowered its costs enough that it expects to be profitable as long as the annualized pace of auto sales in the U.S. stays above 10.5 million. That's a very low level: Even during the 2008-2009 economic crisis, the pace of U.S. auto sales only <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/02/05/why-record-auto-sales-have-investors-worried.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">fell below that line for about three quarters Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Even if GM doesn't post losses during the next recession, its profits will be squeezed. But GM is prepared: CEO Mary Barra has committed to maintaining a cash reserve of at least $20 billion so that GM can continue to fund new-product development and other obligations through the next downturn. CFO Chuck Stevens recently made clear that those "other obligations" <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/07/26/is-general-motors-46-dividend-yield-at-risk-in-the.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">include GM's dividend Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>If the recession were to be very severe and protracted, if GM were to burn through that entire $20 million reserve, it would fall back on its $14 billion in revolving lines of credit. I would expect the dividend to be cut if it got close to that point. But note that GM's capital expenditures totaled $7.8 billion in 2015: As long as GM doesn't dip too far into the red, that cash reserve could hold GM through a recession that lasts for two years or more, even without cutting costs significantly.</p>
<p>In October of 2014, Barra laid out a plan to boost GM's adjusted pre-tax profit margin to between 9% and 10%, sustainably, by "early next decade."</p>
<p>The plan has several components. You can see the <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/05/27/general-motors-company-is-this-stock-a-buy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">details here Opens a New Window.</a>, but briefly, it includes: big investments in technology, a $12 billion investment to transform Cadillac into a global luxury powerhouse, further growth in China, a boost for GM's in-house financial arm, and a series of moves to realize more operating efficiencies by better harnessing the benefits of GM's huge global scale.</p>
<p>If that sounds complicated -- well, it is. Here's the takeaway: It's already working.</p>
<p>When Barra announced the plan in the fourth quarter of 2014, GM's margin was 6.1%. Last quarter, it was <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/07/21/record-profit-for-general-motors-as-ceo-barras-pla.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">up to 9.3% Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>High-profit products like this GMC Sierra Denali pickup are powering big profit margins for GM right now. GM is preparing to sustain those margins even if truck sales fade. Image source: General Motors.</p>
<p>That 9.3% profit margin might not yet be sustainable (for now at least, it's a record). But it illustrates that it's achievable, and that GM has already made a lot of progress toward its goal.</p>
<p>Barra said last monththat investors should be thinking of GM as anearnings-growth story. As GM's sales and efficiencies grow, its profits could rise another 40% or more from (very good) 2015 levels over the next five to seven years, even if there's an economic downturn between now and then.</p>
<p>One other point, in case it it isn't clear yet: Barra and her team are proving to be superb investor-focused stewards of General Motors. This is a very, very different company from the old GM.</p>
<p>I could go on and on about the good things happening at GM -- how its quality is now on par with its top Japanese rivals, about Barra's Buffett-like approach to value and fundamentals, about GM's surprisingly aggressive moves to out-disrupt potential Silicon Valley "disrupters"...but you get the idea.</p>
<p>Want a ride in a self-driving car? GM and Lyft will make it possible within a year -- in a Chevrolet. GM is now testing self-driving Chevy Bolts in San Francisco. Image source: General Motors.</p>
<p>Technology will soon bring huge changes to the auto industry. Not all of the big automakers will thrive in the new world. Right now, GM looks to be better positioned for the future than just about any other automaker, and it's doing a very good job of executing in the current environment as well.</p>
<p>To sum up: It's solidly profitable, its balance sheet is in great shape with just $10.8 billion in well-structured debt, it's prepared for the next downturn, it's emerging as a leader in future technologies, it has a great management team and a credible earnings-growth plan -- and it's cheap.</p>
<p>You'll have to be patient. It might take a while for that bottom-line growth to really show. But you'll get a great dividend while you wait. If you reinvest that dividend and hold on through the inevitable turbulence, you could be very happy with the result in five to seven years.</p>
<p>A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early in-the-know investors! To be one of them, <a href="http://www.fool.com/mms/mark/ecap-foolcom-apple-wearable?aid=6965&amp;source=irbeditxt0000017&amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable-d&amp;ftm_pit=2691&amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">just click here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFMarlowe/info.aspx" type="external">John Rosevear Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of General Motors. The Motley Fool recommends General Motors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | ceo mary barra gm surprisingly strong path growth yetthe detroit giants stock still cheap image source general motors continue reading looking big dividend payments searching wellrun companies value prices earningsgrowth story slid wall streets radar general motors nyse gm gm shares cheap right makes thedividend yield look great cheap stock buy undervalued case theres good reason think gm cheapbecause shortterm concerns newcar market longerterm prospects looksurprisingly bright last months earnings call ceo mary barra said thought investors look gms shares dividend playand earningsgrowth story opens new window may sound farfetched strong case fronts heres advertisement gm trading 4 times trailing twelvemonth earnings even centuryold automaker thats cheap historical norm good times like 10 times earnings current prices gms dividend yield 49 49 dividend yield impressive doesnt mean much gm cut dividend soon economy slows autos cyclical business profits rise good times fall auto sales slow recessions thats big part gm cheap right investors worried important us newvehicle market appears peaking fools know big benefits taking longer view historically gm detroit rivals swung steep losses recessions probably wont happen gm next time gm lowered costs enough expects profitable long annualized pace auto sales us stays 105 million thats low level even 20082009 economic crisis pace us auto sales fell line three quarters opens new window even gm doesnt post losses next recession profits squeezed gm prepared ceo mary barra committed maintaining cash reserve least 20 billion gm continue fund newproduct development obligations next downturn cfo chuck stevens recently made clear obligations include gms dividend opens new window recession severe protracted gm burn entire 20 million reserve would fall back 14 billion revolving lines credit would expect dividend cut got close point note gms capital expenditures totaled 78 billion 2015 long gm doesnt dip far red cash reserve could hold gm recession lasts two years even without cutting costs significantly october 2014 barra laid plan boost gms adjusted pretax profit margin 9 10 sustainably early next decade plan several components see details opens new window briefly includes big investments technology 12 billion investment transform cadillac global luxury powerhouse growth china boost gms inhouse financial arm series moves realize operating efficiencies better harnessing benefits gms huge global scale sounds complicated well heres takeaway already working barra announced plan fourth quarter 2014 gms margin 61 last quarter 93 opens new window highprofit products like gmc sierra denali pickup powering big profit margins gm right gm preparing sustain margins even truck sales fade image source general motors 93 profit margin might yet sustainable least record illustrates achievable gm already made lot progress toward goal barra said last monththat investors thinking gm anearningsgrowth story gms sales efficiencies grow profits could rise another 40 good 2015 levels next five seven years even theres economic downturn one point case isnt clear yet barra team proving superb investorfocused stewards general motors different company old gm could go good things happening gm quality par top japanese rivals barras buffettlike approach value fundamentals gms surprisingly aggressive moves outdisrupt potential silicon valley disruptersbut get idea want ride selfdriving car gm lyft make possible within year chevrolet gm testing selfdriving chevy bolts san francisco image source general motors technology soon bring huge changes auto industry big automakers thrive new world right gm looks better positioned future automaker good job executing current environment well sum solidly profitable balance sheet great shape 108 billion wellstructured debt prepared next downturn emerging leader future technologies great management team credible earningsgrowth plan cheap youll patient might take bottomline growth really show youll get great dividend wait reinvest dividend hold inevitable turbulence could happy result five seven years secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window john rosevear opens new window owns shares general motors motley fool recommends general motors try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 689 |
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<p>The Sony hacking attack continues to deliver more dramatic plotlines than any fictional movie, but meanwhile the movie studio must move forward and tackle the next steps in minimizing the mess. Will Sony eventually release "The Interview" in some form? In theaters, on DVD or online? And what recourse does the company have against the North Korean-linked hackers?</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Here's a look at what Sony is dealing with as it seeks to limit the damage after this unprecedented attack.</p>
<p>DAMAGE CONTROL</p>
<p>Sony went on the offensive after President Barack Obama said Friday that the studio made a mistake by canceling "The Interview," and said that he wished the company had talked to him first. Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton told CNN on Friday that Sony did not cave to the hackers and canceled the release only after all major theater chains decided not to show the movie.</p>
<p>"The president, the press and the public are mistaken as to what actually happened," Lynton told CNN. "We do not own movie theaters. We cannot determine whether or not a movie will be played in movie theaters."</p>
<p>Lynton also maintained that Sony had spoken with a senior White House official about the situation.</p>
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<p>Veteran publicist Howard Bragman said it was a smart decision for Lynton, whose leaked emails were a major part of the hack, to take Sony's case public.</p>
<p>"It's very important that you don't hide," Bragman said. "Sony has to start playing offense and remind people that they are a victim of a crime here."</p>
<p>Sony needs to quickly decide whether and how it is going to release "The Interview" and then stick with the plan, said Matthew Belloni, executive editor of The Hollywood Reporter.</p>
<p>"They need to take a clear position on this," he said. "So far the position has been very muddled. ... So they need to stick with a clear decision and go through with it."</p>
<p>FINDING AN OUTLET</p>
<p>On "Meet the Press" on NBC on Sunday, Sony lawyer David Boies said "The Interview" is "going to be distributed, and what Sony has been trying to do is to get the picture out to the public," while protecting the rights of company employers and moviegoers.</p>
<p>Media reports have suggested that Sony might air "The Interview" on Crackle, its own streaming video service, but neither Crackle nor parent Sony have responded to requests for comment.</p>
<p>Bragman said it is important for Sony to find a way to show the film.</p>
<p>"That will empower them a little bit, so they can say (to North Korea) 'Screw you, we got this out despite of these threats and heinous things you did to us."</p>
<p>GOVERNMENT RESPONSE</p>
<p>The government is trying to figure out the best response as well. President Barack Obama said Friday to CNN that the United States is reviewing whether to put North Korea back on its list of state sponsors of terrorism as Washington decides how to respond to what he calls an "act of cyber vandalism," — not war — against a movie company.</p>
<p>In Washington on Monday, State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf repeated comments made by the White House over the weekend that if North Korea wants to help in the investigation of the hack, it should admit responsibility and compensate Sony for any damages it may have incurred.</p>
<p>Also Monday, North Korea experienced sweeping and progressively worse Internet outages, with one computer expert saying the country's online access is "totally down." The White House and the State Department declined to say whether the U.S. government was responsible.</p>
<p>POWER PLAYERS</p>
<p>Seth Rogen and his co-director and creative partner Evan Goldberg have proven themselves a bankable box office team with a string of hits, including last year's "This Is the End," which grossed more than $100 million domestically. And Rogen led the young-parent comedy "Neighbors" to a worldwide box-office haul of $268 million. The fallout from "The Interview" likely won't hurt them in the eyes of their teen fan base, but studio executives may pause before giving them the same kind of creative leeway again.</p>
<p>Still, the two haven't slowed down. They're already making another movie for Sony: "Sausage Party," scheduled for release in June 2016. The film, which they are producing and co-wrote, is an R-rated animated movie starring a sausage voiced by Rogen.</p>
<p>Rogen and Goldberg have not commented since their film was shelved.</p>
<p>REPAIRING RELATIONSHIPS</p>
<p>The most important thing Sony can do behind the scenes is work on repairing relationships that might have been damaged because of the email leaks. For example, Hollywood producer Scott Rudin and Sony Pictures co-chairman Amy Pascal exchanged emails in which they made racially offensive jokes about President Barack Obama and Rudin made disparaging remarks about actress Angelina Jolie. The two have apologized, but there's more work to be done, said Bragman.</p>
<p>"Privately, they have to work to rebuild any relationships that were damaged with agents and talent," Bragman said. "The other thing they have to do behind the scenes is work with other studios for support, because it could have been any studio."</p>
<p>Another relationship to massage is with exhibitors. When Sony on Friday put the blame squarely on theaters for pulling the film, they did considerable harm to one of their most important relationships. Studios and theaters work in a symbiotic relationship, roughly splitting ticket grosses.</p>
<p>Outwardly, Sony needs to keep up with its day-to-day operations.</p>
<p>"They have to do business as usual, open their movies, support their employees," Bragman said.</p>
<p>FACING LAWSUITS</p>
<p>Sony also has to deal with pending litigation. Sony faces six lawsuits by 10 ex-employees who claim the company violated California privacy laws by not securing their personal, financial and medical information. The cases all seek class action status and want to draw in the nearly 50,000 current and ex-employees whose private info was stolen and posted online. Sony has not responded to the lawsuits, which seek monetary damages as well as a requirement that the studio pay for credit monitoring and repair services for the next several years.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP Writers Jake Coyle in New York and Anthony McCartney in Los Angeles contributed to this report.</p> | true | 0 | sony hacking attack continues deliver dramatic plotlines fictional movie meanwhile movie studio must move forward tackle next steps minimizing mess sony eventually release interview form theaters dvd online recourse company north koreanlinked hackers continue reading heres look sony dealing seeks limit damage unprecedented attack damage control sony went offensive president barack obama said friday studio made mistake canceling interview said wished company talked first sony entertainment ceo michael lynton told cnn friday sony cave hackers canceled release major theater chains decided show movie president press public mistaken actually happened lynton told cnn movie theaters determine whether movie played movie theaters lynton also maintained sony spoken senior white house official situation advertisement veteran publicist howard bragman said smart decision lynton whose leaked emails major part hack take sonys case public important dont hide bragman said sony start playing offense remind people victim crime sony needs quickly decide whether going release interview stick plan said matthew belloni executive editor hollywood reporter need take clear position said far position muddled need stick clear decision go finding outlet meet press nbc sunday sony lawyer david boies said interview going distributed sony trying get picture public protecting rights company employers moviegoers media reports suggested sony might air interview crackle streaming video service neither crackle parent sony responded requests comment bragman said important sony find way show film empower little bit say north korea screw got despite threats heinous things us government response government trying figure best response well president barack obama said friday cnn united states reviewing whether put north korea back list state sponsors terrorism washington decides respond calls act cyber vandalism war movie company washington monday state department spokeswoman marie harf repeated comments made white house weekend north korea wants help investigation hack admit responsibility compensate sony damages may incurred also monday north korea experienced sweeping progressively worse internet outages one computer expert saying countrys online access totally white house state department declined say whether us government responsible power players seth rogen codirector creative partner evan goldberg proven bankable box office team string hits including last years end grossed 100 million domestically rogen led youngparent comedy neighbors worldwide boxoffice haul 268 million fallout interview likely wont hurt eyes teen fan base studio executives may pause giving kind creative leeway still two havent slowed theyre already making another movie sony sausage party scheduled release june 2016 film producing cowrote rrated animated movie starring sausage voiced rogen rogen goldberg commented since film shelved repairing relationships important thing sony behind scenes work repairing relationships might damaged email leaks example hollywood producer scott rudin sony pictures cochairman amy pascal exchanged emails made racially offensive jokes president barack obama rudin made disparaging remarks actress angelina jolie two apologized theres work done said bragman privately work rebuild relationships damaged agents talent bragman said thing behind scenes work studios support could studio another relationship massage exhibitors sony friday put blame squarely theaters pulling film considerable harm one important relationships studios theaters work symbiotic relationship roughly splitting ticket grosses outwardly sony needs keep daytoday operations business usual open movies support employees bragman said facing lawsuits sony also deal pending litigation sony faces six lawsuits 10 exemployees claim company violated california privacy laws securing personal financial medical information cases seek class action status want draw nearly 50000 current exemployees whose private info stolen posted online sony responded lawsuits seek monetary damages well requirement studio pay credit monitoring repair services next several years ___ ap writers jake coyle new york anthony mccartney los angeles contributed report | 583 |
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<p>Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD) is a Goliath in hepatitis C treatment; however, the company is shifting its research spending in the future away from hepatitis C to other indications, and that decision could have big implications on the hepatitis C market in the long term. Let's take a closer look at the hepatitis C market and Gilead Sciences' decision to press the pause button on hepatitis C R&amp;D.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Hepatitis C is one of the most lucrative indications for drugmakers, and Gilead Sciences is the dominant player in disease treatment.</p>
<p>The Centers for Disease Control estimates that there are 3.5 million people in the United States with hepatitis C, and that between 40% and 85% of these patients are unaware they've been infected. Globally, the World Health Organization believes between 130 and 150 million people are infected with hepatitis C, including15 million people in Europe.</p>
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<p>Hepatitis C has six genotypes. The most common (and easiest to treat) is genotype 1, which represents about 70% of chronic HCV infections in the United States. Of the rest, 15% to 20% of cases are genotype 2, 10% to 12% are genotype 3, 1% is genotype 4, and less than 1% are genotype 5 or 6.</p>
<p>Historically, hepatitis C treatment offered coin-flip cure rates and involved multidrug cocktails laden with side effects and dosed over as many as 48 weeks, but that began to change rapidly beginning in 2013. Today, cure rates have reached nearly 100%, the co-administration of drugs with unfavorable side effects has largely been eliminated, and treatment can last as few as eight weeks.</p>
<p>The significant shift in hepatitis C treatment is due largely to new drugs launched byGilead Sciences. In late 2013, Gilead Sciences' won FDA approval of Sovaldi, an oral HCV therapy that's become the backbone of Gilead Sciences' HCV product lineup and is mostly used in non-genotype 1 patients. Harvoni, a combination of Sovaldi and another drug, ledipasvir, hit the market in October 2014, and it's primarily used in hepatitis 1 and hepatitis 4 patients. Also, Gilead Sciences' Epclusa, a pan-genotype therapy, won approval this summer. Eplcusa is primarily being positioned for use in genotype 2 and genotype 3 patients. Most patients are given these drugs over 12 weeks; however, roughly 45% of genotype 1 patients can be given Harvoni over an eight-week period.</p>
<p>In 2015, Gilead Sciences' drugs were used to treat about 90% of the 250,000 patients who started treatment in the United States, and as a result, the company's hepatitis C drugs exited 2015 with an annualized global sales run rate of roughly $20 billion.</p>
<p>Currently, Gilead Sciences' drugs are treating about 85% of HCV patients, and in the third quarter, U.S. patient starts were tracking at an annualized 244,000 patients. As a result, the company's global hepatitis C sales clocked in at an annualized pace of $13.3 billion in the third quarter. For perspective, the company's U.S. hepatitis C product sales were $2 billion in Q3, down 37% year over year, despite Epclusa's launch in June.</p>
<p>Image source: Gilead Sciences.</p>
<p>The drop-off in hepatitis C revenue is tied to both fewer patient starts and increased competition. Many patients with advanced cases of hepatitis C have already been treated, and that's leading to a normalizing of quarterly patient starts. A healthier proportion of hepatitis C patients receiving treatment is also shifting the product mix toward the eight-week Harvoni treatment course, which costs less than the 12-week regimen.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, new, cheaper hepatitis C drugs fromAbbVie and Merck &amp; Co. are crimping Gilead Sciences' hepatitis C revenue because they're forcing Gilead Sciences to offer more discounts than last year.</p>
<p>In the wake of amaturing and more competitive market, Gilead Sciences has decided to focus its future R&amp;D spending elsewhere. That suggests Gilead Sciences' three-drug combination pill (Sof/Vel/Vox) will be its last HCV drug -- at least for a while. Gilead Sciences' management plans to file for approval of this therapy soon, and if it's approved, it will be positioned as a salvage therapy for use in patients who have failed to be cured by other treatments.</p>
<p>In discussing management's decision to concentrate on other indications, CEO John F. Milligan said:</p>
<p>Gilead Sciences' news could give AbbVie and Merck &amp; Co. an opportunity to gain share if they continue developing new therapies that can compete better. AbbVie's ABT-493 plus ABT-530 mash-up, for example, is in late-stage studies that include an eight-week dosing option. If trials are successful, that therapy could compete more effectively against the short-duration Harvoni regimen in genotype 1.</p>
<p>A pause in R&amp;D development at Gilead Sciences could also give Johnson &amp; Johnson an opportunity to win market share someday. Johnson and Johnson is evaluating a multidrug cocktail (which includes an Achillion Pharmaceuticalsdrug) that has shown promise over treatment periods as short as six weeks.</p>
<p>For now, Gilead Sciences' dominance in the indication doesn't appear to be in question, but if the company rests too heavily on its laurels, it may see its market share fall if competitors ramp up their efforts.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/EBCapitalMarkets/info.aspx" type="external">Todd Campbell Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Achillion Pharmaceuticals and Gilead Sciences.Todd owns E.B. Capital Markets, LLC. E.B. Capital's clients may have positions in the companies mentioned.Like this article? Follow him onTwitter where he goes by the handle <a href="https://twitter.com/ebcapital" type="external">@ebcapital Opens a New Window.</a>to see more articles like this.</p>
<p>The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Gilead Sciences. The Motley Fool recommends Johnson and Johnson. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | gilead sciences nasdaq gild goliath hepatitis c treatment however company shifting research spending future away hepatitis c indications decision could big implications hepatitis c market long term lets take closer look hepatitis c market gilead sciences decision press pause button hepatitis c rampd continue reading image source getty images hepatitis c one lucrative indications drugmakers gilead sciences dominant player disease treatment centers disease control estimates 35 million people united states hepatitis c 40 85 patients unaware theyve infected globally world health organization believes 130 150 million people infected hepatitis c including15 million people europe advertisement hepatitis c six genotypes common easiest treat genotype 1 represents 70 chronic hcv infections united states rest 15 20 cases genotype 2 10 12 genotype 3 1 genotype 4 less 1 genotype 5 6 historically hepatitis c treatment offered coinflip cure rates involved multidrug cocktails laden side effects dosed many 48 weeks began change rapidly beginning 2013 today cure rates reached nearly 100 coadministration drugs unfavorable side effects largely eliminated treatment last eight weeks significant shift hepatitis c treatment due largely new drugs launched bygilead sciences late 2013 gilead sciences fda approval sovaldi oral hcv therapy thats become backbone gilead sciences hcv product lineup mostly used nongenotype 1 patients harvoni combination sovaldi another drug ledipasvir hit market october 2014 primarily used hepatitis 1 hepatitis 4 patients also gilead sciences epclusa pangenotype therapy approval summer eplcusa primarily positioned use genotype 2 genotype 3 patients patients given drugs 12 weeks however roughly 45 genotype 1 patients given harvoni eightweek period 2015 gilead sciences drugs used treat 90 250000 patients started treatment united states result companys hepatitis c drugs exited 2015 annualized global sales run rate roughly 20 billion currently gilead sciences drugs treating 85 hcv patients third quarter us patient starts tracking annualized 244000 patients result companys global hepatitis c sales clocked annualized pace 133 billion third quarter perspective companys us hepatitis c product sales 2 billion q3 37 year year despite epclusas launch june image source gilead sciences dropoff hepatitis c revenue tied fewer patient starts increased competition many patients advanced cases hepatitis c already treated thats leading normalizing quarterly patient starts healthier proportion hepatitis c patients receiving treatment also shifting product mix toward eightweek harvoni treatment course costs less 12week regimen meanwhile new cheaper hepatitis c drugs fromabbvie merck amp co crimping gilead sciences hepatitis c revenue theyre forcing gilead sciences offer discounts last year wake amaturing competitive market gilead sciences decided focus future rampd spending elsewhere suggests gilead sciences threedrug combination pill sofvelvox last hcv drug least gilead sciences management plans file approval therapy soon approved positioned salvage therapy use patients failed cured treatments discussing managements decision concentrate indications ceo john f milligan said gilead sciences news could give abbvie merck amp co opportunity gain share continue developing new therapies compete better abbvies abt493 plus abt530 mashup example latestage studies include eightweek dosing option trials successful therapy could compete effectively shortduration harvoni regimen genotype 1 pause rampd development gilead sciences could also give johnson amp johnson opportunity win market share someday johnson johnson evaluating multidrug cocktail includes achillion pharmaceuticalsdrug shown promise treatment periods short six weeks gilead sciences dominance indication doesnt appear question company rests heavily laurels may see market share fall competitors ramp efforts secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window todd campbell opens new window owns shares achillion pharmaceuticals gilead sciencestodd owns eb capital markets llc eb capitals clients may positions companies mentionedlike article follow ontwitter goes handle ebcapital opens new windowto see articles like motley fool owns shares recommends gilead sciences motley fool recommends johnson johnson try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 664 |
<p>CARPENTRAS, France -- Europe's populist politicians hoped this would be the year they rocked the Continent's establishment. Instead, their assault on the European Union has brought election defeats, recriminations and self-doubt.</p>
<p>Hervé de Lépinau, a parliamentary candidate for France's far-right National Front, ended a rally before parliamentary elections in June with an attack on his own party's leadership. "Making a French exit from the euro the essence of our platform was an absurdity," he said. His party subsequently lost that seat in what was supposed to be a party stronghold in France's sun-baked south.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Many of Europe's far-right politicians now believe their attempt to associate themselves with the antiestablishment uprisings behind the U.K.'s vote to leave the EU and Donald Trump's U.S. presidential victory has backfired.</p>
<p>Outright rejection of the EU and the euro was a departure for most of Europe's far right, which traditionally concentrated more on immigration and identity. What they discovered is that Continental European voters, although hardly content with incumbents or the EU, viewed electoral shocks in the U.K. and U.S. as destabilizing.</p>
<p>Centrist leaders such as new French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel exploited those concerns, and nationalist parties have stopped talking about leaving the EU or the euro -- or styling themselves as the local version of Mr. Trump.</p>
<p>Anti-EU nationalists "were so electrified after Brexit and Trump that they thought all of us would be president or prime minister of their country," says Gerolf Annemans, a leading figure in Belgium's Flemish-nationalist party and in a group of EU-skeptic parties in the European Parliament. Instead, he says, "to some extent the Trump election has frightened off parts of the center electorate in Europe."</p>
<p>The tide of far-right and populist parties is still running high in Europe by historical standards, even with the economy picking up steam, and some voters say it wouldn't take much to see them switch back their support.</p>
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<p>Far-right and other populist parties made significant gains, despite recriminations over their tactical decision to up their anti-EU rhetoric. National Front leader Marine Le Pen won 34% of the vote in France's presidential election, her party's highest-ever share. Her vanquisher, Mr. Macron, has struggled in his early days with falling poll numbers and some domestic political setbacks.</p>
<p>The anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party, or AfD, is on course to enter the German parliament in September's national elections, the first time a far-right party has done so in decades.</p>
<p>In Austria, elections in October could put the far-right Freedom Party in a position to join the next government. Italy's ideologically eclectic 5 Star Movement, fueled by fury at incumbents, could become the country's biggest party in elections due next year.</p>
<p>Yet in most of Europe, elections and surveys suggest that populism might have peaked -- at least for now. Support for European antiestablishment parties rose to just over 30% in opinion polls in 2016, but has declined to around 23%, according to a composite measure of opinion-poll support developed by economists at bank Nomura Holdings.</p>
<p>The current level of support still represents a substantial increase from what it was five years ago. That suggests the populist movement is here to stay, even through recent election tactics appear to have backfired.</p>
<p>The Dutch Party for Freedom, led by anti-Islam firebrand Geert Wilders, won more seats in elections this March than in the previous elections in 2012, but fewer than in 2010. Mr. Wilders missed his goal of becoming the Netherlands' biggest party. Like Mr. Wilders, France's Ms. Le Pen performed worse in the presidential election than opinion polls last winter suggested she would. The AfD is polling about 8% in Germany, well below its 15% level of support last fall.</p>
<p>When the heads of Europe's populist parties gathered in the picturesque German Rhineland town of Koblenz in January, they believed momentum was with them. The U.K.'s Brexit vote and Mr. Trump's November victory, they said, heralded an antiestablishment wave that would sweep them into power or close to it, while bringing about the end of the EU in today's form.</p>
<p>"Yesterday a free America...Tomorrow a new Europe," Mr. Wilders told a cheering crowd from a stage shared with Ms. Le Pen and other allies.</p>
<p>Mr. Wilders styled himself as the Dutch Trump. Ms. Le Pen visited Trump Tower in New York, although she didn't meet the president-elect. Each promised to emulate Brexit by holding referendums on leaving the euro or EU, proposals dubbed "Frexit" in France, "Nexit" in the Netherlands, and "Öxit" in Austria.</p>
<p>Incumbents believed that populist upsets were distinctly possible. In the German chancellery, some aides to Ms. Merkel feared they might soon lose France as a close and predictable ally. The multilateral order of the West, consolidated since the end of the Cold War, was felt to be in unprecedented danger. "If Le Pen wins, then the EU is over," predicted one longtime German official.</p>
<p>Yet many European voters were unsettled by what was happening in the U.K. and U.S. The U.K. has struggled to figure out how to disentangle itself from the EU. Germans' trust in the U.S. fell from 59% in Nov. 2016 to 21% in February, and has remained at low levels, according to opinion polls commissioned by public broadcaster ARD.</p>
<p>Support for the EU, battered by long crises over debt and migration, began to recover. The EU's own latest Eurobarometer report on public opinion, published in August, found that trust in the EU has risen to 42%, from 36% a year ago and 32% in late 2015.</p>
<p>Improving economic growth in much of Europe, especially in the 19-country euro currency zone, helped blunt some of the discontent. Eurozone growth reached at an annualized pace of 2.5% in the most recent quarter, high by recent standards. That has helped slowly reduce the unemployment rate, which now stands at around 9% in the eurozone, compared with 12% after the region's debt crisis.</p>
<p>Mr. Wilders and Ms. Le Pen began slipping in opinion polls over the winter.</p>
<p>Peter Appelt, a 57-year-old worker in a train factory who lives in Germany's east, told The Wall Street Journal last year he supported the anti-immigration AfD party because Europe "doesn't work," and because he was fearful of the large influx of immigrants. "The other parties need to be taught a lesson," he said then.</p>
<p>Now, he says he has changed his mind. He doesn't know yet who he will vote for in Germany's Sept. 24 parliamentary elections, he says, but it won't be the AfD. He says he finds the party too amateurish and extreme, and that watching events in the U.S. and U.K. has made him more skeptical.</p>
<p>He sees the AfD's policies as similar to Mr. Trump's. "He wants to wall off his country, and the AfD also wants to keep all foreigners from entering, and that doesn't work either," he says. Mr. Trump's political struggles and the U.K. difficulties defining its future relationship with Europe have convinced him that isolationism makes for bad policy, he says. "In a globalized world, one can't act like a small island," he says.</p>
<p>Alexander Gauland, who co-heads the AfD ticket for the September election, says his party "of course used the Trump victory to say, 'This is also coming in Germany. The establishment is being voted out.' We have a figure like [Hillary] Clinton here: Merkel."</p>
<p>Mr. Gauland says if Mr. Trump had managed to start construction on his promised Mexican-border wall, the AfD could have used the new president's success to trumpet the feasibility of its own demands to close Germany's borders.</p>
<p>"Now that it's become tangled up in details, people are no longer paying attention," Mr. Gauland says.</p>
<p>Mr. Trump's mixed messages on traditional U.S. security commitments to European allies -- in June he affirmed U.S. defense guarantees to NATO allies, after declining to do so at a NATO summit in May -- have also hurt support for an EU-skeptic agenda, Mr. Gauland says.</p>
<p>His party continues to campaign for a "Dexit" referendum on leaving the EU unless the bloc agrees to loosen ties between members.</p>
<p>Only 20% of Germans want a looser EU, however, while 78% support more cooperation between EU countries, according to an ARD survey this spring. Another survey by market-research firm GfK in March found that only 10% of Germans would vote to leave the EU in a referendum, while 75% would vote to remain.</p>
<p>In France, Ms. Le Pen hailed Mr. Trump and Brexit as harbingers and echoed the message of economic nationalism and sovereignty. She amplified her opposition to the EU and unveiled a plan in January to pull France out of the euro.</p>
<p>Some National Front politicians thought the party should stick to its traditional anti-immigration theme. Among the sharpest internal critics was Ms. Le Pen's niece, Marion Maréchal-Le Pen, a rising star in the party since she won a parliamentary seat in the Vaucluse region of southern France in 2012 with an anti-immigration message.</p>
<p>Ms. Maréchal-Le Pen told the party brass that returning to the French franc was irrelevant to voters' problems in the coming decades, says her longtime lieutenant, Mr. Lépinau. "I don't care if one day my daughter needs to use francs or euros to buy her burqa," Ms. Maréchal-Le Pen told one leadership meeting, according to her spokesman.</p>
<p>The elder Ms. Le Pen stuck to the Frexit policy. In a televised debate against Mr. Macron, she gave a raucous performance. She spoke over Mr. Macron, gestured at him theatrically and falsely insinuated he had an offshore account.</p>
<p>A close aide to Ms. Le Pen says the performance gave an impression of recklessness that backfired with French voters. Already trailing in the polls, Ms. Le Pen slumped to a defeat by 32 percentage points.</p>
<p>Ms. Maréchal-Le Pen resigned from office after her aunt's defeat in May, leaving Mr. Lépinau to defend the Vaucluse seat in June's parliamentary elections.</p>
<p>His adversary was political neophyte Brune Poirson, a 34-year-old entrepreneur who says she decided to join Mr. Macron's brand-new party, "En Marche !", after Mr. Trump's victory in November. "I was devastated, " she says. "We had Brexit and then Trump, and I was like, 'We're going to have Le Pen."</p>
<p>The odds of her winning in the Le Pen family bastion were long. But the divisions in the National Front gave her an opening, as did the right's association with the American president in some voters' minds.</p>
<p>She won in an upset, partly because of a weak turnout among National Front supporters. Mr. Macron's upstart movement achieved a large majority in Parliament.</p>
<p>At meeting in late July, National Front leaders reaffirmed their opposition to the EU but said they would prioritize tougher immigration and trade policy over matters of "monetary sovereignty."</p>
<p>A survey of 10 EU countries published in June by the Pew Research Center found that Europeans remain critical of the bloc. A median of 46% disapproved of the EU's handling of its long economic crisis, while 66% disapproved of its management of the refugee crisis.</p>
<p>But dissatisfaction didn't translate into support for leaving. The survey found that, outside the U.K., a median of only 18% wanted to quit the EU, while 77% wanted to stay.</p>
<p>Mr. Appelt, the factory worker from eastern Germany, says voters such as himself will give mainstream politicians a brief opportunity to fix Europe's problems.</p>
<p>"It's now all about whether things take a turn for the better," he says. "If this doesn't happen in the next couple of years, then it is possible that Europe again simply takes a rightward turn."</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>August 21, 2017 13:08 ET (17:08 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | carpentras france europes populist politicians hoped would year rocked continents establishment instead assault european union brought election defeats recriminations selfdoubt hervé de lépinau parliamentary candidate frances farright national front ended rally parliamentary elections june attack partys leadership making french exit euro essence platform absurdity said party subsequently lost seat supposed party stronghold frances sunbaked south continue reading many europes farright politicians believe attempt associate antiestablishment uprisings behind uks vote leave eu donald trumps us presidential victory backfired outright rejection eu euro departure europes far right traditionally concentrated immigration identity discovered continental european voters although hardly content incumbents eu viewed electoral shocks uk us destabilizing centrist leaders new french president emmanuel macron german chancellor angela merkel exploited concerns nationalist parties stopped talking leaving eu euro styling local version mr trump antieu nationalists electrified brexit trump thought us would president prime minister country says gerolf annemans leading figure belgiums flemishnationalist party group euskeptic parties european parliament instead says extent trump election frightened parts center electorate europe tide farright populist parties still running high europe historical standards even economy picking steam voters say wouldnt take much see switch back support advertisement farright populist parties made significant gains despite recriminations tactical decision antieu rhetoric national front leader marine le pen 34 vote frances presidential election partys highestever share vanquisher mr macron struggled early days falling poll numbers domestic political setbacks antiimmigration alternative germany party afd course enter german parliament septembers national elections first time farright party done decades austria elections october could put farright freedom party position join next government italys ideologically eclectic 5 star movement fueled fury incumbents could become countrys biggest party elections due next year yet europe elections surveys suggest populism might peaked least support european antiestablishment parties rose 30 opinion polls 2016 declined around 23 according composite measure opinionpoll support developed economists bank nomura holdings current level support still represents substantial increase five years ago suggests populist movement stay even recent election tactics appear backfired dutch party freedom led antiislam firebrand geert wilders seats elections march previous elections 2012 fewer 2010 mr wilders missed goal becoming netherlands biggest party like mr wilders frances ms le pen performed worse presidential election opinion polls last winter suggested would afd polling 8 germany well 15 level support last fall heads europes populist parties gathered picturesque german rhineland town koblenz january believed momentum uks brexit vote mr trumps november victory said heralded antiestablishment wave would sweep power close bringing end eu todays form yesterday free americatomorrow new europe mr wilders told cheering crowd stage shared ms le pen allies mr wilders styled dutch trump ms le pen visited trump tower new york although didnt meet presidentelect promised emulate brexit holding referendums leaving euro eu proposals dubbed frexit france nexit netherlands Öxit austria incumbents believed populist upsets distinctly possible german chancellery aides ms merkel feared might soon lose france close predictable ally multilateral order west consolidated since end cold war felt unprecedented danger le pen wins eu predicted one longtime german official yet many european voters unsettled happening uk us uk struggled figure disentangle eu germans trust us fell 59 nov 2016 21 february remained low levels according opinion polls commissioned public broadcaster ard support eu battered long crises debt migration began recover eus latest eurobarometer report public opinion published august found trust eu risen 42 36 year ago 32 late 2015 improving economic growth much europe especially 19country euro currency zone helped blunt discontent eurozone growth reached annualized pace 25 recent quarter high recent standards helped slowly reduce unemployment rate stands around 9 eurozone compared 12 regions debt crisis mr wilders ms le pen began slipping opinion polls winter peter appelt 57yearold worker train factory lives germanys east told wall street journal last year supported antiimmigration afd party europe doesnt work fearful large influx immigrants parties need taught lesson said says changed mind doesnt know yet vote germanys sept 24 parliamentary elections says wont afd says finds party amateurish extreme watching events us uk made skeptical sees afds policies similar mr trumps wants wall country afd also wants keep foreigners entering doesnt work either says mr trumps political struggles uk difficulties defining future relationship europe convinced isolationism makes bad policy says globalized world one cant act like small island says alexander gauland coheads afd ticket september election says party course used trump victory say also coming germany establishment voted figure like hillary clinton merkel mr gauland says mr trump managed start construction promised mexicanborder wall afd could used new presidents success trumpet feasibility demands close germanys borders become tangled details people longer paying attention mr gauland says mr trumps mixed messages traditional us security commitments european allies june affirmed us defense guarantees nato allies declining nato summit may also hurt support euskeptic agenda mr gauland says party continues campaign dexit referendum leaving eu unless bloc agrees loosen ties members 20 germans want looser eu however 78 support cooperation eu countries according ard survey spring another survey marketresearch firm gfk march found 10 germans would vote leave eu referendum 75 would vote remain france ms le pen hailed mr trump brexit harbingers echoed message economic nationalism sovereignty amplified opposition eu unveiled plan january pull france euro national front politicians thought party stick traditional antiimmigration theme among sharpest internal critics ms le pens niece marion maréchalle pen rising star party since parliamentary seat vaucluse region southern france 2012 antiimmigration message ms maréchalle pen told party brass returning french franc irrelevant voters problems coming decades says longtime lieutenant mr lépinau dont care one day daughter needs use francs euros buy burqa ms maréchalle pen told one leadership meeting according spokesman elder ms le pen stuck frexit policy televised debate mr macron gave raucous performance spoke mr macron gestured theatrically falsely insinuated offshore account close aide ms le pen says performance gave impression recklessness backfired french voters already trailing polls ms le pen slumped defeat 32 percentage points ms maréchalle pen resigned office aunts defeat may leaving mr lépinau defend vaucluse seat junes parliamentary elections adversary political neophyte brune poirson 34yearold entrepreneur says decided join mr macrons brandnew party en marche mr trumps victory november devastated says brexit trump like going le pen odds winning le pen family bastion long divisions national front gave opening rights association american president voters minds upset partly weak turnout among national front supporters mr macrons upstart movement achieved large majority parliament meeting late july national front leaders reaffirmed opposition eu said would prioritize tougher immigration trade policy matters monetary sovereignty survey 10 eu countries published june pew research center found europeans remain critical bloc median 46 disapproved eus handling long economic crisis 66 disapproved management refugee crisis dissatisfaction didnt translate support leaving survey found outside uk median 18 wanted quit eu 77 wanted stay mr appelt factory worker eastern germany says voters give mainstream politicians brief opportunity fix europes problems whether things take turn better says doesnt happen next couple years possible europe simply takes rightward turn end dow jones newswires august 21 2017 1308 et 1708 gmt | 1,166 |
<p>So the other day I come up with this joke. Nothing that's going to win me an HBO Special, mind you, but a pretty good piece of Twitter-fodder -- you know, something to feed The Machine. Now anyone who follows me is well aware that I do not exactly filter the stream-of-consciousness that is my Twitter stream. This particular joke, though, I did decide to hold back. You see, when you get to a certain age, experience informs your mind's eye, which means you can witness the domino effect of the consequences of your behavior.</p>
<p>Anyway, in order to work, the joke would require two tweets.</p>
<p>TWEET ONE:</p>
<p>Hey, I left the Time Machine behind the shed under a tarp. Sorry I'm late, but I was able to slip Doris Day a roofie.</p>
<p>TWEET TWO:</p>
<p>Please ignore that last tweet. It was supposed to be a DM.</p>
<p>So I tweet that out and right away the SJW Harpies go on the attack: NOLTE'S MAKING FUN OF RAPE! (I'm not.) NOLTE THINKS RAPE IS FUNNY! (I don't.) Hey, chill, you joyless strumpets, it's just a joke -- a dumb joke meant to make you smile for a half-second because it's irreverent, inappropriate, self-deprecating, and catches you a little off guard.</p>
<p>Now, being yelled at by SJW Shrews doesn't bother me in the least. Everyone has the right to criticize me. Everyone has the right to condemn my joke. God bless America.</p>
<p>What my mind's eye tells me, though, is that things will not stop there. The mob will come after my livelihood. They will try to make Daily Wire editor-in-chief Ben Shapiro answer for my actions. And while he will stand by me, my actions will have brought unnecessary complications into his life. Then the boycotts against the site begin, which means our advertisers are brought into it.</p>
<p>So please don't tell me I enjoy free speech in this country, because I don't, and neither do you.</p>
<p>It's just a fact that we live in a country filled with fascist mobs -- on the left and right -- ready and eager to burn down your life over a joke or tweet.</p>
<p>It's all very simple: if you have to worry about losing your livelihood over a joke, you don't have free speech.</p>
<p>"Saturday Night Live" sucks. What started out in 1975 as something so special I own the first five seasons on DVD, has devolved (especially over the last 15 years) into a cult of nasty, groupthinking leftists who are no longer even close to funny.</p>
<p>A show built on the idea of being provocative and fresh is now a cowardly bed of smug, predictable confirmation bias only interested in tickling the sweet spot of Coastal Elites. And twice now, just in the last two months, SNL has actually stopped in its tracks for outright idolatry -- to sing songs to Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.</p>
<p>Man alive.</p>
<p>Everything that makes me who I am, hates "Saturday Night Live." Nothing would make me happier than to see that pompous, priggish, puffed-up, pretentious, propaganda pipeline canceled.</p>
<p>So by extension, I despise Katie Rich, a writer for SNL. I don't even like <a href="" type="internal">her face</a>. Look at her stupid face. The supremacist leftism oozes from her every pore. Looking at her, you just know she screamed " <a href="https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Fried_Green_Tomatoes" type="external">Towanda!</a>" during each of her six abortions. And that's a face that hates me, so with or without your permission, I'm just gunna go ahead and hate that face right back.</p>
<p>And then! AND THEN! The person that owns that stupid face is guilty of violating my only rule of comedy (stolen from Dennis Miller) -- the rule that says absolutely nothing and no one is off-limits except for those who can't defend themselves -- you know, like a 10-year-old kid.</p>
<p>Yep, Mz. StupidFace attacked 10-year-old Barron Trump. What kind of person does that? Who birthed this monster? Where is her humanity? Who is so twisted and gnarled and controlled by their politics that they see an innocent child only as a target of partisan opportunity?</p>
<p>There is, though, something I hate even more than SNL, more than Mz. StupidFace, more than attacks on children… I hate that Mz. StupidFace had to delete her Twitter feed (it is back now) and lost her livelihood (she is indefinitely suspended) over a terrible, tasteless joke.</p>
<p>What the hell is going on in this country?</p>
<p>How do we have free speech in America if terrible people can't tell terrible jokes without having to fear that, as a consequence, their lives are going to be ripped to shreds by online mobs?</p>
<p>Dear Pedants: I get it -- the First Amendment only protects speech from government censorship. I get it -- actions have consequences. I get it -- you have a right to criticize, complain, and boycott. I get it -- NBC has every right to suspend or fire her. I get it -- the left is always on the hunt for one of our scalps. I get it … I get it! … for crying out loud, I GET IT!</p>
<p>Call me an idealist, but I want to live in an America where a tasteless Twitter joke doesn't result in you losing your livelihood. Seeing Katie Rich lose her job because SNL sucks and is canceled -- hey, beers on me. But over a joke? Come on, y'all.</p>
<p>Some of you may not know this, but comedy -- especially stand-up comedy -- has been destroyed by politically correct fascism. Oddly enough, it all started on SNL when a bunch of dried-up female castmembers boycotted Andrew Dice Clay. The PC fascists even went after the great Sam Kinison over AIDS and Africa jokes.</p>
<p>Only The Mighty George Carlin refused to buckle… (NSFW)</p>
<p>… and we lost him ten years ago.</p>
<p>If my FREEDOM argument can't convince you, how about that most American of motivations … self interest?</p>
<p>When the day comes when you cross that line, and you're fighting for your own life and livelihood, don't you at least want to not be a squealing little hypocrite?</p>
<p>Follow John Nolte on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/NolteNC" type="external">@NolteNC</a></p> | true | 0 | day come joke nothing thats going win hbo special mind pretty good piece twitterfodder know something feed machine anyone follows well aware exactly filter streamofconsciousness twitter stream particular joke though decide hold back see get certain age experience informs minds eye means witness domino effect consequences behavior anyway order work joke would require two tweets tweet one hey left time machine behind shed tarp sorry im late able slip doris day roofie tweet two please ignore last tweet supposed dm tweet right away sjw harpies go attack noltes making fun rape im nolte thinks rape funny dont hey chill joyless strumpets joke dumb joke meant make smile halfsecond irreverent inappropriate selfdeprecating catches little guard yelled sjw shrews doesnt bother least everyone right criticize everyone right condemn joke god bless america minds eye tells though things stop mob come livelihood try make daily wire editorinchief ben shapiro answer actions stand actions brought unnecessary complications life boycotts site begin means advertisers brought please dont tell enjoy free speech country dont neither fact live country filled fascist mobs left right ready eager burn life joke tweet simple worry losing livelihood joke dont free speech saturday night live sucks started 1975 something special first five seasons dvd devolved especially last 15 years cult nasty groupthinking leftists longer even close funny show built idea provocative fresh cowardly bed smug predictable confirmation bias interested tickling sweet spot coastal elites twice last two months snl actually stopped tracks outright idolatry sing songs hillary clinton barack obama man alive everything makes hates saturday night live nothing would make happier see pompous priggish puffedup pretentious propaganda pipeline canceled extension despise katie rich writer snl dont even like face look stupid face supremacist leftism oozes every pore looking know screamed towanda six abortions thats face hates without permission im gunna go ahead hate face right back person owns stupid face guilty violating rule comedy stolen dennis miller rule says absolutely nothing one offlimits except cant defend know like 10yearold kid yep mz stupidface attacked 10yearold barron trump kind person birthed monster humanity twisted gnarled controlled politics see innocent child target partisan opportunity though something hate even snl mz stupidface attacks children hate mz stupidface delete twitter feed back lost livelihood indefinitely suspended terrible tasteless joke hell going country free speech america terrible people cant tell terrible jokes without fear consequence lives going ripped shreds online mobs dear pedants get first amendment protects speech government censorship get actions consequences get right criticize complain boycott get nbc every right suspend fire get left always hunt one scalps get get crying loud get call idealist want live america tasteless twitter joke doesnt result losing livelihood seeing katie rich lose job snl sucks canceled hey beers joke come yall may know comedy especially standup comedy destroyed politically correct fascism oddly enough started snl bunch driedup female castmembers boycotted andrew dice clay pc fascists even went great sam kinison aids africa jokes mighty george carlin refused buckle nsfw lost ten years ago freedom argument cant convince american motivations self interest day comes cross line youre fighting life livelihood dont least want squealing little hypocrite follow john nolte twitter noltenc | 524 |
<p />
<p>Last week, a disturbing video showed a United Continental (NYSE: UAL) customer being violently dragged off an oversold flight. Not surprisingly, this incident has caused outrage around the world and sparked calls to boycott United. It also has many people wondering how they can avoid being subjected to a similar experience.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Of course, most oversold situations are resolved in a far more civilized manner. However, it's always inconvenient to get involuntarily "bumped" from a flight. Moreover, every airline in the United States overbooks its flights at least some of the time.</p>
<p>All but one, that is. JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ: JBLU) is the one holdout that chooses not to overbook its flights, to be more customer-friendly. Yet even JetBlue has to "bump" customers sometimes -- and this has become a more frequent occurrence in the past year.</p>
<p>JetBlue maintains a strict "no-overbooking" policy. Image source: JetBlue Airways.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>There's a simple reason United Continental and most of its peers overbook their flights: Doing so is extremely profitable.</p>
<p>First, customers sometimes don't show up for their flights. Thus, on average, airlines can sell a few more seats than they actually have on the plane without running into trouble. Of course, they sometimes miscalculate, but the benefits of this strategy far outweigh the costs.</p>
<p>Second, airlines like United earn most of their profits from transporting business travelers, who tend to be less price-sensitive. If a business traveler is willing to pay a $1,500 walk-up fare for a flight from New York to Chicago, it makes sense for the airline to sell that customer a ticket even if the flight is already full. Most of the time, the airline can entice someone else to take a later flight by offering a voucher for several hundred dollars toward future travel.</p>
<p>Despite the widespread adoption of overbooking, airlines don't have to bump customers against their will very often. Generally, when flights are oversold, airlines are able to find enough volunteers to take later flights by offering generous vouchers.</p>
<p>Indeed, airlines have a strong incentive to avoid involuntary denied boardings, especially when they don't have another way of getting the affected customers to their destinations quickly. In most situations, the Department of Transportation mandates that airlines provide cash compensation equal to 400% of a customer's one-way fare -- up to $1,350 -- if a customer who gets bumped reaches his or her destination more than two hours late (for domestic flights).</p>
<p>Thus, for every million passengers who flew United Airlines mainline flights in 2016, there were just 43 involuntary denied boardings. This was below the industry average of 62 involuntary denied boardings per million passengers.</p>
<p>While overbooking is the main cause air travelers get bumped, it isn't the only one. Occasionally there may be a broken seat that can't be used. Sometimes stiff headwinds can force an airline to reduce the weight on a plane that's flying near the limit of its range.</p>
<p>With respect to last week's fiasco at United, still another issue came to light. The airline had to bump four paying passengers from the Chicago-to-Louisville flight to get crew members to Louisville who were needed there for a subsequent flight.</p>
<p>The recent United flight that made headlines wasn't overbooked. Image source: United Airlines.</p>
<p>In JetBlue's case, involuntary denied boardings have soared lately for a different reason: aircraft changes. The 150-seat A320 is the backbone of JetBlue's fleet -- the carrier has 130 of them -- but in the past few years, the company has added a subfleet of 20 A321s configured with 200 seats.</p>
<p>Occasionally, a JetBlue A321 ends up out of service because of unplanned maintenance and the only substitute plane available is an A320. Given that the high-density A321 has 50 more seats than JetBlue's current A320 configuration, it's no wonder JetBlue usually can't find enough volunteers to give up their seats.</p>
<p>As a result, while JetBlue bumped only two passengers out of every million transported in 2015, it bumped 92 per million transported in 2016. This surge in involuntary denied boardings put it near the bottom of the industry on that metric last year -- and way behind United.</p>
<p>A little over a year ago, JetBlue Airways was clearly the best airline to fly if you wanted to minimize the likelihood of getting bumped. However, that quickly changed in 2016. To make matters worse, the DOT compensation rules don't apply when customers are bumped because of an aircraft change. (That said, customers may still be eligible for meal and/or hotel vouchers in some cases.)</p>
<p>On the other hand, the alternative to bumping lots of passengers when an A321 goes out of service would be to cancel the flight entirely. Obviously, that wouldn't help anyone.</p>
<p>JetBlue's policies related to involuntary denied boardings are still designed to minimize the inconvenience to customers. The carrier doesn't overbook its flights, and it only switches to smaller aircraft when it has no choice. But even with a customer-friendly attitude like this, no airline can guarantee that everyone will get to their destination on time.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFGemHunter/info.aspx" type="external">Adam Levine-Weinberg Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of JetBlue Airways and is long January 2019 $10 calls on JetBlue Airways. The Motley Fool recommends JetBlue Airways. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | last week disturbing video showed united continental nyse ual customer violently dragged oversold flight surprisingly incident caused outrage around world sparked calls boycott united also many people wondering avoid subjected similar experience continue reading course oversold situations resolved far civilized manner however always inconvenient get involuntarily bumped flight moreover every airline united states overbooks flights least time one jetblue airways nasdaq jblu one holdout chooses overbook flights customerfriendly yet even jetblue bump customers sometimes become frequent occurrence past year jetblue maintains strict nooverbooking policy image source jetblue airways advertisement theres simple reason united continental peers overbook flights extremely profitable first customers sometimes dont show flights thus average airlines sell seats actually plane without running trouble course sometimes miscalculate benefits strategy far outweigh costs second airlines like united earn profits transporting business travelers tend less pricesensitive business traveler willing pay 1500 walkup fare flight new york chicago makes sense airline sell customer ticket even flight already full time airline entice someone else take later flight offering voucher several hundred dollars toward future travel despite widespread adoption overbooking airlines dont bump customers often generally flights oversold airlines able find enough volunteers take later flights offering generous vouchers indeed airlines strong incentive avoid involuntary denied boardings especially dont another way getting affected customers destinations quickly situations department transportation mandates airlines provide cash compensation equal 400 customers oneway fare 1350 customer gets bumped reaches destination two hours late domestic flights thus every million passengers flew united airlines mainline flights 2016 43 involuntary denied boardings industry average 62 involuntary denied boardings per million passengers overbooking main cause air travelers get bumped isnt one occasionally may broken seat cant used sometimes stiff headwinds force airline reduce weight plane thats flying near limit range respect last weeks fiasco united still another issue came light airline bump four paying passengers chicagotolouisville flight get crew members louisville needed subsequent flight recent united flight made headlines wasnt overbooked image source united airlines jetblues case involuntary denied boardings soared lately different reason aircraft changes 150seat a320 backbone jetblues fleet carrier 130 past years company added subfleet 20 a321s configured 200 seats occasionally jetblue a321 ends service unplanned maintenance substitute plane available a320 given highdensity a321 50 seats jetblues current a320 configuration wonder jetblue usually cant find enough volunteers give seats result jetblue bumped two passengers every million transported 2015 bumped 92 per million transported 2016 surge involuntary denied boardings put near bottom industry metric last year way behind united little year ago jetblue airways clearly best airline fly wanted minimize likelihood getting bumped however quickly changed 2016 make matters worse dot compensation rules dont apply customers bumped aircraft change said customers may still eligible meal andor hotel vouchers cases hand alternative bumping lots passengers a321 goes service would cancel flight entirely obviously wouldnt help anyone jetblues policies related involuntary denied boardings still designed minimize inconvenience customers carrier doesnt overbook flights switches smaller aircraft choice even customerfriendly attitude like airline guarantee everyone get destination time 10 stocks like better jetblue airwayswhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right jetblue airways wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns april 3 2017 adam levineweinberg opens new window owns shares jetblue airways long january 2019 10 calls jetblue airways motley fool recommends jetblue airways motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 582 |
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<p>Interest rates are starting to inch up, with many expecting the Fed to raise rates a little more later this month. A recent strong jobs report is only making that more likely. If you have thought about refinancing your mortgage, you might want to think hard about it now, and perhaps lock in a low rate if you're serious.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Refinancing is taking on a new home loan to pay off your old home loan. The new mortgage can have different features, such as a longer or shorter term, and it can lower your monthly payments, too.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Before you start talking with lenders about refinancing your mortgage, make sure your credit score is strong -- and if it's not, spend some time looking into how you might <a href="http://www.fool.com/how-to-invest/personal-finance/credit/2014/05/17/7-ways-to-improve-a-credit-score.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">raise your score Opens a New Window.</a>, such as by correcting errors in your credit report, paying down debt, and paying bills on time. The table below shows what kind of difference a strong score can make. It reflects recent interest rates for someone borrowing $200,000 via a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and makes clear how much you might save by boosting your score.</p>
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<p>Source: MyFICO.com,as of mid-March 2017.</p>
<p>Image source: Pixabay.</p>
<p>When shopping around and <a href="http://www.fool.com/mortgages/compare-mortgage-rates/?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">comparing mortgage interest rates Opens a New Window.</a>, be sure to pay more attention to quoted annual percentage rates (APRs) than annual percentage yields (APYs). The APY will indeed reflect a loan's interest rate, but the APRwill more accuratelyreflect what you'll be paying -- because it incorporates expenses such as closing costs.</p>
<p>When considering what kind of new mortgage to take on to replace your old one, think about how long you want your mortgage to last. Most people take on 30-year loans, and most people know about 15-year loans, which generally feature significantly higher payments and lower rates -- but know that those are not the only options. There are 20-year mortgages, too, which offer a nice compromise between the 15- and 30-year loans. And there are even 40-year mortgages, as well as other lengths. Your best bet is to figure out how much you can comfortably afford in monthly mortgage payments and then get the shortest-term loan that matches up with that.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>As you go through the process of <a href="http://www.fool.com/mortgages/get-pre-approved.aspx/?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">getting pre-approved Opens a New Window.</a> and approved for your new loan, make sure it won't penalize you for making prepayments against your principal. Why? Well, because you can save gobs of money by paying more than you have to each month -- or each quarter, each year, or just occasionally. The table below shows just how much someone might save by making various kinds of monthly prepayments. It assumes a 30-year $200,000 fixed-rate mortgage taken out at an interest rate of 4.5%. The regular monthly payment would be $1,013.38.</p>
<p>Source: Author calculationsat mtgprofessor.com.</p>
<p>There are always costs. Refinancings, like original mortgages, have closing costs -- and you'll either pay them upfront or they'll be conveniently tacked onto your loan amount -- which can increase your interest rate. It's usually best to pay the costs upfront. (If you're not planning to stay in the home long, though, it can be worth folding the closing costs into the loan, as you won't be dealing with the higher interest rate for too long.)</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>You may be able to lower your interest rate (and thus the amount you'll pay in interest over the life of the loan) by paying "points." A pointis equal to one percentage of your loan value. So if you're borrowing $200,000, a point would be $2,000. You can often reduce your loan's interest rate by about 0.25% or so per point paid. This can be well worth it -- as long as you expect to be in the home long enough to break even. If you're saving $40 per month by paying a $2,000 point, dividend $2,000 by $40 and you'll get 50, meaning that it will take 50 months before you break even.</p>
<p>Many people refinance to cash out some of their home equity, but it's generally best not to do so. As an example, imagine that your home is worth about $300,000. If you currently owe $150,000 on it and have $150,000 in home equity, you might refinance into a new $200,000 loan, keeping about $50,000 in cash. The cash is nice -- and with current low interest rates it's an inexpensive way to borrow money -- but you've now set yourself up with a bigger mortgage and you have less home equity. Think carefully about whether it's worth it. If you're going to use the cash to pay off high-interest rate credit card debt, for example, that's a smart money move. Know, too, that cash-out refinancings can carry higher interest rates than ones without cash-outs.</p>
<p>Refinancing can be a very effective way to save money -- just be sure to go about the process in an informed manner, making sound choices along the way.</p>
<p>5 Simple Tips to Skyrocket Your Credit Score Over 800!Increasing your credit score above 800 will put you in rare company. So rare that only 1 in 9 Americans can claim they're members of this elite club. But contrary to popular belief, racking up a high credit score is a lot easier than you may have imagined following 5 simple, disciplined strategies. You'll find a full rundown of each inside our <a href="http://www.fool.com/ecap/the_motley_fool/mortgage-creditscore/?ftm_cam=the-motley-fool&amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;source=izieditxt0000005&amp;aid=8945&amp;ftm_pit=6933&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">FREE credit score guide Opens a New Window.</a>. It's time to put your financial future first and secure a lifetime of savings by increasing your credit score. Simply <a href="http://www.fool.com/ecap/the_motley_fool/mortgage-creditscore/?ftm_cam=the-motley-fool&amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;source=izieditxt0000005&amp;aid=8945&amp;ftm_pit=6933&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">click here Opens a New Window.</a>to claim a copy 5 Simple Tips to Skyrocket Your Credit Score over 800.</p>
<p>The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | interest rates starting inch many expecting fed raise rates little later month recent strong jobs report making likely thought refinancing mortgage might want think hard perhaps lock low rate youre serious continue reading refinancing taking new home loan pay old home loan new mortgage different features longer shorter term lower monthly payments image source getty images start talking lenders refinancing mortgage make sure credit score strong spend time looking might raise score opens new window correcting errors credit report paying debt paying bills time table shows kind difference strong score make reflects recent interest rates someone borrowing 200000 via 30year fixedrate mortgage makes clear much might save boosting score advertisement source myficocomas midmarch 2017 image source pixabay shopping around comparing mortgage interest rates opens new window sure pay attention quoted annual percentage rates aprs annual percentage yields apys apy indeed reflect loans interest rate aprwill accuratelyreflect youll paying incorporates expenses closing costs considering kind new mortgage take replace old one think long want mortgage last people take 30year loans people know 15year loans generally feature significantly higher payments lower rates know options 20year mortgages offer nice compromise 15 30year loans even 40year mortgages well lengths best bet figure much comfortably afford monthly mortgage payments get shortestterm loan matches image source getty images go process getting preapproved opens new window approved new loan make sure wont penalize making prepayments principal well save gobs money paying month quarter year occasionally table shows much someone might save making various kinds monthly prepayments assumes 30year 200000 fixedrate mortgage taken interest rate 45 regular monthly payment would 101338 source author calculationsat mtgprofessorcom always costs refinancings like original mortgages closing costs youll either pay upfront theyll conveniently tacked onto loan amount increase interest rate usually best pay costs upfront youre planning stay home long though worth folding closing costs loan wont dealing higher interest rate long image source getty images may able lower interest rate thus amount youll pay interest life loan paying points pointis equal one percentage loan value youre borrowing 200000 point would 2000 often reduce loans interest rate 025 per point paid well worth long expect home long enough break even youre saving 40 per month paying 2000 point dividend 2000 40 youll get 50 meaning take 50 months break even many people refinance cash home equity generally best example imagine home worth 300000 currently owe 150000 150000 home equity might refinance new 200000 loan keeping 50000 cash cash nice current low interest rates inexpensive way borrow money youve set bigger mortgage less home equity think carefully whether worth youre going use cash pay highinterest rate credit card debt example thats smart money move know cashout refinancings carry higher interest rates ones without cashouts refinancing effective way save money sure go process informed manner making sound choices along way 5 simple tips skyrocket credit score 800increasing credit score 800 put rare company rare 1 9 americans claim theyre members elite club contrary popular belief racking high credit score lot easier may imagined following 5 simple disciplined strategies youll find full rundown inside free credit score guide opens new window time put financial future first secure lifetime savings increasing credit score simply click opens new windowto claim copy 5 simple tips skyrocket credit score 800 motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 548 |
<p />
<p>Image source: Zoe's Kitchen.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>2016 turned out to be a pretty decent 12 months for stocks, with the S&amp;P 500 up around 10% for the year. But for Mediterranean restaurant chain Zoe's Kitchen (NYSE: ZOES), 2016 was a year to forget, with the stock falling 50% from its high of about $40 in April to $20 and change in October -- an all-time low. Though it has recovered a bit since then, the stock is down around 13% year to date.</p>
<p>Let's take a look back at the year that gave Zoe's investors a lot of indigestion, and consider a couple of reasons to be hopeful heading into 2017.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/ZOES" type="external">ZOES</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a></p>
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<p>This year started well enough for Zoe's. In February, the company issued a strong earnings report and its initial guidance for 2016: revenue of $275 million to $280 million, and comparable-restaurant sales growth of 4% to 5.5%.</p>
<p>Just a few months later, in June, Zoe's reported another stellar quarter that included 8.1% comps growth. Bolstered by these results, the company was feeling confident enough to raise its 2016 guidance, with new targets of $277 million to $281 million in revenue and comps growth of $4.5% to 6%.</p>
<p>In August, Zoe's reported earnings that included 4% comps growth -- which would be considered solid results for most restaurants, but represented a steep decline from the previous quarter. To make matters worse, the company reduced the guidance it raised less than three months earlier, with revised full-year 2016 targets of $277 million to $280 million in revenue, and comps growth of 4% to 5%. Investors headed for the exits, with the stock falling more than 20% the next day.</p>
<p>Zoe's certainly isn't the first company to get overconfident and raise guidance, only to fall short and have to reduce it. However, few companies suffer the ignominy of a second consecutive quarter of reduced guidance -- which is exactly what happened in Zoe's third-quarter earnings report in November. With comparable-restaurant sales growth of just 2.4%, things were clearly slowing down for Zoe's. Management again lowered full-year 2016 guidance, with revised targets of $276 million to $277 million in revenue and comps growth of 4% to 4.5%.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/ZOES/pe_ratio" type="external">ZOES PE Ratio (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p>
<p>Zoe's is still in an awkward transition period from negative to positive earnings growth -- just beginning to enter into what should be a period of sustained company-level profitability. On a price/earnings basis, this means the stock appears insanely expensive. Its trailing-12-month P/E ratio, even after the shellacking the stock took this year, is still over 100. And its forward P/E looks even richer, at 165 or so. With a valuation like that, even a minor lowering of expectations is enough to cause shares to tumble. And with two consecutive quarters of reduced guidance, it's easy to see why investors took Zoe's to the woodshed this year.</p>
<p>It's ironic that the company's guidance for revenue and comps growth heading into the final quarter of the year falls completely within Zoe's original forecasts for 2016. Managing investor expectations is a tough job, but Zoe's found out the hard way that it's always better to underpromise and overdeliver.</p>
<p>Zoe's is still growing quickly, with revenue growth of 19% or more each of the past four quarters. At the store level, it's nicely profitable, with a full-year 2016 forecast for restaurant contribution margin of around 20%. And it has a pretty incredible streak of 27 consecutive quarters of comparable-sales growth that few restaurant chains can match. In short, I think investor reaction to Zoe's performance in 2016 was overblown.</p>
<p>I also believe Zoe's should fare better going forward for two reasons. First, Zoe's sales are holding up better than the broader restaurant industry during this so-called "restaurant recession." The company's reported 2.4% comps increase in the third quarter of 2016 looks better with a little context. According to Black Box Intelligence, the restaurant industry on average saw far worse comparable-sales declines of 1% for the third quarter. And the southwest region, including Texas (where Zoe's has around a quarter of its locations), posted comps declines of 2.9% -- the worst in the U.S. In a world of negative comps growth, Zoe's positive numbers show the resilience of its restaurant concept.</p>
<p>Secondly, over the past three years, the company has doubled its store count to more than 200 locations, and plans to double the store count again by the end of 2020. A rapidly increasing store base should result in significant growth in earnings per share, ultimately pulling the company's P/E into a much more reasonable range, and attracting investors back into this early innings growth story.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Zoe's Kitchen When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=f16ea174-0727-4dfc-b608-bf44fda74c7b&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Zoe's Kitchen wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
<p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=f16ea174-0727-4dfc-b608-bf44fda74c7b&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of Nov. 7, 2016</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/CMFGouldberg/info.aspx" type="external">Andy Gould Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Zoe's Kitchen. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/CMFGouldberg/info.aspx" type="external">Andy Gould</a> has the following options: short January 2018 $30 puts on Zoe's Kitchen and long January 2018 $30 calls on Zoe's Kitchen. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Zoe's Kitchen.</p>
<p>Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | image source zoes kitchen continue reading 2016 turned pretty decent 12 months stocks sampp 500 around 10 year mediterranean restaurant chain zoes kitchen nyse zoes 2016 year forget stock falling 50 high 40 april 20 change october alltime low though recovered bit since stock around 13 year date lets take look back year gave zoes investors lot indigestion consider couple reasons hopeful heading 2017 zoes data ycharts opens new window advertisement year started well enough zoes february company issued strong earnings report initial guidance 2016 revenue 275 million 280 million comparablerestaurant sales growth 4 55 months later june zoes reported another stellar quarter included 81 comps growth bolstered results company feeling confident enough raise 2016 guidance new targets 277 million 281 million revenue comps growth 45 6 august zoes reported earnings included 4 comps growth would considered solid results restaurants represented steep decline previous quarter make matters worse company reduced guidance raised less three months earlier revised fullyear 2016 targets 277 million 280 million revenue comps growth 4 5 investors headed exits stock falling 20 next day zoes certainly isnt first company get overconfident raise guidance fall short reduce however companies suffer ignominy second consecutive quarter reduced guidance exactly happened zoes thirdquarter earnings report november comparablerestaurant sales growth 24 things clearly slowing zoes management lowered fullyear 2016 guidance revised targets 276 million 277 million revenue comps growth 4 45 zoes pe ratio ttm data ycharts zoes still awkward transition period negative positive earnings growth beginning enter period sustained companylevel profitability priceearnings basis means stock appears insanely expensive trailing12month pe ratio even shellacking stock took year still 100 forward pe looks even richer 165 valuation like even minor lowering expectations enough cause shares tumble two consecutive quarters reduced guidance easy see investors took zoes woodshed year ironic companys guidance revenue comps growth heading final quarter year falls completely within zoes original forecasts 2016 managing investor expectations tough job zoes found hard way always better underpromise overdeliver zoes still growing quickly revenue growth 19 past four quarters store level nicely profitable fullyear 2016 forecast restaurant contribution margin around 20 pretty incredible streak 27 consecutive quarters comparablesales growth restaurant chains match short think investor reaction zoes performance 2016 overblown also believe zoes fare better going forward two reasons first zoes sales holding better broader restaurant industry socalled restaurant recession companys reported 24 comps increase third quarter 2016 looks better little context according black box intelligence restaurant industry average saw far worse comparablesales declines 1 third quarter southwest region including texas zoes around quarter locations posted comps declines 29 worst us world negative comps growth zoes positive numbers show resilience restaurant concept secondly past three years company doubled store count 200 locations plans double store count end 2020 rapidly increasing store base result significant growth earnings per share ultimately pulling companys pe much reasonable range attracting investors back early innings growth story 10 stocks like better zoes kitchen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right zoes kitchen wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns nov 7 2016 andy gould opens new window owns shares zoes kitchen andy gould following options short january 2018 30 puts zoes kitchen long january 2018 30 calls zoes kitchen motley fool owns shares recommends zoes kitchen try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 606 |
<p>Warren Buffett has spent more than a half-century earning the title of world's greatest investor. Along the way, he's built up an army of people who have tried to learn at the feet of the master. And while some people simply copy his investing moves, hoping for the best, a better approach -- certainly what Buffett himself would encourage -- is to apply Buffett's investing lessons over the years to make better investing decisions of your own.</p>
<p>With that in mind, we asked three of our regular contributors to identify a stock that Warren Buffett devotees should consider. They gave us an interesting mix of companies, including one his Berkshire Hathaway&#160;has a stake in,&#160;WABCO Holdings Inc.&#160;(NYSE: WBC); one that Buffett himself claimed to own in the past,&#160;Seritage Growth Properties&#160;(NYSE: SRG); and one that neither he nor Berkshire owns but which has a lot of "Buffett" traits,&#160;Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, L.P.&#160;(NYSE: BIP).</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Keep reading below to learn why fans of the Oracle of Omaha should pay special attention to these three stocks.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/Nehams/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6ce22212-76ef-11e7-8ab8-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Neha Chamaria Opens a New Window.</a> (WABCO Holdings): WABCO may not be a popular name, but for Buffett devotees, the stock could offer as much potential as some of the bigger names that the legendary investor owns.</p>
<p>WABCO just released a strong set of second-quarter numbers, sending the markets into a tizzy -- the stock's up almost 8% as of this writing since its July 20 earnings release. WABCO manufactures products like braking, suspension, and transmission systems primarily for commercial vehicles, and it counts top heavy-duty vehicle and engine manufacturers like Daimler, Volvo, PACCAR, and Cummins among its customers. Thanks to strong demand from key markets like North America and China, WABCO's Q2 sales&#160;jumped 8.6%, and earnings surged 21% to $1.61 per share year over year.</p>
<p>WABCO's strong profit growth, however, is just one of the reasons why the stock jumped; the company also bumped up its full-year earnings guidance by roughly 4% at the midpoint. That may sound uninspiring until you realize that WABCO now expects its FY 2017 EPS to come in almost 47% higher over last year at the midpoint. Combine this with the fact that the company's net income and free cash flows have grown threefold in the past decade, and it's not surprising to see why Buffett likes this stock.</p>
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<p>It's worth noting that Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has only a tiny exposure to WABCO, but it held&#160;a 5.4% stake in the company as of March 31, 2017. From an investing standpoint, I don't see a reason why investors could go wrong owning a company that has a solid presence in its industry, boasts a strong track record of earnings, has earned double-digit returns on equity and invested capital in each of the past five years, and has <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/01/08/3-top-stocks-billionaires-love.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6ce22212-76ef-11e7-8ab8-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">strong growth potential Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/ReubenGBrewer/activity.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6ce22212-76ef-11e7-8ab8-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Reuben Gregg Brewer Opens a New Window.</a> (Seritage Growth Properties): Warren Buffett made headlines in the real estate space recently when Berkshire Hathaway <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/06/26/store-capital-stock-soars-after-berkshire-hathaway.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6ce22212-76ef-11e7-8ab8-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">announced a 9.8% stake</a> in retail landlord Store Capital Corp. But that's not the first bet Buffett's made on property in recent years. In late 2015, he bought an 8% stake in Seritage Growth Properties. Unlike Berkshire Hathaway's Store Capital purchase, however, Buffett invested in Seritage with his own money. &#160;</p>
<p>Seritage is the real estate investment trust (REIT) spun off from Sears Holdings. It owns 235 properties directly, with another 31 owned via joint ventures. Roughly 85% of its square footage is leased to Sears Holdings, representing around 60% of revenue. Those numbers, if you can look past the risk of being reliant on Sears for so much of its business, show the opportunity. &#160;</p>
<p>Flip the math...the roughly 15% of the portfolio leased to tenants other than Sears accounts for an outsized 40% of revenue. That's because Sears is paying rent at a rate of about $4.45 per square foot, and Seritage's other tenants are paying around $13 a square foot. Newer leases are coming in at even higher rates than that. &#160;</p>
<p>Clearly, the opportunity that Buffett sees at Seritage is <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/04/18/reit-positioned-to-profit-sears-holdings-demise.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6ce22212-76ef-11e7-8ab8-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">the transition away from being reliant on struggling Sears Holdings Opens a New Window.</a>. It could be a bumpy ride since Sears' troubles appear to be escalating. But it's pretty apparent that Seritage can make a lot more money for shareholders as it steadily dumps Sears from its portfolio. If you have the fortitude to invest like Buffett does with his own money, Seritage should be on your watch list.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFVelvetHammer/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6ce22212-76ef-11e7-8ab8-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Jason Opens a New Window.</a> <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFVelvetHammer/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6ce22212-76ef-11e7-8ab8-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Hall Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;(Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P.): Superinvestor Warren Buffett has told investors time and time again some of the most important things he looks for in a great investment:</p>
<p>Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, the master limited partnership sponsored and run by Brookfield Asset Management, Inc, has all four of these key aspects in spades.</p>
<p>To start, Brookfield Infrastructure's business is owning and operating telecom lines and systems, power transmission lines, energy pipelines and utilities, seaports, toll roads, and other critically necessary infrastructure assets. These assets all share a common trait in that they would be incredibly expensive to replicate, giving Brookfield Infrastructure a strong barrier to competitive entry.</p>
<p>Second, the nature of these assets is that they tend to generate very steady and reliable cash flows, across almost any economic environment. Factor in the geographic diversity of its assets and contracts structured to increase with inflation, and you can almost set your clock by the cash flows they generate.</p>
<p>Third, management has indeed done a steady job allocating capital to increase per-share returns. Over the past five years, the&#160; <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/ffo.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6ce22212-76ef-11e7-8ab8-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">funds from operations Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;metric is up sharply, which has allowed Brookfield to increase the dividend almost 75%:</p>
<p>Finally, Brookfield Infrastructure trades at a very reasonable 10.4 times trailing funds from operations and yields 4% at recent prices. With a strong track record of cash flow and dividend growth, Buffett fans would do well to consider adding Brookfield Infrastructure to their portfolios.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Brookfield Infrastructure PartnersWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=3c3cf981-0e2c-4c47-80c3-c4e95d36c076&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6ce22212-76ef-11e7-8ab8-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Brookfield Infrastructure Partners wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
<p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=3c3cf981-0e2c-4c47-80c3-c4e95d36c076&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6ce22212-76ef-11e7-8ab8-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of August 1, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/elihpaudio/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6ce22212-76ef-11e7-8ab8-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Jason Hall Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Berkshire Hathaway (B shares) and Brookfield Infrastructure Partners. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/Nehams/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6ce22212-76ef-11e7-8ab8-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Neha Chamaria Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/ReubenGBrewer/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6ce22212-76ef-11e7-8ab8-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Reuben Brewer Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Berkshire Hathaway (B shares), Cummins, and Paccar. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Infrastructure Partners. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6ce22212-76ef-11e7-8ab8-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | warren buffett spent halfcentury earning title worlds greatest investor along way hes built army people tried learn feet master people simply copy investing moves hoping best better approach certainly buffett would encourage apply buffetts investing lessons years make better investing decisions mind asked three regular contributors identify stock warren buffett devotees consider gave us interesting mix companies including one berkshire hathaway160has stake in160wabco holdings inc160nyse wbc one buffett claimed past160seritage growth properties160nyse srg one neither berkshire owns lot buffett traits160brookfield infrastructure partners lp160nyse bip continue reading keep reading learn fans oracle omaha pay special attention three stocks neha chamaria opens new window wabco holdings wabco may popular name buffett devotees stock could offer much potential bigger names legendary investor owns wabco released strong set secondquarter numbers sending markets tizzy stocks almost 8 writing since july 20 earnings release wabco manufactures products like braking suspension transmission systems primarily commercial vehicles counts top heavyduty vehicle engine manufacturers like daimler volvo paccar cummins among customers thanks strong demand key markets like north america china wabcos q2 sales160jumped 86 earnings surged 21 161 per share year year wabcos strong profit growth however one reasons stock jumped company also bumped fullyear earnings guidance roughly 4 midpoint may sound uninspiring realize wabco expects fy 2017 eps come almost 47 higher last year midpoint combine fact companys net income free cash flows grown threefold past decade surprising see buffett likes stock advertisement worth noting buffetts berkshire hathaway tiny exposure wabco held160a 54 stake company march 31 2017 investing standpoint dont see reason investors could go wrong owning company solid presence industry boasts strong track record earnings earned doubledigit returns equity invested capital past five years strong growth potential opens new window reuben gregg brewer opens new window seritage growth properties warren buffett made headlines real estate space recently berkshire hathaway announced 98 stake retail landlord store capital corp thats first bet buffetts made property recent years late 2015 bought 8 stake seritage growth properties unlike berkshire hathaways store capital purchase however buffett invested seritage money 160 seritage real estate investment trust reit spun sears holdings owns 235 properties directly another 31 owned via joint ventures roughly 85 square footage leased sears holdings representing around 60 revenue numbers look past risk reliant sears much business show opportunity 160 flip maththe roughly 15 portfolio leased tenants sears accounts outsized 40 revenue thats sears paying rent rate 445 per square foot seritages tenants paying around 13 square foot newer leases coming even higher rates 160 clearly opportunity buffett sees seritage transition away reliant struggling sears holdings opens new window could bumpy ride since sears troubles appear escalating pretty apparent seritage make lot money shareholders steadily dumps sears portfolio fortitude invest like buffett money seritage watch list jason opens new window hall opens new window160brookfield infrastructure partners lp superinvestor warren buffett told investors time time important things looks great investment brookfield infrastructure partners master limited partnership sponsored run brookfield asset management inc four key aspects spades start brookfield infrastructures business owning operating telecom lines systems power transmission lines energy pipelines utilities seaports toll roads critically necessary infrastructure assets assets share common trait would incredibly expensive replicate giving brookfield infrastructure strong barrier competitive entry second nature assets tend generate steady reliable cash flows across almost economic environment factor geographic diversity assets contracts structured increase inflation almost set clock cash flows generate third management indeed done steady job allocating capital increase pershare returns past five years the160 funds operations opens new window160metric sharply allowed brookfield increase dividend almost 75 finally brookfield infrastructure trades reasonable 104 times trailing funds operations yields 4 recent prices strong track record cash flow dividend growth buffett fans would well consider adding brookfield infrastructure portfolios 10 stocks like better brookfield infrastructure partnerswhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right brookfield infrastructure partners wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns august 1 2017 jason hall opens new window owns shares berkshire hathaway b shares brookfield infrastructure partners neha chamaria opens new window position stocks mentioned reuben brewer opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends berkshire hathaway b shares cummins paccar motley fool recommends brookfield infrastructure partners motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 733 |
<p />
<p>There are life’s little epiphanies and then there are the kind that Mary Fanaro gets. Upending, core-shaking, world-changing, like light dawning so that everything shifts and the journey becomes about paying attention and awakening to possibility.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>In our recent interview, Fanaro, a social entrepreneur and founder of <a href="http://omnipeace.com/index.html" type="external">OmniPeace Opens a New Window.</a>, called them “divine interventions.” No matter the label, clearly when a person is throwing lavish parties in Hollywood, recognizes it as a gift, and then one day realizes it feels meaningless, something profound is at work.</p>
<p>“I thought, how on earth do I translate what I think is a gift into something that could really make a difference?” Fanaro says.</p>
<p>As it turns out, the answer went something like this: You work hard and stay alert to what resonates with you. You feel what stirs your passions and you track every lead, whether it’s an idea for a chocolate bar or an inspiring L.A. Times cover story on Dr. <a href="" type="internal">Jeffrey Sachs</a>. And when you finally figure out what it is you’re supposed to be doing, you even take meetings with an IV in your arm that’s hydrating you after your latest round of chemotherapy.</p>
<p>Sound like a plan for creating a humanitarian fashion brand?</p>
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<p>That is OmniPeace, which sells branded apparel and consumer products to raise money and awareness for Africa. Her work has already helped build six schools and a seventh will begin construction next month. Fanaro, 46, is thrilled to be currently sending two convoys of food from Somalia to Kenya to help refugees along the way, one with an OmniPeace logo and one with a New York Giants logo (born of her conversation with the team’s co-owner Steve Tisch).</p>
<p>“I had been on safari in Africa,” Fanaro says. “I visited some villages and went ‘whoa.’ I can’t explain to you Africa. From the second you land and get on the ground it’s like the sand penetrates your DNA. There’s a transformation that happens I can’t even articulate. You see the children and in spite of [having] nothing they’re smiling and you go, ‘how have we been programmed in our life to need so much to be happy? What a travesty.’”</p>
<p>The road from star-studded parties to a company whose bold logo is a hand making a peace sign with the map of Africa as the “palm” -- worn by Fanaro’s close friend Courtney Cox and many other celebrities -- has been circuitous. After throwing events like a pre-Oscar party for Vanity Fair and a 10th-anniversary party for Hard Rock café co-founder Peter Morton, Fanaro realized she was enjoying herself but had the aforementioned epiphany about “more.”</p>
<p>Soon she attended an event for Bono’s ONE campaign, realized it was special, and got herself introduced to the woman who ran it. They decided to collaborate and Fanaro thought, “If I’m going to throw something, I’m going to be of service as well.” Next came a stay at a friend’s home in Malibu and a craving for chocolate; she found in a drawer the Endangered Species Chocolate Bar and an idea was born. She would make chocolate bars to help Africa.</p>
<p>Then came sorting through the possibilities, the hits and misses of going into business. Should she align with the ONE campaign, <a href="" type="internal">Red Cross</a>, UNICEF? No. Her team made a presentation before <a href="" type="internal">Archer Daniels Midland</a> (ADM), where her grandfather had served for years on the board of directors, because they were getting all their chocolate from the Ivory Coast.</p>
<p>“Not thinking, they don’t make chocolate bars, they supply them to all the companies,” Fanaro says. “[After the presentation] they were like, ‘That’s sweet, Mary. Go back home and good luck with that idea.’”</p>
<p>Fanaro laughs as she relates the story. None of the setbacks mattered. She was determined to find an appreciative partner.</p>
<p>“When I’m passionate about something it drives me to no end,” she says. “I couldn’t wake up in the morning fast enough. I was living it, I was breathing it. It became my life and thank God.”</p>
<p>Enter the news story on Sachs, founder and co-president of Millennium Promise Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending extreme poverty and hunger. Suddenly the woman who was confident she could get to anybody couldn’t figure out how to get to him. She decided to just fly to Africa and track him down.</p>
<p>“As if there’s an address, as if you land in Kenya and it says Millennium Promise Village, you know what I mean?” Fanaro says, adding with a laugh, “As if there are roads.”</p>
<p>While she was hatching her African plot, she shared it with a friend who was in his car with his girlfriend and her friend. The friend overheard and happened to have just been shooting a documentary for MTV in the village where Sachs and Angelina Jolie had been. She offered to make the introduction.</p>
<p>“It was only in hindsight I understood I was on a path that was clearly mapped out for me long before I knew,” Fanaro says.</p>
<p>She was still in the chocolate bar phase at this point, so when after her meeting with Millennium Promise in New York she was invited to a large dinner party Sachs was throwing and told she could put her products on the tables, she accepted. Sachs made a speech and near the end acknowledged Fanaro.</p>
<p>“He said, ‘It’s people like this, the consumer, that make remarkable changes in the world,’” Fanaro says. “My jaw hit the ground because I have no idea what I’m doing at this point.”</p>
<p>From there a friend advised her that she wasn’t going to raise or make money on the business model she had. She wanted to emulate Sachs’ formula – it’s not about give, it’s about teach. Further, this friend advised her to take the eye-catching logo and put it on a t-shirt to see if it sells. Chocolate was out. She was now running a licensing company, had no idea what it meant, and started racking up licensees.</p>
<p>Just two weeks before the launch on June 12, 2007, Fanaro went for her annual gynecological exam and saw her suddenly serious doctor call in another. She heard “Can you meet me in my office, Mary?” And there she sat, hearing the words, “You have cancer.” It was ovarian and the tumor was large. She kept thinking he couldn’t be talking to her.</p>
<p>“I said, ‘Listen, I have a party to throw, I’m launching a company; let’s postpone this,’” she says.</p>
<p>She flew to New York, where Naomi Campbell helped her launch in the Meatpacking District and then back to Los Angeles where Cox played host with her. The next day she went to the hospital and in the entrance saw a man walk by wearing one of her shirts.</p>
<p>“I looked up and went, all right, I got it,” she says. “It’s all going to be OK. I think there’s a part of a human being that when you get something like this you almost have to go into denial to fight it because the concept of the fact that this is happening is so sort of insurmountable.”</p>
<p>But with her mission before her, her friends and family next to her and a defiant spirit that had her swimming, hitting the gym and traveling when she wasn’t supposed to, she stared down the disease and the six rounds of aggressive chemo over six months. Next month will mark four years Fanaro is cancer free. She credits the love of her boyfriend at the time (and now dear friend), Jonathan Segal, as a blessing in her healing process and her newfound belief that love saves lives.</p>
<p>“I had no choice but to get up every day and show up and suit up and do the work,” Fanaro says. “Listen, I’m not a super hero, but I had a will to live like nobody’s business. And I had a company to run that was helping people that didn’t know even the word healthcare. Hello, they’re walking eight miles for water. They were getting raped protecting their children … Are you kidding me? I have healthcare, I have friends, I have family, a home. I have so much. How do I not do this? I’m in the ring fighting for other people.”</p>
<p>The company made its way to 47 licensees when Fanaro decided it was time for a partner whose business acumen would complement her marketing, face-of-the-company strengths. They decided to pull everything in-house.</p>
<p>“Control is a façade,” Fanaro says. “The greatest form of control is surrendering. It took me half a lifetime to get it.”</p>
<p>As she looks at a poster in her office of over 50 celebrities wearing OmniPeace in one form or another, she recalls the tagline she came up with – Can Fashion Save Lives? – and how it proved to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. And how she had nothing to do with “three-quarters” of the success that made this go from a grassroots to “wildfire” example of conscious consumerism.</p>
<p>After going to the theatre to see The Mountaintop in New York, Fanaro had another epiphany. In the play, Samuel L. Jackson as <a href="" type="internal">Martin Luther King Jr</a>. asks the maid played by Angela Bassett – who has come to take him upon his death – if he mattered.</p>
<p>“It goes to black,” Fanaro says. “There’s a montage of all the wonderful things … dots he had no idea he even connected. Sam Jackson tells the audience it is our responsibility to pick that baton up and do everything we can to matter. You knew people were walking out of there thinking, what have I done? I felt so good because I thought, I don’t have to think like that anymore.”</p>
<p>A whole different kind of peace.</p>
<p>Nancy Colasurdo is a practicing life coach and freelance writer. Her Web site is <a href="http://www.nancola.com" type="external">www.nancola.com Opens a New Window.</a> and you can follow her on <a href="" type="internal">Twitter</a> @nancola. Please direct all questions/comments to <a href="http://mailto:[email protected]" type="external">[email protected] Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | lifes little epiphanies kind mary fanaro gets upending coreshaking worldchanging like light dawning everything shifts journey becomes paying attention awakening possibility continue reading recent interview fanaro social entrepreneur founder omnipeace opens new window called divine interventions matter label clearly person throwing lavish parties hollywood recognizes gift one day realizes feels meaningless something profound work thought earth translate think gift something could really make difference fanaro says turns answer went something like work hard stay alert resonates feel stirs passions track every lead whether idea chocolate bar inspiring la times cover story dr jeffrey sachs finally figure youre supposed even take meetings iv arm thats hydrating latest round chemotherapy sound like plan creating humanitarian fashion brand advertisement omnipeace sells branded apparel consumer products raise money awareness africa work already helped build six schools seventh begin construction next month fanaro 46 thrilled currently sending two convoys food somalia kenya help refugees along way one omnipeace logo one new york giants logo born conversation teams coowner steve tisch safari africa fanaro says visited villages went whoa cant explain africa second land get ground like sand penetrates dna theres transformation happens cant even articulate see children spite nothing theyre smiling go programmed life need much happy travesty road starstudded parties company whose bold logo hand making peace sign map africa palm worn fanaros close friend courtney cox many celebrities circuitous throwing events like preoscar party vanity fair 10thanniversary party hard rock café cofounder peter morton fanaro realized enjoying aforementioned epiphany soon attended event bonos one campaign realized special got introduced woman ran decided collaborate fanaro thought im going throw something im going service well next came stay friends home malibu craving chocolate found drawer endangered species chocolate bar idea born would make chocolate bars help africa came sorting possibilities hits misses going business align one campaign red cross unicef team made presentation archer daniels midland adm grandfather served years board directors getting chocolate ivory coast thinking dont make chocolate bars supply companies fanaro says presentation like thats sweet mary go back home good luck idea fanaro laughs relates story none setbacks mattered determined find appreciative partner im passionate something drives end says couldnt wake morning fast enough living breathing became life thank god enter news story sachs founder copresident millennium promise alliance nonprofit organization dedicated ending extreme poverty hunger suddenly woman confident could get anybody couldnt figure get decided fly africa track theres address land kenya says millennium promise village know mean fanaro says adding laugh roads hatching african plot shared friend car girlfriend friend friend overheard happened shooting documentary mtv village sachs angelina jolie offered make introduction hindsight understood path clearly mapped long knew fanaro says still chocolate bar phase point meeting millennium promise new york invited large dinner party sachs throwing told could put products tables accepted sachs made speech near end acknowledged fanaro said people like consumer make remarkable changes world fanaro says jaw hit ground idea im point friend advised wasnt going raise make money business model wanted emulate sachs formula give teach friend advised take eyecatching logo put tshirt see sells chocolate running licensing company idea meant started racking licensees two weeks launch june 12 2007 fanaro went annual gynecological exam saw suddenly serious doctor call another heard meet office mary sat hearing words cancer ovarian tumor large kept thinking couldnt talking said listen party throw im launching company lets postpone says flew new york naomi campbell helped launch meatpacking district back los angeles cox played host next day went hospital entrance saw man walk wearing one shirts looked went right got says going ok think theres part human get something like almost go denial fight concept fact happening sort insurmountable mission friends family next defiant spirit swimming hitting gym traveling wasnt supposed stared disease six rounds aggressive chemo six months next month mark four years fanaro cancer free credits love boyfriend time dear friend jonathan segal blessing healing process newfound belief love saves lives choice get every day show suit work fanaro says listen im super hero live like nobodys business company run helping people didnt know even word healthcare hello theyre walking eight miles water getting raped protecting children kidding healthcare friends family home much im ring fighting people company made way 47 licensees fanaro decided time partner whose business acumen would complement marketing faceofthecompany strengths decided pull everything inhouse control façade fanaro says greatest form control surrendering took half lifetime get looks poster office 50 celebrities wearing omnipeace one form another recalls tagline came fashion save lives proved selffulfilling prophecy nothing threequarters success made go grassroots wildfire example conscious consumerism going theatre see mountaintop new york fanaro another epiphany play samuel l jackson martin luther king jr asks maid played angela bassett come take upon death mattered goes black fanaro says theres montage wonderful things dots idea even connected sam jackson tells audience responsibility pick baton everything matter knew people walking thinking done felt good thought dont think like anymore whole different kind peace nancy colasurdo practicing life coach freelance writer web site wwwnancolacom opens new window follow twitter nancola please direct questionscomments foxgameplangmailcom opens new window | 851 |
<p />
<p>Shares of AT&amp;T have rallied 13% since the beginning of the year, and its solid first quarter earnings report on April 26 kept the bullish sentiment alive. Revenue, fueled by its acquisition of DirecTV,rose 24% annually to $40.5 billion and met analyst expectations.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Adjusted earnings rose 11% to $0.72 per share, beating consensus estimates by three cents. Free cash flow improved 17% to $3.2 billion, and the company remains on track to generate over $1.5 billion in synergies from the DirecTV deal by the end of the year.</p>
<p>Image source: AT&amp;T.</p>
<p>Those numbers looked solid, but declines in video and wireless subscribers troubled some investors. Let's examine those two businesses to see if those concerns are justified.</p>
<p>The video business: DirecTV up, U-verse downDuring the quarter, newly acquired DirecTV added 328,000 video customers in the U.S., but U-verse lost 382,000 -- resulting in an annual net loss of 54,000 video customers. However, that loss was anticipated. AT&amp;T has been pivoting away from its wireline-bound U-verse Internet and TV packages toward its unlimited wireless plus DirecTV bundle, which now has over 3 million subscribers.</p>
<p>AT&amp;T expects new wireless-plus video bundles and integrated products, like its exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket package, to help it finish the year with positive growth in video subscribers. The company finished the quarter with 25.3 million video subscribers.</p>
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<p>Investors should remember that DirecTV has 12.4 million subscribers and 7.3 million Sky Mexico subscribers in Latin America, but that market remains tough. The business lost 73,000 customers during the quarter, mainly due to losses in Brazil, while revenues fell annually due to foreign exchange rates. AT&amp;T has stated that itmight sell the unit if conditions worsen, which could help it <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/02/08/should-investors-fret-over-att-incs-debt.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">repay its debt Opens a New Window.</a>. However, the unit's growth might return if macro and currency headwinds fade.</p>
<p>The wireless business: Postpaid down, total subscribers upAT&amp;T lost 363,000 branded postpaid wireless subscribers during the quarter, which compared poorly to Verizon's loss of 8,000 and T-Mobile'swhopping gain of 877,000 subscribers.</p>
<p>However, most of those postpaid losses came from feature phone users, who generally pay less than halfthe fees of smartphone users. Looking ahead, AT&amp;T hopes that postpaid wireless subscribers will climb as more users switch to smartphones and subscribe to its DirecTV and unlimited wireless data bundles.</p>
<p>Investors should note that while AT&amp;T's postpaid subscribers fell, its total wireless subscribers -- which include postpaid, prepaid, and business users -- grew 7.2% annually to 130 million, and total wireless revenue rose 2.3% annually to $9.63 billion. Much of that growth was fueled by prepaid adds at Cricket, new subscribers in Mexico, and the addition of "connected devices" like <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/03/06/connected-cars-in-the-next-decade-4-numbers-everyo.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">connected cars Opens a New Window.</a>. By comparison, Verizon's wireless revenue only rose 0.6% annually last quarter as its wireless subscriber base grew 3.7%.</p>
<p>Combining wireless and videoEarlier this year, AT&amp;T announced that itwill launch three new <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/03/10/att-inc-threatens-netflix-with-3-new-streaming-str.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">streaming options Opens a New Window.</a> for DirecTV -- one which lets customers access DirecTV from any Internet-enabled device, one which delivers content through a mobile app, and another which offers free ad-supported content. Since AT&amp;T is letting customers sign up for unlimited wireless plans if they also subscribe to DirecTV, it lets customers stream DirecTV anywhere without worrying about data caps.</p>
<p>The DirecTV mobile app. Image source: iTunes.</p>
<p>Verizon's Go90 video app and T-Mobile's Binge On service also offer unlimited video streaming which doesn't count toward their data caps. Plans like these could convince more subscribers to use telcos' first-party video streaming apps instead of third-party ones like Netflix, making wireless/video bundles more appealing than wireline/video ones.</p>
<p>The key takeawayThe headlines claiming that AT&amp;T lost video and wireless subscribers exaggerated the negative numbers. A loss of 54,000 video subscribers between U-verse and DirecTV was expected, and represents about 0.2% of AT&amp;T's total subscriber base. AT&amp;T lost branded postpaid subscribers, but its overall wireless base and revenue grew, indicating that its expansions into Mexico and the Internet of Things are paying off.</p>
<p>Therefore, I don't plan on selling AT&amp;T anytime soon. Its free cash flow growth, hefty dividend yield, and below average valuations still indicate that it's a <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/03/15/2-stocks-im-never-selling-amazoncom-inc-and-att-in.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">wonderful stock Opens a New Window.</a> to own for the long term.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/05/04/should-you-worry-about-att-incs-wireless-and-video.aspx" type="external">Should You Worry About AT&amp;T Inc's Wireless and Video Declines? Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSunLion/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Leo Sun Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of AT&amp;T and Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Netflix and Verizon Communications. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/help/index.htm?display=about02" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | shares atampt rallied 13 since beginning year solid first quarter earnings report april 26 kept bullish sentiment alive revenue fueled acquisition directvrose 24 annually 405 billion met analyst expectations continue reading adjusted earnings rose 11 072 per share beating consensus estimates three cents free cash flow improved 17 32 billion company remains track generate 15 billion synergies directv deal end year image source atampt numbers looked solid declines video wireless subscribers troubled investors lets examine two businesses see concerns justified video business directv uverse downduring quarter newly acquired directv added 328000 video customers us uverse lost 382000 resulting annual net loss 54000 video customers however loss anticipated atampt pivoting away wirelinebound uverse internet tv packages toward unlimited wireless plus directv bundle 3 million subscribers atampt expects new wirelessplus video bundles integrated products like exclusive nfl sunday ticket package help finish year positive growth video subscribers company finished quarter 253 million video subscribers advertisement investors remember directv 124 million subscribers 73 million sky mexico subscribers latin america market remains tough business lost 73000 customers quarter mainly due losses brazil revenues fell annually due foreign exchange rates atampt stated itmight sell unit conditions worsen could help repay debt opens new window however units growth might return macro currency headwinds fade wireless business postpaid total subscribers upatampt lost 363000 branded postpaid wireless subscribers quarter compared poorly verizons loss 8000 tmobileswhopping gain 877000 subscribers however postpaid losses came feature phone users generally pay less halfthe fees smartphone users looking ahead atampt hopes postpaid wireless subscribers climb users switch smartphones subscribe directv unlimited wireless data bundles investors note atampts postpaid subscribers fell total wireless subscribers include postpaid prepaid business users grew 72 annually 130 million total wireless revenue rose 23 annually 963 billion much growth fueled prepaid adds cricket new subscribers mexico addition connected devices like connected cars opens new window comparison verizons wireless revenue rose 06 annually last quarter wireless subscriber base grew 37 combining wireless videoearlier year atampt announced itwill launch three new streaming options opens new window directv one lets customers access directv internetenabled device one delivers content mobile app another offers free adsupported content since atampt letting customers sign unlimited wireless plans also subscribe directv lets customers stream directv anywhere without worrying data caps directv mobile app image source itunes verizons go90 video app tmobiles binge service also offer unlimited video streaming doesnt count toward data caps plans like could convince subscribers use telcos firstparty video streaming apps instead thirdparty ones like netflix making wirelessvideo bundles appealing wirelinevideo ones key takeawaythe headlines claiming atampt lost video wireless subscribers exaggerated negative numbers loss 54000 video subscribers uverse directv expected represents 02 atampts total subscriber base atampt lost branded postpaid subscribers overall wireless base revenue grew indicating expansions mexico internet things paying therefore dont plan selling atampt anytime soon free cash flow growth hefty dividend yield average valuations still indicate wonderful stock opens new window long term article worry atampt incs wireless video declines opens new window originally appeared foolcom leo sun opens new window owns shares atampt verizon communications motley fool owns shares recommends netflix verizon communications try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 563 |
<p>Let’s pretend I broke into your house. When you discover me there, you insist I leave. But I say, “I’ve made all the beds, washed the dishes, did the laundry, and cleaned the floors; I’ve done all the work you don’t like to do. I’m hardworking and honest (except for breaking into your house). Not only must you let me stay, you must also add me to your insurance plan, educate my kids, and provide these benefits to my husband, too (he will do your yard work, he’s honest and hardworking too–except for that breaking in part). If you try to force me out, I will call my friends who will picket your house and proclaim my right to be there! It’s only fair, because you have a nicer house than I do, and I’m trying to better myself. I’m hardworking and honest…except for, well, you know. I will live in your house, contributing only a fraction of the cost of my keep, and there is nothing you can do about it without being accused of selfishness and prejudice.</p>
<p>Oh yeah, I want you to learn my language so you can communicate with me.”</p>
<p>Good plan…don’t you think?</p>
<p>Is this a behavior we should be rewarding?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/09/14/trump-vows-no-amnesty-for-dreamers-says-gop-leaders-on-board-with-talks.html" type="external">Foxnews.com</a> reports that</p>
<p>President Donald Trump said Thursday that Republican congressional leaders were “very much on board” with negotiations to protect so-called “Dreamers”— hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the U.S. illegally — from deportation.&#160;&#160;&#160;However, the president also vowed “there will be no amnesty” and pushed back against claims by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., that a deal had been reached at a White House dinner Wednesday night.&#160;</p>
<p>“We’re working on a plan subject to getting massive border controls. We’re working on a plan for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). People want to see that happen,” Trump told reporters in Florida while surveying damage from Hurricane Irma. He added: “‘I think we’re fairly close but we have to get massive border security.”</p>
<p>After Trump landed in Florida, he declared repeatedly, “If we don’t have a wall, we’re doing nothing.”</p>
<p>Schumer and Pelosi issued a joint statement following the dinner announcing a broad agreement on immigration.&#160;On the Senate floor Thursday morning, Schumer insisted that both sides were in agreement and there was no dispute.</p>
<p>“If you listen to the president’s comments this morning … it is clear that what Leader Pelosi and I put out last night was exactly accurate,” said Schumer. “We have reached an understanding on this issue. We have to work out details, and we can work together on a border security package with the White House and get DACA on the floor quickly.”</p>
<p>Indeed, in the face of ferocious pushback from conservative lawmakers and media outlets including Breitbart, run by former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, the White House appeared focused more on shaping presentation of the agreement, than on denying it outright.</p>
<p>“By no means was any deal ever reached,” White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters told reporters aboard Air Force One as the president traveled to Florida. “This is something that Congress needs to work on.”</p>
<p>But Breitbart was already labeling Trump “Amnesty Don.”</p>
<p>“The Trump administration will not be discussing amnesty,” Walters said. The president wants “a responsible path forward in immigration reform. That could include legal citizenship over a period of time. But absolutely by no means will this White House discuss amnesty,” she said, although most conservatives would consider “legal citizenship over a period of time” to meet the definition of amnesty.</p>
<p>The House’s foremost immigration hard-liner, Rep. Steve &#160;King, R-Iowa, addressed Trump over Twitter, writing that if the reports were true, “Trump base is blown up, destroyed, irreparable, and disillusioned beyond repair. No promise is credible.”</p>
<p>Schumer and Pelosi said in a statement that the details on border security needed to be negotiated, that both sides agreed “the wall would not be any part of this agreement” and that Trump said he would pursue the wall later.</p>
<p>And soon after, Trump appeared to confirm that approach. “The wall will come later, we’re right now renovating large sections of wall, massive sections, making it brand new,” he told reporters before his Florida trip.</p>
<p>He also said Republican congressional leaders, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., favored his approach on the immigration program. “Ryan and McConnell agree with us on DACA,” Trump said, adding that he had spoken to them by telephone.</p>
<p>Ryan, meanwhile, was adamant after speaking with Trump and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly that no agreement had been reached.</p>
<p>“The president wasn’t negotiating a deal last night. The president was talking with Democratic leaders to get their perspectives,” he told reporters on Capitol Hill.</p>
<p>Republicans in Congress, meanwhile, tried to make sense of the confusion.</p>
<p>“Slow down the trains, there’s no agreement,” said Rep. Dave Brat, R-Va., who warned” ”You can make a deal all you want, it’s got to get past the House and the Senate.”</p>
<p>In a series of tweets Thursday, Trump expressed empathy for the nearly 800,000 young people — many brought to the United States as toddlers or children — who were protected from deportation and given work permits under DACA.</p>
<p>“Does anybody really want to throw out good, educated and accomplished young people who have jobs, some serving in the military? Really!” he tweeted Thursday.”</p>
<p>Trump announced last week that his administration was rescinding the program, but gave Congress six months to come up with a legislative fix.</p>
<p>The back-and-forth comes as the president has suddenly turned to Democrats to jump-start his legislative imperatives. Only days ago, Trump and the Democratic leaders agreed to back a three-month extension of the debt limit in order to speed hurricane assistance.</p>
<p>The backlash that President Trump has received from Conservative Voters, who are afraid that he is going back on his word that he will not grant amnesty to those who are here illegally, has been “Yuge!” and uglier than Rosie O’ Donnell in a thong bikini.</p>
<p>Hold on. I almost made myself throw up.</p>
<p>If the President were to change his mind and offer blanket amnesty to those whom Barack Hussein Obama named “Dreamers”, he would be intentionally bypassing the normal process of legal Immigration, including one very important part, which all immigrants, who wish to be Americans <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/us-citizenship/naturalization-test/naturalization-oath-allegiance-united-states-america" type="external">must pledge:</a></p>
<p>I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.</p>
<p>A little over a month after I started Kingjester’s Blog, on May 18, 2010, a young man named Benito wrote me to me in the comments section. Benito, an activist for the cause of Illegal Immigration, insisted that the situation of people in this country illegally, was one of “Civil Rights”. This is how I responded to him:</p>
<p>Benito, I approved your comment to ask you a few questions. First, you write very well. Next, a few questions. What part of the word “illegal” do you not understand? What makes the current influx of illegal immigrants exempt from the rules and regulations that every other generation of immigrants to this country had to abide by in order to become legal citizens of the greatest nation in the world? By being here illegally, you are not entitled to the same rights as natural-born or naturalized American citizens. You are no better than someone who breaks into someone’s home, does their dishes, cuts their yard, cleans their house, and then helps themselves to their food and drives their car without asking. This is in no way a human rights issue. Freedom is God-given. And with freedom comes responsibility. With citizenship comes responsibility, like paying taxes and making your own way. Illegal immigration reminds me of the amorous boyfriend who wants everything a young woman will give him, but will leave her at the first mention of marriage. I wish you no ill, amigo, but understand this: This is not a civil rights issue. Illegals do not have the same rights as American Citizens. With our rights, come the responsibilities of being an American citizen. The Mexican flag, by protocol, will always be flown in a subordinate position to the American Flag in this country. And, the American Dialect of the English language is the language spoken in this country.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Trump Establishes New National Vetting Center, Addresses…</a></p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Shut Up and Sing: Didactic Liberals Preach Politics to…</a></p>
<p>Vaya con Dios.</p>
<p>If Trump has a “Read My Lips” moment, his decision will have detrimental consequences for average Americans and our Sovereign Nation.</p>
<p>And, any plans he might have for a reelection bid.</p>
<p>What makes those benefiting from DACA, who wish to stay here forever, exempt from the rules and regulations that every other generation of immigrants to this country had to abide by in order to become legal citizens of the greatest nation in the world?</p>
<p>These “Dreamers” must go through the same immigration process that other generations of immigrants have gone through.</p>
<p>Or, a stringent, controlled pathway to citizenship that will end with them going through the same procedures as all other legal immigrants before them.</p>
<p>As another President wrote, some 110 years ago…</p>
<p>In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American…There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag… We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language… and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people. – <a href="http://www.rense.com/general77/ted.htm" type="external">Theodore Roosevelt</a> 1907</p>
<p>Mr. President, please listen to those of us who believed in you, supported you, and elected you.</p>
<p>FORGET AMNESTY. BUILD THE WALL.</p>
<p>Until He Comes,</p>
<p>KJ</p> | true | 0 | lets pretend broke house discover insist leave say ive made beds washed dishes laundry cleaned floors ive done work dont like im hardworking honest except breaking house must let stay must also add insurance plan educate kids provide benefits husband yard work hes honest hardworking tooexcept breaking part try force call friends picket house proclaim right fair nicer house im trying better im hardworking honestexcept well know live house contributing fraction cost keep nothing without accused selfishness prejudice oh yeah want learn language communicate good plandont think behavior rewarding foxnewscom reports president donald trump said thursday republican congressional leaders much board negotiations protect socalled dreamers hundreds thousands young immigrants brought us illegally deportation160160160however president also vowed amnesty pushed back claims senate minority leader chuck schumer dny house minority leader nancy pelosi dcalif deal reached white house dinner wednesday night160 working plan subject getting massive border controls working plan daca deferred action childhood arrivals people want see happen trump told reporters florida surveying damage hurricane irma added think fairly close get massive border security trump landed florida declared repeatedly dont wall nothing schumer pelosi issued joint statement following dinner announcing broad agreement immigration160on senate floor thursday morning schumer insisted sides agreement dispute listen presidents comments morning clear leader pelosi put last night exactly accurate said schumer reached understanding issue work details work together border security package white house get daca floor quickly indeed face ferocious pushback conservative lawmakers media outlets including breitbart run former trump adviser steve bannon white house appeared focused shaping presentation agreement denying outright means deal ever reached white house spokeswoman lindsay walters told reporters aboard air force one president traveled florida something congress needs work breitbart already labeling trump amnesty trump administration discussing amnesty walters said president wants responsible path forward immigration reform could include legal citizenship period time absolutely means white house discuss amnesty said although conservatives would consider legal citizenship period time meet definition amnesty houses foremost immigration hardliner rep steve 160king riowa addressed trump twitter writing reports true trump base blown destroyed irreparable disillusioned beyond repair promise credible schumer pelosi said statement details border security needed negotiated sides agreed wall would part agreement trump said would pursue wall later soon trump appeared confirm approach wall come later right renovating large sections wall massive sections making brand new told reporters florida trip also said republican congressional leaders house speaker paul ryan rwis senate majority leader mitch mcconnell rky favored approach immigration program ryan mcconnell agree us daca trump said adding spoken telephone ryan meanwhile adamant speaking trump white house chief staff john kelly agreement reached president wasnt negotiating deal last night president talking democratic leaders get perspectives told reporters capitol hill republicans congress meanwhile tried make sense confusion slow trains theres agreement said rep dave brat rva warned make deal want got get past house senate series tweets thursday trump expressed empathy nearly 800000 young people many brought united states toddlers children protected deportation given work permits daca anybody really want throw good educated accomplished young people jobs serving military really tweeted thursday trump announced last week administration rescinding program gave congress six months come legislative fix backandforth comes president suddenly turned democrats jumpstart legislative imperatives days ago trump democratic leaders agreed back threemonth extension debt limit order speed hurricane assistance backlash president trump received conservative voters afraid going back word grant amnesty illegally yuge uglier rosie donnell thong bikini hold almost made throw president change mind offer blanket amnesty barack hussein obama named dreamers would intentionally bypassing normal process legal immigration including one important part immigrants wish americans must pledge hereby declare oath absolutely entirely renounce abjure allegiance fidelity foreign prince potentate state sovereignty heretofore subject citizen support defend constitution laws united states america enemies foreign domestic bear true faith allegiance bear arms behalf united states required law perform noncombatant service armed forces united states required law perform work national importance civilian direction required law take obligation freely without mental reservation purpose evasion help god little month started kingjesters blog may 18 2010 young man named benito wrote comments section benito activist cause illegal immigration insisted situation people country illegally one civil rights responded benito approved comment ask questions first write well next questions part word illegal understand makes current influx illegal immigrants exempt rules regulations every generation immigrants country abide order become legal citizens greatest nation world illegally entitled rights naturalborn naturalized american citizens better someone breaks someones home dishes cuts yard cleans house helps food drives car without asking way human rights issue freedom godgiven freedom comes responsibility citizenship comes responsibility like paying taxes making way illegal immigration reminds amorous boyfriend wants everything young woman give leave first mention marriage wish ill amigo understand civil rights issue illegals rights american citizens rights come responsibilities american citizen mexican flag protocol always flown subordinate position american flag country american dialect english language language spoken country trump establishes new national vetting center addresses shut sing didactic liberals preach politics vaya con dios trump read lips moment decision detrimental consequences average americans sovereign nation plans might reelection bid makes benefiting daca wish stay forever exempt rules regulations every generation immigrants country abide order become legal citizens greatest nation world dreamers must go immigration process generations immigrants gone stringent controlled pathway citizenship end going procedures legal immigrants another president wrote 110 years ago first place insist immigrant comes good faith becomes american assimilates us shall treated exact equality everyone else outrage discriminate man creed birthplace origin predicated upon persons becoming every facet american nothing americanthere divided allegiance man says american something else also isnt american room one flag american flag room one language english language room one sole loyalty loyalty american people theodore roosevelt 1907 mr president please listen us believed supported elected forget amnesty build wall comes kj | 962 |
<p>"I stick around longer and more, and with the passage of time the Arabs open up to me more and more. The complaints start slow, the kind I've heard before: no job, no privacy, horrible food, and nothing to do. Then Thawanni shows me the back of her neck, where her skin is of gray color. How did this happen? Viruses and bacteria in the camp, she says. Another man enters, he listens to our talk, and he shares with me some of the secrets of the place. At night, he says, there are fights here, and knives serve as tools of the fighting trade. I don't believe him; I can't believe it."</p>
<p>"Show me, I say to him. He lifts his shirt up, and he shows me a cut, a large cut by a knife on his torso."</p>
<p>"It happened here, in this camp."</p>
<p>"Oh, God."</p>
<p>Take a guess — in what country is the refugee camp depicted in this passage located: Lebanon? Jordan? Turkey?</p>
<p>The answer is Germany, in the city of Leipzig.</p>
<p>The narrator is my friend, the Israeli-born journalist Tuvia Tenenbom. This book, Hello, Refugees!, has all the wit and candor of his previous best-selling books, and deserves the same success. But this book is different.</p>
<p>Tuvia's previous books dealt with people's prejudices (especially the rising tide and mainstreaming of Western anti-Semitism) and political hypocrisy. Hello, Refugees!, on the other hand, is a story of human suffering.</p>
<p>I come to the subject with a heavy heart. In the American tradition, a strong national security policy and support for human rights were never mutually exclusive. The former takes priority, of course, but that doesn't mean the latter was disregarded. To see a tidal wave of refugees fleeing for their lives, yet at the same time knowing the dangers of mass immigration and radical Islam, presents me with a challenge that pits two deeply held values against each other.</p>
<p>My friend Tuvia and his wife Isi traveled throughout Germany in 2016 to learn and observe all they could about the refugees and Germany's response to the crisis.</p>
<p>Why has Germany taken in far more refugees than any other European country? The Germans Tuvia interviewed — from all walks of life, and from political parties across the spectrum — all agree: it is Germany's impulse to atone for the sins of the Third Reich. Germany wants to do good, wants to feel like they are doing good, and wants the world to see them as good.</p>
<p>This is probably why access to the refugee camps is restricted. The only reason Tuvia and Isi were able to get in was because they can speak Arabic, and they got refugees to tell the guards that Tuvia and Isi were their cousins from Jordan (or Lebanon, or wherever). The squalid conditions they describe are the dirty secret Germany wants to hide from the world — and hide from themselves.</p>
<p>But horror stories from the refugee camps, though they are the most important part of this book, are not the only thing Hello, Refugees! offers. There is also the politics of the crisis. And Tuvia and Isi take the time to visit parliamentarians from the fringe parties vying for power against the centrist government of Angela Merkel.</p>
<p>On the fringe-Right we have, among others, Hans-Thomas Tillschneider of the Alternatives for Germany (AfD) party. He states that the college term of 2000-2001 was "the most beautiful year of my life," which was spent at the University of Damascus, Syria, in the heart of Bashir al-Assad's police state. Kind of like those political pilgrims who travel to Castro's Cuba and fall in love with Fidelismo. After Assad launched a chemical weapons attack in April, Tillschneider released a statement titled "SOLIDARITY WITH BASHAR AL-ASSAD!" stating that Assad didn't do it (the U.S. was listening to Syrian military communications, so we know for a fact Assad did it) and declaring "solidarity with Bashar al-Assad, the legitimate president of the Syrian Arab Republic."</p>
<p>Tillschneider insists that "Arabness" makes integration impossible, so refugees will have to stay in their camps till the war is over. But Germany "should work internationally, especially with Russia, in order to solve the Syrian crisis." This is the same Russia that last year carpet bombed (starting with the hospitals) what was once Syria's largest city and caused its residents to flee for their lives, all so that the "beautiful" police state of Bashir al-Assad can cling to power without any significant reforms.</p>
<p>AfD happens to be a big supporter of the Kremlin and recently signed an agreement to merge their youth group with that of Vladimir Putin's party, so Tillschneider's enthusiasm for Russian foreign policy isn't really coming out of a vacuum.</p>
<p>On the fringe-Left we have, among others, Gregor Gysi of Die Linke (literally "The Left") party. In a previous book, Tuvia interviewed Gregor's sister, while she was cheering for North Korea to win the World Cup. Once upon a time, and under a different name, Die Linke was the ruling party of the Communist East German one-party state. Not long after German reunification, Gysi inherited the party and promptly sent a secret letter to the Soviet Union asking them to pressure German Chancellor Helmut Kohl to return or destroy the party's archives. It would be a "genuine catastrophe" for the East German communists and the Soviets if the truth were to come out, this man of the people wrote to his allies in the Evil Empire.</p>
<p>Mr. Gysi staunchly supports unlimited refugee admittance, but he was much more interested in "the reason behind the refugee issue." The reason is simple: "America is guilty of everything."</p>
<p>If Mr. Gysi wants to play the blame game, let's talk about his party's record. East Germany had formed a special bond with Baathist Syria. Hafez al-Assad described East German dictator Erich Honecker as his “best friend,” and East Germany provided Syria with training for it's military personnel as well as the MIG jets, tanks, artillery, and chemical warfare equipment it uses to kill it's people today. Recently, the State Department disclosed that Syria has even employed the use of a massive crematorium to dispose of the bodies of those tortured to death at Sednaya military prison, which number in the thousands. Crematoriums for the unwanted — where would the Assad family have picked that up?</p>
<p>One might protest that East Germany is no more and Gregor Gysi is not Erich Honecker. Maybe not, but Gysi and Die Linke's response to Assad's chemical weapons attack and Trump's punitive missile strike was quite telling: first, they say Assad didn't do it (the Assad regime's propaganda department could make a fortune suing both Tillschneider and Gysi for copy/paste plagiarism), and then they ask who gave the USA the right to judge anybody's actions (the insinuation that America doesn't have the moral high ground rings pretty hollow when it comes from the former East German communist party). Die Linke has also called for the dissolution of NATO and the formation of a security union with Russia. Like the good old days.</p>
<p>So the German fringe parties support bloodthirsty genocidal tyrants and would shift Germany away from the United States and toward the enemies of freedom. But what about the centrists who run the government today?</p>
<p>Tuva and Isi traveled to Cologne, where they met the city's centrist mayor, Henriette Reker. To describe the conversation as cringeworthy would be charitable. Cologne made international headlines last year, when migrants from Islamic northern Africa attacked hundreds of women during the city's New Year festival. For Tuvia, getting Reker to talk facts about the incident was like pulling teeth. The most Tuvia could get out of her was that the 2016 festival had significantly more criminal incidents than previous years (previous festivals averaged about 20 criminal complaints, with 14 or 15 being of a sexual nature; the 2016 festival saw 1,200 complaints, 500 of which were of a sexual nature), that the attackers reportedly "looked like North Africans," and "What we really can say is this: This year [2016] there were more men of a different culture, with different views about women than we have in our culture." But she adamantly refuses to connect these dots, or draw any conclusions from them.</p>
<p>So Germans must pick their poison: the menacingly evil or the PC stupid.</p>
<p>But we, the United States, do not have to follow suit. There are ways to help these people in a way that is humane and does not compromise our security. And the answer has come from a place the world would have least expected: the administration of President Donald J. Trump.</p>
<p>In April, Trump proved that there would be consequences to violations of human rights when he fired 60 missiles at a Syrian airbase to punish the regime of Bashar al-Assad for use of chemical weapons. "Years of previous attempts at changing Assad's behavior have all failed, and failed very dramatically," said the president. "As a result, the refugee crisis continues to deepen and the region continues to destabilize, threatening the United States and its allies." So he acted, and declared in a clear statement of principle that "we hope that as long as America stands for justice, then peace and harmony will, in the end, prevail." Assad is now afraid to conduct such an attack again. A mere warning from the White House has brought preparations for another chemical attack to a halt.</p>
<p>While Assad and his allies insist that they are fighting ISIS, they have ceded large areas of southeast Syria to ISIS and have left them largely untouched. There is a reason for this. In 2015, Assad gave a speech in which he declared that the Syrian army "cannot fight on all fronts out of fear of losing control in certain areas, [and therefore] we relinquish [certain] regions in favor of important areas under our control." But this year a U.S.-backed rebel coalition, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has nearly defeated ISIS and has seized control of its territory. Trump has gone the extra mile to defend these anti-ISIS, anti-Assad forces. When a Syrian regime fighter jet attacked the SDF on June 18, a U.S. Navy F/A-18E shot it down.</p>
<p>Trump has said repeatedly that he would like to see a safe zone where civilians can flee and where Syrian refugees can return. And I agree that this is the best solution.</p>
<p>The liberation of southeast Syria from the scourge of ISIS presents us such an opportunity. Assad — with Putin's approval — was willing to let ISIS have this territory, so he has no moral right to demand these areas back from SDF and Kurdish fighters who were willing to fight for them (and who won't gas the people who come to them for safety). Syrian refugee Kassem Eid — who now lives in Germany — has written that “ISIS thrives on hopelessness and international passivity to convince its fighters to seek revenge instead of justice.” By taking action, Eid writes, Trump has done more to fight the Islamic State “than his predecessor did in six years. He has now given the Syrian people hope that the U.S. will stand for human rights and freedom.”</p>
<p>(Hopefully, Trump will do away with plans to allow Russian military police to operate in these safe zones. Putin has shown time and again that he cannot be trusted. As Trump wrote in "The Art of the Deal" 30 years ago: "You can't con people, at least not for long.")</p>
<p>With this book, Tuvia and Isi Tenenbom have done the world a great service. This is, without a doubt, their best work yet. By taking us to places that are off limits, and asking the hard questions, they have filled in gaps in our knowledge. With the truth in hand, we have more of the information necessary to make informed decisions — and perhaps finally solve the refugee crisis.</p> | true | 0 | stick around longer passage time arabs open complaints start slow kind ive heard job privacy horrible food nothing thawanni shows back neck skin gray color happen viruses bacteria camp says another man enters listens talk shares secrets place night says fights knives serve tools fighting trade dont believe cant believe show say lifts shirt shows cut large cut knife torso happened camp oh god take guess country refugee camp depicted passage located lebanon jordan turkey answer germany city leipzig narrator friend israeliborn journalist tuvia tenenbom book hello refugees wit candor previous bestselling books deserves success book different tuvias previous books dealt peoples prejudices especially rising tide mainstreaming western antisemitism political hypocrisy hello refugees hand story human suffering come subject heavy heart american tradition strong national security policy support human rights never mutually exclusive former takes priority course doesnt mean latter disregarded see tidal wave refugees fleeing lives yet time knowing dangers mass immigration radical islam presents challenge pits two deeply held values friend tuvia wife isi traveled throughout germany 2016 learn observe could refugees germanys response crisis germany taken far refugees european country germans tuvia interviewed walks life political parties across spectrum agree germanys impulse atone sins third reich germany wants good wants feel like good wants world see good probably access refugee camps restricted reason tuvia isi able get speak arabic got refugees tell guards tuvia isi cousins jordan lebanon wherever squalid conditions describe dirty secret germany wants hide world hide horror stories refugee camps though important part book thing hello refugees offers also politics crisis tuvia isi take time visit parliamentarians fringe parties vying power centrist government angela merkel fringeright among others hansthomas tillschneider alternatives germany afd party states college term 20002001 beautiful year life spent university damascus syria heart bashir alassads police state kind like political pilgrims travel castros cuba fall love fidelismo assad launched chemical weapons attack april tillschneider released statement titled solidarity bashar alassad stating assad didnt us listening syrian military communications know fact assad declaring solidarity bashar alassad legitimate president syrian arab republic tillschneider insists arabness makes integration impossible refugees stay camps till war germany work internationally especially russia order solve syrian crisis russia last year carpet bombed starting hospitals syrias largest city caused residents flee lives beautiful police state bashir alassad cling power without significant reforms afd happens big supporter kremlin recently signed agreement merge youth group vladimir putins party tillschneiders enthusiasm russian foreign policy isnt really coming vacuum fringeleft among others gregor gysi die linke literally left party previous book tuvia interviewed gregors sister cheering north korea win world cup upon time different name die linke ruling party communist east german oneparty state long german reunification gysi inherited party promptly sent secret letter soviet union asking pressure german chancellor helmut kohl return destroy partys archives would genuine catastrophe east german communists soviets truth come man people wrote allies evil empire mr gysi staunchly supports unlimited refugee admittance much interested reason behind refugee issue reason simple america guilty everything mr gysi wants play blame game lets talk partys record east germany formed special bond baathist syria hafez alassad described east german dictator erich honecker best friend east germany provided syria training military personnel well mig jets tanks artillery chemical warfare equipment uses kill people today recently state department disclosed syria even employed use massive crematorium dispose bodies tortured death sednaya military prison number thousands crematoriums unwanted would assad family picked one might protest east germany gregor gysi erich honecker maybe gysi die linkes response assads chemical weapons attack trumps punitive missile strike quite telling first say assad didnt assad regimes propaganda department could make fortune suing tillschneider gysi copypaste plagiarism ask gave usa right judge anybodys actions insinuation america doesnt moral high ground rings pretty hollow comes former east german communist party die linke also called dissolution nato formation security union russia like good old days german fringe parties support bloodthirsty genocidal tyrants would shift germany away united states toward enemies freedom centrists run government today tuva isi traveled cologne met citys centrist mayor henriette reker describe conversation cringeworthy would charitable cologne made international headlines last year migrants islamic northern africa attacked hundreds women citys new year festival tuvia getting reker talk facts incident like pulling teeth tuvia could get 2016 festival significantly criminal incidents previous years previous festivals averaged 20 criminal complaints 14 15 sexual nature 2016 festival saw 1200 complaints 500 sexual nature attackers reportedly looked like north africans really say year 2016 men different culture different views women culture adamantly refuses connect dots draw conclusions germans must pick poison menacingly evil pc stupid united states follow suit ways help people way humane compromise security answer come place world would least expected administration president donald j trump april trump proved would consequences violations human rights fired 60 missiles syrian airbase punish regime bashar alassad use chemical weapons years previous attempts changing assads behavior failed failed dramatically said president result refugee crisis continues deepen region continues destabilize threatening united states allies acted declared clear statement principle hope long america stands justice peace harmony end prevail assad afraid conduct attack mere warning white house brought preparations another chemical attack halt assad allies insist fighting isis ceded large areas southeast syria isis left largely untouched reason 2015 assad gave speech declared syrian army fight fronts fear losing control certain areas therefore relinquish certain regions favor important areas control year usbacked rebel coalition syrian democratic forces sdf nearly defeated isis seized control territory trump gone extra mile defend antiisis antiassad forces syrian regime fighter jet attacked sdf june 18 us navy fa18e shot trump said repeatedly would like see safe zone civilians flee syrian refugees return agree best solution liberation southeast syria scourge isis presents us opportunity assad putins approval willing let isis territory moral right demand areas back sdf kurdish fighters willing fight wont gas people come safety syrian refugee kassem eid lives germany written isis thrives hopelessness international passivity convince fighters seek revenge instead justice taking action eid writes trump done fight islamic state predecessor six years given syrian people hope us stand human rights freedom hopefully trump away plans allow russian military police operate safe zones putin shown time trusted trump wrote art deal 30 years ago cant con people least long book tuvia isi tenenbom done world great service without doubt best work yet taking us places limits asking hard questions filled gaps knowledge truth hand information necessary make informed decisions perhaps finally solve refugee crisis | 1,075 |
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<p>You can find products from Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) in nearly every corner of the world. One of the challenges that Philip Morris has faced lately is that outside the U.S., economic conditions aren't as favorable as American investors are used to seeing, and that has translated into weak performance in many areas of the tobacco giant's global empire. Yet surprisingly, even though Europe has gone through more than its fair share of turmoil lately, Philip Morris' European Union segment has held up extremely well and has posted the most consistent gains in net revenue and operating company income of any of the company's regions. Let's take a closer look at Philip Morris' success on the continent and whether investors should count on it continuing.</p>
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<p>Some fear the Brexit vote could hurt the EU economy, but Philip Morris International isn't likely to see a huge amount of damage to its business. Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Philip Morris International's European Union segment competes with the Asia segment for supremacy on the revenue front, with the two regions trading places from quarter to quarter in taking the role of the largest producer of sales for the company. Indeed, so far this year, the European Union is lagging slightly behind Asia, with revenue of $4.02 billion compared to $4.1 billion for its eastern counterpart.</p>
<p>Yet there are a few things pointing in the EU's favor. First, the European Union was the only region to post an increase in revenue on a U.S. dollar basis. Even though that growth was only 0.2%, it was far better than the nearly 5% decline in Asia revenue and the double-digit percentage drops for the company's other segments.</p>
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<p>In addition, the European Union has traditionally been more profitable for Philip Morris than its other segments. Profits for the first half of 2016 in the EU amounted to $1.98 billion, which was well above the $1.53 billion that the Asia segment earned. Also, the EU's bottom line grew by more than 2% from the year-ago period, standing in stark contrast to the other three segments, all of which saw operating company income fall by more than 10%.</p>
<p>Finally, the adverse volume trends that Philip Morris has seen throughout its global distribution network haven't materialized in the European Union. So far this year, EU shipment volumes are up almost 1% to 96.4 billion units. Shipments elsewhere are much higher, but they've fallen recently, and the pricing power Philip Morris has in the EU is hard to duplicate elsewhere.</p>
<p>Philip Morris sees several trends in its European Union business. A reversal in the strength of the U.S. dollar has been most obvious in the EU, which finally experienced a currency-related boost in revenue and income during the second quarter. Favorable pricing trends, especially in the German and Italian markets, have helped produce the attractive results in the EU, even though an unfavorable sales mix and higher costs related to commercializing reduced-risk products like the iQOS heat-not-burn technology have weighed on growth.</p>
<p>Overall, Philip Morris has room to grow in the EU. The company has market share of 38.5%, with Marlboro accounting for roughly half that amount. Within the region, Poland and Spain have seen the healthiest performance, with cigarette shipment volumes rising 8% to 9% despite relatively weak conditions in the broader tobacco industry. That has led to extensive market-share gains there of between one and two percentage points, showing the payoff of Philip Morris' Marlboro 2.0 initiative. France has also done reasonably well for the company as well.</p>
<p>That doesn't mean everything is going smoothly for Philip Morris. In both Italy and Germany, the company's shipment volume declined more than the overall industry, in part because of pricing moves that helped make competitors' products look more attractive from a pricing perspective.</p>
<p>Shocks like the U.K. Brexit vote are a big concern for many investors, but for Philip Morris International's business, the direct impact of a U.K. exit from the EU should be minimal. The potential pitfall, however, is if the episode leads to renewed currency weakness in the euro. Nevertheless, with such a strong history of success in Western Europe, Philip Morris can expect that the European Union segment will stay important to its overall results well into the future.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFGalagan/info.aspx" type="external">Dan Caplinger Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | find products philip morris international nyse pm nearly every corner world one challenges philip morris faced lately outside us economic conditions arent favorable american investors used seeing translated weak performance many areas tobacco giants global empire yet surprisingly even though europe gone fair share turmoil lately philip morris european union segment held extremely well posted consistent gains net revenue operating company income companys regions lets take closer look philip morris success continent whether investors count continuing continue reading fear brexit vote could hurt eu economy philip morris international isnt likely see huge amount damage business image source getty images philip morris internationals european union segment competes asia segment supremacy revenue front two regions trading places quarter quarter taking role largest producer sales company indeed far year european union lagging slightly behind asia revenue 402 billion compared 41 billion eastern counterpart yet things pointing eus favor first european union region post increase revenue us dollar basis even though growth 02 far better nearly 5 decline asia revenue doubledigit percentage drops companys segments advertisement addition european union traditionally profitable philip morris segments profits first half 2016 eu amounted 198 billion well 153 billion asia segment earned also eus bottom line grew 2 yearago period standing stark contrast three segments saw operating company income fall 10 finally adverse volume trends philip morris seen throughout global distribution network havent materialized european union far year eu shipment volumes almost 1 964 billion units shipments elsewhere much higher theyve fallen recently pricing power philip morris eu hard duplicate elsewhere philip morris sees several trends european union business reversal strength us dollar obvious eu finally experienced currencyrelated boost revenue income second quarter favorable pricing trends especially german italian markets helped produce attractive results eu even though unfavorable sales mix higher costs related commercializing reducedrisk products like iqos heatnotburn technology weighed growth overall philip morris room grow eu company market share 385 marlboro accounting roughly half amount within region poland spain seen healthiest performance cigarette shipment volumes rising 8 9 despite relatively weak conditions broader tobacco industry led extensive marketshare gains one two percentage points showing payoff philip morris marlboro 20 initiative france also done reasonably well company well doesnt mean everything going smoothly philip morris italy germany companys shipment volume declined overall industry part pricing moves helped make competitors products look attractive pricing perspective shocks like uk brexit vote big concern many investors philip morris internationals business direct impact uk exit eu minimal potential pitfall however episode leads renewed currency weakness euro nevertheless strong history success western europe philip morris expect european union segment stay important overall results well future secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window dan caplinger opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 522 |
<p>It's easy to get caught up in numbers and metrics when you're thinking about investing, but at the end of the day, people are at the root of everything that happens in the financial world. Every industry has its shining lights, and the bank industry is no different.</p>
<p>In this episode of <a href="https://www.fool.com/podcasts/industry-focus?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=3cf586aa-8d6c-11e7-9c27-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Industry Focus: Financials</a> edition we discuss the top bankers in the modern era, including Jamie Dimon, Richard Davis, Robert Wilmers, and more. Listen in to hear who made the list and what unique contribution they bring to their institutions and the industry. Find out a few massive shifts that have happened in the banking industry in just the last few decades, and the bankers behind them, how some of the top-yielding banks have performed fantastically throughout multiple financial crises in the last 30 years, and more.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>A full transcript follows the video.</p>
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<p>This video was recorded on Aug. 7, 2017.</p>
<p>Gaby Lapera: Hello everyone!&#160;Welcome to Industry Focus, the podcast that dives into a different sector of the stock market every day. You're listening to the Financials&#160;edition, taped on Monday,&#160;August 7th, 2017. My name is Gaby Lapera and joining me via Skype,&#160;but I can actually see him today,&#160;which is very exciting, is John Maxfield,&#160;all-around great guy and super smart contributor. How's it going, John?</p>
<p>John Maxfield: It's&#160;going great! Thank you very much, Gaby,&#160;for those kind words.</p>
<p>Lapera: Yeah,&#160;no problem. They're true, so it's OK!&#160;[laughs]</p>
<p>Maxfield: [laughs] I'm&#160;going to make my wife listen to this one!</p>
<p>Lapera: So,&#160;listeners, just so you know, this show is pre-taped. It's&#160;going to go out on August 28th. If you listening to this on the 28th, I'm on vacation, I'm somewhere in Maine eating my weight in&#160;blueberries right now, it's very exciting. Anyway,&#160;today is a very special show. I know I say that all the time. I sound like Mister Rogers. But today's show is actually special, because today's show is all about stories. I think a lot of the time, we think about numbers and we think about metrics when we're talking about investing and thinking about investing. And we forget that there's a very human element to investing. That's why, today, we're going to talk about seven bankers, and use them as a lens to understand both&#160;what it takes to be a great leader and&#160;what it takes to be a great bank. We're&#160;going to use those stories to humanize all of this. Does&#160;that sound good, Maxfield?</p>
<p>Maxfield: That&#160;sounds great. I'm really excited,&#160;because one of the great things about our job is that&#160;you have these opportunities to talk to these really incredible people once in a while.&#160;I've had a chance in the past couple of years to&#160;talk to a lot of our top bankers in this country. So,&#160;what we're going to be doing is, we're&#160;going to tease out&#160;the lessons that you can learn from the seven extraordinary bankers in particular, which&#160;then whether you're interested in the financial system in general or in stocks and&#160;extraordinary banks more specifically. I think that you all will&#160;really appreciate the context that we're able to give around the bank industry.</p>
<p>Lapera: Definitely.&#160;I think with that, I'm going to dive right in,&#160;because we have a lot of content today,&#160;which is very exciting. I'm going to&#160;tell you a little bit of a meandering story,&#160;a little bit of a Maxfield story, if you will.&#160;[laughs] I'm&#160;going to start with this challenge that was posed hypothetically to myself, which is to pick the top three&#160;bankers in the United States. The&#160;first one is Alexander Hamilton, which&#160;kind of goes without saying. He was the one who was like, "You know&#160;what we should do? We should have central banking. Also, America's future is not&#160;agrarian." You know,&#160;I think he called the right shot on both counts with that one.</p>
<p>Second banker that I think&#160;everyone can agree was huge for the American financial system is J.P. Morgan. He helped bail out the American financial system, he created these connections with Europe. Without him, I don't really know where we would be as a country. But then, if forced to pick a third one,&#160;and I know that Maxfield definitely agrees with me on this,&#160;I would pick Hugh McColl of&#160;Bank of America (NYSE: BAC).&#160;I don't know if listeners know this, but you know how you can go to Bank of America and there's a Bank of America in&#160;basically every state -- except for Nebraska,&#160;much to my ire. There's a&#160;Wells Fargo&#160;in Nebraska. Anyway. Before, you&#160;couldn't do that. Before, it was really hard for banks to have branches,&#160;and it was illegal in a lot of states for banks to have more than one branch. And that was for a variety of reasons. But, back in the day,&#160;Hugh McColl, he was in&#160;North Carolina, one of the few states that allowed banks to have more than one branch, and he really pushed for legislation to be changed so that banks could branch outside of their state. Without that, we wouldn't have the financial system that we have today.</p>
<p>Maxfield: Yeah. I think&#160;that's a great overview.&#160;Alexander Hamilton wasn't actually a banker,&#160;and I think this is exactly the point you're trying to make -- if you look at the bank&#160;industry that we have today and you had to pick three&#160;people who had the most significant contribution to how it has evolved, the first one, yeah,&#160;Alexander Hamilton, because he set this thing up. The second one, J.P. Morgan,&#160;because he was the link between us and Europe during the American&#160;Industrial Revolution or the Gilded Age, which is really where the United States of America gained its power. And then,&#160;more recently, Hugh McColl. To your point,&#160;when he started banking, Hugh McColl&#160;joined a small bank in North Carolina&#160;in&#160;1959. When he started banking, it was called unit banking at the time. Unit banking meant that you could basically just have one location in most states. You couldn't have&#160;branches in most states. And you couldn't operate across interstate lines. And&#160;think about how different that is&#160;relative to what we have today, where we have a bank like Bank of America and a bank like Wells Fargo and&#160;JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM), literally, the branch networks span&#160;the North American continent. And the person who is most responsible for that is Hugh McColl. What&#160;he did is, he really proactively pushed, he saw the importance of expanding branches across interstate lines and&#160;having larger branch networks.</p>
<p>Let me add&#160;a little bit more context around this. There's a guy named Charles Calomiris who's&#160;probably the top bank historian in the United States. Really, in particular, he's at the top when it comes to&#160;understanding how the regulatory environment has evolved over the years in the United States. And one of the things he talks about&#160;in this incredible book called Fragile By Design that&#160;goes back through the history of banking and regulatory policies, one of the things he talks about in there is that, in&#160;Canada, they basically had no banking crises over the past couple hundred years, whereas in the United States, we've had 17 major banking crises. And you say, "Why&#160;would the United States have so many but Canada wouldn't?" And one of the reasons is, we didn't let our banks,&#160;for all these years, expand and diversify geographically. If you were an agricultural bank&#160;in Nebraska, to your point, which is also,&#160;I'm from Wyoming, right across the border to Nebraska, my family's business is principally in Nebraska. And what you would see is, you would have&#160;these agricultural depressions or you would have droughts that would hit those areas. Well, the banks in those areas,&#160;if you could only operate in that area and you had a drought and you were an agricultural bank, you had no hope. The farmers wouldn't be able to&#160;pay their debts and you would go under. What Hugh McColl&#160;realized, and other people realized this, too, is, look,&#160;if you could have branches in all of these different regions, you would reduce the fragility of each individual bank. And then, you&#160;wouldn't have as many financial crises,&#160;because financial crises are fueled by&#160;bank failures. And Hugh&#160;McColl is really the one&#160;who, at Bank of America,&#160;pushed through, came up with this idea and proactively pushed through the legislation that changed the United States banking structure from one based on unit banking to what we have today.</p>
<p>Lapera: I think listeners are probably thinking to themselves, "This is a wonderful story!" Thank you, listeners. We really appreciate that. Secondly, they're probably also&#160;wondering, "What is this meant to illustrate?" And I think the thing that we're&#160;trying to get at here is that really great bankers and really great banks are really proactive at seizing opportunities and&#160;making opportunities for themselves.</p>
<p>Maxfield: That's&#160;exactly right. The laws were against Hugh McColl's ideas, so what did Hugh McColl do? And&#160;I literally talked to Hugh McColl two weeks ago,&#160;and the way he explained it was great. He said, "Look,&#160;it was my banker." It was Bank of America's in-house banker&#160;who wrote the legislation for what&#160;was called the Southeast Regional Banking Compact,&#160;which then allowed banks in all the states in the Southeast to have branches within each of them, so you could expand and have these regional banks. And it was Bank of America that got that ball rolling. They wrote that legislation,&#160;got that ball rolling that eventually culminated in a piece of legislation that was passed in the U.S.&#160;Congress in 1994 that then opened up branch&#160;banking across the entire United States.</p>
<p>Lapera: Yeah. I think,&#160;how that's applicable today is, what banks should be looking for, generally, the opportunities that they're going to need to seize to create opportunities for themselves, are&#160;probably going to be in the tech arena. So they stay&#160;relevant, and not just relevant but push&#160;beyond that, and find the next thing that will make them bigger, more stable, draw more customers in.</p>
<p>Maxfield: Oh&#160;my God, that's such a good transition, Gaby.&#160;The reason that such a good transition is&#160;because one of the benefits of Bank of America&#160;today,&#160;one of its advantages is, because of Hugh McColl's work,&#160;building that banking to what it is today, the behemoth that&#160;it is,&#160;it has the economies of scale to invest in technology. And technology is where the battle of banking is being fought right now, and really will be fought&#160;in the future. And it's&#160;because of the scale that Hugh McColl&#160;built that they're going to be able to compete effectively in that arena.</p>
<p>Lapera: Yeah,&#160;definitely. This is something that you see with smaller banks,&#160;it's really interesting because they don't have the economies of scale, so&#160;they're playing catch-up, essentially. Like, they're just starting to get phone apps. They're just starting to do the online banking instead of the physical branch banking.&#160;And you see other banks, the bigger banks, are&#160;light years ahead. And this isn't to say that consolidation is 100% great all the time. Everyone knows about too-big-to-fail and all that. But,&#160;in a lot of ways, this kind of foresight and this push to change things is the thing that made&#160;Bank of America such a great and such a big bank today.</p>
<p>Maxfield: Yeah,&#160;I totally agree with that.</p>
<p>Lapera: Okay. So, let's turn to the&#160;Buffett of banking,&#160;Robert Wilmers of&#160;M&amp;T Bank (NYSE: MTB).&#160;Warren Buffett has this really great quote,&#160;it goes, "Be fearful when others are greedy and be greedy when others are fearful." That basically means that there's&#160;cycles. I think everyone knows this, there's cycles to the stock market. But when the stock market is really high&#160;and everyone is buying everything in sight,&#160;that's the time to be conservative, to think, "Do I really need to buy this? Is this really a great idea right this second?" And let everyone else drive the price up of everything. And&#160;when the cycle inevitably comes back down, that's when you should jump in and be like, "I already know this is a great company and I'm going to buy it and add to my portfolio now." And Robert Wilmers&#160;exemplifies this, except with banking. It's really interesting.</p>
<p>Maxfield: That's&#160;exactly right. Be fearful when others are greedy. Warren Buffett has a lot of amazing sayings. I want to make one other point about Warren Buffett before I go on that line of thought. There are few&#160;people in this country who truly understand the fundamental mechanics of banking better than Warren Buffett. He understands it, you get that sense. He understands it from his experience in the insurance&#160;business, because if you look at what&#160;Berkshire Hathaway&#160;is,&#160;it's fundamentally predicated on an insurance company,&#160;and using the float for that,&#160;to then take that float, invest it profitably. And&#160;the way he invests profitably is to be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful. So,&#160;that's really why Buffett and banking, where those two come together. Also,&#160;he owns probably the best portfolio of banks&#160;that's ever been accumulated ever, certainly in the United States.</p>
<p>But there's another component of this that makes Robert Wilmers,&#160;in my mind, the Buffett of banking. And that is, Robert Wilmers, since&#160;he took over M&amp;T Bank in 1983, this guy has just produced phenomenal returns. Buffett-like returns. Let me give you some specific numbers to hang your hats on. No. 1, if you go back to 1983, when Wilmers&#160;took over M&amp;T Bank, of the 100 largest banks that were operating in the country at the time,&#160;only 23 remain today. That was a result of the consolidation&#160;wave that we talked about, in&#160;the context of Hugh McColl.&#160;M&amp;T Bank is the top-performing bank in terms of total&#160;shareholder return over that time period. And&#160;you can even expand that out to see how&#160;incredible the returns Robert Wilmers&#160;has produced at M&amp;T. Go&#160;back to the 1980, that was three years before Wilmers took over, but&#160;if you&#160;look back there, it's a good, clean number. And you take&#160;all the companies in the United States, all the publicly traded companies in the United States that were there then and are&#160;still here today, M&amp;T Bank is the 16th highest performing stock over that time period. So,&#160;you're talking about a guy who has really used these same principles and understands cycles and&#160;when to be aggressive, when to pull back from the market in the same ways that Warren Buffett&#160;does. And, not&#160;coincidentally, one of M&amp;T&#160;Bancorp's&#160;biggest shareholders is Warren Buffett himself. So, it's this beautiful narrative arc that really comes together.</p>
<p>Lapera: I'm going to insert myself really quickly. For&#160;M&amp;T Bank to be the 16th highest returning company, that's crazy. Banks don't really do that. Banks are slow and steady&#160;wins the race tortoises,&#160;not superstars. It's crazy.</p>
<p>Maxfield: And&#160;the way he's done it,&#160;to your point when you set this all up about M&amp;T,&#160;is that every time the United States financial industry has gone through a crisis, Robert Wilmers has gone in -- it's such a well-run bank that they didn't get into trouble in these crises,&#160;they just come in and basically rescued other banks and bought them for&#160;pennies on the dollar when they ran into trouble. And you do that time and time again. He did it through the LDC crisis,&#160;the less-developed loan crisis,&#160;the savings-and-loan crisis, they did it in the early 2000s when we had issues in the markets&#160;following September 11th and the whole Enron scandal,&#160;and then he&#160;bought a whole bunch of banks in the wake of the financial crisis. He just, over and over and over again,&#160;he's just done this and it's produced these phenomenal returns.</p>
<p>Lapera: Yeah. And&#160;the reason he can do this,&#160;like you mentioned, it's because the bank is really well managed. Which actually&#160;leads us perfectly into our next person, which is Richard Davis,&#160;who has really shown us that great banks are really efficient. And the reason that Richard Davis kind of stands out is, he's not about cutting expenses. He thinks, if you need to spend money to have a really good underwriting program, then you spend money to have a really good underwriting program. Where he tries to improve things is&#160;bringing in more money.</p>
<p>Maxfield: Right. Full&#160;disclosure, I'm a&#160;huge fan of Richard Davis, and he's been incredibly kind to me with his time and his knowledge over the past couple years. Of&#160;anyone that I've interacted with, he's probably taught me more about banking than&#160;anybody. There's a number of different things&#160;that he's taught me. The first is,&#160;driving efficiency at a bank is really important, because every bank has to earn a certain return on equity. If you're inefficient, if your costs are too high&#160;relative to your revenue,&#160;in order to earn that profitability that investors expect, you have to cut corners&#160;elsewhere. And where banks go to cut corners is their&#160;underwriting policy. Because fundamentally, what banks do is they sell money. And&#160;anybody wants to buy money so long as the price is right. If you go out and sell&#160;people money, make them loans to people who either shouldn't be having those loans,&#160;or the terms are too easy or the interest rate, i.e. the price,&#160;is too low, you're going to set yourself up for literally failure when the United States goes through, again,&#160;to go back to the very beginning, one of these 17 crises that we've gone through&#160;over the years, you're going to set yourself up for failure.</p>
<p>Well, Richard Davis,&#160;he understands this in a very fundamental way. He understands how&#160;important it is to run an efficient bank. What is so unique about&#160;Richard Davis and the way they run&#160;U.S. Bancorp&#160;(NYSE: USB) -- and Richard Davis is now the chairman of U.S. Bancorp, he retired earlier this year. A guy by the name of&#160;Andy Cecere,&#160;it looks to me like he's running the bank in a very similar way to&#160;Richard Davis, which shouldn't be surprising because it looks like&#160;he was Davis'&#160;understudy at U.S. Bancorp. One of the things that&#160;Richard Davis has always said is, "The way to drive&#160;efficiency is not to reduce&#160;expenses on the bottom line,"&#160;because what you're trying to do is widen that margin&#160;between revenue and expenses, "the way to do it, you&#160;drive efficiency through higher revenue." And&#160;it's just such a great way to think about banking that,&#160;whether you're a bank investor or a banker themselves,&#160;it's a great way to approach the profession.</p>
<p>Lapera: Yeah. His core&#160;message, when you think about it, is, never lower your standards.</p>
<p>Maxfield: That's&#160;exactly right.&#160;Another point he has made is that,&#160;in the wake of the financial crisis, investors are particularly discerning of banks. We saw&#160;Citigroup&#160;almost go under, we saw Bank of America&#160;almost go under. WaMu went under,&#160;Wachovia went under,&#160;National City went under.&#160;We had all these banks that ran into trouble, and&#160;investors are particularly discerning, it's fresh in their minds, they're very discerning. Another fundamental point,&#160;I call this Richard Davis'&#160;twin pillars of prudent and profitable banking. One is&#160;driving efficiency through revenue,&#160;and the second is focusing obsessively on&#160;your credit score. U.S. Bancorp has the top&#160;credit score in the entire bank industry in the United States,&#160;and that gives it&#160;enormous&#160;advantages,&#160;and it signals to investors that this is an incredibly well-run bank.</p>
<p>Lapera: Yeah. If&#160;you are listening to this show and you're like, "Gosh, I hate stories,&#160;what's something tangible that I can get out of this?" Efficiency ratio,&#160;that's something tangible that you can get out of this. That's something that you can look at at a bank,&#160;and that's something you should definitely look at at every bank you are considering investing in. If the efficiency ratio is very high,&#160;probably a bad idea to invest in that bank. Let's turn to Jamie Dimon,&#160;who actually has a fair bit in common with Richard Davis when it comes to this other kind of metrics-driven thing that we're going to talk about&#160;when it comes to great banks, which is a fortressed balance sheet.</p>
<p>Maxfield: Jamie Dimon is the chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, which is the largest bank in the country. JPMorgan Chase,&#160;if you think about the history of banking in the United States, and if you had to think about one brand,&#160;JPMorgan is probably the one that comes to mind most readily. And&#160;they've had these incredible&#160;bankers throughout the year, starting with J. Pierpont Morgan&#160;himself, and then they had a series of bankers in the teens, twenties, thirties, forties that were&#160;also incredible bankers. Well, Jamie Dimon is&#160;right along with them. He's a phenomenal banker. There's no question about it.</p>
<p>And he's a phenomenal banker for two reasons. No. 1,&#160;he understands the importance of what he calls a fortressed balance sheet. Banks, we've&#160;talked a lot on this show in the past about,&#160;the banking business model is predicated on leverage. You can put in a little bit of capital,&#160;you put in $1 worth of capital, and you go out and borrow $10 worth of debt from depositors and institutional investors. You lend that out&#160;to people and you make more money&#160;because you charge a higher interest rate&#160;on the loans that you lend out than the interest rate that&#160;you're being charged by depositors and institutional investors. And&#160;that's really where you make your money. Well, that leverage makes you very fragile,&#160;because only 10% of your assets&#160;would have to default&#160;and your entire bank is totally&#160;kaput. Well,&#160;Jamie Dimon understands this so fundamentally. He talks about&#160;concept of a fortressed balance sheet. And what he means is, you have to have a lot of high-quality capital that can absorb&#160;losses in times like that. And they have something like an upwards of $190 billion in&#160;extremely high-quality capital. $190 billion,&#160;it's easy to get lost in&#160;how big some of these numbers are. That's a lot of money. There are not a lot of banks that are that big on the asset side. The other thing that Jamie Dimon talks about&#160;in the context of a fortressed balance sheet&#160;is liquidity. This is having cash, having assets in a form that is easy to turn into cash&#160;that you can then satisfy depositors in the event that you have a run on your bank. So, that's either cash itself or&#160;some type of short-term government security that can be easily traded.</p>
<p>So, those are the two fundamental principles of a fortressed balance sheet,&#160;but let me bring up one more point about Jamie Dimon. This is when, in my mind,&#160;as someone who has read dozens of books about banking and bankers and by bankers,&#160;this is when it really clicked to me what we're dealing with in terms of Jamie Dimon. In&#160;his 2006 shareholder letter,&#160;which would have been written at the beginning of 2007, so probably February or March of 2007,&#160;he issues this apocalyptic warning, basically saying, "We&#160;don't know when&#160;trouble is going to strike, but when it does, we think we're going to be ready. We don't know&#160;where it's going to come from," all these different things. Well,&#160;you go and you look at the other big bank CEOs at the time --&#160;Chuck Prince at Citigroup,&#160;Ken Lewis at Bank of America, and at other banks&#160;and you read their shareholder letters, they were all talking about, "Growth, growth, growth, oh my God, everything is so great, keep going, keep pushing,&#160;keep growing." Well, in August of 2007,&#160;when the first tangible sign of the financial crisis struck, and that's when this French bank,&#160;the&#160;BNP Paribas,&#160;suspended redemptions for these mortgage-backed security investment funds that they had. Then, in March of 2008, Bear Stearns went under&#160;and it was purchased by JPMorgan Chase at the behest of the government&#160;because the government needed somebody to help them. And then, in September of 2008,&#160;Lehman Brothers failed and the real crisis struck. Again, in that time, JPMorgan Chase came in and rescued a $300 billion bank&#160;based out in my neck of the woods called Washington Mutual. In fact, I was up in Seattle yesterday and I saw the old Washington Mutual building. Sheila Bair, who ran the FDIC&#160;at the time of the crisis, who was actually a very&#160;controversial figure, as I've come to learn from a lot of bankers,&#160;she had a great point about JPMorgan Chase&#160;and Jamie Dimon. She said, "In&#160;times of crisis, most bankers will come to the government for help. But&#160;there are some banks that are so well run that the government will go to them for help." And JPMorgan Chase was one of those.</p>
<p>Lapera: Yeah. Again,&#160;reiterating all the points that we've had before, with Jamie Dimon, he's really interesting because he's kind of an amalgamation of a lot of these different points. He's got this fortressed balance sheet so that&#160;he can turn on the dime and acquire companies when things are looking bad for everyone else,&#160;or help people out, as it may be. He never lowers his&#160;standards, that's why the bank is so well run that the government&#160;turned to them for help. And&#160;not only that, he's got this&#160;intangible thing that is really hard to measure and put into words,&#160;but this instinct&#160;and this deep, fundamental knowledge of what's going on in the industry that lets him see what's coming when other people can't.</p>
<p>Maxfield: Yeah,&#160;I would agree with that.</p>
<p>Lapera: I know investing is interesting to a lot of people because of the money. You can make a lot of money when you're investing. But to me, the reason that investing is so&#160;exciting and so interesting is because it's about these stories. Maxfield, I know you're also a historian, there's&#160;these two schools of thought when it comes to history, the great man school of thought of history,&#160;which is that you have these great men or women&#160;who are driving history forward and making these turns and these forks in history&#160;that decide how we go, and then there's the trends and forces part of history. And honestly, the answer is a little bit of both. But, because it's a little bit of both, that means there are great men, and I think Jamie Dimon is one of those great men, especially in banking history.</p>
<p>Maxfield: Yeah,&#160;that's such a great analogy.</p>
<p>Lapera: I figured you would get a kick out of that. Let's turn to Terry Turner, haha,&#160;of&#160;Pinnacle Financial Group (NASDAQ: PNFP),&#160;who has bet the farm on culture. This bank,&#160;to give you guys some context,&#160;this bank didn't exist 20 years ago. And now, it's a huge bank.</p>
<p>Maxfield: Terry Turner, he's the CEO and founder of Pinnacle Financial Group,&#160;which is this Bank based in Nashville, Tennessee. Here's an interesting point about&#160;Nashville, Tennessee. There was a time when it was known as the Wall Street of the South because it had all these major regional financial companies headquartered there. Well,&#160;through the consolidation wave that&#160;we talked about in the context of Hugh McColl, all these banks that were&#160;based in Nashville and financial companies that were based in Nashville where eventually bought by all these other companies&#160;headquartered elsewhere. And 1999 was the year that the last major regional bank that was headquartered in&#160;Nashville was bought out by a bank named AmSouth Bank,&#160;which was later bought out by&#160;Regions Financial, they're&#160;based in Alabama.&#160;Terry Turner and two of what he calls his running mates,&#160;a guy named Rob McCabe&#160;and another guy named Hugh Queener,&#160;they were top-level executives&#160;of First American, which was the&#160;Nashville-based bank that was bought out by AmSouth. They were top-level&#160;executive at the time. And one of the things that&#160;Terry and Hugh and Rob noticed at the time was that, in this consolidation wave, customer satisfaction at banks went down. And when customer satisfaction at banks goes down,&#160;market share becomes vulnerable, and it can move to other banks. So,&#160;these guys got together and said, "Why&#160;don't we start our own bank? And&#160;we're going to predicate the entire strategy, the entire culture at this company on stealing&#160;market share from these larger regional competitors. And what we're going to do is, we're going to set up our control system,&#160;the way we compensate people, the environment in which they're&#160;able to work,&#160;there's going to be minimization of micromanagement, and what we're going to do is go and recruit&#160;the top bankers from these other banks,&#160;bring them over,&#160;bring over their teams, and bring over their books of business.&#160;And by doing that, we're going to be able to grow at a very, very rapid pace."</p>
<p>But not only grow at a very rapid pace, because in the banking industry, one of the things that you'll learn is -- and, Dick&#160;Kovacevich,&#160;who was the former CEO of Wells Fargo, which&#160;Wells Fargo's reputation has been somewhat destroyed over the past few years, but he still made the very good point ...&#160;it's hard to say, I don't want this to come across&#160;wrong, but he was a very good banker,&#160;even though they made very significant mistakes,&#160;as we're learning right now. But, he had this great saying -- "If it's growing like a weed, it probably is one." And&#160;that's so true in the banking industry. If you're&#160;growing too fast, it means you're probably cutting on your&#160;lending standards, and then you'll eventually get caught up in one of these cycles&#160;that we talked about. Well,&#160;Terry Turner, I was talking to him a couple weeks ago, and he made this great point. He said, "Look,&#160;when these really experienced bankers&#160;bring over their books of business," and&#160;the average banker at Pinnacle has 33 years worth of experience. When these bankers and these groups&#160;come over with their books of business from these larger regional banks,&#160;not only does that let them grow quickly. But then, they can leave the bad loans at the bigger banks. So,&#160;it's almost reverse adverse selection. Not only can you grow rapidly,&#160;but you can also grow safely. And that is why Pinnacle Financial has been able to go from $0 in assets in the year 2000 to&#160;more than $20 billion in assets today.</p>
<p>Lapera: And&#160;it's because they care, right? That's&#160;the whole point with Terry Turner. He and his running mates, as you called them,&#160;they really, really care about making a great bank, and they really care about having a great environment for&#160;the bankers as well. And they have, again, this thing that you've heard over and over again,&#160;they have these standards and they really hue to them,&#160;and that's how they've basically been able to make something from nothing.</p>
<p>Maxfield: And&#160;they only hire the best bankers. He told me, literally,&#160;if you go in to Pinnacle Financial and you bring a resume and you reach out to them,&#160;there's basically a 0% chance you're going to be hired. What&#160;they do is identify the top bankers and go after them. And sometimes, it'll take&#160;six or seven years to convince these people to come over. But, one of the reasons they're able to convince these top revenue producers to come over to Pinnacle Financial is&#160;because they can set up their control system in a different way. A&#160;control system is like your credit risk management system. They&#160;set it up in a way where there is much less bureaucracy involved&#160;because you're dealing with all these bankers who have 30 years&#160;worth of experience, and in many cases, they're bringing over existing books of businesses&#160;from clients that they know really well and have dealt with for decades. So, it's reducing&#160;that bureaucracy&#160;that has made it&#160;such an attractive place for bankers who really want to serve their customers,&#160;grow their business, and be excellent bankers,&#160;as opposed to spending all of your time&#160;dotting I's and crossing T's.</p>
<p>Lapera: Yeah. I'm going to hustle us along a little bit because we have been talking for a while. Thank you guys for sticking with us. We're going to turn to&#160;Joseph Ficalora,&#160;who is the CEO of&#160;New York Community Bancorp (NYSE: NYCB).&#160;I know he's kind of an interesting one to have on the list, because there was,&#160;last year, this pretty huge strategic blunder when it came to the potential acquisition of&#160;Astoria Financial. It didn't go through, banks lost a lot of value. But,&#160;New York&#160;Community Bancorp does&#160;exemplify something that's really interesting, which is the value of operating in a niche. They, in case you've never heard of New York&#160;Community Bancorp,&#160;like their name implies, they're based out of&#160;New York City, and they specialize in multi-family homes,&#160;which is apartment buildings. More than that, they specialize in rent-controlled apartment buildings. That's a really great area to specialize in,&#160;because you know those apartments are going to constantly be filled, because&#160;they are rent-controlled, and in New York City,&#160;that's very valuable. That means you have this extremely steady, stable loan portfolio, because people are not going to default on these loans&#160;because the apartment buildings are always full. That has meant that, in the past, before this whole Astoria Financial thing,&#160;New York Community Bancorp&#160;has had one of the best efficiency ratios in the business because they can keep their underwriting standards&#160;very steady&#160;and they didn't have to spend a lot of money on it, because they knew what they were getting into with each of these loans they were making.</p>
<p>Maxfield: And&#160;even more importantly, and you brought this up,&#160;not only is their efficiency ratio very low, because&#160;they have these large customers, and each of these transactions are big transactions as opposed to having a whole bunch of little transactions, and&#160;any time you have just a few&#160;big transactions, you have scale&#160;as opposed to little transactions where you have to do&#160;the same amount of work but each one brings in less money. But, because of that rent controlled aspect, because of the fact that those buildings are always full&#160;and there's always revenue coming in through thick and thin,&#160;they've charged off&#160;essentially nothing. Let me give you an example. In 2009 and 2010, these are the worst years for the banking industry in terms of&#160;charging off loans, the average bank on the SNL U.S.&#160;Bank &amp; Thrift Index charged off&#160;2.83% of their loans in 2009 and 2.89% of their loans in 2010. New York Community Bancorp in those two years charged off 0.13%, and 0.21% of their loans. So,&#160;an incredible business model.</p>
<p>I know we have to hurry, so I'll just make one more quick point on this. I think Joseph Ficalora is an excellent CEO. I think he's an excellent CEO. Where Joseph Ficalora fails is his&#160;inability to admit a mistake. What I mean is, the Astoria Financial deal that they&#160;entered into and they've&#160;gone through all this stuff over the couple of years, they then had to get out of it because it ran up with all these regulatory&#160;problems associated with the whole deal,&#160;when they exited that transaction,&#160;they destroyed an enormous amount of shareholder value. And&#160;what you would do in that situation as an excellent CEO is&#160;you would come in and explain to your shareholders, look,&#160;I know I've produced some of the best returns in the bank industry since&#160;the mid-1990s when we went public. And&#160;we have one of the best business models in the entire banking industry,&#160;and nobody should question what we do and how we've done it and&#160;the value and wealth that we've created for our shareholders. But, everybody makes mistakes. I make mistakes every freaking day,&#160;you could ask my wife. When you make mistakes, you have to come clean. That's so critically important. When you owe a fiduciary duty to your&#160;shareholders, when you destroy value through a mistake, and you can't admit that, that says something about you. And it tarnishes a&#160;reputation that absolutely should not be tarnished. Because again, Joseph Ficalora has&#160;done a lot for his bank and his shareholders,&#160;and there's just no reason for him to, at the tail end of his career, to have this tarnish it.</p>
<p>Lapera: Yeah. This&#160;actually gets into our last banker. This is&#160;something that I think a lot of people have probably experienced in their own lives, but&#160;one of the things that you saw in common among all these people,&#160;especially with our last banker,&#160;is that they were kind and they took the time to&#160;talk to you. Even though these people that you're talking to are the best of the best,&#160;all of them were still humble.</p>
<p>Maxfield: Yeah. And let me be clear -- Ficalora&#160;won't to talk to me.&#160;I have tried to talk to him,&#160;he won't talk to me. I was pretty critical on that Astoria deal, and I suspect that has to do with it. But,&#160;I think that's a mistake on his part, but that's Joseph Ficalora's decision. So, that is what it is. But,&#160;my mom plays bridge,&#160;and somebody said this quote and one of her bridge games the other day that I just thought was so excellent, and it's, "Rudeness is the weak man's&#160;imitation of strength." One of the things that I have found talking to these CEOs, and the one who really drove this home to me,&#160;he didn't make this point specifically but,&#160;what I took away from it,&#160;when this message really struck me, was this guy by the name of John Allison who ran&#160;BB&amp;T Bank,&#160;he was the CEO from 1989 to 2008. This was a bank&#160;that didn't record a single quarter of loss during the financial crisis. Again, another phenomenally run&#160;institution along the same lines as U.S. Bancorp and M&amp;T Bank. As&#160;a matter of fact, I think of those three banks very much in the same little group of excellent banks.</p>
<p>And&#160;he was just such a nice guy. You just couldn't believe that this guy ran this multi-hundred billion dollar&#160;organization. You have that saying, "nice guys finish last." Not true. That is not true&#160;in the bank industry, and I don't think it's true with most CEOs. The same is true with&#160;Robert Wilmers. He seems like an incredibly nice guy. It's&#160;definitely true with Richard Davis, I know that from firsthand experience. I know that from firsthand experience with Terry Turner. The point that I want to make on all of this, to put a bow on our conversation,&#160;is that great leaders are also great people. That's so true. That's one of the lessons that I have learned from having this rare opportunity to talk to these incredible executives at these incredible organizations. If you want to be a great leader, it's not about being mean and being dictatorial. It's about inspiring people, leading through&#160;positive example, and really being&#160;all around nice people, good people. It's&#160;one of the reasons that I feel so fortunate that I have the opportunity to get to know some of these people.</p>
<p>Lapera: Yeah,&#160;definitely. I think&#160;this speaks to what a lot of people have probably seen in their own lives,&#160;which is that when you're confident, when you know&#160;what you're talking about, when you can lead by example,&#160;you don't need to be mean to anyone. You don't need to cover up your insecurities with brashness. You can just be a nice person. And not only that,&#160;when you're nice person, people want to help you out more. And it makes your life a lot easier.</p>
<p>Maxfield: Let me leave you with one more quote, OK, Gaby? It goes this, "Confidence comes not from&#160;always being right, but from not fearing to be wrong."</p>
<p>Lapera: That's a great way&#160;to end this show. I feel like this has been a very Mister Rogers-like show, and I feel like he would have appreciated that quote. Thank you very much for joining us. Thank you too, Austin, our really excellent studio producer.&#160;Austin, are you going to do something nice for someone today?</p>
<p>Austin Morgan: I always do something nice for somebody.</p>
<p>Lapera: I think everybody should always do something nice&#160;for someone, just like Austin.</p>
<p>Morgan: Like that monitor.</p>
<p>Lapera: [laughs] That's true,&#160;Austin set up a monitor so that I could see John. That was very nice of you, thank you!</p>
<p>Maxfield: If&#160;you had to see me, Gaby,&#160;maybe that wouldn't be so nice.&#160;[laughs] That's kind of you to say.</p>
<p>Lapera: Okay, guys.&#160;As usual, people on the program may have interests in the stocks they talk about, and The Motley Fool may have recommendations for or against, so don't buy or sell stocks based solely on what you hear. Contact us at <a href="http://mailto:[email protected]" type="external">[email protected]</a> or by tweeting us @MFIndustryFocus. Thank you to&#160;everyone for joining us, everyone have a great week and remember to be kind to one another!</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFCaffeine/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=3cf586aa-8d6c-11e7-9c27-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Gaby Lapera</a> owns shares of JPMorgan Chase. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/JohnMaxfield37/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=3cf586aa-8d6c-11e7-9c27-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">John Maxfield</a> owns shares of Bank of America, US Bancorp, and Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Berkshire Hathaway (B shares). The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=3cf586aa-8d6c-11e7-9c27-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy</a>.</p> | true | 0 | easy get caught numbers metrics youre thinking investing end day people root everything happens financial world every industry shining lights bank industry different episode industry focus financials edition discuss top bankers modern era including jamie dimon richard davis robert wilmers listen hear made list unique contribution bring institutions industry find massive shifts happened banking industry last decades bankers behind topyielding banks performed fantastically throughout multiple financial crises last 30 years continue reading full transcript follows video 10 stocks like better bank americawhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks investors buy right bank america wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click learn picks stock advisor returns august 1 2017 advertisement video recorded aug 7 2017 gaby lapera hello everyone160welcome industry focus podcast dives different sector stock market every day youre listening financials160edition taped monday160august 7th 2017 name gaby lapera joining via skype160but actually see today160which exciting john maxfield160allaround great guy super smart contributor hows going john john maxfield its160going great thank much gaby160for kind words lapera yeah160no problem theyre true ok160laughs maxfield laughs im160going make wife listen one lapera so160listeners know show pretaped its160going go august 28th listening 28th im vacation im somewhere maine eating weight in160blueberries right exciting anyway160today special show know say time sound like mister rogers todays show actually special todays show stories think lot time think numbers think metrics talking investing thinking investing forget theres human element investing thats today going talk seven bankers use lens understand both160what takes great leader and160what takes great bank were160going use stories humanize does160that sound good maxfield maxfield that160sounds great im really excited160because one great things job that160you opportunities talk really incredible people while160ive chance past couple years to160talk lot top bankers country so160what going were160going tease out160the lessons learn seven extraordinary bankers particular which160then whether youre interested financial system general stocks and160extraordinary banks specifically think will160really appreciate context able give around bank industry lapera definitely160i think im going dive right in160because lot content today160which exciting im going to160tell little bit meandering story160a little bit maxfield story will160laughs im160going start challenge posed hypothetically pick top three160bankers united states the160first one alexander hamilton which160kind goes without saying one like know160what central banking also americas future not160agrarian know160i think called right shot counts one second banker think160everyone agree huge american financial system jp morgan helped bail american financial system created connections europe without dont really know would country forced pick third one160and know maxfield definitely agrees this160i would pick hugh mccoll of160bank america nyse bac160i dont know listeners know know go bank america theres bank america in160basically every state except nebraska160much ire theres a160wells fargo160in nebraska anyway you160couldnt really hard banks branches160and illegal lot states banks one branch variety reasons back day160hugh mccoll in160north carolina one states allowed banks one branch really pushed legislation changed banks could branch outside state without wouldnt financial system today maxfield yeah think160thats great overview160alexander hamilton wasnt actually banker160and think exactly point youre trying make look bank160industry today pick three160people significant contribution evolved first one yeah160alexander hamilton set thing second one jp morgan160because link us europe american160industrial revolution gilded age really united states america gained power then160more recently hugh mccoll point160when started banking hugh mccoll160joined small bank north carolina160in1601959 started banking called unit banking time unit banking meant could basically one location states couldnt have160branches states couldnt operate across interstate lines and160think different is160relative today bank like bank america bank like wells fargo and160jpmorgan chase nyse jpm literally branch networks span160the north american continent person responsible hugh mccoll what160he really proactively pushed saw importance expanding branches across interstate lines and160having larger branch networks let add160a little bit context around theres guy named charles calomiris whos160probably top bank historian united states really particular hes top comes to160understanding regulatory environment evolved years united states one things talks about160in incredible book called fragile design that160goes back history banking regulatory policies one things talks in160canada basically banking crises past couple hundred years whereas united states weve 17 major banking crises say why160would united states many canada wouldnt one reasons didnt let banks160for years expand diversify geographically agricultural bank160in nebraska point also160im wyoming right across border nebraska familys business principally nebraska would see would have160these agricultural depressions would droughts would hit areas well banks areas160if could operate area drought agricultural bank hope farmers wouldnt able to160pay debts would go hugh mccoll160realized people realized look160if could branches different regions would reduce fragility individual bank you160wouldnt many financial crises160because financial crises fueled by160bank failures hugh160mccoll really one160who bank america160pushed came idea proactively pushed legislation changed united states banking structure one based unit banking today lapera think listeners probably thinking wonderful story thank listeners really appreciate secondly theyre probably also160wondering meant illustrate think thing were160trying get really great bankers really great banks really proactive seizing opportunities and160making opportunities maxfield thats160exactly right laws hugh mccolls ideas hugh mccoll and160i literally talked hugh mccoll two weeks ago160and way explained great said look160it banker bank americas inhouse banker160who wrote legislation what160was called southeast regional banking compact160which allowed banks states southeast branches within could expand regional banks bank america got ball rolling wrote legislation160got ball rolling eventually culminated piece legislation passed us160congress 1994 opened branch160banking across entire united states lapera yeah think160how thats applicable today banks looking generally opportunities theyre going need seize create opportunities are160probably going tech arena stay160relevant relevant push160beyond find next thing make bigger stable draw customers maxfield oh160my god thats good transition gaby160the reason good transition is160because one benefits bank america160today160one advantages hugh mccolls work160building banking today behemoth that160it is160it economies scale invest technology technology battle banking fought right really fought160in future its160because scale hugh mccoll160built theyre going able compete effectively arena lapera yeah160definitely something see smaller banks160its really interesting dont economies scale so160theyre playing catchup essentially like theyre starting get phone apps theyre starting online banking instead physical branch banking160and see banks bigger banks are160light years ahead isnt say consolidation 100 great time everyone knows toobigtofail but160in lot ways kind foresight push change things thing made160bank america great big bank today maxfield yeah160i totally agree lapera okay lets turn the160buffett banking160robert wilmers of160mampt bank nyse mtb160warren buffett really great quote160it goes fearful others greedy greedy others fearful basically means theres160cycles think everyone knows theres cycles stock market stock market really high160and everyone buying everything sight160thats time conservative think really need buy really great idea right second let everyone else drive price everything and160when cycle inevitably comes back thats jump like already know great company im going buy add portfolio robert wilmers160exemplifies except banking really interesting maxfield thats160exactly right fearful others greedy warren buffett lot amazing sayings want make one point warren buffett go line thought few160people country truly understand fundamental mechanics banking better warren buffett understands get sense understands experience insurance160business look what160berkshire hathaway160is160its fundamentally predicated insurance company160and using float that160to take float invest profitably and160the way invests profitably fearful others greedy greedy others fearful so160thats really buffett banking two come together also160he owns probably best portfolio banks160thats ever accumulated ever certainly united states theres another component makes robert wilmers160in mind buffett banking robert wilmers since160he took mampt bank 1983 guy produced phenomenal returns buffettlike returns let give specific numbers hang hats 1 go back 1983 wilmers160took mampt bank 100 largest banks operating country time160only 23 remain today result consolidation160wave talked in160the context hugh mccoll160mampt bank topperforming bank terms total160shareholder return time period and160you even expand see how160incredible returns robert wilmers160has produced mampt go160back 1980 three years wilmers took but160if you160look back good clean number take160all companies united states publicly traded companies united states are160still today mampt bank 16th highest performing stock time period so160youre talking guy really used principles understands cycles and160when aggressive pull back market ways warren buffett160does not160coincidentally one mampt160bancorps160biggest shareholders warren buffett beautiful narrative arc really comes together lapera im going insert really quickly for160mampt bank 16th highest returning company thats crazy banks dont really banks slow steady160wins race tortoises160not superstars crazy maxfield and160the way hes done it160to point set mampt160is every time united states financial industry gone crisis robert wilmers gone wellrun bank didnt get trouble crises160they come basically rescued banks bought for160pennies dollar ran trouble time time ldc crisis160the lessdeveloped loan crisis160the savingsandloan crisis early 2000s issues markets160following september 11th whole enron scandal160and he160bought whole bunch banks wake financial crisis again160hes done produced phenomenal returns lapera yeah and160the reason this160like mentioned bank really well managed actually160leads us perfectly next person richard davis160who really shown us great banks really efficient reason richard davis kind stands hes cutting expenses thinks need spend money really good underwriting program spend money really good underwriting program tries improve things is160bringing money maxfield right full160disclosure im a160huge fan richard davis hes incredibly kind time knowledge past couple years of160anyone ive interacted hes probably taught banking than160anybody theres number different things160that hes taught first is160driving efficiency bank really important every bank earn certain return equity youre inefficient costs high160relative revenue160in order earn profitability investors expect cut corners160elsewhere banks go cut corners their160underwriting policy fundamentally banks sell money and160anybody wants buy money long price right go sell160people money make loans people either shouldnt loans160or terms easy interest rate ie price160is low youre going set literally failure united states goes again160to go back beginning one 17 crises weve gone through160over years youre going set failure well richard davis160he understands fundamental way understands how160important run efficient bank unique about160richard davis way run160us bancorp160nyse usb richard davis chairman us bancorp retired earlier year guy name of160andy cecere160it looks like hes running bank similar way to160richard davis shouldnt surprising looks like160he davis160understudy us bancorp one things that160richard davis always said way drive160efficiency reduce160expenses bottom line160because youre trying widen margin160between revenue expenses way you160drive efficiency higher revenue and160its great way think banking that160whether youre bank investor banker themselves160its great way approach profession lapera yeah core160message think never lower standards maxfield thats160exactly right160another point made that160in wake financial crisis investors particularly discerning banks saw160citigroup160almost go saw bank america160almost go wamu went under160wachovia went under160national city went under160we banks ran trouble and160investors particularly discerning fresh minds theyre discerning another fundamental point160i call richard davis160twin pillars prudent profitable banking one is160driving efficiency revenue160and second focusing obsessively on160your credit score us bancorp top160credit score entire bank industry united states160and gives it160enormous160advantages160and signals investors incredibly wellrun bank lapera yeah if160you listening show youre like gosh hate stories160whats something tangible get efficiency ratio160thats something tangible get thats something look bank160and thats something definitely look every bank considering investing efficiency ratio high160probably bad idea invest bank lets turn jamie dimon160who actually fair bit common richard davis comes kind metricsdriven thing going talk about160when comes great banks fortressed balance sheet maxfield jamie dimon chairman ceo jpmorgan chase largest bank country jpmorgan chase160if think history banking united states think one brand160jpmorgan probably one comes mind readily and160theyve incredible160bankers throughout year starting j pierpont morgan160himself series bankers teens twenties thirties forties were160also incredible bankers well jamie dimon is160right along hes phenomenal banker theres question hes phenomenal banker two reasons 1160he understands importance calls fortressed balance sheet banks weve160talked lot show past about160the banking business model predicated leverage put little bit capital160you put 1 worth capital go borrow 10 worth debt depositors institutional investors lend out160to people make money160because charge higher interest rate160on loans lend interest rate that160youre charged depositors institutional investors and160thats really make money well leverage makes fragile160because 10 assets160would default160and entire bank totally160kaput well160jamie dimon understands fundamentally talks about160concept fortressed balance sheet means lot highquality capital absorb160losses times like something like upwards 190 billion in160extremely highquality capital 190 billion160its easy get lost in160how big numbers thats lot money lot banks big asset side thing jamie dimon talks about160in context fortressed balance sheet160is liquidity cash assets form easy turn cash160that satisfy depositors event run bank thats either cash or160some type shortterm government security easily traded two fundamental principles fortressed balance sheet160but let bring one point jamie dimon mind160as someone read dozens books banking bankers bankers160this really clicked dealing terms jamie dimon in160his 2006 shareholder letter160which would written beginning 2007 probably february march 2007160he issues apocalyptic warning basically saying we160dont know when160trouble going strike think going ready dont know160where going come different things well160you go look big bank ceos time 160chuck prince citigroup160ken lewis bank america banks160and read shareholder letters talking growth growth growth oh god everything great keep going keep pushing160keep growing well august 2007160when first tangible sign financial crisis struck thats french bank160the160bnp paribas160suspended redemptions mortgagebacked security investment funds march 2008 bear stearns went under160and purchased jpmorgan chase behest government160because government needed somebody help september 2008160lehman brothers failed real crisis struck time jpmorgan chase came rescued 300 billion bank160based neck woods called washington mutual fact seattle yesterday saw old washington mutual building sheila bair ran fdic160at time crisis actually very160controversial figure ive come learn lot bankers160she great point jpmorgan chase160and jamie dimon said in160times crisis bankers come government help but160there banks well run government go help jpmorgan chase one lapera yeah again160reiterating points weve jamie dimon hes really interesting hes kind amalgamation lot different points hes got fortressed balance sheet that160he turn dime acquire companies things looking bad everyone else160or help people may never lowers his160standards thats bank well run government160turned help and160not hes got this160intangible thing really hard measure put words160but instinct160and deep fundamental knowledge whats going industry lets see whats coming people cant maxfield yeah160i would agree lapera know investing interesting lot people money make lot money youre investing reason investing so160exciting interesting stories maxfield know youre also historian theres160these two schools thought comes history great man school thought history160which great men women160who driving history forward making turns forks history160that decide go theres trends forces part history honestly answer little bit little bit means great men think jamie dimon one great men especially banking history maxfield yeah160thats great analogy lapera figured would get kick lets turn terry turner haha160of160pinnacle financial group nasdaq pnfp160who bet farm culture bank160to give guys context160this bank didnt exist 20 years ago huge bank maxfield terry turner hes ceo founder pinnacle financial group160which bank based nashville tennessee heres interesting point about160nashville tennessee time known wall street south major regional financial companies headquartered well160through consolidation wave that160we talked context hugh mccoll banks were160based nashville financial companies based nashville eventually bought companies160headquartered elsewhere 1999 year last major regional bank headquartered in160nashville bought bank named amsouth bank160which later bought by160regions financial theyre160based alabama160terry turner two calls running mates160a guy named rob mccabe160and another guy named hugh queener160they toplevel executives160of first american the160nashvillebased bank bought amsouth toplevel160executive time one things that160terry hugh rob noticed time consolidation wave customer satisfaction banks went customer satisfaction banks goes down160market share becomes vulnerable move banks so160these guys got together said why160dont start bank and160were going predicate entire strategy entire culture company stealing160market share larger regional competitors going going set control system160the way compensate people environment theyre160able work160theres going minimization micromanagement going go recruit160the top bankers banks160bring over160bring teams bring books business160and going able grow rapid pace grow rapid pace banking industry one things youll learn dick160kovacevich160who former ceo wells fargo which160wells fargos reputation somewhat destroyed past years still made good point 160its hard say dont want come across160wrong good banker160even though made significant mistakes160as learning right great saying growing like weed probably one and160thats true banking industry youre160growing fast means youre probably cutting your160lending standards youll eventually get caught one cycles160that talked well160terry turner talking couple weeks ago made great point said look160when really experienced bankers160bring books business and160the average banker pinnacle 33 years worth experience bankers groups160come books business larger regional banks160not let grow quickly leave bad loans bigger banks so160its almost reverse adverse selection grow rapidly160but also grow safely pinnacle financial able go 0 assets year 2000 to160more 20 billion assets today lapera and160its care right thats160the whole point terry turner running mates called them160they really really care making great bank really care great environment for160the bankers well thing youve heard again160they standards really hue them160and thats theyve basically able make something nothing maxfield and160they hire best bankers told literally160if go pinnacle financial bring resume reach them160theres basically 0 chance youre going hired what160they identify top bankers go sometimes itll take160six seven years convince people come one reasons theyre able convince top revenue producers come pinnacle financial is160because set control system different way a160control system like credit risk management system they160set way much less bureaucracy involved160because youre dealing bankers 30 years160worth experience many cases theyre bringing existing books businesses160from clients know really well dealt decades reducing160that bureaucracy160that made it160such attractive place bankers really want serve customers160grow business excellent bankers160as opposed spending time160dotting crossing ts lapera yeah im going hustle us along little bit talking thank guys sticking us going turn to160joseph ficalora160who ceo of160new york community bancorp nyse nycb160i know hes kind interesting one list was160last year pretty huge strategic blunder came potential acquisition of160astoria financial didnt go banks lost lot value but160new york160community bancorp does160exemplify something thats really interesting value operating niche case youve never heard new york160community bancorp160like name implies theyre based of160new york city specialize multifamily homes160which apartment buildings specialize rentcontrolled apartment buildings thats really great area specialize in160because know apartments going constantly filled because160they rentcontrolled new york city160thats valuable means extremely steady stable loan portfolio people going default loans160because apartment buildings always full meant past whole astoria financial thing160new york community bancorp160has one best efficiency ratios business keep underwriting standards160very steady160and didnt spend lot money knew getting loans making maxfield and160even importantly brought up160not efficiency ratio low because160they large customers transactions big transactions opposed whole bunch little transactions and160any time few160big transactions scale160as opposed little transactions do160the amount work one brings less money rent controlled aspect fact buildings always full160and theres always revenue coming thick thin160theyve charged off160essentially nothing let give example 2009 2010 worst years banking industry terms of160charging loans average bank snl us160bank amp thrift index charged off160283 loans 2009 289 loans 2010 new york community bancorp two years charged 013 021 loans so160an incredible business model know hurry ill make one quick point think joseph ficalora excellent ceo think hes excellent ceo joseph ficalora fails his160inability admit mistake mean astoria financial deal they160entered theyve160gone stuff couple years get ran regulatory160problems associated whole deal160when exited transaction160they destroyed enormous amount shareholder value and160what would situation excellent ceo is160you would come explain shareholders look160i know ive produced best returns bank industry since160the mid1990s went public and160we one best business models entire banking industry160and nobody question weve done and160the value wealth weve created shareholders everybody makes mistakes make mistakes every freaking day160you could ask wife make mistakes come clean thats critically important owe fiduciary duty your160shareholders destroy value mistake cant admit says something tarnishes a160reputation absolutely tarnished joseph ficalora has160done lot bank shareholders160and theres reason tail end career tarnish lapera yeah this160actually gets last banker is160something think lot people probably experienced lives but160one things saw common among people160especially last banker160is kind took time to160talk even though people youre talking best best160all still humble maxfield yeah let clear ficalora160wont talk me160i tried talk him160he wont talk pretty critical astoria deal suspect but160i think thats mistake part thats joseph ficaloras decision but160my mom plays bridge160and somebody said quote one bridge games day thought excellent rudeness weak mans160imitation strength one things found talking ceos one really drove home me160he didnt make point specifically but160what took away it160when message really struck guy name john allison ran160bbampt bank160he ceo 1989 2008 bank160that didnt record single quarter loss financial crisis another phenomenally run160institution along lines us bancorp mampt bank as160a matter fact think three banks much little group excellent banks and160he nice guy couldnt believe guy ran multihundred billion dollar160organization saying nice guys finish last true true160in bank industry dont think true ceos true with160robert wilmers seems like incredibly nice guy its160definitely true richard davis know firsthand experience know firsthand experience terry turner point want make put bow conversation160is great leaders also great people thats true thats one lessons learned rare opportunity talk incredible executives incredible organizations want great leader mean dictatorial inspiring people leading through160positive example really being160all around nice people good people its160one reasons feel fortunate opportunity get know people lapera yeah160definitely think160this speaks lot people probably seen lives160which youre confident know160what youre talking lead example160you dont need mean anyone dont need cover insecurities brashness nice person that160when youre nice person people want help makes life lot easier maxfield let leave one quote ok gaby goes confidence comes from160always right fearing wrong lapera thats great way160to end show feel like mister rogerslike show feel like would appreciated quote thank much joining us thank austin really excellent studio producer160austin going something nice someone today austin morgan always something nice somebody lapera think everybody always something nice160for someone like austin morgan like monitor lapera laughs thats true160austin set monitor could see john nice thank maxfield if160you see gaby160maybe wouldnt nice160laughs thats kind say lapera okay guys160as usual people program may interests stocks talk motley fool may recommendations dont buy sell stocks based solely hear contact us industryfocusfoolcom tweeting us mfindustryfocus thank to160everyone joining us everyone great week remember kind one another gaby lapera owns shares jpmorgan chase john maxfield owns shares bank america us bancorp wells fargo motley fool owns shares recommends berkshire hathaway b shares motley fool disclosure policy | 3,540 |
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<p>There's a Venezuelan New Year's ritual that involves grabbing your luggage and running around the block as fast as you can after the stroke of midnight to ensure lots of travel in the upcoming year. I do this every year. I know it's silly, but it's fun and it's tradition. Plus, I think it worked last year -- how else would I have found my way to exotic locales like Cambodia, Vietnam, or Louisville, KY?</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>I woke up on Sunday morning with a burning desire to budget. Not really, but I did wake up knowing that I wanted to go somewhere new this yearandbe responsible. So, I created some resolutions for 2017 that let me indulge my obsession with saving for retirement and my lust for adventure.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty.</p>
<p>Not-so-fun fact, 33% of Americans have $0 in retirement savings. Among people aged 18 to 34, 42.4% have <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/1-3-americans-0-saved-retirement/" type="external">yet to start saving for retirement Opens a New Window.</a>. That's pretty bleak.</p>
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<p>I'm already maxing out my company's 401k match, but I know I can do even better. This year, I'm making a commitment to contribute the maximum amount possible to my Roth IRA. The contribution limit for 2017 is $5,500 (or $6,500 if you're over 50 years old).</p>
<p>Keep in mind, I'm not just sticking this money in my IRA and forgetting about it. I'll be investing it in a mix of index funds and stocks.Why am I doing this? Because of the power of compounding interest. Given a 7% return on a yearly $5,500 investment in the S&amp;P 500, you'll end up with approximately $1.2 million after 40 years.</p>
<p>The more I save and invest now, the more money I'll have in retirement. Plenty of disposable income + retirement = Lots of travel. Hopefully I'll follow in my grandmother's footsteps and be able to continue gallivanting around the globe well into my 80s. Lord knows she's still out there trotting around the block with her rolling suitcase every New Year's Eve, so she clearly has no plans to stop anytime soon.</p>
<p>In the grand tradition of Millennials everywhere, I'm picking up a part-time job in 2017. Traveling is a luxury. Saving for retirement isn't. In order to responsibly accommodate both, I'm going to pick up some part-time work.</p>
<p>The internet offers an easy way to connect with potential employers. Online platforms like <a href="https://www.upwork.com/" type="external">Upwork Opens a New Window.</a> allow freelancers to easily find jobs. I can pick up some work editing or writing copy -- things that are well within my wheelhouse and that I've been paid to do before.</p>
<p>Alternatively, I can look for work in places that I frequent in real life. A perennial favorite of mine is to scrounge up a job at a horseback riding barn. In the past, I've exchanged my skills as an instructor in return for $25/hour and a break on board for the horse I leased at the time. It was a great deal since I was making and saving money all at once. I've also parlayed a friendship with bartenders into a shift here and there at the bar or at a sporting event.Another time, I convinced a start-up to hire me as a part-time travel writer while I backpacked through Europe.</p>
<p>I try to pick things that fit seamlessly with my life, like working at a barn or writing while traveling. I would have been at the barn or on a plane to somewhere new regardless, so monetizing my presence is an awesome bonus that let's me do more of what I love -- whether that's saving for retirement or island hopping in southeast Asia.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/01/24/2016-resolutions-set-yourself-up-for-success-from.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">If you'll recall Opens a New Window.</a>, one of my resolutions last year was to buy 20 stocks. That might have been overly ambitious. And by "might have been" I mean "definitely was." I didn't purchase any stocks in 2016 (unless you count the approximately 5,000 companies that are in the index funds I did buy).</p>
<p>I failed, so I'm trying again. But this year I'll be taking a different approach.</p>
<p>To begin with, I'm starting small. 20 was way too many stocks, but 5 is manageable. I'm still planning on buying a diverse portfolio though; each stock will come from a different sector. Instead of trying to do it all on my own, this year I'm going to ask for help from my fellow <a href="http://www.fool.com/podcasts/industry-focus?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Industry Focus Opens a New Window.</a> hosts. It was overwhelming to have to buy so many stocks in sectors that I only have a passing familiarity with. Getting the perspective of a sector expert will help immensely.</p>
<p>Doing it this way is great for me because it's a doable goal and I'll end up with a diverse, if small, portfolio. I'll also get to learn a lot more about each industry from experts in the sectors. Education and tangible gain, all rolled into one fun week -- it's pretty much the epitome of Industry Focus.</p>
<p>Plus, this way I'll know what to do with the money that I'm stashing away in my Roth IRA. Which will hopefully eventually be used to fund a trip or two in my old age. And so, we've come full circle. All that's left is for me to go out and do it. I'll report back next year on my progress. Until then, have a wonderful 2017!</p>
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<p>The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | theres venezuelan new years ritual involves grabbing luggage running around block fast stroke midnight ensure lots travel upcoming year every year know silly fun tradition plus think worked last year else would found way exotic locales like cambodia vietnam louisville ky continue reading woke sunday morning burning desire budget really wake knowing wanted go somewhere new yearandbe responsible created resolutions 2017 let indulge obsession saving retirement lust adventure image source getty notsofun fact 33 americans 0 retirement savings among people aged 18 34 424 yet start saving retirement opens new window thats pretty bleak advertisement im already maxing companys 401k match know even better year im making commitment contribute maximum amount possible roth ira contribution limit 2017 5500 6500 youre 50 years old keep mind im sticking money ira forgetting ill investing mix index funds stockswhy power compounding interest given 7 return yearly 5500 investment sampp 500 youll end approximately 12 million 40 years save invest money ill retirement plenty disposable income retirement lots travel hopefully ill follow grandmothers footsteps able continue gallivanting around globe well 80s lord knows shes still trotting around block rolling suitcase every new years eve clearly plans stop anytime soon grand tradition millennials everywhere im picking parttime job 2017 traveling luxury saving retirement isnt order responsibly accommodate im going pick parttime work internet offers easy way connect potential employers online platforms like upwork opens new window allow freelancers easily find jobs pick work editing writing copy things well within wheelhouse ive paid alternatively look work places frequent real life perennial favorite mine scrounge job horseback riding barn past ive exchanged skills instructor return 25hour break board horse leased time great deal since making saving money ive also parlayed friendship bartenders shift bar sporting eventanother time convinced startup hire parttime travel writer backpacked europe try pick things fit seamlessly life like working barn writing traveling would barn plane somewhere new regardless monetizing presence awesome bonus lets love whether thats saving retirement island hopping southeast asia youll recall opens new window one resolutions last year buy 20 stocks might overly ambitious might mean definitely didnt purchase stocks 2016 unless count approximately 5000 companies index funds buy failed im trying year ill taking different approach begin im starting small 20 way many stocks 5 manageable im still planning buying diverse portfolio though stock come different sector instead trying year im going ask help fellow industry focus opens new window hosts overwhelming buy many stocks sectors passing familiarity getting perspective sector expert help immensely way great doable goal ill end diverse small portfolio ill also get learn lot industry experts sectors education tangible gain rolled one fun week pretty much epitome industry focus plus way ill know money im stashing away roth ira hopefully eventually used fund trip two old age weve come full circle thats left go ill report back next year progress wonderful 2017 15834 social security bonus retirees completely overlook youre like americans youre years behind retirement savings handful littleknown social security secrets could help ensure boost retirement income example one easy trick could pay much 15834 year learn maximize social security benefits think could retire confidently peace mind simply click discover learn strategies opens new window motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 538 |
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<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>With shares of JPMorgan Chase falling by 6.9% on Friday, following the news that the United Kingdom will separate from the European Union, there are three things that investors in the nation's biggest bank (by assets) should keep in mind.</p>
<p>The first is that a drop of this magnitude, while rare, is far from unprecedented. Over the last 16 years, JPMorgan Chase's shares have dropped by a larger margin on 41 days.</p>
<p>Most of these days were in and around the financial crisis, but eight of them happened between the years 2000 and 2002. The drop on June 12, 2000 was the largest of all, a plunge of 33.7%.</p>
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<p>As a fortuitous coincidence, investors also learned on Thursday that JPMorgan Chase passed the first stage of this year's stress test: The Federal Reserve believes that the bank has more than enough capital to survive even the severest of economic downturns.</p>
<p>How severe? This year's scenario presupposed, among other things, that the unemployment rate rises to 10%, interest rates turn negative, and stock prices fall by 50%. This is every bit as bad (and then some) as the financial crisis, which was the worst downturn since the Great Depression.</p>
<p>JPMorgan Chase emerged from the Fed's gauntlet with an 8.3% tier 1 common capital ratio, well in excess of its regulatory minimum of 6.25%. This means that it had $31 billion in excess capital, even after the Fed assumed that it would lose $30.5 billion through the hypothetical nine-quarter scenario.</p>
<p>We're still in the immediate wake of the U.K.'s vote in favor of Brexit, and there's little doubt the move will have economic ramifications, but it would be surprising if the situation deteriorated as far as presupposed in the stress test.</p>
<p>While JPMorgan Chase will likely see its earnings drop over the next few quarters, it is well protected by its balance-sheet fortress.</p>
<p>Even if it seems that right now there's only bad news, a positive catalyst is likely to hit bank stocks next week.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, the Fed releases the results from the second stage of the stress test -- the comprehensive capital analysis and review. This is when investors will learn whether the nation's biggest banks can boost their dividends and/or share buybacks over the next year.</p>
<p>While making predictions is a fool's errand, there's no reason to think that the Fed will block JPMorgan Chase from increasing the amount of capital that the bank returns to shareholders. It has consistently been allowed to over the past five years, and JPMorgan Chase has only grown stronger over this period.</p>
<p>Aside from qualitative concerns with JPMorgan Chase's capital-planning process, which would have most likely sprung up in the first round, the only thing which could act as an impediment in this regard is the bank's already considerable payout ratio -- the percentage of net income it distributes every year via dividends.</p>
<p>The Fed closely scrutinizes dividend increases that will yield a payout ratio in excess of 30%; <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/21/will-the-feds-cap-on-payout-ratios-stop-wells-farg.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">this is referred to as a soft cap</a>. Beyond this, analysts believe that the Fed places a hard cap at a 40% payout ratio.</p>
<p>JPMorgan Chase comes in between these figures. Its payout ratio last quarter was 32%, according to its latest <a href="https://www.jpmorganchase.com/corporate/investor-relations/document/1Q16_Earnings_Supplement.pdf" type="external">quarterly financial supplement</a>. Its ratio for all of 2015, meanwhile, was 28%.</p>
<p>But even though JPMorgan Chase is already operating within range of the Fed's soft cap, which will subject further increases to additional scrutiny, this doesn't mean that the bank won't be allowed to boost its quarterly payout. Wells Fargo and U.S. Bancorp have broken the trail in this regard, gaining approval last year to boost their dividends despite entering the comprehensive capital analysis and review with payout ratios above 30%.</p>
<p>Along similar lines, a silver lining to the drop in JPMorgan Chase's share price is that it will be able to repurchase shares at a more reasonable valuation than it otherwise could have. Consequently, assuming that the bank asks for permission to repurchase shares this year -- which it almost certainly will -- that money will go a lot further.</p>
<p>None of this is to say that JPMorgan Chase won't be impacted by a Brexit: it will be. KBW, an investment bank specializing in the financial services sector, expects JPMorgan Chase's earnings per share to drop as a result by 2.8% this year and by 6.1% next year.</p>
<p>Moreover, as CLSA analyst Mike Mayo wrote in a research note today, the bank generates 15% of its revenue from its EMEA segment (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and has $50 billion worth of cross-border exposure. It may also have to relocate thousands of London-based employees to the continent.</p>
<p>Underlying all of this, however, is the fact that the $2.4 trillion bank has the greatest banking franchise in the United States, and is led by Jamie Dimon,the <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/01/28/the-greatest-shareholder-letter-ever-written-by-an.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">greatest banker</a> this country has to offer.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/25/brexit-3-things-to-keep-in-mind-about-jpmorgan-cha.aspx" type="external">Brexit: 3 Things to Keep in Mind About JPMorgan Chase</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/JohnMaxfield37/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">John Maxfield</a> owns shares of US Bancorp and Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Wells Fargo. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">free for 30 days</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">disclosure policy</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/help/index.htm?display=about02" type="external">disclosure policy</a>.</p> | true | 0 | image source istockthinkstock continue reading shares jpmorgan chase falling 69 friday following news united kingdom separate european union three things investors nations biggest bank assets keep mind first drop magnitude rare far unprecedented last 16 years jpmorgan chases shares dropped larger margin 41 days days around financial crisis eight happened years 2000 2002 drop june 12 2000 largest plunge 337 advertisement fortuitous coincidence investors also learned thursday jpmorgan chase passed first stage years stress test federal reserve believes bank enough capital survive even severest economic downturns severe years scenario presupposed among things unemployment rate rises 10 interest rates turn negative stock prices fall 50 every bit bad financial crisis worst downturn since great depression jpmorgan chase emerged feds gauntlet 83 tier 1 common capital ratio well excess regulatory minimum 625 means 31 billion excess capital even fed assumed would lose 305 billion hypothetical ninequarter scenario still immediate wake uks vote favor brexit theres little doubt move economic ramifications would surprising situation deteriorated far presupposed stress test jpmorgan chase likely see earnings drop next quarters well protected balancesheet fortress even seems right theres bad news positive catalyst likely hit bank stocks next week wednesday fed releases results second stage stress test comprehensive capital analysis review investors learn whether nations biggest banks boost dividends andor share buybacks next year making predictions fools errand theres reason think fed block jpmorgan chase increasing amount capital bank returns shareholders consistently allowed past five years jpmorgan chase grown stronger period aside qualitative concerns jpmorgan chases capitalplanning process would likely sprung first round thing could act impediment regard banks already considerable payout ratio percentage net income distributes every year via dividends fed closely scrutinizes dividend increases yield payout ratio excess 30 referred soft cap beyond analysts believe fed places hard cap 40 payout ratio jpmorgan chase comes figures payout ratio last quarter 32 according latest quarterly financial supplement ratio 2015 meanwhile 28 even though jpmorgan chase already operating within range feds soft cap subject increases additional scrutiny doesnt mean bank wont allowed boost quarterly payout wells fargo us bancorp broken trail regard gaining approval last year boost dividends despite entering comprehensive capital analysis review payout ratios 30 along similar lines silver lining drop jpmorgan chases share price able repurchase shares reasonable valuation otherwise could consequently assuming bank asks permission repurchase shares year almost certainly money go lot none say jpmorgan chase wont impacted brexit kbw investment bank specializing financial services sector expects jpmorgan chases earnings per share drop result 28 year 61 next year moreover clsa analyst mike mayo wrote research note today bank generates 15 revenue emea segment europe middle east africa 50 billion worth crossborder exposure may also relocate thousands londonbased employees continent underlying however fact 24 trillion bank greatest banking franchise united states led jamie dimonthe greatest banker country offer article brexit 3 things keep mind jpmorgan chase originally appeared foolcom john maxfield owns shares us bancorp wells fargo motley fool owns shares recommends wells fargo try foolish newsletter services free 30 days fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy | 528 |
<p>Protesters shutting down freeways and blocking public spaces have cost Minnesota taxpayers millions in the past 18 months, and state Rep. Nick Zerwas wants activists to start picking up the tab.</p>
<p>“We’ve spent $2.5 million on extra police and state troopers because these guys want to break the law and don’t want to follow the rules,” Mr. Zerwas said. “Instead of arresting them and giving them a $100 fine, my thought was, ‘Let’s arrest them, give them a $100 fine, and then give them a bill.’”</p>
<p>His legislation allowing local governments to seek reimbursement for additional law enforcement costs from convicted protesters was approved Tuesday in a House committee, inciting a debate over free speech rights faster than you can say “First Amendment.”</p>
<p>At the hearing, <a href="https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2017/01/24/house-committee-protest-322/" type="external">a packed room</a> of demonstrators erupted after the 9-6 committee vote in favor of the bill, drowning out lawmakers and forcing the panel to recess briefly with shouts of, “Shame!”</p>
<p>“The fight is not over. There are more opportunities to shut down this bill and we will be pushing back every step of the way,” said the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota, which testified that the bill “would allow the government to pick and choose who to punish for exercising their rights.”</p>
<p>Mr. Zerwas, a Republican, accused opponents of “just flat out not being honest about what the bill does,” saying the measure would only apply to activists arrested and convicted of illegal activity, not those exercising their First Amendment rights lawfully.</p>
<p>“You have to be convicted of a crime. You have to be arrested, charged and convicted,” Mr. Zerwas said. “And after your conviction, that local unit of government has the option to do a separate civil action to recover costs of the law-enforcement action that you caused by breaking the law.”</p>
<p>He’s not alone. At least a half-dozen states are considering tougher penalties for illegal activism in response to an increasingly entrenched, generously funded protest culture willing to cross the line in order to gain attention for any number of causes.</p>
<p>In Indiana, state Rep. James Tomes, a Republican, introduced a bill Jan. 9 that would direct authorities to “use any means necessary” to clear road blockages, which ran into an immediate dispute over civil rights.</p>
<p>“[T]he ‘use any means necessary’ makes it sound like he wants law enforcement to go all Kent State on people for blocking traffic,” <a href="https://www.masson.us/blog/sb-285-any-means-necessary/" type="external">said</a> columnist Doug Masson, former counsel for the state Legislative Services Agency.</p>
<p>Protesters who blocked highways and rail lines last year in Washington prompted state Sen. Doug Ericksen, a Republican, to <a href="https://www.lyndentribune.com/news/ericksen-files-bill-adding-penalties-for-economic-disruption-acts/article_133b241c-c78f-11e6-b773-d72b009f73b9.html" type="external">introduce last month a bill</a> increasing penalties for “economic disruption” and allowing prosecutors to charge those who fund or sponsor such activity as accomplices.</p>
<p>In Iowa, state Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, a Republican, said he plans to introduce legislation to crack down on protesters who illegally block roadways, <a href="https://www.iowastatedaily.com/app_content/article_a96a2224-dc5e-11e6-960b-234ed5f2e859.html" type="external">the Iowa State Daily reported.</a></p>
<p>In Minnesota, last year’s police shooting of Philando Castile, 32, triggered multiple Black Lives Matter demonstrations, but the focus of the mass protests runs the gamut as they become what Mr. Zerwas described as the “go-to move.”</p>
<p>“We had roads shut down when nurses went on strike. We had roads shut down and freeway occupied when people felt they needed to get paid $15 an hour for a minimum wage,” he said. “We had roads shut down when the presidential election didn’t go their way. They occupied the freeway for an evening.”</p>
<p>Minnesota’s costs are nothing next to its neighbor North Dakota, where thousands of Dakota Access pipeline protesters have run up a <a href="https://www.kvrr.com/2017/01/09/price-of-dapl-protests-expected-to-cost-north-dakota-and-taxpayers-22-million/" type="external">$22.3 million law-enforcement tab</a>in Morton County by trespassing onto private construction sites and blocking roads and bridges.</p>
<p>North Dakota prosecutors have attempted to recoup some of those costs by asking judges to require protesters to pay their court-appointed defense attorneys, prompting howls from pipeline foes. So far, about 624 arrests have been made, primarily for trespassing and rioting by out-of-state activists.</p>
<p>In nearly all cases, however, activists have bailed out almost immediately with funds raised by the protest movement on crowdfunding sites and elsewhere, a catch-and-release scenario that has done little to deter unlawful activity.</p>
<p>One reason is that today’s protest culture enjoys considerable financial backing. For example, the Ford Foundation and Open Society Foundations have donated millions to the <a href="" type="internal">Movement for Black Lives,</a> while the Democracy Alliance directs funding to groups such as People’s Action and Organizing for Action.</p>
<p>The result is that the benefits of flooding a freeway in terms of attention outstrip the costs.</p>
<p>“If they get charged at all, they’re going to get a slap on the wrist. So there’s no disincentive, and they get a ton of media coverage,” Mr. Zerwas said. “When you have a couple hundred people stop a freeway for four hours, you’re going to get news helicopters above you, and you’re going to get a lot of coverage. And it’s not a First Amendment right to shut down a freeway.”</p>
<p>He decided to take action after a constituent told him that she had waited three months for a medical appointment at the Mayo Clinic, only to miss it after the highway was blocked by protesters for more than two hours. It took her another three months to see the doctor.</p>
<p>“So she ended up waiting six months to go to the hospital and see a specialist because someone believes their rights are more important than hers,” Mr. Zerwas said. “And that is crap.”</p>
<p>Copyright © 2018 The Washington Times, LLC. <a href="http://license.icopyright.net/3.7280?icx_id=/news/2017/jan/26/illegal-mass-protests-fuel-efforts-bill-protesters/" type="external">Click here for reprint permission</a>.</p>
<p>&#160;</p> | true | 0 | protesters shutting freeways blocking public spaces cost minnesota taxpayers millions past 18 months state rep nick zerwas wants activists start picking tab weve spent 25 million extra police state troopers guys want break law dont want follow rules mr zerwas said instead arresting giving 100 fine thought lets arrest give 100 fine give bill legislation allowing local governments seek reimbursement additional law enforcement costs convicted protesters approved tuesday house committee inciting debate free speech rights faster say first amendment hearing packed room demonstrators erupted 96 committee vote favor bill drowning lawmakers forcing panel recess briefly shouts shame fight opportunities shut bill pushing back every step way said american civil liberties union minnesota testified bill would allow government pick choose punish exercising rights mr zerwas republican accused opponents flat honest bill saying measure would apply activists arrested convicted illegal activity exercising first amendment rights lawfully convicted crime arrested charged convicted mr zerwas said conviction local unit government option separate civil action recover costs lawenforcement action caused breaking law hes alone least halfdozen states considering tougher penalties illegal activism response increasingly entrenched generously funded protest culture willing cross line order gain attention number causes indiana state rep james tomes republican introduced bill jan 9 would direct authorities use means necessary clear road blockages ran immediate dispute civil rights use means necessary makes sound like wants law enforcement go kent state people blocking traffic said columnist doug masson former counsel state legislative services agency protesters blocked highways rail lines last year washington prompted state sen doug ericksen republican introduce last month bill increasing penalties economic disruption allowing prosecutors charge fund sponsor activity accomplices iowa state rep bobby kaufmann republican said plans introduce legislation crack protesters illegally block roadways iowa state daily reported minnesota last years police shooting philando castile 32 triggered multiple black lives matter demonstrations focus mass protests runs gamut become mr zerwas described goto move roads shut nurses went strike roads shut freeway occupied people felt needed get paid 15 hour minimum wage said roads shut presidential election didnt go way occupied freeway evening minnesotas costs nothing next neighbor north dakota thousands dakota access pipeline protesters run 223 million lawenforcement tabin morton county trespassing onto private construction sites blocking roads bridges north dakota prosecutors attempted recoup costs asking judges require protesters pay courtappointed defense attorneys prompting howls pipeline foes far 624 arrests made primarily trespassing rioting outofstate activists nearly cases however activists bailed almost immediately funds raised protest movement crowdfunding sites elsewhere catchandrelease scenario done little deter unlawful activity one reason todays protest culture enjoys considerable financial backing example ford foundation open society foundations donated millions movement black lives democracy alliance directs funding groups peoples action organizing action result benefits flooding freeway terms attention outstrip costs get charged theyre going get slap wrist theres disincentive get ton media coverage mr zerwas said couple hundred people stop freeway four hours youre going get news helicopters youre going get lot coverage first amendment right shut freeway decided take action constituent told waited three months medical appointment mayo clinic miss highway blocked protesters two hours took another three months see doctor ended waiting six months go hospital see specialist someone believes rights important mr zerwas said crap copyright 2018 washington times llc click reprint permission 160 | 542 |
<p>Our&#160;examination of the <a href="" type="internal">shout-down of Ray Kelly</a>&#160;at Brown University has moved from the events that day&#160;to examining reaction of faculty, including from Political Science Professor <a href="" type="internal">Marion Orr</a> who apologized for inviting Kelly, and Biology Professor <a href="" type="internal">Ken Miller</a> who issued a forceful denunciation of the shout-down.</p>
<p>Something interesting happened along the way, as more faculty went on record supporting the protests, if not the shout down.</p>
<p>Post doctoral fellow and instructor&#160;Linda Quiquivix, who spoke on a panel discussion in favor of the protests, turned out to be a <a href="" type="internal">zealous critic of Israel</a>, to put it very mildly.&#160; In light of Quiquivix’s background,&#160;I suggested that there may be a connection between supporters of the tactics used against Israel on campuses and those used against Kelly.</p>
<p>It turns out that another faculty member who supported the shout-down also has a background in the Israel divestment movement.&#160; More than that, she sits on the University advisory committee on social investing, which has taken up the Israel boycott issue at the behest of Brown’s Students for Justice in Palestine.</p>
<p>Naoko Shibusawa is a professor of history, specializing in “U.S. cultural history.”</p>
<p>(Naoko Shibusawa)</p>
<p>In the wake of the Kelly shout-down, Shibusawa wrote a Letter to the&#160;Editor of The Brown Daily Herald on <a href="http://www.browndailyherald.com/2013/11/01/letters-respond-ray-kelly-controversy/" type="external">November 1</a>, fully supporting the events that took place (emphasis added):</p>
<p />
<p>I thank Professor of Biology Ken Miller ’70 P’02 for sharing how he was able to withstand the pleas of Holocaust survivors and walk past them to gain a lesson on the attractions of fascism from an American Nazi. I don’t think I could have done so. On the other hand, as a historian, I wouldn’t have needed that lesson. That said, I want to point out that every movement toward social justice in U.S. history has included “misbehavior.” “Misbehavior” is a tactic of the disempowered toward disrupting the status quo. Closing off discourse was not the protesters’ intention. A demand for a level playing field in that discourse was. I suspect that had Ray Kelly been invited to speak as part of a Janus Forum, it would not have roused nearly as much opposition, if any at all. So unlike Miller, I applaud the student protesters for their moral courage in a righteous cause against racial profiling and brutal police tactics and for their resolution in the face of the harsh criticisms they have since endured. I am proud of you. You inspire me to try to be a better teacher, scholar and person.</p>
<p>Naoko Shibusawa P’14, associate professor of history</p>
<p>I reached out by email to Shibusawa twice last week, with no response.</p>
<p>I did manage to reach her this morning by telephone.&#160;&#160; She indicated she didn’t have much time to talk, but I did manage to get in a few questions.</p>
<p>Shibusawa would not comment more about the letter, except to state that she&#160;stood by what she&#160;said in the&#160;letter to the editor and “I believe in social justice.”</p>
<p>Shibusawa stated that “I don’t know what the purpose is [of my call] and what you want to do” and “I’ve checked out your blog.”&#160; She continued, that it “looks like you want to portray me as some sort of extremist”&#160;but “I believe in social justice”</p>
<p>(Protester at Brown University shouting at Ray Kelly)</p>
<p>Shibusawa then said, “You can describe me as extreme.”&#160; Perhaps realizing how that sounded, she followed up with an email to clarify:</p>
<p>Do not take what I said out of context.</p>
<p>If it is extreme to be an advocate for social justice, then I am extreme. But what a sad commentary on our society if this is true. You can quote those two lines. Those only.</p>
<p>I also tried to ask Shibusawa about her position on Israel, since a simple Google search turned up some interesting items, such as <a href="https://canvas.brown.edu/courses/179465/discussion_topics/554507" type="external">an announcement</a> in 2012 on her American history course website of <a href="http://providence.apartheidweek.org/en" type="external">Israel Apartheid Week</a> 2012.</p>
<p>More important, Shibusawa is listed as a signatory to a January 2009 <a href="http://pulsemedia.org/2009/01/19/open-letter-to-obama/" type="external">Open Letter to Obama</a>, during <a href="" type="internal">Israeli Operation Cast Lead</a>.&#160; The letter received much attention, including in the <a href="http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2009/Jan-12/51647-dear-president-elect-obama.ashx#axzz2jQFMkkly" type="external">Middle East</a>.</p>
<p>The letter, signed by 900 faculty members around the country, including many from Brown,&#160;reads in part (emphasis added):</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" /></p>
<p>Public figures as diverse as Bishop Desmond Tutu and President Jimmy Carter have recognized that Israel too maintains an apartheid regime, in practice if not in name. South Africa, now a functioning multi-racial democracy, was a white state for a white people. Israel is a Jewish state for a Jewish people….</p>
<p>Since the election of Hamas, in fair and open elections, Israel has subjected the civilian population of Gaza to a prolonged state of siege, designed to suffocate them into submission, depriving them at will of water and power, medical supplies and food, and of access to the outside world. The most recent, all-out assault on Gaza, the disproportionate and bloody use of excessive force, is no act of self-defense, but the dramatic extension of an insidious policy of extermination of a people that refuses to disappear…..</p>
<p>There is no road to peace through such injustice. It may be that the compromise in the end will be the establishment and security of two separate states. Almost certainly, the only hope of a lasting solution is a single state in Israel/Palestine, committed to the civil and human rights of all peoples within its boundaries, irrespective of religion or ethnicity. That is, after all, the standard to which we hold all other states in the world, Israel alone excepted. But no solution at all will be possible until we hold Israel accountable for its criminal violence and its illegal acts, until we cease to supply it with the means to pursue a course of domination and expansion, with arms and warplanes, with finance and diplomatic support. In wake of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, your recent expression of “deep concern” is not enough. It is time for constructive disengagement from Israel, financial, diplomatic, military. What worked in the case of South Africa, divestment and pressure, may finally work in the Middle East.</p>
<p>Without such justice, there will be no peace.</p>
<p>(I’m not going to try to respond to the accusations now, just take it as a reflection of the signatories’ beliefs.)</p>
<p>This would be just another run-of-the-mill unbalanced and inaccurate statement signed onto by yet another member of academia, were it not for Shibusawa’s position at Brown as one of only three faculty members of The Advisory Committee on Corporate Responsibility in Investment Policies ( <a href="http://www.brown.edu/about/administration/advisory-committee-corporate-responsibility-investment-policies/" type="external">ACCRIP</a>), whose purpose is to consider:</p>
<p>….&#160;issues of ethical and moral responsibility in the investment policies of Brown University. Committee members include students, faculty, staff and alumni of the University. ACCRIP examines all proxy resolutions concerning issues of social responsibility that are presented to the University as a shareholder, and has developed guidelines for voting on such resolutions.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.brown.edu/about/administration/advisory-committee-corporate-responsibility-investment-policies/about/accrip-official-charter" type="external">ACCRIP’s Charter</a> includes responsibility for making recommendations as to divestment petitions:</p>
<p>g.&#160; recommend divestiture (keeping in mind the fundamental principle of sound financial policy, the legal responsibilities of the Corporation to sustain fiscal soundness and stability of the endowment fund, and the kinds of balanced judgment called for above) when divestiture will likely have a positive impact toward correcting the specified social harm, or when the company in question contributes to social harm so grave that it would be inconsistent with the goals and principles of the University to accept funds from that source.</p>
<p>Beginning <a href="http://www.browndailyherald.com/2009/04/14/simon-liebling-12-student-power-for-palestine/" type="external">in or about 2009</a>, Brown <a href="http://brownstudentsforpalestine.wordpress.com/mission-statement/" type="external">Students for Justice in Palestine</a> has been pushing for divestment from companies doing business with Israel, part of a highly-organized, well-funded <a href="http://corporateoccupation.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/targeting-israeli-apartheid-a-boycott-divestment-and-sanctions-handbook.pdf" type="external">national effort</a>.&#160; Shibusawa would have been on ACCRIP for some or all of that time period.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" /></p>
<p>ACCRIP ended up recommending that further discussions of the issue take place, in a&#160;letter&#160;dated <a href="http://brown.edu/about/administration/advisory-committee-corporate-responsibility-investment-policies/sites/brown.edu.about.administration.advisory-committee-corporate-responsibility-investment-policies/files/uploads/ACCRIP%20Letter%20102312.pdf" type="external">November 12, 2012</a>&#160;to Brown President Marjorie Paxson, signed by Shibusawa and others, and stating in part as follows (emphasis added):</p>
<p>For the past two years we have had an ongoing dialog with Brown Students for Justice in Palestine (BSJP). The group raises serious allegations that major US corporations in which Brown may be an investor, such as Caterpillar, Boeing, and others, are “profiting from the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.” The BSJP calls for Brown to divest from companies that are involved in maintaining said abuse.</p>
<p>The documented abuses of Palestinian citizens by the Israeli Defense Force in the Occupied Territories are deeply troubling. Israel is indisputably engaged in ongoing systemic abuses of human rights and violations of international law, as documented by the United Nations Human Rights Council and the International Court of Justice.</p>
<p>This has led to ongoing discussions within our committee about the best way forward. We recognize that the conflict between Palestine and Israel is many faceted and deeply divisive from both personal and institutional perspectives, but the relevant evidence suggests that Brown may be invested in firms whose products and services are being used to commit human rights violations in Palestine.</p>
<p>The committee wishes to facilitate further campus dialogue on this issue before making a recommendation. We respectfully ask that you consider initiating a forum for broader exploration The University should consider the implications of its investment in companies perpetrating human rights abuses, and whether or not divestment is an option in dealing with the issue. In light of whatever discussion ensues, the committee will return to this issue in the next semester.</p>
<p>The ACCRIP letter, while not expressly supporting divestment from companies that do business with Israel, was viewed as a major&#160;achievement for the BDS movement, as noted at the anti-Israel <a href="http://mondoweiss.net/2012/11/brown-univ-committee-recommends-considering-divestment-from-companies-that-profit-from-israeli-occupation.html" type="external">Mondoweiss blog</a>.&#160; The <a href="http://www.browndailyherald.com/2012/11/19/committee-seeks-campus-discussion-on-divestment/" type="external">Brown Daily Herald</a> also reported on the letter as a step towards divestment:</p>
<p>Brown students from a number of student groups – including SJP and Brown Immigrants’ Rights Coalition – and members of the Providence community participated in a silent march Saturday on Thayer Street while handing out flyers to passersby. Around 50 protesters assembled in a rally at the intersection of Thayer and Waterman Streets, said Eduarda Silva’15, a member of SJP.</p>
<p>Ralliers signed a petition demanding the University divest from companies profiting from human rights violations in Palestine. They also signed letters to Paxson and the Corporation, the University’s highest governing body, expressing “enthusiastic support for the recommendation of (ACCRIP) to discuss divesting Brown’s resources from firms whose services and products are used to commit human rights violations in Palestine.”….</p>
<p>SJP members are “really pleased with (the letter),” Silva said. “It’s a critical step for Brown to recognize the human rights violations and recognize ways which we can end our complicity in it. We might be invested in some companies that are contributing to the deaths of civilians abroad.”</p>
<p>In the event Brown divests, it will be the first Ivy League university to do this as a result of companies’ involvement in Israel’s occupation of Palestine….</p>
<p>President Paxson responded by letter dated <a href="http://brown.edu/about/administration/advisory-committee-corporate-responsibility-investment-policies/sites/brown.edu.about.administration.advisory-committee-corporate-responsibility-investment-policies/files/uploads/President%20Paxson%20Reply%2011232012.pdf" type="external">November 23, 2012</a> which I would describe as a brush-off, thanking ACCRIP for its careful consideration, but promising nothing specific in terms of University action.</p>
<p>Getting back to that&#160;January 2009 letter, I asked Shibusawa if she signed it.&#160; Her response on the phone was: “I could have, I really don’t remember, I sign so many petitions.”</p>
<p>In a subsequent email exchange, Shibusawa did not dispute signing the January 2009 letter and said that others on ACCRIP were aware of&#160;her position&#160;(emphasis added):</p>
<p>WAJ</p>
<p>Our conversation was not off the record, but I will quote your explanation.</p>
<p>I see that you are on the ACCRIP committee, do you consider it inconsistent to have signed the January 2009 letter and to be on that committee? Have you disclosed that?</p>
<p>You also declined to answer whether you support divestment from Israel. Can you state your position?</p>
<p>Shibusawa:</p>
<p>It is already known on the committee. We also have on committee those who publicly adhere to Israeli government line re: the Occupied Territories. According to your logic, it would be inconsistent to have them on ACCRIP as well. Indeed, it’s highly likely they joined the committee for the express purpose of voting on this particular matter.</p>
<p>But conflict of interest refers to material conflict according to Brown faculty rules.</p>
<p>Indeed, let us be consistent.</p>
<p>WAJ</p>
<p>My prior quesion [sic] “You also declined to answer whether you support divestment from Israel. Can you state your position?”</p>
<p>Can you state your postition?</p>
<p>Shibusawa</p>
<p>[no response as of this writing]</p>
<p>I find it interesting that Shibusawa refers to those who disagree with her on ACCRIP as “those who publicly adhere to Israeli government line….”</p>
<p>During our conversation as well as by these emails, I asked Shibusawa whether she supports divestment&#160;from&#160;Israel.&#160; Her&#160;verbal response was: &#160;“I don’t see how that is related” to the Ray Kelly issue.</p>
<p>I emailed President Paxson as to whether she was aware of Shibusawa’s signing the January 2009 letter calling Israel an Apartheid state in light of Shibusawa’s position on ACCRIP, and what Paxon’s position was.&#160; As of this writing, there has been no response.</p>
<p>At an objective level, of course,&#160;the views expressed in the January 2009 letter are extreme because they don’t take into account a host of issues, including Gaza launching thousands of missiles into Israel prior to the invasion, and are out of step with the vast majority of Americans.</p>
<p>At&#160;the campus level,&#160;unfortunately, where demonization of Israel has become dogma, the views are not extreme at all and have become part of the fabric in part because of sympathetic faculty who fly mostly under the radar of parents and alumni.</p>
<p>By contrast with the protesters’ views on Kelly,&#160;I don’t seek to shout down Shibusawa’s views.&#160; To the contrary, I think the BDS support by&#160;faculty on campuses&#160;needs sunlight not darkness.</p>
<p>(Featured Image Source: <a href="http://youtu.be/SL5YoOK3tDI" type="external">YouTube</a>)</p> | true | 0 | our160examination shoutdown ray kelly160at brown university moved events day160to examining reaction faculty including political science professor marion orr apologized inviting kelly biology professor ken miller issued forceful denunciation shoutdown something interesting happened along way faculty went record supporting protests shout post doctoral fellow instructor160linda quiquivix spoke panel discussion favor protests turned zealous critic israel put mildly160 light quiquivixs background160i suggested may connection supporters tactics used israel campuses used kelly turns another faculty member supported shoutdown also background israel divestment movement160 sits university advisory committee social investing taken israel boycott issue behest browns students justice palestine naoko shibusawa professor history specializing us cultural history naoko shibusawa wake kelly shoutdown shibusawa wrote letter the160editor brown daily herald november 1 fully supporting events took place emphasis added thank professor biology ken miller 70 p02 sharing able withstand pleas holocaust survivors walk past gain lesson attractions fascism american nazi dont think could done hand historian wouldnt needed lesson said want point every movement toward social justice us history included misbehavior misbehavior tactic disempowered toward disrupting status quo closing discourse protesters intention demand level playing field discourse suspect ray kelly invited speak part janus forum would roused nearly much opposition unlike miller applaud student protesters moral courage righteous cause racial profiling brutal police tactics resolution face harsh criticisms since endured proud inspire try better teacher scholar person naoko shibusawa p14 associate professor history reached email shibusawa twice last week response manage reach morning telephone160160 indicated didnt much time talk manage get questions shibusawa would comment letter except state she160stood she160said the160letter editor believe social justice shibusawa stated dont know purpose call want ive checked blog160 continued looks like want portray sort extremist160but believe social justice protester brown university shouting ray kelly shibusawa said describe extreme160 perhaps realizing sounded followed email clarify take said context extreme advocate social justice extreme sad commentary society true quote two lines also tried ask shibusawa position israel since simple google search turned interesting items announcement 2012 american history course website israel apartheid week 2012 important shibusawa listed signatory january 2009 open letter obama israeli operation cast lead160 letter received much attention including middle east letter signed 900 faculty members around country including many brown160reads part emphasis added public figures diverse bishop desmond tutu president jimmy carter recognized israel maintains apartheid regime practice name south africa functioning multiracial democracy white state white people israel jewish state jewish people since election hamas fair open elections israel subjected civilian population gaza prolonged state siege designed suffocate submission depriving water power medical supplies food access outside world recent allout assault gaza disproportionate bloody use excessive force act selfdefense dramatic extension insidious policy extermination people refuses disappear road peace injustice may compromise end establishment security two separate states almost certainly hope lasting solution single state israelpalestine committed civil human rights peoples within boundaries irrespective religion ethnicity standard hold states world israel alone excepted solution possible hold israel accountable criminal violence illegal acts cease supply means pursue course domination expansion arms warplanes finance diplomatic support wake humanitarian catastrophe gaza recent expression deep concern enough time constructive disengagement israel financial diplomatic military worked case south africa divestment pressure may finally work middle east without justice peace im going try respond accusations take reflection signatories beliefs would another runofthemill unbalanced inaccurate statement signed onto yet another member academia shibusawas position brown one three faculty members advisory committee corporate responsibility investment policies accrip whose purpose consider 160issues ethical moral responsibility investment policies brown university committee members include students faculty staff alumni university accrip examines proxy resolutions concerning issues social responsibility presented university shareholder developed guidelines voting resolutions accrips charter includes responsibility making recommendations divestment petitions g160 recommend divestiture keeping mind fundamental principle sound financial policy legal responsibilities corporation sustain fiscal soundness stability endowment fund kinds balanced judgment called divestiture likely positive impact toward correcting specified social harm company question contributes social harm grave would inconsistent goals principles university accept funds source beginning 2009 brown students justice palestine pushing divestment companies business israel part highlyorganized wellfunded national effort160 shibusawa would accrip time period accrip ended recommending discussions issue take place a160letter160dated november 12 2012160to brown president marjorie paxson signed shibusawa others stating part follows emphasis added past two years ongoing dialog brown students justice palestine bsjp group raises serious allegations major us corporations brown may investor caterpillar boeing others profiting illegal occupation palestinian territories bsjp calls brown divest companies involved maintaining said abuse documented abuses palestinian citizens israeli defense force occupied territories deeply troubling israel indisputably engaged ongoing systemic abuses human rights violations international law documented united nations human rights council international court justice led ongoing discussions within committee best way forward recognize conflict palestine israel many faceted deeply divisive personal institutional perspectives relevant evidence suggests brown may invested firms whose products services used commit human rights violations palestine committee wishes facilitate campus dialogue issue making recommendation respectfully ask consider initiating forum broader exploration university consider implications investment companies perpetrating human rights abuses whether divestment option dealing issue light whatever discussion ensues committee return issue next semester accrip letter expressly supporting divestment companies business israel viewed major160achievement bds movement noted antiisrael mondoweiss blog160 brown daily herald also reported letter step towards divestment brown students number student groups including sjp brown immigrants rights coalition members providence community participated silent march saturday thayer street handing flyers passersby around 50 protesters assembled rally intersection thayer waterman streets said eduarda silva15 member sjp ralliers signed petition demanding university divest companies profiting human rights violations palestine also signed letters paxson corporation universitys highest governing body expressing enthusiastic support recommendation accrip discuss divesting browns resources firms whose services products used commit human rights violations palestine sjp members really pleased letter silva said critical step brown recognize human rights violations recognize ways end complicity might invested companies contributing deaths civilians abroad event brown divests first ivy league university result companies involvement israels occupation palestine president paxson responded letter dated november 23 2012 would describe brushoff thanking accrip careful consideration promising nothing specific terms university action getting back that160january 2009 letter asked shibusawa signed it160 response phone could really dont remember sign many petitions subsequent email exchange shibusawa dispute signing january 2009 letter said others accrip aware of160her position160emphasis added waj conversation record quote explanation see accrip committee consider inconsistent signed january 2009 letter committee disclosed also declined answer whether support divestment israel state position shibusawa already known committee also committee publicly adhere israeli government line occupied territories according logic would inconsistent accrip well indeed highly likely joined committee express purpose voting particular matter conflict interest refers material conflict according brown faculty rules indeed let us consistent waj prior quesion sic also declined answer whether support divestment israel state position state postition shibusawa response writing find interesting shibusawa refers disagree accrip publicly adhere israeli government line conversation well emails asked shibusawa whether supports divestment160from160israel160 her160verbal response 160i dont see related ray kelly issue emailed president paxson whether aware shibusawas signing january 2009 letter calling israel apartheid state light shibusawas position accrip paxons position was160 writing response objective level course160the views expressed january 2009 letter extreme dont take account host issues including gaza launching thousands missiles israel prior invasion step vast majority americans at160the campus level160unfortunately demonization israel become dogma views extreme become part fabric part sympathetic faculty fly mostly radar parents alumni contrast protesters views kelly160i dont seek shout shibusawas views160 contrary think bds support by160faculty campuses160needs sunlight darkness featured image source youtube | 1,235 |
<p />
<p>It remains to be seen what Attorney General Jeff Sessions will or won't do with regard to enforcing federal marijuana laws in states that have legalized the drug. However, several efforts are quietly under way to change those laws.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>At least a dozen bills have been introduced in the U.S. Congress over the past three months that relate to marijuana. Several of them could have significant ramifications for marijuana stocks if they are ultimately passed. Here are three that could have especially big impacts.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep.Earl Blumenauer, both Democrats from Oregon, simultaneously introduced the "Responsibly Addressing the Marijuana Policy Gap Act" to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives on March 30. The act would change federal law in several ways to allow state laws on marijuana to take precedence.</p>
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<p>The bicameral legislation would eliminate criminal penalties for individuals who violate the federal Controlled Substances Act but comply with state laws. It would allow federal tax deductions and credits in connection with sales of marijuana that are compliant with state laws. The act would also limit restrictions on marijuana advertising in states that have legalized marijuana. Another important component of the bill is to remove penalties and restrictions for banks and financial institutions to provide services to marijuana-related businesses.</p>
<p>So far, the proposed legislation has only been introduced in the Senate. The bill has been referred to several House committees for review, however, including the Judiciary, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means committees.</p>
<p>Sen. Wyden and Rep. Blumenauer introduced an even more sweeping legislation to their respective chambers on March 30. This bill, referred to as the "Marijuana Revenue and Regulation Act," would radically change current federal laws pertaining to marijuana.</p>
<p>The act would totally decriminalize the use and sale of marijuana at the federal level. While that might not appeal to some in Congress, another part might: the establishment of new federal taxes on marijuana. Oversight of marijuana would also be handled by the same federal agencies that address alcohol, including a renaming of theBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to theBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,Marijuana, Firearms, and Explosives.</p>
<p>Nothing has been done yet in the Senate on the proposed legislation since Sen. Wyden introduced it. In the House, the bill has been referred to the Ways and Means committee for review.</p>
<p>A less ambitious piece of legislation has attracted bipartisan support.Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) and Rep. Darren Soto (D), both of Florida, introduced H.R. 2020 to the House of Representatives on April 6.</p>
<p>The bill doesn't have a catchy title yet, but its intent is to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act to a Schedule 3 drug. Schedule 1 drugs by definition have "no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse." Schedule 3 drugs, on the other hand, have "a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence."</p>
<p>Two House committees now have responsibility for reviewing the proposed legislation -- the Judiciary committee and the Energy and Commerce committee.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>What are the odds that any of these bills will pass? And what would the end results be for marijuana stocks if they did?</p>
<p>A somewhat similar version to one of the bills has already died in committee before. In 2015, Blumenauer introduced a bill to tax marijuana, like the proposed Marijuana Revenue and Regulation Act. That earlier version, however, never made it out of the House Ways and Means committee.</p>
<p>It's probably unlikely that the latest version will pass Congress, either. There could be some support for bicameral legislation to give precedence to state laws pertaining to marijuana, however.</p>
<p>The act to reschedule marijuana might gain the most support, especially with studies like those conducted by GW Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: GWPH) that show evidence for medical efficacy of cannabidiol in treating certain conditions. Even though the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2016/08/13/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-deas-decisio.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">declined to reschedule marijuana Opens a New Window.</a>last year, senators and congressional representatives tend to be more easily swayed by public opinion. The majority of Americans now support legalization of marijuana. Even still, passage of the rescheduling bill is definitely an uphill battle.</p>
<p>GW Pharmaceuticals is already following the regulatory approval process established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, conducting clinical studies in the U.S. would probably be easier for the company if any of the proposed bills became law. Other marijuana stocks could be helped even more.</p>
<p>One of the biggest beneficiaries would be Medical Marijuana, Inc. (NASDAQOTH: MJNA). If either of the bills introduced by Wyden and Blumenauer passed, the company would have clear sailing to market its products in the growing list of states that have legalized medical marijuana and/or recreational marijuana.</p>
<p>Medical Marijuana wouldn't be affected quite as much by the bill calling for rescheduling of marijuana. However, it could help the company and other medical-marijuana dispensaries openly work with banks, an obstacle that's been a significant issue for marijuana-related businesses.</p>
<p>For now, though, investors shouldn't hold their breath that any of these legislative acts will pass. And that means marijuana stocks such as Medical Marijuana could continue to be quite volatile.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Medical Marijuana, Inc.When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of April 3, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFishBiz/info.aspx" type="external">Keith Speights Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | remains seen attorney general jeff sessions wont regard enforcing federal marijuana laws states legalized drug however several efforts quietly way change laws continue reading least dozen bills introduced us congress past three months relate marijuana several could significant ramifications marijuana stocks ultimately passed three could especially big impacts image source getty images sen ron wyden repearl blumenauer democrats oregon simultaneously introduced responsibly addressing marijuana policy gap act us senate house representatives march 30 act would change federal law several ways allow state laws marijuana take precedence advertisement bicameral legislation would eliminate criminal penalties individuals violate federal controlled substances act comply state laws would allow federal tax deductions credits connection sales marijuana compliant state laws act would also limit restrictions marijuana advertising states legalized marijuana another important component bill remove penalties restrictions banks financial institutions provide services marijuanarelated businesses far proposed legislation introduced senate bill referred several house committees review however including judiciary energy commerce ways means committees sen wyden rep blumenauer introduced even sweeping legislation respective chambers march 30 bill referred marijuana revenue regulation act would radically change current federal laws pertaining marijuana act would totally decriminalize use sale marijuana federal level might appeal congress another part might establishment new federal taxes marijuana oversight marijuana would also handled federal agencies address alcohol including renaming thebureau alcohol tobacco firearms explosives thebureau alcohol tobaccomarijuana firearms explosives nothing done yet senate proposed legislation since sen wyden introduced house bill referred ways means committee review less ambitious piece legislation attracted bipartisan supportrep matt gaetz r rep darren soto florida introduced hr 2020 house representatives april 6 bill doesnt catchy title yet intent reclassify marijuana schedule 1 drug controlled substances act schedule 3 drug schedule 1 drugs definition currently accepted medical use high potential abuse schedule 3 drugs hand moderate low potential physical psychological dependence two house committees responsibility reviewing proposed legislation judiciary committee energy commerce committee image source getty images odds bills pass would end results marijuana stocks somewhat similar version one bills already died committee 2015 blumenauer introduced bill tax marijuana like proposed marijuana revenue regulation act earlier version however never made house ways means committee probably unlikely latest version pass congress either could support bicameral legislation give precedence state laws pertaining marijuana however act reschedule marijuana might gain support especially studies like conducted gw pharmaceuticals nasdaq gwph show evidence medical efficacy cannabidiol treating certain conditions even though us drug enforcement agency declined reschedule marijuana opens new windowlast year senators congressional representatives tend easily swayed public opinion majority americans support legalization marijuana even still passage rescheduling bill definitely uphill battle gw pharmaceuticals already following regulatory approval process established us food drug administration however conducting clinical studies us would probably easier company proposed bills became law marijuana stocks could helped even one biggest beneficiaries would medical marijuana inc nasdaqoth mjna either bills introduced wyden blumenauer passed company would clear sailing market products growing list states legalized medical marijuana andor recreational marijuana medical marijuana wouldnt affected quite much bill calling rescheduling marijuana however could help company medicalmarijuana dispensaries openly work banks obstacle thats significant issue marijuanarelated businesses though investors shouldnt hold breath legislative acts pass means marijuana stocks medical marijuana could continue quite volatile 10 stocks like better medical marijuana incwhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right medical marijuana inc wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns april 3 2017 keith speights opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 612 |
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<p>CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) hit a few stumbling blocks that sent its shares about 18.2% lower last year. In particular, losing a contract that included Tricare's 9.4 million active and retired military personnel to its leading competitor Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ: WBA) will sting in 2017. However, there are plenty of reasons investors might want to take another look at CVS Health now.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>The company holds a unique position in America's enormous healthcare sector as operator of the second-largest chain of retail pharmacies, and the second-largest <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/what-is-a-pharmacy-benefit-manager.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">pharmacy benefit manager Opens a New Window.</a>(PBM), with an estimated 89 million lives under its umbrella this year.</p>
<p>Recent expansion of its retail footprint to Target stores nationwide, and acquisition Omnicare's position as a leading supplier of pharmaceutical services to assisted living and long-term care facilities could allow the company to continue along its impressive growth trajectory. Let's look at four charts that highlight just how profitable the integration of pharmacy services and retail locations has made the company in recent years to get an idea of where it might be going.</p>
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<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/CVS/revenues_ttm" type="external">CVS Revenue (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Over the past five years, CVS Health has seen its top line expand about 54%, which is an impressive pace for just about any well-established company. For a titan this large to expand at this rate while becoming increasingly profitable, though, is all the more impressive because the larger you are, the harder it is to grow in a way that moves the needle.</p>
<p>Free cash flow is measured as cash from operations minus investment in capital expenditures necessary to keep those operations humming along. You can also think of it as cash available to pay down debts, or return to investors in the form of share buybacks and dividends. Over the past five years, and increasingly in recent quarters, CVS Health's investors have seen trailing free cash flow outpace revenue, growing about 86.8% over the past five years to $9 billion.</p>
<p>Plus, it looks like the party isn't over yet. Meeting Omnicare's pharmaceutical needs, plus the recent addition of 1,660 Target locations, could more than offset the losses of Tricare revenue to Walgreens Boots Alliance. The average Wall Street analyst expects the company's bottom line to expand at about 10.7% annually over the next five years.</p>
<p>Image source: CVS Health.</p>
<p>A large part of CVS Health's growth story in recent years centers around success for its pharmacy services segment. The number of lives its PBM can claim under management has grown steadily in recent years; and, based on estimates, it appears to be accelerating.</p>
<p>Although a slightly lower-margin business than its retail and long-term care segment, pharmacy services contributed about 44.6% of consolidated total operating profit reported during the first nine months of 2016, up from 42.2% during the same period in the previous year.</p>
<p>Since PBMs derive their negotiating power from the number of patients they represent, this segment's size is its greatest advantage. It's nice to see that advantage become stronger.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/CVS/operating_margin_ttm" type="external">CVS Operating Margin (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p>
<p>At just about every opportunity, CVS Health likes to boast about cost-saving opportunities it enjoys by maintaining a range of integrated services that feed and support its retail pharmacy network and PBM, such as long-term care facilities and retail clinics. Touting future cost savings to justify acquisitions is standard practice in any industry, but CVS Health has the figures to back up its claims.</p>
<p>Over the past five years, CVS Health has enjoyed slightly wider margins than its main retail competitor, Walgreens Boots Alliance, which has a slightly larger retail footprint, but lacks a PBM. Rite Aid's inability to maintain positive free cash flow despite its position as the third-largest chain of retail pharmacies in the U.S. is another illustration of just how difficult it is to maintain profitability in the generally low-margin retail pharmacy space. CVS also boasts a wider operating margin than its biggest competitor in the pharmacy benefit manager space, Express Scripts.</p>
<p>The 2015 acquisition of Omnicare set CVS Health up with a big channel to connect its existing services to the growing needs of America's senior population. Management contends it can generate roughly $3 billion in cost savings through integration of Omnicare's operations by 2021. Given the company's ability to maintain wider margins than its peers while integrating healthcare services in recent years, I wouldn't be surprised if it actually achieves those savings.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/CVS/shares_outstanding" type="external">CVS Shares Outstanding</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p>
<p>I mentioned earlier that CVS Health grew free cash flow by 86.8% over the past five years to $9 billion. Its shareholders will happily tell you the company isn't shy about giving it back hand-over-fist. In December, CVS raised its quarterly dividend payout 17.5% to $0.50, which at recent prices offers a fairly attractive 2.4% yield.</p>
<p>Granted, there are some healthcare stocks offering higher yields at the moment, but long-term investors could come out ahead several years from now if the company can maintain the pace of dividend growth it's exhibited in recent years. Over the past five years CVS Health has increased its payments at an astounding 25.2% annual rate.</p>
<p>You might expect profits to be stretched pretty thin after years of boosting payments at such a pace, but there's still plenty of room for further increases. Over the past five years, the company has bought back about about 18.5% of its outstanding shares. With increasing profits to spread over a smaller share count, the cash payout ratio, measured as the percentage of free cash flow used to make dividend payments over the past 12 months, is at a very comfortable 19.65%.</p>
<p>With plenty of cash to distribute to shareholders and make strategic acquisitions, CVS Health looks like it can continue rewarding investors for many years to come.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than CVS Health When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=d6b0307b-0ecb-46af-a481-f8d6e015b422&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and CVS Health wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
<p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=d6b0307b-0ecb-46af-a481-f8d6e015b422&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of January 4, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/crenauer/info.aspx" type="external">Cory Renauer Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. You can follow Cory on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/follow?screen_name=coryrenauer" type="external">@coryrenauer Opens a New Window.</a> or <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/coryrenauer" type="external">LinkedIn Opens a New Window.</a> for more healthcare investing insight.The Motley Fool owns shares of Express Scripts. The Motley Fool recommends CVS Health. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | cvs health nyse cvs hit stumbling blocks sent shares 182 lower last year particular losing contract included tricares 94 million active retired military personnel leading competitor walgreens boots alliance nasdaq wba sting 2017 however plenty reasons investors might want take another look cvs health continue reading image source getty images company holds unique position americas enormous healthcare sector operator secondlargest chain retail pharmacies secondlargest pharmacy benefit manager opens new windowpbm estimated 89 million lives umbrella year recent expansion retail footprint target stores nationwide acquisition omnicares position leading supplier pharmaceutical services assisted living longterm care facilities could allow company continue along impressive growth trajectory lets look four charts highlight profitable integration pharmacy services retail locations made company recent years get idea might going advertisement cvs revenue ttm data ycharts opens new window past five years cvs health seen top line expand 54 impressive pace wellestablished company titan large expand rate becoming increasingly profitable though impressive larger harder grow way moves needle free cash flow measured cash operations minus investment capital expenditures necessary keep operations humming along also think cash available pay debts return investors form share buybacks dividends past five years increasingly recent quarters cvs healths investors seen trailing free cash flow outpace revenue growing 868 past five years 9 billion plus looks like party isnt yet meeting omnicares pharmaceutical needs plus recent addition 1660 target locations could offset losses tricare revenue walgreens boots alliance average wall street analyst expects companys bottom line expand 107 annually next five years image source cvs health large part cvs healths growth story recent years centers around success pharmacy services segment number lives pbm claim management grown steadily recent years based estimates appears accelerating although slightly lowermargin business retail longterm care segment pharmacy services contributed 446 consolidated total operating profit reported first nine months 2016 422 period previous year since pbms derive negotiating power number patients represent segments size greatest advantage nice see advantage become stronger cvs operating margin ttm data ycharts every opportunity cvs health likes boast costsaving opportunities enjoys maintaining range integrated services feed support retail pharmacy network pbm longterm care facilities retail clinics touting future cost savings justify acquisitions standard practice industry cvs health figures back claims past five years cvs health enjoyed slightly wider margins main retail competitor walgreens boots alliance slightly larger retail footprint lacks pbm rite aids inability maintain positive free cash flow despite position thirdlargest chain retail pharmacies us another illustration difficult maintain profitability generally lowmargin retail pharmacy space cvs also boasts wider operating margin biggest competitor pharmacy benefit manager space express scripts 2015 acquisition omnicare set cvs health big channel connect existing services growing needs americas senior population management contends generate roughly 3 billion cost savings integration omnicares operations 2021 given companys ability maintain wider margins peers integrating healthcare services recent years wouldnt surprised actually achieves savings cvs shares outstanding data ycharts mentioned earlier cvs health grew free cash flow 868 past five years 9 billion shareholders happily tell company isnt shy giving back handoverfist december cvs raised quarterly dividend payout 175 050 recent prices offers fairly attractive 24 yield granted healthcare stocks offering higher yields moment longterm investors could come ahead several years company maintain pace dividend growth exhibited recent years past five years cvs health increased payments astounding 252 annual rate might expect profits stretched pretty thin years boosting payments pace theres still plenty room increases past five years company bought back 185 outstanding shares increasing profits spread smaller share count cash payout ratio measured percentage free cash flow used make dividend payments past 12 months comfortable 1965 plenty cash distribute shareholders make strategic acquisitions cvs health looks like continue rewarding investors many years come 10 stocks like better cvs health investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right cvs health wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns january 4 2017 cory renauer opens new window position stocks mentioned follow cory twitter coryrenauer opens new window linkedin opens new window healthcare investing insightthe motley fool owns shares express scripts motley fool recommends cvs health motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 711 |
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<p>If building a retirement portfolio is absolutely essential, it is equally important to ensure that it includes stocks with financial fortitude that can withstand volatility and offer you security and stability in your golden years.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>If you're wondering where to find such stocks, three of our contributors can help: They believe smart investors are already scooping up shares of heavyweights like PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP), 3M (NYSE: MMM), and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) for their retirement portfolios. Here's why you should consider these stocks, too.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/keithnoonan/info.aspx" type="external">Keith Noonan Opens a New Window.</a>(PepsiCo): Food and beverage giant PepsiCo runs a great business that looks positioned to thrive over the long term, and it also has a tremendous history of rewarding its shareholders with returned income. These two qualities make the stock a fundamental holding in many portfolios, and it's especially well suited for those who are investing for retirement.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
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<p>Stocks that pay substantial dividends and are unlikely to lower their payouts during periods of economic downturn work to reduce a portfolio's overall risk profile and provide a source of reliable income during your nonworking years. PepsiCo's dividend yields a solid 2.7%, and the company has raised its payout for 44 years running -- with its 45th annual payout increase set to take place this June. PepsiCo has raised its dividend even during periods of significant economic stress, and its business looks to be in sound shape, so those who are investing for retirement can count on the stock to continue generating income even amid broader volatility.</p>
<p>While PepsiCo is best known for its namesake drink and other soda products, the company is actually quite diversified, with its Frito-Lay and Quaker divisions accounting for roughly 46% of North American sales last year, and pushes into healthier beverage and snack products are working to align the company with shifting consumer tastes. As just one example of this initiative, Naked Juice is expected to become the company's 23rd brand to generate over $1 billion in annual retail sales.</p>
<p>With promising potential for appreciation over the long term and little risk that the company's dividend will be cut, PepsiCo stands out as a great stock for funding your retirement.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/Nehams/info.aspx" type="external">Neha Chamaria Opens a New Window.</a> (3M): 3M has everything you'd seek in a retirement stock: solid earnings track record, impeccable dividend history, and strong growth catalysts. Don't believe me? See for yourself the growth in the company's net income and free cash flow, and the stock's total return (price appreciation plus dividend) over the past two decades:</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/MMM/net_income_ttm" type="external">MMM Net Income (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>It's hard to find a company that can match 3M's record of 59 consecutive years of dividend increases. If you're wondering where this company makes the money to support such growth, let me tell you that 3M has nearly 60,000 products under its belt that serve customers in nearly every industry you can think of, across 200 countries. I wouldn't blame you if you thought 3M was all about Post-it notes and Scotch tapes; not many people are aware of the size and scale of this company.</p>
<p>Of course, past performance does not guarantee future returns, but you should be safe with 3M, what with management projecting earnings per share growth of 8%-11% through 2020. Higher earnings should mean greater dividends, which should reflect in the stock price. In other words, 3M is a multibagger in the making, so why would you not want to give this stock space in your retirement portfolio?</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/timbrugger/info.aspx" type="external">Tim Brugger Opens a New Window.</a>(Microsoft):Though its stock price is up 17% over the past year, Microsoft shareholders are just beginning to enjoy the fruits of newish CEO Satya Nadella's labor. As the PC market declined over the past couple of years, Microsoft stock was mired in a years-long slump. Thankfully, those days are gone.</p>
<p>The Windows king dove headlong into fast-growing markets including the cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics, and its transformation is paying off in a big way. Including one-time expenses, Microsoft generated $24.1 billion in sales last quarter, good fora 1% increase year over year.</p>
<p>Image source: Microsoft.</p>
<p>Slim total revenue growth for the quarter may not seem like a "win," but considering much of it came from Microsoft's outstanding cloud sale results -- it's now tracking at more than a $14 billion annual revenue run rate -- along with AI, data analytics, and software-as-a-service (SaaS), it's ideally positioned to lead thecharge in the fast-growing markets that many pundits expect will become massive in the coming years.</p>
<p>Sales of Microsoft's cloud platform Azure increased 93% year over year, which drove its 47% commercial Office 365 revenue growth, 7% jump in Dynamics customer relationship management (CRM) gains, and 22% increase in consumer Office revenue.</p>
<p>In addition to Microsoft hitting on all cylinders in burgeoning markets, its financials remain some of the soundest on the planet. With well over $100 billion in cash and equivalents on the balance sheet, there's little risk that its 2.4% dividend yield will disappear anytime soon. Growth, income, and relative value make Microsoft an ideal addition to any retirement portfolio.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than 3MWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=a2ea50cb-e223-48f7-b4c7-9045947a3489&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now...and 3M wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
<p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=a2ea50cb-e223-48f7-b4c7-9045947a3489&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of April 3, 2017.</p>
<p>Teresa Kersten is an employee of LinkedIn and is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/keithnoonan/info.aspx" type="external">Keith Noonan</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/Nehams/info.aspx" type="external">Neha Chamaria</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/timbrugger/info.aspx" type="external">Tim Brugger</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends PepsiCo. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | building retirement portfolio absolutely essential equally important ensure includes stocks financial fortitude withstand volatility offer security stability golden years continue reading youre wondering find stocks three contributors help believe smart investors already scooping shares heavyweights like pepsico nyse pep 3m nyse mmm microsoft nasdaq msft retirement portfolios heres consider stocks keith noonan opens new windowpepsico food beverage giant pepsico runs great business looks positioned thrive long term also tremendous history rewarding shareholders returned income two qualities make stock fundamental holding many portfolios especially well suited investing retirement image source getty images advertisement stocks pay substantial dividends unlikely lower payouts periods economic downturn work reduce portfolios overall risk profile provide source reliable income nonworking years pepsicos dividend yields solid 27 company raised payout 44 years running 45th annual payout increase set take place june pepsico raised dividend even periods significant economic stress business looks sound shape investing retirement count stock continue generating income even amid broader volatility pepsico best known namesake drink soda products company actually quite diversified fritolay quaker divisions accounting roughly 46 north american sales last year pushes healthier beverage snack products working align company shifting consumer tastes one example initiative naked juice expected become companys 23rd brand generate 1 billion annual retail sales promising potential appreciation long term little risk companys dividend cut pepsico stands great stock funding retirement neha chamaria opens new window 3m 3m everything youd seek retirement stock solid earnings track record impeccable dividend history strong growth catalysts dont believe see growth companys net income free cash flow stocks total return price appreciation plus dividend past two decades mmm net income ttm data ycharts opens new window hard find company match 3ms record 59 consecutive years dividend increases youre wondering company makes money support growth let tell 3m nearly 60000 products belt serve customers nearly every industry think across 200 countries wouldnt blame thought 3m postit notes scotch tapes many people aware size scale company course past performance guarantee future returns safe 3m management projecting earnings per share growth 811 2020 higher earnings mean greater dividends reflect stock price words 3m multibagger making would want give stock space retirement portfolio tim brugger opens new windowmicrosoftthough stock price 17 past year microsoft shareholders beginning enjoy fruits newish ceo satya nadellas labor pc market declined past couple years microsoft stock mired yearslong slump thankfully days gone windows king dove headlong fastgrowing markets including cloud artificial intelligence ai data analytics transformation paying big way including onetime expenses microsoft generated 241 billion sales last quarter good fora 1 increase year year image source microsoft slim total revenue growth quarter may seem like win considering much came microsofts outstanding cloud sale results tracking 14 billion annual revenue run rate along ai data analytics softwareasaservice saas ideally positioned lead thecharge fastgrowing markets many pundits expect become massive coming years sales microsofts cloud platform azure increased 93 year year drove 47 commercial office 365 revenue growth 7 jump dynamics customer relationship management crm gains 22 increase consumer office revenue addition microsoft hitting cylinders burgeoning markets financials remain soundest planet well 100 billion cash equivalents balance sheet theres little risk 24 dividend yield disappear anytime soon growth income relative value make microsoft ideal addition retirement portfolio 10 stocks like better 3mwhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right nowand 3m wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns april 3 2017 teresa kersten employee linkedin member motley fools board directors linkedin owned microsoft keith noonan position stocks mentioned neha chamaria position stocks mentioned tim brugger position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends pepsico motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 633 |
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<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
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<p>Want high dividend yields and diversification? An ETF might be right for you. Vanguard dividend ETFs offer low fees and sound strategies that won't leave you taking unnecessary risks for higher yields.</p>
<p>Here are three of Vanguard's best dividend ETFs.</p>
<p>Data source: Vanguard.</p>
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<p>The Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF(NYSEMKT: VIG) invests in so-called "dividend achievers," or companies that have paid a dividend that has grown in 10 or more consecutive years. The fund tracks the NASDAQ U.S. Dividend Achievers Select Index, which uses proprietary filters to select what it believes are the best of the dividend achievers, and generally seeks to exclude stocks that have low potential for increasing dividends in the future.</p>
<p>This ETF uses traditional market cap weighting, with the only requirement being that no one stock make up more than 4% of its portfolio. As a result of its market cap weighting, this fund invests more of its assets into larger companies and relatively less into smaller companies.</p>
<p>The fund is widely diversified across 185 different companies and across industries. Its sector weightings do differ from other large cap funds, however. It invests substantially more of its assets in consumer staples and industrial firms, and holds less of its assets in riskier and lower-yielding financial and technology companies than the S&amp;P 500.</p>
<p>Historical performance can be summed up as "market matching," as its multiyear performance closely approximates the S&amp;P 500. Note, though, that this fund seems to do better in downturns. It lost just 26.5% of its value in 2008 vs. a 37% decline for the S&amp;P 500. And although its yield of 2.1% isn't any better than the 2.1% yield of the S&amp;P 500, its focus on companies that can grow their dividends may give it an edge in yield as time goes on.</p>
<p>The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (NYSEMKT: VYM)is built for income, boasting a 3.1% dividend yield that is about 45% higher than the S&amp;P 500's 2.1% yield. The ETF tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, which ranks dividend-paying stocks by yield, and invests in the largest half of stocks by market cap. Like the Dividend Appreciation ETF, this fund also excludes real estate investment trusts.</p>
<p>It isn't particularly choosy about stock selection, and thus holds more than 400 stocks. Unlike the Dividend Appreciation ETF, it doesn't have requirements for the longevity a stock's dividend, whether or not the dividend has been increased in the past, or whether it can or will be increased in the future.</p>
<p>The ETF's median stock has a market cap of about $135 billion, which is about two and a half times larger than the median of the Dividend Appreciation ETF. This is very much a large-cap fund.</p>
<p>Performance has been good, exceeding the S&amp;P 500 marginally over the most recent three-year period, while lagging it marginally over the most recent five-year period. Notably, it also shines in periods of market weakness, shedding only about 32% of its value in 2008 compared to a 37% decline in the S&amp;P 500.</p>
<p>The primary advantages to this fund are its outperformance in down markets, and the fact that more of its return comes in the form of dividends. If you're in the hunt for bigger dividends, this fund's 3.1% yield from large-cap stocks certainly sticks out as being especially attractive.</p>
<p>Where Vanguard's dividend-focused ETFs exclude REITs, the Vanguard REIT ETF (NYSEMKT: VNQ)only invests in REITs. It isn't exactly a dividend fund by definition, but real estate investment trusts are all about dividends. REITs are required to distribute 90% of their taxable income to shareholders in order to avoid corporate-level taxation.</p>
<p>This fund tracks the performance of the MSCI US REIT Index, which tracks equity REITs that invest in tangible real estate. The index does not include mortgage REITs (mREITs), which are perhaps more like banks than real estate firms, as they use bank-like leverage to invest in mortgage securities rather than real property. The ETF and index also exclude companies with market caps of less than $100 million, as well as companies that do not have enough trading volume to be practical holdings.</p>
<p>The Vanguard REIT ETF holds 150 different REITs, weighting each investment by market cap. REITs in the index vary tremendously by property type, from office and industrial lessors, to mall, hotel, and apartment operators.</p>
<p>If there is just one caveat to investing in a REIT ETF, it's that your investment results will be driven largely by interest rate expectations. REITs are typically valued based on their dividend yields relative to U.S. Treasury yields. As such, rising rates can drive down REIT valuations, while falling rates send REIT shares rocketing higher.</p>
<p>Vanguard's REIT ETF returned about 2.4% in 2013 while its S&amp;P 500 ETF ran away with a 32.3% return, dividends included. The very next year, Vanguard's REIT ETF posted a 30.3% return vs. the S&amp;P 500's 13.6% return, as worries about rising rates subsided.Remember that this is a sector-specific ETF, and for that reason it probably shouldn't be a big part of your investment portfolio.</p>
<p>Dividend-paying companies have historically outperformed their non-dividend paying rivals. The American Association of Individual Investors found that from 1927 to 2014, the companies which paid out the highest dividends outperformed, and returns were correlated to dividend yields. The top 30% of dividend payers had an average return of 11.3%, compared to an average return of 8.6% for companies that did not pay a dividend.</p>
<p>Furthermore, companies that pay dividends are generally less volatile (excluding companies like BDCs and mREITs), declining less in bear markets.Whether this will persist in the future is something that remains to be seen, but there are logical reasons for dividend-paying companies to outperform their counterparts. Most obviously, dividend-paying companies must be profitable, and perhaps more consistently so, in order to pay a dividend to their investors.</p>
<p>If history is any guide, the long-term performance of dividend-paying companies should exceed that of companies that pay low or no dividends to investors. That bodes well for Vanguard's lineup of high-yield ETFs.</p>
<p>A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early in-the-know investors! To be one of them, <a href="http://www.fool.com/mms/mark/ecap-foolcom-apple-wearable?aid=6965&amp;source=irbeditxt0000017&amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable-d&amp;ftm_pit=2759&amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">just click here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFValueMagnet/info.aspx" type="external">Jordan Wathen Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | image source getty images continue reading want high dividend yields diversification etf might right vanguard dividend etfs offer low fees sound strategies wont leave taking unnecessary risks higher yields three vanguards best dividend etfs data source vanguard advertisement vanguard dividend appreciation etfnysemkt vig invests socalled dividend achievers companies paid dividend grown 10 consecutive years fund tracks nasdaq us dividend achievers select index uses proprietary filters select believes best dividend achievers generally seeks exclude stocks low potential increasing dividends future etf uses traditional market cap weighting requirement one stock make 4 portfolio result market cap weighting fund invests assets larger companies relatively less smaller companies fund widely diversified across 185 different companies across industries sector weightings differ large cap funds however invests substantially assets consumer staples industrial firms holds less assets riskier loweryielding financial technology companies sampp 500 historical performance summed market matching multiyear performance closely approximates sampp 500 note though fund seems better downturns lost 265 value 2008 vs 37 decline sampp 500 although yield 21 isnt better 21 yield sampp 500 focus companies grow dividends may give edge yield time goes vanguard high dividend yield etf nysemkt vymis built income boasting 31 dividend yield 45 higher sampp 500s 21 yield etf tracks ftse high dividend yield index ranks dividendpaying stocks yield invests largest half stocks market cap like dividend appreciation etf fund also excludes real estate investment trusts isnt particularly choosy stock selection thus holds 400 stocks unlike dividend appreciation etf doesnt requirements longevity stocks dividend whether dividend increased past whether increased future etfs median stock market cap 135 billion two half times larger median dividend appreciation etf much largecap fund performance good exceeding sampp 500 marginally recent threeyear period lagging marginally recent fiveyear period notably also shines periods market weakness shedding 32 value 2008 compared 37 decline sampp 500 primary advantages fund outperformance markets fact return comes form dividends youre hunt bigger dividends funds 31 yield largecap stocks certainly sticks especially attractive vanguards dividendfocused etfs exclude reits vanguard reit etf nysemkt vnqonly invests reits isnt exactly dividend fund definition real estate investment trusts dividends reits required distribute 90 taxable income shareholders order avoid corporatelevel taxation fund tracks performance msci us reit index tracks equity reits invest tangible real estate index include mortgage reits mreits perhaps like banks real estate firms use banklike leverage invest mortgage securities rather real property etf index also exclude companies market caps less 100 million well companies enough trading volume practical holdings vanguard reit etf holds 150 different reits weighting investment market cap reits index vary tremendously property type office industrial lessors mall hotel apartment operators one caveat investing reit etf investment results driven largely interest rate expectations reits typically valued based dividend yields relative us treasury yields rising rates drive reit valuations falling rates send reit shares rocketing higher vanguards reit etf returned 24 2013 sampp 500 etf ran away 323 return dividends included next year vanguards reit etf posted 303 return vs sampp 500s 136 return worries rising rates subsidedremember sectorspecific etf reason probably shouldnt big part investment portfolio dividendpaying companies historically outperformed nondividend paying rivals american association individual investors found 1927 2014 companies paid highest dividends outperformed returns correlated dividend yields top 30 dividend payers average return 113 compared average return 86 companies pay dividend furthermore companies pay dividends generally less volatile excluding companies like bdcs mreits declining less bear marketswhether persist future something remains seen logical reasons dividendpaying companies outperform counterparts obviously dividendpaying companies must profitable perhaps consistently order pay dividend investors history guide longterm performance dividendpaying companies exceed companies pay low dividends investors bodes well vanguards lineup highyield etfs secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window jordan wathen opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 689 |
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<p>Image source: Netflix</p>
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<p>If you ask Netflix's (NASDAQ: NFLX) management, it'll tell you the competition is no more of a threat today than it was last year or the year before. Despite a big miss on its net subscriber addition numbers during the second quarter, CEO Reed Hastings told analysts "we're pretty confident [competition] is not a factor" because of the churn pattern in multiple countries and the strength in gross additions.</p>
<p>But some analysts think that confidence is misplaced. Axiom Capital's Victor Anthony, for example, believes competition from Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN), Hulu, Time Warner's (NYSE: TWX) HBO, and recent and potential entries from other media and technology companies such as CBS (NYSE: CBS),Disney (NYSE: DIS), and YouTube pose a threat to continued subscriber growth.</p>
<p>Amazon Prime has more subscribers than Netflix in the United States. Consumer Intelligence Research Partners estimates that the online retailer counts 63 million members of its service, which includes two-day shipping on every order from Amazon.com; movie, television, and music streaming; e-book borrowing; and exclusive access to certain products on Amazon, among other things. By comparison, Netflix counts just 47 million domestic subscribers.</p>
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<p>Earlier this year, Amazon launched a stand-alone Prime Instant Video service, which doesn't include all the other perks of Prime membership. Consumers can subscribe for $8.99 per month, $1 less than Netflix charges for its service. The move provides a way for Amazon to compete more directly against Netflix while providing a new way to onboard customers to full-fledged Prime subscribers. (Note that $8.99 per month is actually more expensive than the $99 annual Prime membership, so monthly subscribers have an incentive to become full Prime members.)</p>
<p>What's more, Amazon has the resources to compete with Netflix in terms of both original and licensed content. It has billions in cash reserves available to spend on content Netflix deems too expensive, such as the Epix movie catalog. It's also proved capable of producing critically acclaimed original series and films.</p>
<p>But interestingly, RBC Capital's Mark Mahaney found that Amazon Prime subscribers are more likely to subscribe to Netflix than regular Amazon shoppers are. In other words, Prime and Netflix complement each other more than they compete against each other. That may be because they both appeal to cord cutters, or it may be that Amazon Prime subscribers probably have more disposable income for premium entertainment networks such as Netflix.</p>
<p>Hulu dropped its free streaming tier earlier this summer to focus solely on its premium subscription offerings. It also added Time Warner as an investor, which Anthony believes makes it a stronger competitor for Netflix, as Time Warner now has greater incentive to work closely with Hulu versus other streaming video-on-demand services.</p>
<p>The impending launch of Hulu's live TV streaming service in the first half of next year could increase subscribers to its on-demand service. And Hulu is able to lean on its parent companies to ink content licensing agreements and produce originals. (Hulu itself still produces a net loss.)</p>
<p>Anthony cites data indicating that Hulu is growing even faster than Amazon Prime Instant Video on a percentage basis, and U.S. video streaming dollars shifted from Netflix to Hulu in June. At just $7.99 per month, it's less costly than both Netflix and Amazon Prime and may represent better value for viewers interested in quick access to broadcast television series. Still, it represents more of a complement to Netflix than a replacement.</p>
<p>Over the past couple of years, we've seen new a la carte streaming options from HBO, Showtime, and CBS, all of which have over 1 million subscribers today. Disney's ESPN is set to launch its own stand-alone streaming service in the near future after its recent investment in BAMTech -- the streaming technology company behind MLB.tv and HBO Now, among other services. Meanwhile, YouTube launched a premium service, YouTube Red, and it's looking to license films and television series as well.</p>
<p>Indeed, there are more on-demand streaming options now than ever before, and it's likely consumer choice will only continue to expand.</p>
<p>But consumers continue to come back to Netflix no matter what other services they use as well.</p>
<p>A recent survey from RBC Capital shows that 54% of Americans watched something on Netflix in the past 12 months. That's up from 50% in May, and an all-time high, according to the analysts' data. While other services have also grown over the past couple of years, the only service that's grown faster than Netflix in the U.S. is HBO Now/Go, which had a lot of pent-up demand for an a la carte service.</p>
<p>Of course, RBC's survey only asks if a respondent watched a movie or TV show on Netflix, not if the person subscribed. But increasing viewership may be <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/08/29/how-netflix-will-get-to-90-million-us-subscribers.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">a leading indicator for increased subscriptions Opens a New Window.</a>. So even if the wording of the survey is a bit offsetting, the trend is clear. The competition isn't catching up to Netflix.</p>
<p>A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early in-the-know investors! To be one of them, <a href="http://www.fool.com/mms/mark/ecap-foolcom-apple-wearable?aid=6965&amp;source=irbeditxt0000017&amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable-d&amp;ftm_pit=2667&amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">just click here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/adamlevy/info.aspx" type="external">Adam Levy Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Amazon.com. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon.com, Netflix, Time Warner, and Walt Disney. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | image source netflix continue reading ask netflixs nasdaq nflx management itll tell competition threat today last year year despite big miss net subscriber addition numbers second quarter ceo reed hastings told analysts pretty confident competition factor churn pattern multiple countries strength gross additions analysts think confidence misplaced axiom capitals victor anthony example believes competition amazoncom nasdaq amzn hulu time warners nyse twx hbo recent potential entries media technology companies cbs nyse cbsdisney nyse dis youtube pose threat continued subscriber growth amazon prime subscribers netflix united states consumer intelligence research partners estimates online retailer counts 63 million members service includes twoday shipping every order amazoncom movie television music streaming ebook borrowing exclusive access certain products amazon among things comparison netflix counts 47 million domestic subscribers advertisement earlier year amazon launched standalone prime instant video service doesnt include perks prime membership consumers subscribe 899 per month 1 less netflix charges service move provides way amazon compete directly netflix providing new way onboard customers fullfledged prime subscribers note 899 per month actually expensive 99 annual prime membership monthly subscribers incentive become full prime members whats amazon resources compete netflix terms original licensed content billions cash reserves available spend content netflix deems expensive epix movie catalog also proved capable producing critically acclaimed original series films interestingly rbc capitals mark mahaney found amazon prime subscribers likely subscribe netflix regular amazon shoppers words prime netflix complement compete may appeal cord cutters may amazon prime subscribers probably disposable income premium entertainment networks netflix hulu dropped free streaming tier earlier summer focus solely premium subscription offerings also added time warner investor anthony believes makes stronger competitor netflix time warner greater incentive work closely hulu versus streaming videoondemand services impending launch hulus live tv streaming service first half next year could increase subscribers ondemand service hulu able lean parent companies ink content licensing agreements produce originals hulu still produces net loss anthony cites data indicating hulu growing even faster amazon prime instant video percentage basis us video streaming dollars shifted netflix hulu june 799 per month less costly netflix amazon prime may represent better value viewers interested quick access broadcast television series still represents complement netflix replacement past couple years weve seen new la carte streaming options hbo showtime cbs 1 million subscribers today disneys espn set launch standalone streaming service near future recent investment bamtech streaming technology company behind mlbtv hbo among services meanwhile youtube launched premium service youtube red looking license films television series well indeed ondemand streaming options ever likely consumer choice continue expand consumers continue come back netflix matter services use well recent survey rbc capital shows 54 americans watched something netflix past 12 months thats 50 may alltime high according analysts data services also grown past couple years service thats grown faster netflix us hbo nowgo lot pentup demand la carte service course rbcs survey asks respondent watched movie tv show netflix person subscribed increasing viewership may leading indicator increased subscriptions opens new window even wording survey bit offsetting trend clear competition isnt catching netflix secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window adam levy opens new window owns shares amazoncom motley fool owns shares recommends amazoncom netflix time warner walt disney try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 596 |
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<p>Growing up is tough enough without the worries of your financial future, so <a href="" type="internal">Money101 Opens a New Window.</a> &#160;is here for you. <a href="http://mailto:[email protected]" type="external">E-mail us Opens a New Window.</a> your questions and let us take off some of the pressure.</p>
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<p>Saving money for college in a weak economy can seem insurmountable, especially with rising tuition costs.</p>
<p>Students and their families have a plethora of savings options, including custodial accounts, which include a Uniform Gift to Minors Act account (UGMA) or a Uniform Transfer to Minors Act account (UTMA), invested in a bank or brokerage firm.</p>
<p>A UGMA custodial account is a simple way of transferring securities to a minor without the need for an attorney to prepare trust documents or for the court to appoint a trustee, according to <a href="http://www.finaid.org/savings/ugma.phtml" type="external">FinAid.org Opens a New Window.</a>. The terms of these accounts are determined by a state statute.</p>
<p>A UTMA custodial account is similar, but tends to be a little more flexible than a UGMA account. Along with CDs, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds that UGMA accounts usually invest in, minors can also own real estate, art, patents, and royalties with a UTMA.</p>
<p>Before the child reaches the <a href="http://www.finaid.org/savings/ageofmajority.phtml" type="external">age of majority or termination Opens a New Window.</a>, which varies by state, the first $950 of unearned income is tax free, the second $950 of unearned income is taxed at the child’s tax rate, and any amount over $1,900 is taxed at the parent’s rate.</p>
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<p>Once the child reaches the age of majority, the custodian managing the account transfers control of the funds to the child and any additional unearned income for the child is taxed at the parent’s rate under the “kiddie tax” rules.</p>
<p>“When these Gifts and Transfers to Minors Acts were initially set up, they were sort of ways for families to save money for their kid’s college, but what they were in actuality was a way to transfer wealth and tax attributes from high margin tax payers to lower margin tax payers,” says <a href="http://www.taxpanacea.com/" type="external">Margaret Munro Opens a New Window.</a>, author of 529 and Other College Savings Plans for Dummies.</p>
<p>Munro points out that before the child comes into control of the account, parents are required to file a separate tax return for that child.</p>
<p>“You as the parent, up until the child is age 14, are to file a tax return on behalf of the child,” she says. “When the child is 14, they are old enough to sign his or her own return and then the requirement falls on the child to make sure that return is filed,” she says.</p>
<p>Advantages of a custodial account</p>
<p>Setting up a custodial account for a child may make sense for a high-income family looking to transfer wealth at a lower tax margin, according to Jeff Rose, certified financial planner and author of the blog <a href="http://www.goodfinancialcents.com/" type="external">Good Financial Cents Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>“[For] someone who’s in the highest tax bracket to be able to gift away $13,000 or so for however many years, that can have a pretty substantial tax savings for that person,” he says.</p>
<p>Unlike a <a href="" type="internal">529 college savings plan Opens a New Window.</a>, where the money must be designated for educational purposes, the beneficiary of a custodial account can use the funds for whatever they choose to once they become of age .</p>
<p>“Prior to that, the custodian, who is typically the parent, can determine how to use that money for the benefit of the child,” says Joe Hurley, founder of <a href="http://www.savingforcollege.com/" type="external">SavingForCollege.com Opens a New Window.</a>. “It’s actually probably an advantage rather than a drawback because if there are other needs that the parent wants to use that money towards, they can do that.”</p>
<p>Parents should be aware that even if the money is not used for school, it must be used in some way that benefits the child that does not fall under standard “parental obligations.” Things like a school trip to Europe, a new computer, or a few weeks at summer camp can be considered acceptable uses for the money, but parents should make sure to document any spending out of the account.</p>
<p>“You can always be asked by the IRS to provide proof that you actually spent it in this way on your child or on the custodial child,” says Munro. “That’s just good fiduciary practice, because the custodian has a fiduciary responsibility.”</p>
<p>Disadvantages of a custodial account</p>
<p>Although having the flexibility with the money in a custodial account can come in handy if your kid wants to use some of it on a big-ticket item, Munro cautions that once the child becomes of age, they may not choose to use it for college expenses.</p>
<p>“You’re handing a whole lot of money to somebody who has no idea how to handle it,” says Munro. “It doesn’t matter what your intent was, you could have labeled it the ‘UGMA college fund’, and [the kid] can do whatever he wants with it when he turns 18 and that’s a very big red flag for me.”</p>
<p>Unlike a 529 plan where if the child chooses not to go to school, you can transfer the money to another beneficiary for education purposes, UTMA and UGMA account beneficiaries cannot be changed; the custodian has given up all rights, titles, and interest of the property.</p>
<p>“It is a completed gift with the exception that if you die while the child is still a minor, the property is pulled back into your estate because you still as the custodian retain some control over it, but you cannot change who you are giving the gift to,” says Munro.</p>
<p>If financial aid is a concern for a family, having a custodial account in the child’s name can affect their eligibility.</p>
<p>“It counts as a student’s asset and therefore is assessed at a 20% rate in computing the Expected Family Contribution, which is a significantly higher rate than parent’s assets and a significantly higher rate than 529 plans, whether they’re owned by the student or the parent,” says Hurley.</p>
<p>While it is possible to liquidate a custodial account and transfer the funds to a 529 plan for the same beneficiary, Hurley explains that the minor will be taxed on any capital gain triggered as well as the impact that those capital gains could have on financial aid and income.</p>
<p>Should you decide to invest in an UGMA or UTMA account for your child, the experts recommend seeking the advice of a tax professional that is well-versed in the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/publications/p929/ar02.html" type="external">kiddie tax rules Opens a New Window.</a>, which are adjusted annually and hard to track.</p> | true | 0 | growing tough enough without worries financial future money101 opens new window 160is email us opens new window questions let us take pressure continue reading saving money college weak economy seem insurmountable especially rising tuition costs students families plethora savings options including custodial accounts include uniform gift minors act account ugma uniform transfer minors act account utma invested bank brokerage firm ugma custodial account simple way transferring securities minor without need attorney prepare trust documents court appoint trustee according finaidorg opens new window terms accounts determined state statute utma custodial account similar tends little flexible ugma account along cds stocks bonds mutual funds ugma accounts usually invest minors also real estate art patents royalties utma child reaches age majority termination opens new window varies state first 950 unearned income tax free second 950 unearned income taxed childs tax rate amount 1900 taxed parents rate advertisement child reaches age majority custodian managing account transfers control funds child additional unearned income child taxed parents rate kiddie tax rules gifts transfers minors acts initially set sort ways families save money kids college actuality way transfer wealth tax attributes high margin tax payers lower margin tax payers says margaret munro opens new window author 529 college savings plans dummies munro points child comes control account parents required file separate tax return child parent child age 14 file tax return behalf child says child 14 old enough sign return requirement falls child make sure return filed says advantages custodial account setting custodial account child may make sense highincome family looking transfer wealth lower tax margin according jeff rose certified financial planner author blog good financial cents opens new window someone whos highest tax bracket able gift away 13000 however many years pretty substantial tax savings person says unlike 529 college savings plan opens new window money must designated educational purposes beneficiary custodial account use funds whatever choose become age prior custodian typically parent determine use money benefit child says joe hurley founder savingforcollegecom opens new window actually probably advantage rather drawback needs parent wants use money towards parents aware even money used school must used way benefits child fall standard parental obligations things like school trip europe new computer weeks summer camp considered acceptable uses money parents make sure document spending account always asked irs provide proof actually spent way child custodial child says munro thats good fiduciary practice custodian fiduciary responsibility disadvantages custodial account although flexibility money custodial account come handy kid wants use bigticket item munro cautions child becomes age may choose use college expenses youre handing whole lot money somebody idea handle says munro doesnt matter intent could labeled ugma college fund kid whatever wants turns 18 thats big red flag unlike 529 plan child chooses go school transfer money another beneficiary education purposes utma ugma account beneficiaries changed custodian given rights titles interest property completed gift exception die child still minor property pulled back estate still custodian retain control change giving gift says munro financial aid concern family custodial account childs name affect eligibility counts students asset therefore assessed 20 rate computing expected family contribution significantly higher rate parents assets significantly higher rate 529 plans whether theyre owned student parent says hurley possible liquidate custodial account transfer funds 529 plan beneficiary hurley explains minor taxed capital gain triggered well impact capital gains could financial aid income decide invest ugma utma account child experts recommend seeking advice tax professional wellversed kiddie tax rules opens new window adjusted annually hard track | 577 |
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<p>Image Source: Facebook</p>
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<p>Sheryl Sandberg comes prepared for every Facebook (NASDAQ: FB) earnings call with examples of advertisers using the social network's ad tools to drive sales. The COO's examples range from small family-owned business to big brands such as Mondelez, which used Facebook's targeting tools last quarter to sell its snacks.</p>
<p>But Facebook's targeting isn't for everyone. Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE: PG), the biggest ad buyer in the world, is going to reduce its purchase of targeted advertising on the platform, according to <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/p-g-to-scale-back-targeted-facebook-ads-1470760949" type="external">The Wall Street Journal Opens a New Window.</a>. It won't cut back on its total Facebook ad spending, though, shifting to more broad-based brand advertisements. "We targeted too much, and we went too narrow," The Wall Street Journal quoted P&amp;G's chief marketing officer as saying, "and now were looking at: What is the best way to get the most reach but also the right precision?"</p>
<p>Meanwhile, P&amp;G plans to increase its television ad budget, and focus more on digital ads with the potential to reach large audiences. That could leave Twitter (NYSE: TWTR) on the sidelines as it looks to grow its share of ad budgets from large brand advertisers such as P&amp;G.</p>
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<p>Twitter has guided for revenue of $590 million to $610 million in the third quarter. That would represent flat growth from the previous quarter, and just 5% year-over-year growth at its midpoint.</p>
<p>On the company's second-quarter earnings call in late July, CFO Anthony Noto told analysts, "We've penetrated the largest spenders, or oldest and longest relationships spenders in [direct sales] U.S. advertising." The vast majority of big brands such as P&amp;G already have advertising relationships with Twitter. "We've transitioned more to revenue being driven by average revenue per advertiser," Noto added. In order for Twitter to continue growing its revenue, it needs to win a larger share of ad budgets from big brands.</p>
<p>The problem is that Twitter's audience is relatively small compared to Facebook or YouTube. Management boasts that Twitter reaches over 1 billion people around the web, and it has an additional 500 million unique visitors coming to its owned and operated properties every month, but it seems brand advertisers aren't buying what Twitter is selling.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Facebook's Sandberg talks about the presence of "a Super Bowl on mobile every day." Last quarter, Facebook topped 1 billion daily users on mobile. Overall, 1.71 billion people log in to Facebook every month.</p>
<p>Facebook has been working on new ad products for big brands as well. For example, the company rolled out Canvas Ads earlier this year. The format functions similarly to Instant Articles for publishers, producing a fast-loading full-screen ad within the Facebook app. It's also pushing into video ads as well, experimenting with placement within the app.</p>
<p>Facebook's scale is likely the biggest reason P&amp;G doesn't plan to pull back its overall ad spending with the company. There's no sign that Facebook's user growth will slow significantly, as it managed to increase daily active users 20% last quarter despite its massive scale.</p>
<p>What's more, its other platforms, such as Instagram, continue to grow rapidly. Instagram added 100 million new users in the nine months between September and June, to reach 500 million total. Even that is significantly larger than Twitter's 313 monthly users, making it more attractive to big brands.</p>
<p>Facebook might not be losing any of P&amp;G's existing ad spend on Facebook, but it's not gaining any more of it, either. That's important, because P&amp;G is about to grow its ad spending a significant amount for the first time in four years. The company plans to increase its ad spending about 5% this year, according to the WSJ article. That works out to about $360 million in additional ad spend. For reference, that would equal nearly 2% of Facebook's total revenue over the past 12 months and almost 15% of Twitter's.</p>
<p>P&amp;G plans to increase its spending on television commercials. Overall, analysts expect television advertising growth to slow significantly while digital, in particular social, advertising continues to grow rapidly. P&amp;G's bucking the trend is a big message to digital advertising companies that TV is still one of the best platforms for reaching a large and engaged audience.</p>
<p>Both Twitter and Facebook are working to take on television. Twitter is signing deals for rights to live events, including 10 Thursday Night Football games, coming this fall. Management says early sales for the ad spots in its live stream have gone well, and it could be a revenue driver for the fourth quarter.</p>
<p>Twitter has been shifting its advertisements to more video, which it believes will give it access to a broader advertising market.</p>
<p>Facebook, meanwhile, has offered $50 million in contracts to publishers and celebrities to live-stream a certain amount of content every month. Facebook still hasn't figured out exactly how it's going to monetize video on its site, but it recently started experimenting with ad breaks in the middle of live streams.</p>
<p>P&amp;G explicitly said it's not reducing its ad spend on Facebook, and there's no indication that Twitter will see a drop in ad sales to P&amp;G, either. But P&amp;G's decision is indicative of how far the social platforms still have to go to take on TV. If either can crack digital live-stream advertising and grow a significant audience around it, there's $180 billion in television advertising of which they could grab a portion.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/adamlevy/info.aspx" type="external">Adam Levy Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Procter and Gamble. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Facebook and Twitter. The Motley Fool recommends Procter and Gamble. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | image source facebook continue reading sheryl sandberg comes prepared every facebook nasdaq fb earnings call examples advertisers using social networks ad tools drive sales coos examples range small familyowned business big brands mondelez used facebooks targeting tools last quarter sell snacks facebooks targeting isnt everyone procter amp gamble nyse pg biggest ad buyer world going reduce purchase targeted advertising platform according wall street journal opens new window wont cut back total facebook ad spending though shifting broadbased brand advertisements targeted much went narrow wall street journal quoted pampgs chief marketing officer saying looking best way get reach also right precision meanwhile pampg plans increase television ad budget focus digital ads potential reach large audiences could leave twitter nyse twtr sidelines looks grow share ad budgets large brand advertisers pampg advertisement twitter guided revenue 590 million 610 million third quarter would represent flat growth previous quarter 5 yearoveryear growth midpoint companys secondquarter earnings call late july cfo anthony noto told analysts weve penetrated largest spenders oldest longest relationships spenders direct sales us advertising vast majority big brands pampg already advertising relationships twitter weve transitioned revenue driven average revenue per advertiser noto added order twitter continue growing revenue needs win larger share ad budgets big brands problem twitters audience relatively small compared facebook youtube management boasts twitter reaches 1 billion people around web additional 500 million unique visitors coming owned operated properties every month seems brand advertisers arent buying twitter selling meanwhile facebooks sandberg talks presence super bowl mobile every day last quarter facebook topped 1 billion daily users mobile overall 171 billion people log facebook every month facebook working new ad products big brands well example company rolled canvas ads earlier year format functions similarly instant articles publishers producing fastloading fullscreen ad within facebook app also pushing video ads well experimenting placement within app facebooks scale likely biggest reason pampg doesnt plan pull back overall ad spending company theres sign facebooks user growth slow significantly managed increase daily active users 20 last quarter despite massive scale whats platforms instagram continue grow rapidly instagram added 100 million new users nine months september june reach 500 million total even significantly larger twitters 313 monthly users making attractive big brands facebook might losing pampgs existing ad spend facebook gaining either thats important pampg grow ad spending significant amount first time four years company plans increase ad spending 5 year according wsj article works 360 million additional ad spend reference would equal nearly 2 facebooks total revenue past 12 months almost 15 twitters pampg plans increase spending television commercials overall analysts expect television advertising growth slow significantly digital particular social advertising continues grow rapidly pampgs bucking trend big message digital advertising companies tv still one best platforms reaching large engaged audience twitter facebook working take television twitter signing deals rights live events including 10 thursday night football games coming fall management says early sales ad spots live stream gone well could revenue driver fourth quarter twitter shifting advertisements video believes give access broader advertising market facebook meanwhile offered 50 million contracts publishers celebrities livestream certain amount content every month facebook still hasnt figured exactly going monetize video site recently started experimenting ad breaks middle live streams pampg explicitly said reducing ad spend facebook theres indication twitter see drop ad sales pampg either pampgs decision indicative far social platforms still go take tv either crack digital livestream advertising grow significant audience around theres 180 billion television advertising could grab portion secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window adam levy opens new window owns shares procter gamble motley fool owns shares recommends facebook twitter motley fool recommends procter gamble try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 671 |
<p>At Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL) Sept. 12 product launch event, the company announced the iPhone X. The iPhone X brings a lot of new features to the table, including what the company refers to as a Super Retina HD Display -- Apple marketing speak for the organic light emitting diode, or OLED, based display found on the new device.</p>
<p>During Apple's product launch event, Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller said the Super Retina HD display on the iPhone X is the first OLED-based display to be good enough for an iPhone.</p>
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<p>In particular, he said while OLEDs have traditionally offered advantages in resolution, thinness, and contrast compared to Apple's liquid crystal display (LCD)-based Retina HD displays, they have offered worse brightness, color accuracy, and support for wide color.</p>
<p>Unsurprisingly, Schiller said the display on the iPhone X offers all the advantages of OLEDs while eliminating the drawbacks of other OLED-based displays.</p>
<p>The iPhone X doesn't go on sale for another month, and it'll probably be a little longer than that before we see the likes of DisplayMate publish detailed display performance tests of the device.</p>
<p>So, what I'm going to focus on here isn't verifying that the display on the iPhone X is unequivocally better than the supposedly&#160; <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/09/14/1-apple-inc-iphone-8-mystery-remains.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=9361755a-a462-11e7-9636-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">new LCDs Opens a New Window.</a> on the iPhone 8 and <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/09/26/3-things-i-love-about-the-apple-inc-iphone-8-plus.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=9361755a-a462-11e7-9636-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">iPhone 8 Plus Opens a New Window.</a> (since I have no way of doing that), but instead focus on Apple's claims about the deficiencies of other OLED displays.</p>
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<p>With that in mind, we can finally fact check Apple's claims.</p>
<p>Apple claims that, until now, OLED displays couldn't match the color accuracy of its LCDs. Although it's impossible to find display test results for every OLED screen ever put on a smartphone, it's well known that Samsung (NASDAQOTH: SSNLF) is the best in the mobile OLED display business.</p>
<p>In fact, Samsung is the manufacturer of the OLED screen on the iPhone X.</p>
<p>So, to check Apple's claim, let's look at the detailed display performance results published by DisplayMate to compare the color accuracy of the LCD on the iPhone 7 with that of the OLED panel on the <a href="http://www.displaymate.com/Galaxy_S8_ShootOut_01.htm" type="external">Samsung Galaxy S8 Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>DisplayMate's results indicate that the average color error in the RGB color space on the Galaxy S8's display is 2.3 (lower is better), with the largest error coming in at 4.8.</p>
<p>DisplayMate's testing shows that the average color error in the RGB color space for the <a href="http://www.displaymate.com/iPhone7_ShootOut_1.htm" type="external">iPhone 7 Opens a New Window.</a>'s display is just 1.1, with the maximum color error coming in at 2.8.</p>
<p>Based on DisplayMate's results, I have to say that Apple's claim that previous best-in-class smartphone OLED displays could not match the color accuracy of Apple's iPhone LCDs is true.</p>
<p>With the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, Apple introduced displays that supported a color space, known as DCI-P3, that enabled 25% better color saturation than was possible in the traditional sRGB color space.</p>
<p>DisplayMate's testing shows that the iPhone 7 display was very accurate within the DCI-P3 color space, with an average color error of just 1.0 and maximum color error of 2.6. In fact, these numbers suggest slightly better color accuracy in the wider DCI-P3 color space than in the narrower sRGB color space.</p>
<p>The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus certainly had impressive displays.</p>
<p>But, is it true that best-in-class OLEDs prior to the announcement of the iPhone X didn't support the wider DCI-P3 color space?</p>
<p>Well, according to DisplayMate, the Galaxy S8 display supports what Samsung markets as a Cinema Mode that supposedly covers the DCI-P3 color space. Within that color space, the display on the S8 is not as color accurate as the display on the iPhone 7 -- in fact, both average and maximum color errors within this space are larger in the DCI-P3 color space than in the sRGB color space.</p>
<p>Based on this testing, I would say that Apple's claim is a bit murky. Apple's iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus LCDs certainly were far more color accurate in the DCI-P3 space than the Galaxy S8 display was, but the average color error exhibited by the S8 in the DCI-P3 space is hardly poor.</p>
<p>Apple claims that other OLED-based displays can't quite match the brightness of its Retina HD LCDs.</p>
<p>To fact check this, I once again turn to DisplayMate's test results for the newer <a href="http://www.displaymate.com/Galaxy_S8_ShootOut_01.htm" type="external">Galaxy Note8</a> (which has a brighter display than the Galaxy S8).</p>
<p>Per the testing, with the automatic brightness enabled, the display on the Galaxy Note8 delivers brightness levels of between 575 nits and 1020 nits. By contrast, with automatic brightness enabled, the iPhone 7's display can achieve a brightness of 705 nits.</p>
<p>Interestingly, Apple says the iPhone X's display offers a maximum brightness of 625 nits.</p>
<p>At this point, I'd say that Apple's claims regarding brightness are on shaky ground, though I'll wait for detailed testing of the iPhone X's display by DisplayMate or another similarly reputable set of experts before casing final judgment here.</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of September 5, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFChipFool/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=9361755a-a462-11e7-9636-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Ashraf Eassa Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=9361755a-a462-11e7-9636-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | apples nasdaq aapl sept 12 product launch event company announced iphone x iphone x brings lot new features table including company refers super retina hd display apple marketing speak organic light emitting diode oled based display found new device apples product launch event apple marketing chief phil schiller said super retina hd display iphone x first oledbased display good enough iphone continue reading particular said oleds traditionally offered advantages resolution thinness contrast compared apples liquid crystal display lcdbased retina hd displays offered worse brightness color accuracy support wide color unsurprisingly schiller said display iphone x offers advantages oleds eliminating drawbacks oledbased displays iphone x doesnt go sale another month itll probably little longer see likes displaymate publish detailed display performance tests device im going focus isnt verifying display iphone x unequivocally better supposedly160 new lcds opens new window iphone 8 iphone 8 plus opens new window since way instead focus apples claims deficiencies oled displays advertisement mind finally fact check apples claims apple claims oled displays couldnt match color accuracy lcds although impossible find display test results every oled screen ever put smartphone well known samsung nasdaqoth ssnlf best mobile oled display business fact samsung manufacturer oled screen iphone x check apples claim lets look detailed display performance results published displaymate compare color accuracy lcd iphone 7 oled panel samsung galaxy s8 opens new window displaymates results indicate average color error rgb color space galaxy s8s display 23 lower better largest error coming 48 displaymates testing shows average color error rgb color space iphone 7 opens new windows display 11 maximum color error coming 28 based displaymates results say apples claim previous bestinclass smartphone oled displays could match color accuracy apples iphone lcds true iphone 7 iphone 7 plus apple introduced displays supported color space known dcip3 enabled 25 better color saturation possible traditional srgb color space displaymates testing shows iphone 7 display accurate within dcip3 color space average color error 10 maximum color error 26 fact numbers suggest slightly better color accuracy wider dcip3 color space narrower srgb color space iphone 7 iphone 7 plus certainly impressive displays true bestinclass oleds prior announcement iphone x didnt support wider dcip3 color space well according displaymate galaxy s8 display supports samsung markets cinema mode supposedly covers dcip3 color space within color space display s8 color accurate display iphone 7 fact average maximum color errors within space larger dcip3 color space srgb color space based testing would say apples claim bit murky apples iphone 7 iphone 7 plus lcds certainly far color accurate dcip3 space galaxy s8 display average color error exhibited s8 dcip3 space hardly poor apple claims oledbased displays cant quite match brightness retina hd lcds fact check turn displaymates test results newer galaxy note8 brighter display galaxy s8 per testing automatic brightness enabled display galaxy note8 delivers brightness levels 575 nits 1020 nits contrast automatic brightness enabled iphone 7s display achieve brightness 705 nits interestingly apple says iphone xs display offers maximum brightness 625 nits point id say apples claims regarding brightness shaky ground though ill wait detailed testing iphone xs display displaymate another similarly reputable set experts casing final judgment 10 stocks like better applewhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right apple wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns september 5 2017 ashraf eassa opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends apple motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 602 |
<p />
<p>RUSH: Let me ask you a question. Is it unreasonable, is it unreasonable that President Trump would suspect he’s being spied on? It’s not unreasonable, is it? Telephone calls that he’s made to presidents of other countries have been leaked, transcripts have been leaked.</p>
<p>Greetings, my friends, great to have you here, Rush Limbaugh, and broadcast excellence for three straight hours. Telephone number is 800-282-2882, and the email address, [email protected].</p>
<p>So a lot to try to explain here today, and it all makes sense when it is explained in not just necessarily a timeline format, but just when you provide and when you learn the information of things that are going on, all of this makes sense. It all seems reasonable. It all seems like it could be happening.</p>
<p>We know, for example, that there has been an effort on the part of what I’ve been calling the deep state, this is embedded Obamaites that are in the bureaucracy that have been trying to sabotage and undermine the Trump administration ever since he was elected and through the transition into the inauguration and up to now. I mean, this is undeniable. These various leaks, many of them are criminal. How are people getting this information? How are people acquiring the information that they are disseminating?</p>
<p>I have here, ladies and gentlemen, I went and looked and I’ve got a copy here of the actual New York Times front page on January 20th of this year. And the primary story, the lead story, “Trump Arrives, Set to Assume Power.” But right next to it is this headline: “ <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/19/us/politics/trump-russia-associates-investigation.html?_r=0" type="external">Wiretapped Data Used in Inquiry of Trump Aides</a>.” Well, the New York Times has a story back in January admitting that wiretapped data has been used in an inquiry of Trump aides. And this article goes on to say “intelligence reports based on some of the wiretapped communications had been provided to the White House.”</p>
<p>So it isn’t unreasonable at all for Donald Trump to suspect that he’s being tapped, that his aides are being tapped, at Trump Tower. We know that there were two FISA warrants that were issued starting last summer and then another one in October, and I want to walk you through those as the program unfolds today. It’s kind of unsettling. I mean, you don’t want to think things like this happen, but you know that they do, and so you have to face it. And we are in a polarized circumstance in our country. We are really divided, and the gap is wide.</p>
<p>The partisanship is profound and it’s worsening here, to the point that there isn’t any common ground and crossing the aisle and shaking hands and cooperating. This is a war that’s going to result in somebody winning and somebody losing, within a political context, of course. And what’s new about this one is we have a Republican president for the first time in my lifetime fighting back.</p>
<p>Well, I can’t exclude Ronald Reagan from that. And I actually think a part of this — and I can’t substantiate this, ’cause it goes to motive — but I think part of what President Trump is doing by tweeting out on Saturday that he believes the Obama administration’s wiretapping him, I think he’s not just tweeting to the American public and tweeting to the news media. I think Trump confounds these people because he is always a step or two ahead. Trump plays the long game.</p>
<p>And I think in addition to whatever else these tweets are intended to accomplish, it’s also a direct line to the Democrat Party and Obama and members of the Obama administration that Trump is signaling, “You don’t face the usual feckless bunch of opponents who never fight you back. You’ve got me here, and if you’re gonna start lying about me, if you’re gonna keep lying about me, I’m not gonna sit here and take it.”</p>
<p>Now, why might Trump think that he’s been bugged? Why might he believe that Trump Tower has been bugged? Well, folks, from the moment that Donald Trump won the election back in November, there have been leaks, illegal leaks that were no question damaging. There has been a sabotage effort to undermine Trump and his administration since the election. We’ve talked about it ever since it began. I’ve had various names for it, the deep state, Friday called it silent coup or whatever, but there isn’t any doubt in my mind that this is going on.</p>
<p>The media is complicit in it, that there is an effort to undermine the Trump administration. We have these bought-and-paid-for protests that come up out of nowhere, and they appear instantly. So I think it’s totally reasonable to believe that something like this could be happening. It would be unreasonable to think that this is crazy, unreasonable to think that this is absurd, unreasonable to think that this is nothing more than a big batch of conspiracy theories stitched together for whatever purpose.</p>
<p>We also know that the Obama administration and people in it have a tendency to not shoot straight when asked questions. We know they didn’t tell us the truth about what happened in Benghazi. We know that they lied about who was responsible for it. They knowingly lied. They knew that it was not some obscure video maker that made a movie that irritated Middle East Islamists.</p>
<p>We know that it was a terror attack. They knew that it was a terror attack. And yet for weeks and weeks and weeks Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton and that entire apparatus lied to everybody about it. We know the reason why they lied. It was to protect Obama’s reelection effort in 2012. They lied with Lois Lerner and the IRS and her seizing on the opportunity to deny tax-exempt status to certain conservative fundraising organizations. Fast and Furious. I could go on and on and on here citing to you examples of the Obama administration lying.</p>
<p>We also have countless examples of the Obama administration wiretapping and surveilling people all over the world, including Angela Merkel and Ban Ki-moon at the United Nations. So it’s not unreasonable to think that this could be happening. If you add to it, who are these people? They are liberals, they are leftists, they have a birthright, in their minds, claim to power. They are still shocked and stunned that Trump won this and they can’t come to grips with it.</p>
<p>They are members of a political power that is losing its grip and losing its electoral hold, and they’re in a full-fledged panic, if you ask me. And their total inability to accept their rejection and their repudiation is causing them to lash out in all kinds of ways to try to destroy what they can’t beat at the ballot box.</p>
<p>As I say, it’s unsettling to know that this kind of thing is happening or could happen, but you have to face it. You don’t want to lie to yourself. You know, it’s easy to say, “Wait, even that’s too far out for me.” Some people might say, “I don’t want to –” I know it’s a very uncomfortable place to go, to accept this.</p>
<p>This is one of the ways in which the left gets away with a lot. Much it is so outrageous, people don’t even feel comfortable believing it. ‘Cause once you believe it and once you accept it then there’s almost a call to action to oppose it, to resist it and so forth. So a lot of people just pooh-pooh it away, allegations like Trump’s that Obama or agents of his Regime have wiretapped him or Trump Tower.</p>
<p>Now, it’s interesting, too, if you look at the leftists who have weighed in on this, say, on Twitter, there’s a shift. There’s a shift starting from Saturday to the present on Twitter. Originally it was, “You’re never, ever gonna prove Obama ordered the wiretapping of Trump or Trump Tower. You’re never gonna prove that. You’re never gonna prove anybody did that.” But it started out with the whole thing was false. It was all false; it was a conspiracy theory. It was the ravings of a lunatic, Donald Trump. But now it’s gotten more refined, and now it’s, “You won’t prove Obama did it.”</p>
<p>It started out, “Are you crazy? This is absurd. You guys are sick. You guys are insane. Trump’s an idiot,” and now if you watch the Twitter timeline, it’s, no one will ever prove Obama ordered the wiretapping. Jon Favreau, former Obama administration, warned people in a tweet (summarized), “Hey, be careful about this. Be careful. It’s not a slam dunk to say that Obama didn’t order it. Just because Obama didn’t order it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen,” meaning the wiretapping of the Trump Tower, Trump administration.</p>
<p>Oh, did you see what Nicholas Kristof has tweeted out today, the New York Times? If you doubt the… The Times is fascinating. The whole media is fascinating. The media is saying they are duty-bound to shut Trump’s story down. They are duty-bound to expose it as a fraudulent story. The same people who can’t find any evidence that Trump or his people colluded with the Russians to hack the election, to affect the election1 They can’t find any evidence. They don’t have any duty to slap that down. No, no, no, no, no.</p>
<p>They owe everything they’ve got to try to find something that isn’t there on that. But this, they’re claiming it’s their duty to shut it down. Not investigate it. Not take it seriously. Their duty is to shut it down. Nicholas Kristof in the New York Times tweets, “If you’re in the IRS and if you have a certain president’s tax return that you’d like to leak, my address is,” and he gives the New York Times address. So you have a reporter actually asking for Trump’s tax return to be leaked to him from the IRS. James Comey.</p>
<p>I also find this fascinating. James Comey, the director of the FBI, is said to have asked the Department of Justice to refute Trump’s unproven wiretapping claim. Now, do you remember when a story leaked that Reince Priebus, the chief of staff in the Trump White House…? Remember this headline on CNN? CNN had this gigantic, exclusive story that Reince Priebus called the FBI and asked them to tamp down all these Trump and the Russians and election stories. That was supposedly beyond the pale. “The White House can’t do that!</p>
<p>“You can’t call the Department of Justice and ask them or the FBI and ask them to tell the media to stop this. You can’t call the FBI and have them talk to the Department of Justice and say, ‘Stop leaking,'” and when the truth came out, Reince Priebus didn’t call anybody. Was minding his own business, and the number two at the FBI, Andrew McCabe, came up and told him, “By the way, Reince, there’s nothing to these stories. We’ve looked at ’em.” And Priebus said, “Well, now what do I do with it?” The real news in that story was there is no evidence of any collusion between Trump and his aides and the Russians in affecting the election. That was the news.</p>
<p>Instead, CNN made up something totally out of whole cloth that Reince Priebus was trying to stop an embarrassing story, and had called the FBI to solicit their assistance. Well, why is it okay for Comey to ask the Department of Justice to refute Trump’s claim on wiretapping, why is that perfectly fine? Why is nobody suggesting that this is really beyond the pale for Comey to do this? Why didn’t Comey do it himself? So apparently it’s perfectly fine for Comey to ask the Department of Justice to refute all of these things Trump is saying.</p>
<p>But it was never okay for Reince Priebus to be told by the FBI that there’s nothing to the Russian hacking story and then supposedly ask the FBI to do something about it, which he didn’t do. There’s so many double standards here and there is so much hypocrisy and there’s so much lying. There is so much lying. There is so much going on, so much illegal leaking, so much of an effort to damage, unseat, render, paralyze the Trump presidency.</p> | true | 0 | rush let ask question unreasonable unreasonable president trump would suspect hes spied unreasonable telephone calls hes made presidents countries leaked transcripts leaked greetings friends great rush limbaugh broadcast excellence three straight hours telephone number 8002822882 email address elrushboeibnetus lot try explain today makes sense explained necessarily timeline format provide learn information things going makes sense seems reasonable seems like could happening know example effort part ive calling deep state embedded obamaites bureaucracy trying sabotage undermine trump administration ever since elected transition inauguration mean undeniable various leaks many criminal people getting information people acquiring information disseminating ladies gentlemen went looked ive got copy actual new york times front page january 20th year primary story lead story trump arrives set assume power right next headline wiretapped data used inquiry trump aides well new york times story back january admitting wiretapped data used inquiry trump aides article goes say intelligence reports based wiretapped communications provided white house isnt unreasonable donald trump suspect hes tapped aides tapped trump tower know two fisa warrants issued starting last summer another one october want walk program unfolds today kind unsettling mean dont want think things like happen know face polarized circumstance country really divided gap wide partisanship profound worsening point isnt common ground crossing aisle shaking hands cooperating war thats going result somebody winning somebody losing within political context course whats new one republican president first time lifetime fighting back well cant exclude ronald reagan actually think part cant substantiate cause goes motive think part president trump tweeting saturday believes obama administrations wiretapping think hes tweeting american public tweeting news media think trump confounds people always step two ahead trump plays long game think addition whatever else tweets intended accomplish also direct line democrat party obama members obama administration trump signaling dont face usual feckless bunch opponents never fight back youve got youre gon na start lying youre gon na keep lying im gon na sit take might trump think hes bugged might believe trump tower bugged well folks moment donald trump election back november leaks illegal leaks question damaging sabotage effort undermine trump administration since election weve talked ever since began ive various names deep state friday called silent coup whatever isnt doubt mind going media complicit effort undermine trump administration boughtandpaidfor protests come nowhere appear instantly think totally reasonable believe something like could happening would unreasonable think crazy unreasonable think absurd unreasonable think nothing big batch conspiracy theories stitched together whatever purpose also know obama administration people tendency shoot straight asked questions know didnt tell us truth happened benghazi know lied responsible knowingly lied knew obscure video maker made movie irritated middle east islamists know terror attack knew terror attack yet weeks weeks weeks barack obama hillary clinton entire apparatus lied everybody know reason lied protect obamas reelection effort 2012 lied lois lerner irs seizing opportunity deny taxexempt status certain conservative fundraising organizations fast furious could go citing examples obama administration lying also countless examples obama administration wiretapping surveilling people world including angela merkel ban kimoon united nations unreasonable think could happening add people liberals leftists birthright minds claim power still shocked stunned trump cant come grips members political power losing grip losing electoral hold theyre fullfledged panic ask total inability accept rejection repudiation causing lash kinds ways try destroy cant beat ballot box say unsettling know kind thing happening could happen face dont want lie know easy say wait even thats far people might say dont want know uncomfortable place go accept one ways left gets away lot much outrageous people dont even feel comfortable believing cause believe accept theres almost call action oppose resist forth lot people poohpooh away allegations like trumps obama agents regime wiretapped trump tower interesting look leftists weighed say twitter theres shift theres shift starting saturday present twitter originally youre never ever gon na prove obama ordered wiretapping trump trump tower youre never gon na prove youre never gon na prove anybody started whole thing false false conspiracy theory ravings lunatic donald trump gotten refined wont prove obama started crazy absurd guys sick guys insane trumps idiot watch twitter timeline one ever prove obama ordered wiretapping jon favreau former obama administration warned people tweet summarized hey careful careful slam dunk say obama didnt order obama didnt order doesnt mean didnt happen meaning wiretapping trump tower trump administration oh see nicholas kristof tweeted today new york times doubt times fascinating whole media fascinating media saying dutybound shut trumps story dutybound expose fraudulent story people cant find evidence trump people colluded russians hack election affect election1 cant find evidence dont duty slap owe everything theyve got try find something isnt theyre claiming duty shut investigate take seriously duty shut nicholas kristof new york times tweets youre irs certain presidents tax return youd like leak address gives new york times address reporter actually asking trumps tax return leaked irs james comey also find fascinating james comey director fbi said asked department justice refute trumps unproven wiretapping claim remember story leaked reince priebus chief staff trump white house remember headline cnn cnn gigantic exclusive story reince priebus called fbi asked tamp trump russians election stories supposedly beyond pale white house cant cant call department justice ask fbi ask tell media stop cant call fbi talk department justice say stop leaking truth came reince priebus didnt call anybody minding business number two fbi andrew mccabe came told way reince theres nothing stories weve looked em priebus said well real news story evidence collusion trump aides russians affecting election news instead cnn made something totally whole cloth reince priebus trying stop embarrassing story called fbi solicit assistance well okay comey ask department justice refute trumps claim wiretapping perfectly fine nobody suggesting really beyond pale comey didnt comey apparently perfectly fine comey ask department justice refute things trump saying never okay reince priebus told fbi theres nothing russian hacking story supposedly ask fbi something didnt theres many double standards much hypocrisy theres much lying much lying much going much illegal leaking much effort damage unseat render paralyze trump presidency | 1,003 |
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<p>Image source:Getty Images.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Shares of bothAlnylam Pharmaceuticals andIncyte are down heavily this year. Both biotech stocks have seen some recent lift but may still be bargains at recently depressed prices.</p>
<p>Alnylam has yet to develop its seemingly promising method of silencing troublesome genes into a commercial-stage product, but the company has plenty of candidates in its lineup. Incyte has one commercial-stage drug and some interesting opportunities.</p>
<p>With this in mind, let's look at where the two drugmakers are and where they're going in order to see which one is the better buy.</p>
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<p>Alnylam has recorded annual revenue above $35 million over the past five years, despite a lack of approved products to sell. What it does have are some collaborations agreements with Sanofiand other large companies that pay Alnylam when partnered new drug candidates pass specified milestones.</p>
<p>As you can see, Alnylam's collaboration revenue has been sliding, with less than $30 million recorded over the trailing-12-month period.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/ALNY/revenues_ttm" type="external">ALNY Revenue (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Incyte also receives collaboration-based revenue, but its top line has climbed mainly through sales of its single approved drug, Jakafi, for treatment of rare stem cell disorders.</p>
<p>Jakafi was first approved for treatment of myelofibrosis in 2011, but an expansion to the somewhat larger polycythemia vera population in 2014 has driven its sales much higher.In the first quarter, Jakafi revenue increased 59% over the same period last year, to $183 million, and Incyte expects its sales to reach at least $815 million for the full year.</p>
<p>Incyte may be able to expand Jakafi's addressable population again in the near future to patients suffering from acute graft-versus-host disease. This is an often lethal side effect that arises from donor stem cell transplants. Jakafi's early clinical stage performance in these patients with a dearth of effective options has led the FDA to promise Jakafi an expedited review if future studies to support a graft-versus-host disease application are successful.</p>
<p>Closer to the finish line for Incyte is anEli LIlly-partnered program for a rheumatoid arthritis pill that could add as much as $1 billion annually to Incyte's sales. Lilly filed an FDA application for baricitinib in January, and last month the company revealed results that suggest it can compete with AbbVie's multibillion-per-year treatment, Humira.</p>
<p>Image source: Incyte.</p>
<p>Looking further ahead, Incyte recently began a phase 3 trial with epacadostat in combination with Merck &amp; Co.'sKeytruda. Merck's drug is approved for treatment of skin cancer and works by blocking an immune cell shut-off switch that cancer cells exploit to evade attack. Incyte's experimental epacadostat blocks a different immune shut-off switch, and the two-drug combination could have significant potential.</p>
<p>Last month Incyte and Merck began a phase 3 trial, sharing expenses, that should have some results in 2018. If successful, Incyte's drug could become part of a combination used to treat some advanced-stage skin cancer patients. Incyte's share of sales from such a combination could add more than $150 million annually to the company's top line, and it could encourage further development of epacadostat. Incyte's candidateis also in clinical trials with Bristol-Myers Squibb's Opdivo andRoche's Tecentriq.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Alnylam is in phase 3 trials with twoSanofi-partnered drugs to treathereditary amyloidosis. Patisiran, for treatment of nerve damage, and revusiran, for treatment heart damage caused by the rare genetic condition, could reach peak annual sales of about $700 million and $800 million respectively.</p>
<p>Recently released <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/07/01/why-alnylam-pharmaceuticals-inc-jumped-107-today.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">results Opens a New Window.</a> from phase 2 trials show patisiran has a solid chance of succeeding in phase 3. Data for revusiran was less conclusive due to its immaturity, but it points in the right direction.</p>
<p>Image source: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals.</p>
<p>Beyond these two, Alnylam has another Sanofi-partneredcandidate, fitusiran, for treatment of hemophilia, slated to begin phase 3 trials later this year.</p>
<p>Alnylam has a robust pipeline, but nearly all of its candidates outside the Sanofi collaboration are in very early stages of development.</p>
<p>Alnylam finished the first quarter with about $980 million in cash and marketable securities, which is a nice cushion for a clinical-stage biotech. What has investors concerned is the $96.2 million it spent on R&amp;D, leading to a total reported loss of $116 million over the three-month period.</p>
<p>At this rate, by the time we know if the Sanofi-partnered programs are successes or duds, that cash cushion won't be nearly as comfortable. If patisiran or revusiran flops, Alnylam's other partners might take a step back. The knock-on effect could result in Alnylam funding development of its vast pipeline by selling its own shares, which will in turn shrink investors' potential slice of any future profits and lead to heavy losses.</p>
<p>On the other hand, Jakafi sales are quickly pushing Incyte toward profitability, but the stock isn't cheap. At 18 times trailing sales, it seems the market has already baked in some success for Jakafi and baricitinib.</p>
<p>Despite the premium, a commercial-stage product and another under FDA review make Incyte a much safer place to put your money. That relative safety, combined with epacadostat's potential, gives Incyte's stock an edge over Alnylam's, making it the better buy.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/07/07/better-buy-alnylam-pharmaceuticals-inc-vs-incyte.aspx" type="external">Better Buy: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. vs. Incyte Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/crenauer/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Cory Renauer Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. You can follow Cory on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/follow?screen_name=TMFang4apples" type="external">@TMFang4apples Opens a New Window.</a> or connect with him on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/coryrenauer" type="external">LinkedIn Opens a New Window.</a> for more healthcare industry insight. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/help/index.htm?display=about02" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | image sourcegetty images continue reading shares bothalnylam pharmaceuticals andincyte heavily year biotech stocks seen recent lift may still bargains recently depressed prices alnylam yet develop seemingly promising method silencing troublesome genes commercialstage product company plenty candidates lineup incyte one commercialstage drug interesting opportunities mind lets look two drugmakers theyre going order see one better buy advertisement alnylam recorded annual revenue 35 million past five years despite lack approved products sell collaborations agreements sanofiand large companies pay alnylam partnered new drug candidates pass specified milestones see alnylams collaboration revenue sliding less 30 million recorded trailing12month period alny revenue ttm data ycharts opens new window incyte also receives collaborationbased revenue top line climbed mainly sales single approved drug jakafi treatment rare stem cell disorders jakafi first approved treatment myelofibrosis 2011 expansion somewhat larger polycythemia vera population 2014 driven sales much higherin first quarter jakafi revenue increased 59 period last year 183 million incyte expects sales reach least 815 million full year incyte may able expand jakafis addressable population near future patients suffering acute graftversushost disease often lethal side effect arises donor stem cell transplants jakafis early clinical stage performance patients dearth effective options led fda promise jakafi expedited review future studies support graftversushost disease application successful closer finish line incyte aneli lillypartnered program rheumatoid arthritis pill could add much 1 billion annually incytes sales lilly filed fda application baricitinib january last month company revealed results suggest compete abbvies multibillionperyear treatment humira image source incyte looking ahead incyte recently began phase 3 trial epacadostat combination merck amp coskeytruda mercks drug approved treatment skin cancer works blocking immune cell shutoff switch cancer cells exploit evade attack incytes experimental epacadostat blocks different immune shutoff switch twodrug combination could significant potential last month incyte merck began phase 3 trial sharing expenses results 2018 successful incytes drug could become part combination used treat advancedstage skin cancer patients incytes share sales combination could add 150 million annually companys top line could encourage development epacadostat incytes candidateis also clinical trials bristolmyers squibbs opdivo androches tecentriq meanwhile alnylam phase 3 trials twosanofipartnered drugs treathereditary amyloidosis patisiran treatment nerve damage revusiran treatment heart damage caused rare genetic condition could reach peak annual sales 700 million 800 million respectively recently released results opens new window phase 2 trials show patisiran solid chance succeeding phase 3 data revusiran less conclusive due immaturity points right direction image source alnylam pharmaceuticals beyond two alnylam another sanofipartneredcandidate fitusiran treatment hemophilia slated begin phase 3 trials later year alnylam robust pipeline nearly candidates outside sanofi collaboration early stages development alnylam finished first quarter 980 million cash marketable securities nice cushion clinicalstage biotech investors concerned 962 million spent rampd leading total reported loss 116 million threemonth period rate time know sanofipartnered programs successes duds cash cushion wont nearly comfortable patisiran revusiran flops alnylams partners might take step back knockon effect could result alnylam funding development vast pipeline selling shares turn shrink investors potential slice future profits lead heavy losses hand jakafi sales quickly pushing incyte toward profitability stock isnt cheap 18 times trailing sales seems market already baked success jakafi baricitinib despite premium commercialstage product another fda review make incyte much safer place put money relative safety combined epacadostats potential gives incytes stock edge alnylams making better buy article better buy alnylam pharmaceuticals inc vs incyte opens new window originally appeared foolcom cory renauer opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends alnylam pharmaceuticals follow cory twitter tmfang4apples opens new window connect linkedin opens new window healthcare industry insight try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 632 |
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<p>The term "blue chip stock" carries a connotation of stability, safety, and often a laudable history of profit growth and steadily increasing dividends. If you were to ask someone for examples of a blue chip stock, you'd get names such asGeneral Electric, Coca-Cola, and Johnson &amp; Johnson. However, these companies weren't always the gargantuan pillars of stability they are today. Even the most sainted of stock market names started out as small enterprises.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Enter NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ: NVIDIA), one of the best-performing stocks of the past 12 months and a burgeoning leader in not only high-performance graphics chips but also artificial intelligence. The stock is up more than 300% in the past 12 months and shows no signs of stopping. However, for NVIDIA's true long-term potential to be realized, it will have to become part of an elite group of companies in the upper echelons of corporate America, alongside the likes of Google and Microsoft.</p>
<p>Does NVIDIA have what it takes to become a future blue chip stock?</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
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<p>The past 13 or so months have been extremely good to NVIDIA shareholders. Since Jan. 1, 2016, shares are up some 268%, much of that gain coming in the last quarter of 2016 (fiscal third quarter of 2017), following a fantastic earnings release in October.Total sales exploded 54% to over $2 billion, fueled by gaming graphics cards, data-center applications, and potential developments in the automotive division. Earnings per share rocketed up some 90% year over year, to $0.83 per share.</p>
<p>Fourth-quarter results, released on Feb. 9, were even better. Revenue surged 55% year over year to $2.17 billion, gross margin came in at a healthy 60%, and earnings of $0.99 per share crushed Wall Street estimates of $0.85.</p>
<p>So investors have not only an extremely profitable and growing enterprise on their hands, but also one that has a great deal of future potential. That's a fantastic combination, should the company's management continue to implement on both its vision and the company's offerings. And under the leadership of CEO Jen-Hsun Huang,the company has a history of doing just that.</p>
<p>NVIDIAwas founded in 1993 and went public in January 1999. The company quickly became a success as gaming in the home became more and more commonplace. Now, advanced graphics chips, of which NVIDIA is the No. 1 designer and manufacturer, are now found in most personal computers in the marketplace. NVIDIA's customers now include the biggest names around: Microsoft, HP, Dell, Sony, Apple, and scores of other computer system integrators.</p>
<p>But technology -- particularly hardware designing and manufacturing -- is a tough business to consistently make money in. Price deflation, fierce competition, and the constant need to stay ahead of the next innovation don't lend themselves to consistent profits for shareholders. In this regard, NVIDIA is a laudable outlier. Not only has it continued to grow both revenue and profit year in and year out for the past two decades, but it's also done so while consistently generating above-average returns on invested capital -- a rare thing in corporate America, let alone the technology industry.</p>
<p>NVIDIA's attractiveness as a stock begins to diminish somewhat when one casts an eye toward its current valuation.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/NVDA/pe_ratio" type="external">NVIDIA PE Ratio (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>In addition to a valuation that's priced to perfection, there are questions about NVIDIA's long-term competitive advantages. Does NVIDIA make the best products in the marketplace today? Absolutely. Does it have a unique offering in the burgeoning market of driverless-car computing? You bet.</p>
<p>However, for the company to truly become a blue chip stock, its business needs to become self-sustaining. Its products need to be so commonplace and necessary that it would be inconceivable for the company to not exist. Microsoft has 90% market share of operating systems, Alphabet'sGoogle search engine has a virtual search monopoly in the United States,Procter &amp; Gamble'sTide laundry detergentis found in more laundry rooms in the world than can be counted, and there are scarcely any countries on Earth that don't have Coca-Colareadily available.</p>
<p>NVIDIA certainly has the best graphic chips available, and the demands of virtual-reality gaming alone may mean it has years of growth ahead of it, but consumers simply want their games to work flawlessly, no matter how that gets done. There's nothing to stop a new chip manufacturer to enter the market and steal away NVIDIA's bread and butter. It's simply the nature of the technology industry. Technology itself is forever changing -- and that means businesses need to constantly evolve or else face extinction. It seems that, at best, NVIDIA might become a future Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) -- a chipmaker with a brand name that commands respect and generates fantastic profit -- but one that has to always be on the lookout for competing products as it seeks to roll out new and better offeringsyear after year.</p>
<p>NVIDIA is certainly a fantastic company and may very well continue to be a fantastic stock to own for years to come. Its management is top notch, and its participation in the burgeoning markets of driverlesscars and advanced gaming are intriguing. However, for the company to truly become a blue chip stock, it will need to build a business that's more recurring in nature, and not reliant on continued releases of newer and better products.</p>
<p>That doesn't mean NVIDIA isn't a stock to own; it just means that the odds of one day seeing it as a blue chip stock are low.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than NvidiaWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=ec73ce58-6a38-48e6-b3ec-1cb7ec5fe1a6&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Nvidia wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
<p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=ec73ce58-6a38-48e6-b3ec-1cb7ec5fe1a6&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of February 6, 2017</p>
<p>Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fools board of directors. Teresa Kersten is an employee of LinkedIn and is a member of The Motley Fools Board of Directors. LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFBuckeye/info.aspx" type="external">Sean O'Reilly Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares), Apple, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool owns shares of General Electric and has the following options: long January 2018 $90 calls on Apple and short January 2018 $95 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool recommends Coca-Cola, Intel, and Johnson and Johnson. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | term blue chip stock carries connotation stability safety often laudable history profit growth steadily increasing dividends ask someone examples blue chip stock youd get names asgeneral electric cocacola johnson amp johnson however companies werent always gargantuan pillars stability today even sainted stock market names started small enterprises continue reading enter nvidia corp nasdaq nvidia one bestperforming stocks past 12 months burgeoning leader highperformance graphics chips also artificial intelligence stock 300 past 12 months shows signs stopping however nvidias true longterm potential realized become part elite group companies upper echelons corporate america alongside likes google microsoft nvidia takes become future blue chip stock image source getty images advertisement past 13 months extremely good nvidia shareholders since jan 1 2016 shares 268 much gain coming last quarter 2016 fiscal third quarter 2017 following fantastic earnings release octobertotal sales exploded 54 2 billion fueled gaming graphics cards datacenter applications potential developments automotive division earnings per share rocketed 90 year year 083 per share fourthquarter results released feb 9 even better revenue surged 55 year year 217 billion gross margin came healthy 60 earnings 099 per share crushed wall street estimates 085 investors extremely profitable growing enterprise hands also one great deal future potential thats fantastic combination companys management continue implement vision companys offerings leadership ceo jenhsun huangthe company history nvidiawas founded 1993 went public january 1999 company quickly became success gaming home became commonplace advanced graphics chips nvidia 1 designer manufacturer found personal computers marketplace nvidias customers include biggest names around microsoft hp dell sony apple scores computer system integrators technology particularly hardware designing manufacturing tough business consistently make money price deflation fierce competition constant need stay ahead next innovation dont lend consistent profits shareholders regard nvidia laudable outlier continued grow revenue profit year year past two decades also done consistently generating aboveaverage returns invested capital rare thing corporate america let alone technology industry nvidias attractiveness stock begins diminish somewhat one casts eye toward current valuation nvidia pe ratio ttm data ycharts opens new window addition valuation thats priced perfection questions nvidias longterm competitive advantages nvidia make best products marketplace today absolutely unique offering burgeoning market driverlesscar computing bet however company truly become blue chip stock business needs become selfsustaining products need commonplace necessary would inconceivable company exist microsoft 90 market share operating systems alphabetsgoogle search engine virtual search monopoly united statesprocter amp gamblestide laundry detergentis found laundry rooms world counted scarcely countries earth dont cocacolareadily available nvidia certainly best graphic chips available demands virtualreality gaming alone may mean years growth ahead consumers simply want games work flawlessly matter gets done theres nothing stop new chip manufacturer enter market steal away nvidias bread butter simply nature technology industry technology forever changing means businesses need constantly evolve else face extinction seems best nvidia might become future intel nasdaq intc chipmaker brand name commands respect generates fantastic profit one always lookout competing products seeks roll new better offeringsyear year nvidia certainly fantastic company may well continue fantastic stock years come management top notch participation burgeoning markets driverlesscars advanced gaming intriguing however company truly become blue chip stock need build business thats recurring nature reliant continued releases newer better products doesnt mean nvidia isnt stock means odds one day seeing blue chip stock low 10 stocks like better nvidiawhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right nvidia wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 suzanne frey executive alphabet member motley fools board directors teresa kersten employee linkedin member motley fools board directors linkedin owned microsoft sean oreilly opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends alphabet shares apple nvidia motley fool owns shares general electric following options long january 2018 90 calls apple short january 2018 95 calls apple motley fool recommends cocacola intel johnson johnson motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 669 |
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<p>There are short-term concerns and real risks, but there's opportunity for patient investors. Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Motorcycle stalwart Harley-Davidson Inc(NYSE: HOG) has been the subject of multiple buyout rumors so far this year, and that's caused its stock price to shoot up sharply multiple times at different points. Even after having given back those gains in the days following those rumors, Harley's shares are up nicely so far in 2016, beating a pretty strongS&amp;P 500 in total returns to date:</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/HOG" type="external">HOG</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>And while plenty of stock traders will tell you to "buy the rumor, sell the news," to do so with Harley-Davidson misses the point: It's a high-quality business, and its shares are relatively cheap today.</p>
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<p>On Sept. 21, shares of Harley jumped as much as 7% in midday, following the latest buyout rumors, but by the end of the trading day, the stock had given up about half those gains. It finished up just under 4% following a statement from a Harley spokesperson who dispelled the buyout rumor.</p>
<p>This follows a rumor in late June that the company was going to be taken private, which sent shares up nearly 20% in a single day, only to lose 11% the next trading day when it became apparent the rumors were unfounded. Since peaking on July 1, Harley's shares are down 4%.</p>
<p>In other words, "buying the rumor" and then "selling the news" in both of these situations would have lost the average investor money. However, focusing on the bigger picture and the potential opportunity with Harley could pay off. Keep reading to learn why.</p>
<p>Since peaking in 2014, Harley-Davidson's share price has fallen steadily (before rebounding some this year) as its earnings have flattened. The motorcycle business has grown more competitive in recent years, squeezing Harley's revenue and more recently its margins.Combine a more competitive market with fear that a weak global economy would put pressure on Harley's ability to expand sales outside North America, and investors have largely stayed away from Harley for a couple of years.</p>
<p>And that's created what could be a great opportunity to buy Harley at a pretty cheap valuation, at least based on its historical price to earnings ratio multiple:</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/HOG/pe_ratio" type="external">HOG PE Ratio (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p>
<p>As you can see, Harley shares have typically traded for a higher valuation than they can be bought for today, with the notable exception of the Great Recession, when there was real concern that the company would have trouble remaining solvent.</p>
<p>Which brings us to the one big caveat: Consumer credit exposure.</p>
<p>Harley counts pretty heavily on its in-house finance business to sell motorcycles. And while that's not a bad thing necessarily, it's certainly a risk -- one that could be compounded during an economic recession. If people have to choose between making the house payment or the motorcycle payment, it's pretty easy to know what most people will do. Add in that a growing percentage of its loans are to sub-prime lenders, and investors shouldn't ignore this out of hand.</p>
<p>With many people concerned over the state of the American economy -- that is to say, good but far from great -- and the jobs market, there's a real risk that what is a luxury item for most buyers could get pushed onto the back burner. There's some evidence this is happening, with motorcycle sales being anything but brisk in recent quarters.</p>
<p>Bottom line, there could be some short-term weakness in motorcycle sales, and competition is certainly fierce. But Harley isn't standing still and has significantly increased its marketing spending to help counter some of this pressure. Low interest rates could help prop up sales while the economy trudges along. Furthermore, by most metrics the economy is relatively strong, if not growing at a fast clip. Recent median income data and a strong housing market show that thereissome fundamental strength.</p>
<p>So while betting on rumors and timing is at best a coin-flip, buying Harley-Davidson shares while they are trading below the company's historical valuation range -- and holding them through the current uncertainty and weakness -- is a far more likely way to profit.</p>
<p>It could take time to work out, and the share price could fall before it goes up. But over time, it usually works out to buy into a solid company with strong competitive advantages (like being one of the most recognized brands in the world) when its stock is on sale. Just don't ignore the risks if the economy weakens, and invest according to your comfort with that risk.</p>
<p>A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early in-the-know investors! To be one of them, <a href="http://www.fool.com/mms/mark/ecap-foolcom-apple-wearable?aid=6965&amp;source=irbeditxt0000017&amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable-d&amp;ftm_pit=2691&amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">just click here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/elihpaudio/info.aspx" type="external">Jason Hall Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | shortterm concerns real risks theres opportunity patient investors image source getty images continue reading motorcycle stalwart harleydavidson incnyse hog subject multiple buyout rumors far year thats caused stock price shoot sharply multiple times different points even given back gains days following rumors harleys shares nicely far 2016 beating pretty strongsampp 500 total returns date hog data ycharts opens new window plenty stock traders tell buy rumor sell news harleydavidson misses point highquality business shares relatively cheap today advertisement sept 21 shares harley jumped much 7 midday following latest buyout rumors end trading day stock given half gains finished 4 following statement harley spokesperson dispelled buyout rumor follows rumor late june company going taken private sent shares nearly 20 single day lose 11 next trading day became apparent rumors unfounded since peaking july 1 harleys shares 4 words buying rumor selling news situations would lost average investor money however focusing bigger picture potential opportunity harley could pay keep reading learn since peaking 2014 harleydavidsons share price fallen steadily rebounding year earnings flattened motorcycle business grown competitive recent years squeezing harleys revenue recently marginscombine competitive market fear weak global economy would put pressure harleys ability expand sales outside north america investors largely stayed away harley couple years thats created could great opportunity buy harley pretty cheap valuation least based historical price earnings ratio multiple hog pe ratio ttm data ycharts see harley shares typically traded higher valuation bought today notable exception great recession real concern company would trouble remaining solvent brings us one big caveat consumer credit exposure harley counts pretty heavily inhouse finance business sell motorcycles thats bad thing necessarily certainly risk one could compounded economic recession people choose making house payment motorcycle payment pretty easy know people add growing percentage loans subprime lenders investors shouldnt ignore hand many people concerned state american economy say good far great jobs market theres real risk luxury item buyers could get pushed onto back burner theres evidence happening motorcycle sales anything brisk recent quarters bottom line could shortterm weakness motorcycle sales competition certainly fierce harley isnt standing still significantly increased marketing spending help counter pressure low interest rates could help prop sales economy trudges along furthermore metrics economy relatively strong growing fast clip recent median income data strong housing market show thereissome fundamental strength betting rumors timing best coinflip buying harleydavidson shares trading companys historical valuation range holding current uncertainty weakness far likely way profit could take time work share price could fall goes time usually works buy solid company strong competitive advantages like one recognized brands world stock sale dont ignore risks economy weakens invest according comfort risk secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window jason hall opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 524 |
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<p>Where the big perk of a 401(k) is an employer match, the advantage with an IRA is the flexibility. When you <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/ira/index.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">open an IRA account Opens a New Window.</a> with a major discount brokerage, you'll be able to invest in virtually everything -- stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, and more. But picking the best broker for an IRA can be a chore, as there are thousands of custodians to choose from.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Today we'll examine two of the most popular brokerages, E*Trade and TD Ameritrade, to see how they compare for IRA investors.</p>
<p>Trading costs are just one of many things to consider. TD Ameritrade and E*Trade are priced very similarly for most trades, making the difference perhaps less important than other factors.</p>
<p>Data source: company websites.</p>
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<p>Of course, determining exactly how much you'll pay isn't as simple as looking at the standard commission schedule. Discounts are common in the industry, and savvy investors can collect thousands of dollars in bonuses and free trades by taking advantage of <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/ira/index.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">special offers for IRAs Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>E*Tradeand TD Ameritrade have a lot to offer the fund investor, as both offer thousands of mutual funds and ETFs that you can buy and sell without paying a commission. This table summarizes the differences between these brokers' fund freebies:</p>
<p>Data source: company websites.</p>
<p>The number of funds isn't everything. The type of funds matters, too. For example, E*Trade's commission-free ETF list includes niche offerings that focus on dividends, specific geographies, and individual sectors, for example. TD Ameritrade's commission-free ETFs are more "plain-vanilla" broad index trackers with thousands of underlying stocks and bonds. Depending on your preference, you can make a case that either company wins the advantage here.</p>
<p>You won't find yourself priced out of an IRA due to account minimums. TD Ameritrade andE*Trade feature no-minimum IRAs, so you can start with a balance that you deem appropriate. That said, keep in mind that mutual funds can have their own minimums.</p>
<p>If you prefer to invest in stocks and ETFs, you can get started with less. Enough money to buy a single share of a stock or ETF is enough to make your first investment.</p>
<p>Your change jar can fund your initial deposit in a no-minimum IRA. Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>When it comes to international stocks,E*Trade and TD Ameritrade stick with the pack and only offer trading on U.S. tickers. Thus, investors can invest in foreign companies by way of ADRs, or in companies with dual listings on multiple exchanges, but neither brokerage will route orders to international stock exchanges.</p>
<p>Data source: companies.</p>
<p>The truth is that a <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/ira/index.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">minority of online brokers Opens a New Window.</a> offer the ability to send orders over international borders. As for how this affects you,E*Trade and TD Ameritrade customers will be mostly limited to the largest of foreign companies (which are more likely to have ADRs), and funds or ETFs of foreign stocks and bonds.</p>
<p>You can trade on the go with mobile trading apps for phones and tablets. Here's how each brokers' clients reviewed their mobile applications, as of Jan. 23, 2017:</p>
<p>Data source: relevant app stores.</p>
<p>Routine maintenance and inactivity fees charged by some brokers can drain your balance over time. BothE*Trade and TD Ameritrade can be classified as no-fee IRA brokers, which makes them suitable for accounts of all activity levels and sizes, not just the largest and most active accounts.</p>
<p>We tend to think investors can benefit from having access to free research and tools to help find and manage a portfolio of great investments. Both brokers have a lot to offer the individual investor here.</p>
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<p>10 stocks we like better thanWal-MartWhen investing geniuses David and TomGardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter theyhave run for over a decade, the Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.fool.com/mms/mark/e-sa-bbn-eg?aid=8867&amp;source=isaeditxt0000476&amp;ftm_cam=sa-bbn-evergreen&amp;ftm_pit=6627&amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a>to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*StockAdvisor returns as of December 12, 2016The author(s) may have a position in any stocks mentioned.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFValueMagnet/info.aspx" type="external">Jordan Wathen Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Moody's and TD Ameritrade. The Motley Fool recommends WisdomTree Investments. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | big perk 401k employer match advantage ira flexibility open ira account opens new window major discount brokerage youll able invest virtually everything stocks etfs options mutual funds bonds picking best broker ira chore thousands custodians choose continue reading today well examine two popular brokerages etrade td ameritrade see compare ira investors trading costs one many things consider td ameritrade etrade priced similarly trades making difference perhaps less important factors data source company websites advertisement course determining exactly much youll pay isnt simple looking standard commission schedule discounts common industry savvy investors collect thousands dollars bonuses free trades taking advantage special offers iras opens new window etradeand td ameritrade lot offer fund investor offer thousands mutual funds etfs buy sell without paying commission table summarizes differences brokers fund freebies data source company websites number funds isnt everything type funds matters example etrades commissionfree etf list includes niche offerings focus dividends specific geographies individual sectors example td ameritrades commissionfree etfs plainvanilla broad index trackers thousands underlying stocks bonds depending preference make case either company wins advantage wont find priced ira due account minimums td ameritrade andetrade feature nominimum iras start balance deem appropriate said keep mind mutual funds minimums prefer invest stocks etfs get started less enough money buy single share stock etf enough make first investment change jar fund initial deposit nominimum ira image source getty images comes international stocksetrade td ameritrade stick pack offer trading us tickers thus investors invest foreign companies way adrs companies dual listings multiple exchanges neither brokerage route orders international stock exchanges data source companies truth minority online brokers opens new window offer ability send orders international borders affects youetrade td ameritrade customers mostly limited largest foreign companies likely adrs funds etfs foreign stocks bonds trade go mobile trading apps phones tablets heres brokers clients reviewed mobile applications jan 23 2017 data source relevant app stores routine maintenance inactivity fees charged brokers drain balance time bothetrade td ameritrade classified nofee ira brokers makes suitable accounts activity levels sizes largest active accounts tend think investors benefit access free research tools help find manage portfolio great investments brokers lot offer individual investor td ameritrade andetrade provides insights sampp capital iq credit suisse morningstar among others addition td ameritrades portfolio planner etrades advisor use information input help design portfolios funds meet objectives fit risk profile point weve touched perks expect find account brokers deep research libraries tools truly something everyone truly depending invest either brokerage could good choice individual retirement account differences commissions modest brokers offer thousands free funds biggest difference might funds commissionfree lists realistically isnt perfect brokerage every single person depends brokers pricing offerings fit unique puzzle portfolio clear motley fool endorse particular brokerage help find one good fit take look foolcoms ira center opens new window compare several leading discount brokerages see qualify special offers like cash bonuses commissionfree trades open new account 10 stocks like better thanwalmartwhen investing geniuses david tomgardner stock tip pay listen newsletter theyhave run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tomjust revealed believe ten best stocks opens new windowfor investors buy right walmart wasnt one thats right theythink 10 stocks even better buys click opens new windowto learn picks stockadvisor returns december 12 2016the authors may position stocks mentioned jordan wathen opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends moodys td ameritrade motley fool recommends wisdomtree investments motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 568 |
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<p>So much for polls. Donald J. Trump has conquered long odds and will soon become the 45th&#160;President of the United States.&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/5-fun-financial-facts-donald-trump-1" type="external">President-Elect Trump Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;is now in the process of forming his administration as he prepares to face perhaps the longest odds of all: reuniting a divided nation after an extremely bitter&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/5-fun-financial-facts-presidential-campaign-financing-1" type="external">campaign Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Regardless of which candidate you supported, you must face the future Trump presidency. How is this likely to affect your daily life in an economic sense? Nobody knows for sure — and predictions these days are not worth much — but we can hazard some reasonable assumptions about what might lie ahead.</p>
<p>The immediate reaction of the markets on election night and the next few days was insightful. The shock of an imminent Trump win sent the futures market down more than 700 points. That loss was quickly converted into market gains during the day. The&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/whos-who-in-the-dow-jones" type="external">Dow Jones Industrial Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;Average went on to record highs throughout the rest of the week.</p>
<p>Is the lesson that you should dive heavily into stocks now? Not at all — the main lesson is that the markets will be&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/volatility-101" type="external">volatile Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;for some time while the specifics of President Trump's economic policy become clearer. Paying attention to daily gyrations over the next six months or so will make you a nervous wreck. You should focus on your long-term plan with a diversified mix of investments that meets your needs and&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/how-to-determine-your-risk-tolerance" type="external">tolerance for risk Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;— and if you don't have a plan, develop one now.</p>
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<p>With a president that made his fortune in&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/real-estate-investment-trusts-101" type="external">real estate Opens a New Window.</a>, it stands to reason that he will be sensitive to the&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/rising-rates-cause-mortgage-applications-to-drop/811" type="external">housing market Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;— although he will find housing on a national level to be a greater challenge than his typical projects.</p>
<p>Most signs coming into the election pointed to a gradual rise in interest rates, and that is still likely. The&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/federal-reserve-101" type="external">Federal Reserve Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;may not follow through in December as expected prior to the election, but interest rates are expected to rise soon, based on both expert analyses and recent Fed pronouncements. Higher mortgage rates will naturally follow.</p>
<p>Speaking of the Federal Reserve, President-Elect Trump has often expressed disdain for the Federal Reserve's monetary policies and would prefer a more normalized market. His stated intention to pump money into infrastructure and enact large&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/tax-calculator-based-on-presidential-candidate-plans" type="external">tax cuts Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;are likely to provide the sort of stimulus that drives up inflationary pressures and draws down a tight job market even further — exactly what the Federal Reserve has been waiting for.</p>
<p>In summary, interest rates really are&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/todays-headlines-mortgage-rates-rising-should-you-buy-now/692" type="external">likely to rise Opens a New Window.</a>, but there should still be an interim period where historically low rates remain. Thus, if you've been putting off buying that new house you want, and have the means to act, redouble your efforts to&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/how-we-searched-for-our-homes-infographic" type="external">find the right home Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;now. We're unlikely to see rates skyrocket to dangerous levels — some of us are old enough to remember paying just below double-digit mortgage interest rates for our first home and smiling at our good fortune — but you are likely to save a lot over the long term by locking into a low interest rate as soon as it is feasible for you to do so.</p>
<p>Looking at the nation as a whole, President Trump's tax and infrastructure spending plan – if he can get it through Congress -- makes it more likely that&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/todays-headlines-the-economy-shows-signs-of-life/560" type="external">jobs Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;will be created and wages will rise as more businesses compete for American workers — at least in the near term. Theoretically, this should drive wages up for those employed and provide more opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed in an already tight labor market.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, there is no blanket advice that can be given on how President Trump's policies will affect your personal job and wage situation. Much depends on how President Trump fares in his trade deals. It's fair to say that if you work for a company that depends on exports for most of its income or on foreign raw materials for manufacturing, you have greater concerns of a potential trade war and retaliatory tariffs.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.moneytips.com/todays-headlines-america-gets-a-raise/288" type="external">Wages Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;may well rise across the nation. However, you may need to take pre-emptive action to benefit personally. If your skills are in greater demand, you may have leverage to ask your current employer for a wage increase — but do your homework to assess your value correctly.</p>
<p>It's wise to keep your skills current and at least consider alternatives to your current job. Increased growth may open up new opportunities in your field, or in a field that you would prefer. If you find that your skills are less valuable, it's time to set up a plan to acquire a new skill set.</p>
<p>This advice is valid whether America had elected Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, or Pee Wee Herman on November 8th. Debt is not automatically bad, but it must be&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/help-for-your-debt-management-plan/765" type="external">managed Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;in the context of your overall income and a budget. (Hint to President Trump: This applies at the&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/todays-headlines-dear-mr-or-madam-president/293" type="external">national level Opens a New Window.</a>, too. It will be a challenge for the Trump administration to pay for his policies without driving debt to unthinkable levels.)</p>
<p>Keep your borrowing directed toward lower-rate instruments (i.e. mortgages, which have the added virtue of allowing&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/top-tax-benefits-of-home-ownership" type="external">tax deduction of interest paid Opens a New Window.</a>) and avoid high interest&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/earn-your-credit-card-fee-back-in-rewards" type="external">credit card debt Opens a New Window.</a>. Limit credit card spending to what you can pay off each month to negate high interest, and, if you must carry a balance, stay in touch with&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/how-to-evaluate-a-credit-card-offer" type="external">credit card offers Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;to make the best use of 0% APR introductory offers and/or&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/best-balance-transfer-credit-cards" type="external">balance transfers Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Short-term growth under President Trump's stimulus package may make immediate spending more tempting. Remember that increasing inflation means rising prices, so keep any wage increases you receive in budgetary perspective. In other words, avoid unnecessary spending binges.</p>
<p>President Trump has promised to preserve Social Security, yet his combination of tax cuts and dismantling of most of the Affordable Care Act is likely to put seniors under greater economic pressure.</p>
<p>Prices may rise disproportionately on expenses that have a greater effect on seniors, such as medical costs. Programs that benefit seniors are already struggling with strained budgets and an increased number of retirees to serve. It is increasingly important that you be prepared to&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/how-much-income-will-you-need-for-retirement" type="external">take care of your own retirement Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;to the extent possible.</p>
<p>Take full advantage of&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/401k-basics" type="external">employer 401(k) programs Opens a New Window.</a>, and carve out a place in your budget for a monthly contribution to your retirement. Healthcare and insurance expenses remain a wildcard, so pay close attention to how the system is restructured over the course of the next year — and try to be as pre-emptive with your health as possible to limit your medical expenses regardless of the system.</p>
<p>As surprising as it may sound, from an economic standpoint, your preparations for President Trump should not be much different than they would have been for President Clinton. Your personal situation should have more to do with your planning steps than government actions.&#160; <a href="http://www.moneytips.com/5-fun-financial-facts-hillary-clinton-1" type="external">Hillary Opens a New Window.</a>, of course, is an exception; we don't know if she should prepare for retirement or if Trump will make room in the federal budget for his rival to enjoy room and board at the taxpayers' expense.</p>
<p>This article was provided by our partners at&#160; <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.moneytips.com_todays-2Dheadlines-2D5-2Dthings-2Dyou-2Dshould-2Ddo-2Dto-2Dget-2Dready-2Dfor-2Dour-2Dnew-2Dpresident_864&amp;d=DgMFaQ&amp;c=cnx1hdOQtepEQkpermZGwQ&amp;r=epah7g7zP14gydLLRClcV-oz9TTpFi755MR6_Hqjg0Y&amp;m=Gp8yOkcAQ6AbibsdTgc43XN_4LPVCeWgeVJic788RhA&amp;s=QXW1wHU7r3NVwdSGoVVhMRxJiuwPNUjvK9VblXFEOUU&amp;e=" type="external">moneytips.com Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
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Opens a New Window.</a></p> | true | 0 | much polls donald j trump conquered long odds soon become 45th160president united states160 presidentelect trump opens new window160is process forming administration prepares face perhaps longest odds reuniting divided nation extremely bitter160 campaign opens new window continue reading regardless candidate supported must face future trump presidency likely affect daily life economic sense nobody knows sure predictions days worth much hazard reasonable assumptions might lie ahead immediate reaction markets election night next days insightful shock imminent trump win sent futures market 700 points loss quickly converted market gains day the160 dow jones industrial opens new window160average went record highs throughout rest week lesson dive heavily stocks main lesson markets be160 volatile opens new window160for time specifics president trumps economic policy become clearer paying attention daily gyrations next six months make nervous wreck focus longterm plan diversified mix investments meets needs and160 tolerance risk opens new window160 dont plan develop one advertisement president made fortune in160 real estate opens new window stands reason sensitive the160 housing market opens new window160 although find housing national level greater challenge typical projects signs coming election pointed gradual rise interest rates still likely the160 federal reserve opens new window160may follow december expected prior election interest rates expected rise soon based expert analyses recent fed pronouncements higher mortgage rates naturally follow speaking federal reserve presidentelect trump often expressed disdain federal reserves monetary policies would prefer normalized market stated intention pump money infrastructure enact large160 tax cuts opens new window160are likely provide sort stimulus drives inflationary pressures draws tight job market even exactly federal reserve waiting summary interest rates really are160 likely rise opens new window still interim period historically low rates remain thus youve putting buying new house want means act redouble efforts to160 find right home opens new window160now unlikely see rates skyrocket dangerous levels us old enough remember paying doubledigit mortgage interest rates first home smiling good fortune likely save lot long term locking low interest rate soon feasible looking nation whole president trumps tax infrastructure spending plan get congress makes likely that160 jobs opens new window160will created wages rise businesses compete american workers least near term theoretically drive wages employed provide opportunities unemployed underemployed already tight labor market unfortunately blanket advice given president trumps policies affect personal job wage situation much depends president trump fares trade deals fair say work company depends exports income foreign raw materials manufacturing greater concerns potential trade war retaliatory tariffs wages opens new window160may well rise across nation however may need take preemptive action benefit personally skills greater demand may leverage ask current employer wage increase homework assess value correctly wise keep skills current least consider alternatives current job increased growth may open new opportunities field field would prefer find skills less valuable time set plan acquire new skill set advice valid whether america elected donald trump hillary clinton pee wee herman november 8th debt automatically bad must be160 managed opens new window160in context overall income budget hint president trump applies the160 national level opens new window challenge trump administration pay policies without driving debt unthinkable levels keep borrowing directed toward lowerrate instruments ie mortgages added virtue allowing160 tax deduction interest paid opens new window avoid high interest160 credit card debt opens new window limit credit card spending pay month negate high interest must carry balance stay touch with160 credit card offers opens new window160to make best use 0 apr introductory offers andor160 balance transfers opens new window shortterm growth president trumps stimulus package may make immediate spending tempting remember increasing inflation means rising prices keep wage increases receive budgetary perspective words avoid unnecessary spending binges president trump promised preserve social security yet combination tax cuts dismantling affordable care act likely put seniors greater economic pressure prices may rise disproportionately expenses greater effect seniors medical costs programs benefit seniors already struggling strained budgets increased number retirees serve increasingly important prepared to160 take care retirement opens new window160to extent possible take full advantage of160 employer 401k programs opens new window carve place budget monthly contribution retirement healthcare insurance expenses remain wildcard pay close attention system restructured course next year try preemptive health possible limit medical expenses regardless system surprising may sound economic standpoint preparations president trump much different would president clinton personal situation planning steps government actions160 hillary opens new window course exception dont know prepare retirement trump make room federal budget rival enjoy room board taxpayers expense article provided partners at160 moneytipscom opens new window read moneytips state state infographic opens new window earn credit card fee back rewards opens new window much income need retirement opens new window | 759 |
<p>On Fox News Sunday, Democratic Senator Chris Coons (DE) admitted that, despite his earlier suggestion to the contrary, he knows of no "conclusive proof one way or the other about whether there was collusion between senior levels of the Trump campaign and Russian officials."</p>
<p>The cornerstone of the allegations against Team Trump repeatedly leveled by the Democrats' and their allies in the establishment media is that Trump and his associates were colluding with the Russian government to undermine Hillary Clinton in order to secure Trump's electoral victory. Despite all the innuendo and connect-the-dot assumptions of the left based on known and alleged contact between Team Trump and various Russian officials, however, thus far <a href="" type="internal">no hard evidence</a> of any such collusion has emerged.</p>
<p>Sen. Coons caused a stir on Friday when he suggested that he knew for a fact that the intelligence community had hard evidence one way or the other.</p>
<p>"There are transcripts that provide very helpful, very critical insights into whether or not Russian intelligence and senior Russian political leaders, including Vladimir Putin were cooperating, with colluding with the Trump campaign at the highest levels to influence the outcome of our election," Coons said Friday.</p>
<p>But when pressed by Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace two days later whether or not he knew of any "hard evidence of collusion" from the intelligence community after months of investigations, Sen. Coons "clarified" that he did not.</p>
<p>"Do you have any evidence at this point, in this investigation has been going on for a long period of time," Wallace asked Coons. "We know that the FBI and intelligence sources were looking at this at least in October, because that's when they all came out and said that the Russians were interfering. Do you know of any hard evidence of collusion between what I call 'Trump world' and the Russians to interfere in his presidential campaign? Not suspicions, not contacts, but evidence of collusion."</p>
<p>"Chris, I have no hard evidence of collusion," admitted Coons. "I think what hard evidence there may be will be discovered either through a full release of President Trump's financial interests and concerns and taxes, or the intercepts that I believe our intelligence community and FBI have of conversations between and among Russian officials."</p>
<p>Transcript below provided by <a href="http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2017/03/05/chris_wallace_to_dem_sen_coons_mccarthyism_to_accuse_trump_of_russian_collusion_where_is_evidence.html" type="external">Real Clear Politics</a> (formatting adjusted):</p>
<p>WALLACE: Why would you suggest in that clip that I just played for Senator Cotton that there are FBI transcripts that show, and I want to get your words, "provide very critical insights" in the collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russians? COONS: What I was trying to make clear, Chris, and I appreciate a chance to restate this, is that I don't have, and I don't know of, any conclusive proof one way or the other about whether there was collusion between senior levels of the Trump campaign and Russian officials. But I believe that our intelligence community, which is the most sophisticated in the world, has intercepts, has raw intelligence, and it's important that the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is conducting an investigation be given access to those intercepts, to transcripts of those intercepts, so that they can get to the bottom of this. The American people, Chris, want us to move forward. They want us to work together in Washington and it's important for us to remember that the Russians are our adversaries. Republicans and Democrats, we have different political agendas, different political views, but we can and should work together to make sure that what intelligence there is, is gotten access to by the intelligence committee. And if they’re stonewalled or blocked, that there's a special prosecutor appointed. That’s the point I was trying to make. WALLACE: Senator, I don't think anybody would object to that. But that isn't quite what you said on Friday. I want to replay the clip of what you said on Friday, which is different. Here it is. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) COONS: There are transcripts that provide very helpful, very critical insights into whether or not Russian intelligence and senior Russian political leaders, including Vladimir Putin were cooperating, with colluding with the Trump campaign at the highest levels to influence the outcome of our election. (END VIDEO CLIP) WALLACE: Senator, we’re talking here about the president of the United States. Isn't there more than a whiff of McCarthyism for you as a U.S. senator to say there are transcripts out there that provide insight into whether or not there was collusion, but you don't even know whether they exist? COONS: Well, to be clear, Chris, what I was trying to encourage was that the intelligence committee be given access to the raw intelligence. I’ve been told now that that's going to happen this coming week and I think that's positive and productive. Last week on the floor of the Senate, I joined Republican Senator Marco Rubio in a joint speech to talk about Russian interference, Russia as our adversary and the importance of us working together. At the end of speech, Senator Rubio said, "I won't be part of a witch hunt, and it won’t be part of a cover-up." So, to the extent of those comments, they might be some way misinterpreted as leading to sort of a hyperventilating attitude here in the Senate about this, I apologize for that. That's not what I was trying to do. What I was trying to do, and I think it's important, is to draw the American people to what joins us in common, which is the need for us to get to the bottom of this, to get access to what intelligence there is. I am confident that intelligence exists that is relevant to this question. Not that says there is collusion, and proof of it, that's not what I was trying to say. WALLACE: I want to ask -- COONS: Last week there were -- Chris, last week, there were senior Republicans and President Trump in previous weeks saying there's nothing here. There's nothing to look at. And this was just after Senator Sessions was revealed to either have misspoken or misrepresented his meetings with the Russian ambassador. I think it's in all of our interest for this to be investigated fully, fairly and promptly and for what intelligence exists. And I’m confident that such intelligence exists -- WALLACE: So, Senator -- COONS: -- be made available to the intelligence committee. WALLACE: If I may, I want to talk about the broader story here. Do you have any evidence at this point, in this investigation has been going on for a long period of time. We know that the FBI and intelligence sources were looking at this at least in October, because that's when they all came out and said that the Russians were interfering. Do you know of any hard evidence of collusion between what I call "Trump world" and the Russians to interfere in his presidential campaign? Not suspicions, not contacts, but evidence of collusion. COONS: Chris, I have no hard evidence of collusion. I think what hard evidence there may be will be discovered either through a full release of President Trump's financial interests and concerns and taxes, or the intercepts that I believe our intelligence community and FBI have of conversations between and among Russian officials. And that's why I think it's important for us to get the bottom of this, so we are not still talking about this as an unresolved issue where we don't know the answer months and months from now. WALLACE: But, sir, do you worry that this continued talk about this when we are months into this and there was no evidence of collusion, there's no evidence that any crime or anything untoward was committed -- do you worry that this continues to put this president under a cloud, continues to derail his agenda, or frankly, sir, is that precisely the point? COONS: Well, to be clear, Chris, I’m not the person who forced or coerced in any way Senator Sessions to answer incorrectly or falsely in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee -- (CROSSTALK) WALLACE: We’re going to get to Sessions, I promise to get to Sessions in a moment. Is the point here, to keep this White House from being able to do what it's trying to do by continuing, at this point, evidence-free debate about collusion with the Russians? COONS: That's not my goal, Chris. I recently met with the new commerce secretary just on Thursday, to sit down with him and say I’m on the relevant subcommittee that appropriates the Commerce Department's funding. I would like to work with you and manufacturing policy. I think we can do things to get back to focusing on growing our economy and growing manufacturing jobs. Chris, you know me, and I think you'd recognize that I’m someone who is willing to work across the aisle. My goal here is to make sure that we defend our democracy. It's outrageous to suggest that we shouldn't investigate thoroughly and fully what are credible allegations of Russian interference in our election.</p> | true | 0 | fox news sunday democratic senator chris coons de admitted despite earlier suggestion contrary knows conclusive proof one way whether collusion senior levels trump campaign russian officials cornerstone allegations team trump repeatedly leveled democrats allies establishment media trump associates colluding russian government undermine hillary clinton order secure trumps electoral victory despite innuendo connectthedot assumptions left based known alleged contact team trump various russian officials however thus far hard evidence collusion emerged sen coons caused stir friday suggested knew fact intelligence community hard evidence one way transcripts provide helpful critical insights whether russian intelligence senior russian political leaders including vladimir putin cooperating colluding trump campaign highest levels influence outcome election coons said friday pressed fox news sunday host chris wallace two days later whether knew hard evidence collusion intelligence community months investigations sen coons clarified evidence point investigation going long period time wallace asked coons know fbi intelligence sources looking least october thats came said russians interfering know hard evidence collusion call trump world russians interfere presidential campaign suspicions contacts evidence collusion chris hard evidence collusion admitted coons think hard evidence may discovered either full release president trumps financial interests concerns taxes intercepts believe intelligence community fbi conversations among russian officials transcript provided real clear politics formatting adjusted wallace would suggest clip played senator cotton fbi transcripts show want get words provide critical insights collusion trump campaign russians coons trying make clear chris appreciate chance restate dont dont know conclusive proof one way whether collusion senior levels trump campaign russian officials believe intelligence community sophisticated world intercepts raw intelligence important senate intelligence committee conducting investigation given access intercepts transcripts intercepts get bottom american people chris want us move forward want us work together washington important us remember russians adversaries republicans democrats different political agendas different political views work together make sure intelligence gotten access intelligence committee theyre stonewalled blocked theres special prosecutor appointed thats point trying make wallace senator dont think anybody would object isnt quite said friday want replay clip said friday different begin video clip coons transcripts provide helpful critical insights whether russian intelligence senior russian political leaders including vladimir putin cooperating colluding trump campaign highest levels influence outcome election end video clip wallace senator talking president united states isnt whiff mccarthyism us senator say transcripts provide insight whether collusion dont even know whether exist coons well clear chris trying encourage intelligence committee given access raw intelligence ive told thats going happen coming week think thats positive productive last week floor senate joined republican senator marco rubio joint speech talk russian interference russia adversary importance us working together end speech senator rubio said wont part witch hunt wont part coverup extent comments might way misinterpreted leading sort hyperventilating attitude senate apologize thats trying trying think important draw american people joins us common need us get bottom get access intelligence confident intelligence exists relevant question says collusion proof thats trying say wallace want ask coons last week chris last week senior republicans president trump previous weeks saying theres nothing theres nothing look senator sessions revealed either misspoken misrepresented meetings russian ambassador think interest investigated fully fairly promptly intelligence exists im confident intelligence exists wallace senator coons made available intelligence committee wallace may want talk broader story evidence point investigation going long period time know fbi intelligence sources looking least october thats came said russians interfering know hard evidence collusion call trump world russians interfere presidential campaign suspicions contacts evidence collusion coons chris hard evidence collusion think hard evidence may discovered either full release president trumps financial interests concerns taxes intercepts believe intelligence community fbi conversations among russian officials thats think important us get bottom still talking unresolved issue dont know answer months months wallace sir worry continued talk months evidence collusion theres evidence crime anything untoward committed worry continues put president cloud continues derail agenda frankly sir precisely point coons well clear chris im person forced coerced way senator sessions answer incorrectly falsely front senate judiciary committee crosstalk wallace going get sessions promise get sessions moment point keep white house able trying continuing point evidencefree debate collusion russians coons thats goal chris recently met new commerce secretary thursday sit say im relevant subcommittee appropriates commerce departments funding would like work manufacturing policy think things get back focusing growing economy growing manufacturing jobs chris know think youd recognize im someone willing work across aisle goal make sure defend democracy outrageous suggest shouldnt investigate thoroughly fully credible allegations russian interference election | 738 |
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<p>Author Robert A. Heinlein autographing books at the 1976 World Science Fiction Convention in Kansas City, Mo. Image source: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:RAHeinlein_autographing_Midamericon_ddb-371-14.jpg#/media/File:RAHeinlein_autographing_Midamericon_ddb-371-14.jpg" type="external">Wikimedia Commons Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>The past five years have been amazing for <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/18/elon-musk-tells-you-his-plan-for-mars.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Elon Musk Opens a New Window.</a> and his several companies. Over the course of five short years, his SpaceX space launch venture has sent the first privately owned spacecraft to dock with the International Space Station, landed a Falcon 9 rocket (on land and at sea), won a $2.6 billion commercial crew contract from NASA, and announced a plan to put a man on Mars.</p>
<p>At Tesla Motors , Musk launched the Model S electric car -- at one time the best-rated car in Consumer Reports history -- then followed that up with the introduction of a Model X electric SUV, and most recently, received more than 400,000 pre-orders for the Tesla Model 3 sedan, Tesla's first mass-market "affordable" electric car. And indeed, even Musk's SolarCitysolar power business has racked up some accomplishments. SolarCity began with an IPO at $8 per share in December 2012 and rocketed more than 10 times higher barely a year later. More recently, SolarCity has become famous for a much-maligned proposed buyout -- but one that could help secure its future <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/29/solarcity-stock-upgraded-at-last-here-are-3-things.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">for years to come Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>There is one thing Musk has failed to accomplish, however.</p>
<p>Despite all the above, he didn't repeat his 2011 win of the Heinlein Prize. That honor went to his rival, <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/11/30/battle-of-the-billionaires-how-jeff-bezos-and-blue.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Amazon.com CEO and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>The Heinlein Prize Trust announced on June 21 that it is awarding its commercial space award to Bezos "for his vision and leadership in commercial space activities that have led to historic firsts and reusability in the commercial spaceflight industry."</p>
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<p>Five years ago, Elon Musk became the second-ever winner of the Heinlein Prize Trust's coveted award for "progress in commercial space activities that advances [the] dream of humanity's future in space," given in recognition of his accomplishment for putting the world's first privately built rocket in orbit. Five years later (the prize is awarded once every five years), Jeff Bezos has taken the prize -- for putting a different rocket not in orbit.</p>
<p>As explained in the Heinlein Prize's press release, Bezos won for developing a "commercially financed line of engines that pave the way to reusability in space transportation" and for using these engines (dubbed BE-3) to send Blue Origin's suborbital New Shepard rocket "into space and then land vertically upon the Earth."</p>
<p>SpaceX fans will doubtless insist this was no big deal. New Shepard may have made it into space, but it never achieved speeds fast enough to stay there before returning to land. Nevertheless, this was the first time a powered space-to-Earth landing had ever been accomplished, and Blue Origin has since <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/11/when-will-spacex-catch-up-to-blue-origin-in-rocket.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">repeated it multiple times Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>In short, Bezos won the Heinlein Prize fair and square -- but it isn't the biggest prize he's won. In fact, Blue Origin's really big win is something barely mentioned in the Heinlein Prize's press release: "Blue Origin reached a commercial agreement with a private launch company to develop the BE-4 engine which could be used to power the next generation of U.S. launch vehicles."</p>
<p>The old adage was put into practice last summer, when Lockheed Martin tapped Blue Origin to "expand production capabilities for the American-made BE-4 engine that will power the Vulcan." Vulcan, as you will recall, is the new rocket that Lockheed and Boeing are building to replace United Launch Alliance's (ULA) Atlas V line of space rockets -- and compete with SpaceX's cheaper Falcon line of rockets.</p>
<p>Because Boeing and Lockheed Martin focus their space efforts on building rocket ships, they generally outsource engine work to subcontractors. On Vulcan, Aerojet Rocketdyne is building one possible engine variant, while Blue Origin is building another -- and by all indications, Blue Origin's BE-4 is the engine Boeing and Lockheed <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/09/16/why-is-lockheed-martin-cozying-up-to-jeff-bezos-no.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">would prefer to use in ULA's new rocket Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>So what does this mean for Blue Origin? Jeff Bezos is building Blue Origin up as a space tourism company that will fly tourists to the edge of space, then return them safely -- for a tidy fee. Ultimately though, Bezos intends Blue Origin to become a true orbital space launch company that will rival both SpaceX and ULA. (In fact, just this week Blue Origin broke ground on a new factory to build "orbital vehicles.")</p>
<p>Through its BE-4 contract with ULA, Blue Origin is killing two birds with one rock(et). It's developing an engine powerful enough to give its own rocket ships true orbital velocity that will permit spaceflight. At the same time, it's generating revenue from sales of this engine to ULA -- revenue that it can then reinvest in its own business to further its own spaceflight efforts.</p>
<p>Spaceflight, not just suborbital flight -- that's the real prize for Blue Origin. And it's starting to look like it's going to win it.</p>
<p>Blue Origin could blast into orbit on a red-hot tail of BE-4 engine revenue from United Launch Alliance. Image source: <a href="https://www.blueorigin.com/be4" type="external">Blue Origin Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/07/04/eat-your-heart-out-spacex-blue-origin-takes-the-pr.aspx" type="external">Eat Your Heart Out, SpaceX. Blue Origin Takes the Prize Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFDitty/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Rich Smith Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned.You can find him on <a href="http://caps.fool.com/?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Motley Fool CAPS Opens a New Window.</a>, publicly pontificating under the handle <a href="http://caps.fool.com/ViewPlayer.aspx?t=01002844399633209838&amp;source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">TMFDitty Opens a New Window.</a>, where he's currently ranked No. 278 out of more than 75,000 rated members.The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends SolarCity and Tesla Motors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/help/index.htm?display=about02" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | author robert heinlein autographing books 1976 world science fiction convention kansas city mo image source wikimedia commons opens new window continue reading past five years amazing elon musk opens new window several companies course five short years spacex space launch venture sent first privately owned spacecraft dock international space station landed falcon 9 rocket land sea 26 billion commercial crew contract nasa announced plan put man mars tesla motors musk launched model electric car one time bestrated car consumer reports history followed introduction model x electric suv recently received 400000 preorders tesla model 3 sedan teslas first massmarket affordable electric car indeed even musks solarcitysolar power business racked accomplishments solarcity began ipo 8 per share december 2012 rocketed 10 times higher barely year later recently solarcity become famous muchmaligned proposed buyout one could help secure future years come opens new window one thing musk failed accomplish however despite didnt repeat 2011 win heinlein prize honor went rival amazoncom ceo blue origin founder jeff bezos opens new window heinlein prize trust announced june 21 awarding commercial space award bezos vision leadership commercial space activities led historic firsts reusability commercial spaceflight industry advertisement five years ago elon musk became secondever winner heinlein prize trusts coveted award progress commercial space activities advances dream humanitys future space given recognition accomplishment putting worlds first privately built rocket orbit five years later prize awarded every five years jeff bezos taken prize putting different rocket orbit explained heinlein prizes press release bezos developing commercially financed line engines pave way reusability space transportation using engines dubbed be3 send blue origins suborbital new shepard rocket space land vertically upon earth spacex fans doubtless insist big deal new shepard may made space never achieved speeds fast enough stay returning land nevertheless first time powered spacetoearth landing ever accomplished blue origin since repeated multiple times opens new window short bezos heinlein prize fair square isnt biggest prize hes fact blue origins really big win something barely mentioned heinlein prizes press release blue origin reached commercial agreement private launch company develop be4 engine could used power next generation us launch vehicles old adage put practice last summer lockheed martin tapped blue origin expand production capabilities americanmade be4 engine power vulcan vulcan recall new rocket lockheed boeing building replace united launch alliances ula atlas v line space rockets compete spacexs cheaper falcon line rockets boeing lockheed martin focus space efforts building rocket ships generally outsource engine work subcontractors vulcan aerojet rocketdyne building one possible engine variant blue origin building another indications blue origins be4 engine boeing lockheed would prefer use ulas new rocket opens new window mean blue origin jeff bezos building blue origin space tourism company fly tourists edge space return safely tidy fee ultimately though bezos intends blue origin become true orbital space launch company rival spacex ula fact week blue origin broke ground new factory build orbital vehicles be4 contract ula blue origin killing two birds one rocket developing engine powerful enough give rocket ships true orbital velocity permit spaceflight time generating revenue sales engine ula revenue reinvest business spaceflight efforts spaceflight suborbital flight thats real prize blue origin starting look like going win blue origin could blast orbit redhot tail be4 engine revenue united launch alliance image source blue origin opens new window article eat heart spacex blue origin takes prize opens new window originally appeared foolcom rich smith opens new window position stocks mentionedyou find motley fool caps opens new window publicly pontificating handle tmfditty opens new window hes currently ranked 278 75000 rated membersthe motley fool owns shares recommends solarcity tesla motors try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 643 |
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<p><a href="http://www.redflagnews.com/headlines/putin-sends-a-letter-to-americans" type="external">September 07, 2013</a>&#160;</p>
<p>THIS “LETTER” CAN BE FOUND AT ITS ORIGINAL POST BY BREITBART EDITORS VIA&#160; <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2013/09/03/Inside-the-mind-putin" type="external">BREITBART.COM</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2013/09/03/Inside-the-mind-putin" type="external">(by “VLADIMIR VLADIMIROVICH PUTIN”,&#160;BREITBART.COM) —</a>&#160;&#160;How do I put this politely? You Americans are dumb. Today, Russia and America are fighting each other over fighting the Muslim radicals. Instead, we should be&#160;uniting&#160;to crush these violent Islamists, once and for all.</p>
<p>You Americans want to remove my ally, the Syrian leader Bashar Al-Assad. To borrow a phrase from your John F. Kennedy, Assad may be a son-of-a-bitch, but he’s&#160;my&#160;son-of-a-bitch.</p>
<p>So if you want to destroy him, what are you going to give me in return? If your answer is, “We will give you nothing,” well, why would I ever agree to that? That’s not negotiation, that’s dictation; it’s a return to the bad Yeltsin days, when Holy Mother Russia was pushed into the mud like a used whore.</p>
<p>Look, I’ll be the first to say that Obama’s “red line” comment was dumb. It’s obvious he hadn’t thought it through; one can see it in the words he used to express his policy. He said that the “red line” would be crossed if&#160; <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/obama-issues-syria-red-line-warning-on-chemical-weapons/2012/08/20/ba5d26ec-eaf7-11e1-b811-09036bcb182b_story.html" type="external">“a whole bunch”</a>&#160;of chemical weapons were used. What kind of language is that? How does one quantify a “whole bunch”? This is the President of the High-and-Mighty United States, and he’s talking like a schoolboy? All for this silliness over sarin in Syria?</p>
<p>Do I think that Assad did it? Gassed those people? I don’t know; I’ve never asked him. He’s certainly capable of it, and yet only the Americans think that the case against Assad is a “slam dunk.” Everyone else agrees that the case is murky. Everyone else follows the first rule of intelligence-gathering: Consider the source–namely, the pro-rebel media. In this instance, the rebels were losing, and then they got “gassed”–and now Uncle Sam is rushing to their side. How convenient.</p>
<p>The Romans, who knew something about both imperialism and trickery, always asked,cui bono–who benefits? Well, the beneficiaries in this episode are the rebels–also known as Al Qaeda. Way to go, Americans!</p>
<p>So let’s check some other news items: Here’s a June 6 item from a&#160; <a href="http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/151261/russia-asks-turkey-for-info-on-sarin-terrorists.html" type="external">Turkish newspaper</a>&#160;reporting on “the case of Syrian rebels who were seized on the Turkish-Syrian border with two kilograms of sarin.” And it’s not just the Turks:&#160; <a href="http://www.policymic.com/articles/61295/media-tells-us-that-syria-used-chemical-weapon-but-look-what-the-un-says" type="external">Carla Del Ponte</a>, the Swiss-born former UN Prosecutor for War Crime Tribunals, has echoed those same charges against the rebels. They’re the bad guys!</p>
<p>Yet could this evidence against the rebels all be Russian disinformation? Hey, we’re good, but not&#160;that&#160;good.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, go ahead: Look for this information in your mainstream American media–your so-called “free press.” You can barely find it. Yankee lapdog reporters will cover everything that Obama says, and everything that John McCain says, but they won’t send reporters to warzones to go and actually figure out what happened.</p>
<p>Nor will American “presstitutes” remind their people of their own country’s history of helping the Iraqis use poison gas, all the time, in the 80s.</p>
<p>Yes, American reporters are sheep. They try to figure out what Obama wants them to write, and then they write it. Or if Obama doesn’t have a clear line on some topic–which is often–they look over the shoulder of the reporter next to them and copy that. Like I said, sheep.</p>
<p>The result is a herd mentality, showing no understanding of what true necessity truly looks like.</p>
<p>Here’s an example of a real “red line”: It’s June 24, 1812, and Napoleon Bonaparte, having conquered all of continental Europe, is now leading a half-million soldiers across the Neman River, invading Russia, heading straight for Moscow. Six months later, Napoleon retreats in disastrous defeat, but only after he burns our sacred capital and leaves 200,000 Russians dead in battle. Now&#160;that’s&#160;a red-line situation.</p>
<p>But even the Czars, those blockheads, weren’t dumb enough to send Russian forces halfway around the world because someone wasn’t being nice to someone else.</p>
<p>So in my time, I can hardly get worked up over Assad using poison gas–if he did. Dead is dead, I say. In any case, Assad is adhering to the first rule of a leader:&#160;Stay in power. And so you do what it takes.</p>
<p>In fact, I’m not against gas warfare; I’m&#160;for&#160;gas warfare, if that’s what it takes. For example, I would love to gas the Chechens–all 1.2 million of them. They are like cockroaches, murderous Muslim cockroaches, and if the Chechens had done to Americans&#160; <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324763404578432653304233858.html" type="external">what they have done to Russians</a>, maybe the US public would want to join with us.&#160;Oh wait, they have: The Boston Bombers, those Tsarnaev brothers, were Chechens. You took them in–against our advice. You put them on welfare for a decade, ignored our intelligence warnings, and then they terror-bomb you. The Chechens deserve to be fumigated.&#160;As an aside, what’s wrong with your media? They seem like “useful idiots”–to borrow Lenin’s phrase–for the terrorists. That&#160;Rolling Stone&#160;cover? Really? That would never happen in Russia.</p>
<p>In addition, there are another billion or more Muslims to the south of Russia–and a lot of them are trouble, too. Indeed, Russia has been fighting Muslims all across Central Asia for centuries. It’s not easy.</p>
<p>But the American leaders don’t seem to understand any of this. They are lost in their silly theories about liberation, human rights–all that nonsense. They don’t see that the struggle with radical Islam is a war, pure and simple. It’s a war that should unite all the civilized countries of the world. I didn’t say “democratic,” I said “civilized.”</p>
<p>One Western journalist who at least begins to understand where I’m coming from is&#160;The New York Times’&#160; <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/29/world/middleeast/putin-on-syria.html" type="external">Steven Lee Myers</a>. In his report of August 28, Myers accurately describes the Putin view of what’s been going on in the Middle East:</p>
<p>“In his view, the United States and its partners have unleashed the forces of extremism in country after country in the Middle East by forcing or advocating change in leadership — from Iraq to Libya, Egypt to Syria.”</p>
<p>That’s right. Over the last 15 years, from Clinton to Bush 43 to Obama, America has stirred up all the hornet-nests in the Middle East. For the most part, those angry hornets are far away from the US, but those insects are on Russia’s southern border–starting with those lousy Chechens.</p>
<p>And it’s not just the Americans stirring things up; it’s flunky-countries, too. It still kills me to think back to what British Prime Minister&#160; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2001/oct/02/labourconference.labour7" type="external">Tony Blair</a>&#160;said just a few weeks after 9-11. In a speech that made the Americans swoon, Blair chose to regard all the coming wars as a great opportunity for international do-gooding.</p>
<p>After talking up the importance of “freedom,” Blair cited all needy peoples of the Muslim world and declared, “They, too, are our cause.” What kind of bull is that? Radical Muslims kill you, and so you want to go help them? Put them on welfare? America put its blacks on welfare, and were they grateful? Did they become less violent? Yet in Blair’s mind, these same Muslims were supposed to be grateful for all this “help.” That was the theory.</p>
<p>Then Blair concluded with these lines:</p>
<p>“This is a moment to seize. The kaleidoscope has been shaken. The pieces are in flux. Soon they will settle again. Before they do, let us re-order this world around us.”</p>
<p>And of course, that’s what Blair and Bush did–they reordered the Muslim world. But not in a good way. They made it much worse!</p>
<p>Look, I’m a conservative. I have my imperial ambitions, to be sure, but the last thing I want to do is send all the pieces of the world-kaleidoscope fluxing around. We’ve had enough gratuitous messing things up in our own history, whether by Ivan the Terrible or Comrade Stalin. I want order–Russian Orthodox order.</p>
<p>So I’ve been predicting, all along, that the Bush-Blair crusade wouldn’t work–and I’ve been right, all along. A&#160; <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/01/us-syria-crisis-russia-g20-analysis-idUSBRE98007P20130901" type="external">Reuters reporter</a>&#160;quoted me as saying on September 1:</p>
<p>“We need to remember what’s happened in the last decade, the number of times the United States has initiated armed conflicts in various parts of the world. Has it solved a single problem?”&#160;</p>
<p>And the answer, of course, is “no.” The US made things worse. Today, look at Syria.</p>
<p>Indeed, by my count, the US has led six major interventions in the Muslim Asia and Africa over the last 30 years: Reagan in Lebanon, Bush 41 and Clinton in Somalia, Bush 43 in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Obama in Libya and Egypt. None of them have worked out well. And so now, Syria!</p>
<p>Needless to say, I’m happy to see the Americans make fools of themselves once again. Anything that weakens Uncle Sam helps Mother Russia.</p>
<p>Yet even so, after all this, I could be persuaded to make a deal with Obama on Syria. Other US presidents have done just that; they have gone over the heads of the crummy little countries they were fighting in some benighted corner of the world, and reached a war-ending agreement with us Russians.</p>
<p>That’s what Nixon did with Brezhnev in May 1972, as Vietnam was still raging. He said, in effect,&#160;I need to get out of this stupid war, but I must look tough so I get re-elected. So you Russians, pretty please, look the other way while I bomb the crap out of the North Vietnamese. So the US can stand tall on its way out of Vietnam, secure a&#160; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Decent-Interval-Insiders-Indecent-Strategy/dp/0700612130/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1378173914&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=decent+interval" type="external">“decent interval,”</a>&#160;and not obviously lose our honor. And then we’ll owe you one.&#160;</p>
<p>Brezhnev went along, Nixon bombed and then got out, and the result was “detente,” a notable warming of US-Soviet relations in the 1970s.</p>
<p>So that’s the kind of deal that Obama could make with me today on Syria. Coincidentally, he’s coming this week to St. Petersburg for the G-20 Summit; we could easily peel off some time and figure out how to solve the Syria question.</p>
<p>Yet once again, Obama would have to give me something in return. What would it be? A free rein in Chechyna? A blind eye toward the incremental reclaiming of lost Soviet territories, back into the Russian Motherland? Or just a simple bribe? Who knows. I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.</p>
<p>But that rendezvous at the bridge almost certainly won’t happen, because Obama doesn’t seem to think he needs me for anything.</p>
<p>Indeed, he is going out of his way to stick his finger in my eye: Just on Monday, we learned that the President is going to be meeting with&#160; <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/maxseddon/obama-to-meet-with-russian-activists-on-g20-sidelines" type="external">“gay”</a>&#160;groups while in Russia, as a not-so-subtle statement against recent Russia’s anti-homosexuality crackdown. He is meeting with my enemies! Right in my own country! I don’t do that to him. I don’t come to America to meet with, say, the National Rifle Association.</p>
<p>Yes, Obama would rather cultivate the worldwide “gay” constituency than work with me to solve Syria. The Americans still think they can have it all: They think they can clobber Assad in Damascus, snub me here in Russia, and pander to their liberal sexual constituencies.</p>
<p>In other words, they get everything, and we get nothing. The Americans have had it so good for so long that it just doesn’t occur to them that they might have to make some tradeoffs.</p>
<p>We Russians know about tradeoffs. Back during the Great Patriotic War, in ’42, the Nazis were besieging both Leningrad and Stalingrad. The Red Army had to manage its resources: Do we seek to relieve Leningrad in the north and keep a million people from starving, or do we relieve Stalingrad in the south and keep the Hitlerites from capturing our oil resources? We did the latter, of course, and not only did we save the Hero City of Stalingrad, but we wiped out the entire German Sixth Army.</p>
<p>So yes, it was a tough tradeoff, the kind you have to make when you need to win. Hundreds of thousands in Leningrad died–including my uncle–but the tide of the war was shifted, and the USSR was saved.</p>
<p>Today, of course, I will make it my business to see to it that Obama gets none of what he wants. I will help Assad, I will subdue the homosexuals here in Russia, and I will be still be in power when Obama is laughed off the world stage.</p>
<p>Yet while I will savor the prospect of humiliating Obama, I still lament the lost opportunity–the lost opportunity to focus on the real enemy, which is Islamic radicalism. We can deal with Saudi Arabia, that’s for sure–but even they have trouble with the crazies. They would be glad to have our help. But we should do it together, so that one party doesn’t come to dominate.</p>
<p>The Americans, the Europeans, the Israelis, the Christian Africans, the Chinese, and the Indians all have something in common with us: The jihadis are our collective enemy. From Nigeria to Libya, from Syria to Chechnya, we see terrorism and strife.</p>
<p>That’s the bad news. The good news is that we can manage this problem–again, if we work together. Let’s look at the globe. The truth is that we have Islam surrounded: east, west, south and north. So we, the civilized people, should make a deal.</p>
<p>For starters, let Russia reoccupy the Central Asian states–the five&#160; <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Asia" type="external">“Stans”</a>–that broke away during Russia’s most recent time of troubles, in the early 90s.</p>
<p>In return, I will turn Assad over to his fate, and so will the Chinese. Why? Because the Chinese are cursed with 50 million or so Muslims in their westernmost province, Xinjiang, which is right next to Russia. So as part of the same deal, the Chinese get to suppress–I guess that’s the nice way of putting it–their restive Muslims.</p>
<p>Wait, there’s more. Under this new deal, the Israelis can do what they want with the Palestinians. My fellow ex-Soviet citizen,&#160; <a href="http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/ALieberman.html" type="external">Avigdor Lieberman</a>, the former foreign minister of Israel–he gets this. And he’s still close to Bibi.</p>
<p>And together, we can all deal with those two most troublesome nations: Iran and Pakistan.</p>
<p>Iran is a lot closer to Russia than it is to America–I don’t want those nuts to have nuclear weapons! But I have defended Iran to keep the Americans from filling the space instead. I’d rather have the ayatollahs in Tehran than a hostile US Army, bent on still more “liberation.”</p>
<p>As for Pakistan, the Americans are&#160; <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/top-secret-us-intelligence-files-show-new-levels-of-distrust-of-pakistan/2013/09/02/e19d03c2-11bf-11e3-b630-36617ca6640f_story.html" type="external">only beginning to figure out how badly they have been played</a>&#160;by those guys. All along, the Pakistanis have using all their US foreign-aid money to boost the Taliban.</p>
<p>Those Americans–they thought they were so cool for helping to push the Red Army out of Afghanistan in the 80s. And look what they got after that–Osama Bin Laden in his new home.</p>
<p>Now, 25 years later, the Americans are finally giving up on their missionary work in Afghanistan. If we ever have to go back to bring order there, it will be no more Mr. Nice Guy! But Pakistan is the real problem–they make Afghanistan possible.</p>
<p>So those are the real evil empires: Iran and Pakistan. Bringing them to heel won’t be easy, of course, but we Russians have never shied away from strong measures. The Americans could learn a lot from us.</p>
<p>So that’s my vision. Let’s stop worrying about silly little niceties about the right and the wrong way to fight a war. Let’s stop trying to bring democracy to barbarians. Instead, let’s bring them the only thing they understand–force.</p>
<p>Let’s all of us–Moscow, Washington, London, Paris, Brussels, Jerusalem, Lagos, Addis Ababa, Beijing, New Delhi–come together in a new Holy Alliance, similar to that which kept Europe safe from radicalism in the early 19th century. Let’s join one another to crush the unholy, unruly, jihadi Muslims. The good Muslims will thank us for it. And if they don’t–too bad.</p>
<p>Admit it: You, too, think it’s a good idea.</p> | true | 0 | september 07 2013160 letter found original post breitbart editors via160 breitbartcom vladimir vladimirovich putin160breitbartcom 160160how put politely americans dumb today russia america fighting fighting muslim radicals instead be160uniting160to crush violent islamists americans want remove ally syrian leader bashar alassad borrow phrase john f kennedy assad may sonofabitch hes160my160sonofabitch want destroy going give return answer give nothing well would ever agree thats negotiation thats dictation return bad yeltsin days holy mother russia pushed mud like used whore look ill first say obamas red line comment dumb obvious hadnt thought one see words used express policy said red line would crossed if160 whole bunch160of chemical weapons used kind language one quantify whole bunch president highandmighty united states hes talking like schoolboy silliness sarin syria think assad gassed people dont know ive never asked hes certainly capable yet americans think case assad slam dunk everyone else agrees case murky everyone else follows first rule intelligencegathering consider sourcenamely prorebel media instance rebels losing got gassedand uncle sam rushing side convenient romans knew something imperialism trickery always askedcui bonowho benefits well beneficiaries episode rebelsalso known al qaeda way go americans lets check news items heres june 6 item a160 turkish newspaper160reporting case syrian rebels seized turkishsyrian border two kilograms sarin turks160 carla del ponte swissborn former un prosecutor war crime tribunals echoed charges rebels theyre bad guys yet could evidence rebels russian disinformation hey good not160that160good meanwhile go ahead look information mainstream american mediayour socalled free press barely find yankee lapdog reporters cover everything obama says everything john mccain says wont send reporters warzones go actually figure happened american presstitutes remind people countrys history helping iraqis use poison gas time 80s yes american reporters sheep try figure obama wants write write obama doesnt clear line topicwhich oftenthey look shoulder reporter next copy like said sheep result herd mentality showing understanding true necessity truly looks like heres example real red line june 24 1812 napoleon bonaparte conquered continental europe leading halfmillion soldiers across neman river invading russia heading straight moscow six months later napoleon retreats disastrous defeat burns sacred capital leaves 200000 russians dead battle now160thats160a redline situation even czars blockheads werent dumb enough send russian forces halfway around world someone wasnt nice someone else time hardly get worked assad using poison gasif dead dead say case assad adhering first rule leader160stay power takes fact im gas warfare im160for160gas warfare thats takes example would love gas chechensall 12 million like cockroaches murderous muslim cockroaches chechens done americans160 done russians maybe us public would want join us160oh wait boston bombers tsarnaev brothers chechens took inagainst advice put welfare decade ignored intelligence warnings terrorbomb chechens deserve fumigated160as aside whats wrong media seem like useful idiotsto borrow lenins phrasefor terrorists that160rolling stone160cover really would never happen russia addition another billion muslims south russiaand lot trouble indeed russia fighting muslims across central asia centuries easy american leaders dont seem understand lost silly theories liberation human rightsall nonsense dont see struggle radical islam war pure simple war unite civilized countries world didnt say democratic said civilized one western journalist least begins understand im coming is160the new york times160 steven lee myers report august 28 myers accurately describes putin view whats going middle east view united states partners unleashed forces extremism country country middle east forcing advocating change leadership iraq libya egypt syria thats right last 15 years clinton bush 43 obama america stirred hornetnests middle east part angry hornets far away us insects russias southern borderstarting lousy chechens americans stirring things flunkycountries still kills think back british prime minister160 tony blair160said weeks 911 speech made americans swoon blair chose regard coming wars great opportunity international dogooding talking importance freedom blair cited needy peoples muslim world declared cause kind bull radical muslims kill want go help put welfare america put blacks welfare grateful become less violent yet blairs mind muslims supposed grateful help theory blair concluded lines moment seize kaleidoscope shaken pieces flux soon settle let us reorder world around us course thats blair bush didthey reordered muslim world good way made much worse look im conservative imperial ambitions sure last thing want send pieces worldkaleidoscope fluxing around weve enough gratuitous messing things history whether ivan terrible comrade stalin want orderrussian orthodox order ive predicting along bushblair crusade wouldnt workand ive right along a160 reuters reporter160quoted saying september 1 need remember whats happened last decade number times united states initiated armed conflicts various parts world solved single problem160 answer course us made things worse today look syria indeed count us led six major interventions muslim asia africa last 30 years reagan lebanon bush 41 clinton somalia bush 43 afghanistan iraq obama libya egypt none worked well syria needless say im happy see americans make fools anything weakens uncle sam helps mother russia yet even could persuaded make deal obama syria us presidents done gone heads crummy little countries fighting benighted corner world reached warending agreement us russians thats nixon brezhnev may 1972 vietnam still raging said effect160i need get stupid war must look tough get reelected russians pretty please look way bomb crap north vietnamese us stand tall way vietnam secure a160 decent interval160and obviously lose honor well owe one160 brezhnev went along nixon bombed got result detente notable warming ussoviet relations 1970s thats kind deal obama could make today syria coincidentally hes coming week st petersburg g20 summit could easily peel time figure solve syria question yet obama would give something return would free rein chechyna blind eye toward incremental reclaiming lost soviet territories back russian motherland simple bribe knows ill cross bridge come rendezvous bridge almost certainly wont happen obama doesnt seem think needs anything indeed going way stick finger eye monday learned president going meeting with160 gay160groups russia notsosubtle statement recent russias antihomosexuality crackdown meeting enemies right country dont dont come america meet say national rifle association yes obama would rather cultivate worldwide gay constituency work solve syria americans still think think clobber assad damascus snub russia pander liberal sexual constituencies words get everything get nothing americans good long doesnt occur might make tradeoffs russians know tradeoffs back great patriotic war 42 nazis besieging leningrad stalingrad red army manage resources seek relieve leningrad north keep million people starving relieve stalingrad south keep hitlerites capturing oil resources latter course save hero city stalingrad wiped entire german sixth army yes tough tradeoff kind make need win hundreds thousands leningrad diedincluding unclebut tide war shifted ussr saved today course make business see obama gets none wants help assad subdue homosexuals russia still power obama laughed world stage yet savor prospect humiliating obama still lament lost opportunitythe lost opportunity focus real enemy islamic radicalism deal saudi arabia thats surebut even trouble crazies would glad help together one party doesnt come dominate americans europeans israelis christian africans chinese indians something common us jihadis collective enemy nigeria libya syria chechnya see terrorism strife thats bad news good news manage problemagain work together lets look globe truth islam surrounded east west south north civilized people make deal starters let russia reoccupy central asian statesthe five160 stansthat broke away russias recent time troubles early 90s return turn assad fate chinese chinese cursed 50 million muslims westernmost province xinjiang right next russia part deal chinese get suppressi guess thats nice way putting ittheir restive muslims wait theres new deal israelis want palestinians fellow exsoviet citizen160 avigdor lieberman former foreign minister israelhe gets hes still close bibi together deal two troublesome nations iran pakistan iran lot closer russia americai dont want nuts nuclear weapons defended iran keep americans filling space instead id rather ayatollahs tehran hostile us army bent still liberation pakistan americans are160 beginning figure badly played160by guys along pakistanis using us foreignaid money boost taliban americansthey thought cool helping push red army afghanistan 80s look got thatosama bin laden new home 25 years later americans finally giving missionary work afghanistan ever go back bring order mr nice guy pakistan real problemthey make afghanistan possible real evil empires iran pakistan bringing heel wont easy course russians never shied away strong measures americans could learn lot us thats vision lets stop worrying silly little niceties right wrong way fight war lets stop trying bring democracy barbarians instead lets bring thing understandforce lets usmoscow washington london paris brussels jerusalem lagos addis ababa beijing new delhicome together new holy alliance similar kept europe safe radicalism early 19th century lets join one another crush unholy unruly jihadi muslims good muslims thank us donttoo bad admit think good idea | 1,406 |
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<p>Though he is among the earliest of those in the Millennial generation- individuals born from 1982 through 1997- and is now older&#160; than 30- David Weliver is the creator and editor of the website <a href="http://www.moneyunder30.com/" type="external">MoneyUnder30.com Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>He speaks from first-hand experience when he says that finding a source of income, i.e. work, has got to be Priority #1 once you graduate. “If you don’t have a job lined up right out of college, you need to focus on your career search.”</p>
<p>In addition, he says you should take time to “project what your life is going to look like in 6 months. Because that’s when the grace period ends and student loan re-payment begins.”</p>
<p>The Dreaded “B” Word</p>
<p>Going from a poor college student to earning a regular salary can make you feel as if you’ve just hit the lottery.&#160; But Weliver offers an older-brother word of caution: “You have to figure out what your actual take-home pay will be.”&#160; That is, how much do you have left to spend after taxes and potential retirement contributions are taken out?</p>
<p>The next step is to “forecast what your expenses will look like and use this to plan your first year in the Real World.&#160; For instance, you might be tempted to buy a new car.&#160; But you need to think about the fact that each payment is going to take away from money you have for everything else.</p>
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<p>Though he tries to avoid using the word, Weliver admits that, yes, he is advising that you rough out what your “budget” is- an exercise that can make people mentally shut down no matter what their age.</p>
<p>He learned the importance of this the hard way.&#160; “I was so eager to have a place of my own I got an apartment by myself.&#160; It cost more than I should have been paying.”&#160;&#160; Weliver soon discovered that having your own private space but no extra money for fun, isn’t, well, fun.&#160; He went back to living with roommates and cut his rent in half.</p>
<p>What if you don’t have a job waiting when you graduate?&#160; Weliver’s view is that “there’s no shame in moving back with mom and dad while you get on your feet.”&#160; He maintains that the 2008-09 recession removed the stigma from this.&#160; (Of course, Mom and Dad also have to be open to the idea.)</p>
<p>The Comparison Trap</p>
<p>It can be a hard lesson to learn, but once you graduate, you and your former college buddies might end up in totally different financial circumstances.</p>
<p>For example, say you and your roommate both graduates with a degree in math. You became a high school teacher and your friend landed a job in investment banking.&#160; As Weliver points out, the difference in your salaries is likely to be significant.&#160; “You can’t try to keep up.&#160; Can’t afford it. This can present a difficult situation.”</p>
<p>For instance, your old roomie is going to the Caribbean for vacation and begs you to go.&#160; It’ll be a blast!&#160; Just like old times.&#160; She isn’t thinking about the salary differential.&#160; She just wants to hang out with you again.</p>
<p>The problem is you can’t afford it.&#160; Is it worth maxing out your credit card so you can go, knowing you will struggle to pay it off later?&#160; Or do you admit you can’t swing it on your teacher’s salary and wish her a good time?</p>
<p>As Weliver points out, “It happens.”&#160; And it can hurt.&#160; You need to be emotionally prepared.</p>
<p>The Monkey on Your Back</p>
<p>“Student loan debt is the #1 issue,” most new graduates face, according to Weliver.&#160; Making the minimum monthly payment might be your only choice.&#160; But depending upon the amount you borrowed, this approach can make the process drag on for decades.&#160; “The reality is you need to get used to the idea of delaying marriage, having kids or buying a home because you might not be able to get a mortgage” because of this outstanding debt.&#160; He also points out that “bankruptcy doesn’t discharge student loans.&#160; You really just have to earn more money.”</p>
<p>That’s the approach Weliver, himself, took.&#160; After graduating, in addition to a full-time job, he worked evenings and on weekends “to pay down my debt faster and get back on track before I was 30.”&#160; He admits that, “For two years I didn’t have a life."</p>
<p>Now in his early 30s, married, a father and a homeowner, he’s glad he did it.&#160; While he knows it’s not for everyone, Weliver says, “I’ve never met anyone who paid off their debt early and regretted it.”</p>
<p>Piling on More Debt</p>
<p>What if a bachelor’s degree is not be enough to land you the job of your dreams?&#160; Is graduate school really worth it?</p>
<p>“No one ever wants to hear this, but you’ve got to crunch the numbers,” says Weliver.&#160; “See what you’ll be earning with this degree.”&#160; The reality is that you need to consider how much your student loan payments will be when you finally graduate and compare this to the salary you’re likely to earn.&#160; Ask yourself if it really makes economic sense.</p>
<p>With some careers, such as those in the medical field, getting an advanced degree has a big price tag but the salary can make it worthwhile, assuming you chose the right specialty.&#160; On the other hand, Weliver says he’s heard from people facing $200,000 student loans who are employed as social workers. “My advice?&#160; Find another line of work.”</p>
<p>You Need a Safety Net</p>
<p>While making at least the minimum payment on your student loans is important, Weliver cautions against going overboard.&#160; You need to be saving some money every paycheck so that you can build up a Just-in-Case account.&#160; (Yes, your parents would probably call this an “emergency fund.”)&#160; Aim for gradually building this account up to at least a couple of thousand dollars.</p>
<p>This stash of cash is off-limits except for emergencies.&#160; Your car needs a set of tires.&#160; You have an unexpected medical bill.&#160; A relative is ill and you want to fly home to see them.&#160; You get the idea.&#160; This is not “mad money” that you can dip into for a weekend out of town or to cover your credit card bill.</p>
<p>Not having an emergency fund is “dangerous,” says Weliver.&#160; It leads you to max out your credit cards, which leads to an additional payment every month that you probably can’t afford.</p>
<p>The New Credit Mindset</p>
<p>Though barely over 30, Weliver sounds like an old-timer when he talks about the more optimistic good ol’ days: “When I graduated from college credit was still flowing freely.&#160; There was still this mentality that it would double in value. Don’t worry about money because you’ll get a good job.”</p>
<p>He maintains that the younger half of his generation have a totally different mindset.&#160; “The recession changed young people’s relationship to money and their understanding about not going into debt.”&#160; Some saw what happened when neighbors, relatives or their own parents lost jobs. Homes were repossessed.&#160; Stock prices tanked and, though they have since more than recovered, retirement account balances were hard-hit.</p>
<p>Even if didn’t actually affect their family “there was so much media attention that young people in their teens or in college at the time absorbed it.”</p>
<p>The result, says Weliver, is that “younger Millennials are more conservative with their money.&#160; A lot are scared of investing and the stock market. That becomes a problem when they land their first job and are faced with making a decision about how to invest their 401(k).”</p>
<p>Next week: how to think small, but start saving as soon as possible.</p> | true | 0 | though among earliest millennial generation individuals born 1982 1997 older160 30 david weliver creator editor website moneyunder30com opens new window continue reading speaks firsthand experience says finding source income ie work got priority 1 graduate dont job lined right college need focus career search addition says take time project life going look like 6 months thats grace period ends student loan repayment begins dreaded b word going poor college student earning regular salary make feel youve hit lottery160 weliver offers olderbrother word caution figure actual takehome pay be160 much left spend taxes potential retirement contributions taken next step forecast expenses look like use plan first year real world160 instance might tempted buy new car160 need think fact payment going take away money everything else advertisement though tries avoid using word weliver admits yes advising rough budget exercise make people mentally shut matter age learned importance hard way160 eager place got apartment myself160 cost paying160160 weliver soon discovered private space extra money fun isnt well fun160 went back living roommates cut rent half dont job waiting graduate160 welivers view theres shame moving back mom dad get feet160 maintains 200809 recession removed stigma this160 course mom dad also open idea comparison trap hard lesson learn graduate former college buddies might end totally different financial circumstances example say roommate graduates degree math became high school teacher friend landed job investment banking160 weliver points difference salaries likely significant160 cant try keep up160 cant afford present difficult situation instance old roomie going caribbean vacation begs go160 itll blast160 like old times160 isnt thinking salary differential160 wants hang problem cant afford it160 worth maxing credit card go knowing struggle pay later160 admit cant swing teachers salary wish good time weliver points happens160 hurt160 need emotionally prepared monkey back student loan debt 1 issue new graduates face according weliver160 making minimum monthly payment might choice160 depending upon amount borrowed approach make process drag decades160 reality need get used idea delaying marriage kids buying home might able get mortgage outstanding debt160 also points bankruptcy doesnt discharge student loans160 really earn money thats approach weliver took160 graduating addition fulltime job worked evenings weekends pay debt faster get back track 30160 admits two years didnt life early 30s married father homeowner hes glad it160 knows everyone weliver says ive never met anyone paid debt early regretted piling debt bachelors degree enough land job dreams160 graduate school really worth one ever wants hear youve got crunch numbers says weliver160 see youll earning degree160 reality need consider much student loan payments finally graduate compare salary youre likely earn160 ask really makes economic sense careers medical field getting advanced degree big price tag salary make worthwhile assuming chose right specialty160 hand weliver says hes heard people facing 200000 student loans employed social workers advice160 find another line work need safety net making least minimum payment student loans important weliver cautions going overboard160 need saving money every paycheck build justincase account160 yes parents would probably call emergency fund160 aim gradually building account least couple thousand dollars stash cash offlimits except emergencies160 car needs set tires160 unexpected medical bill160 relative ill want fly home see them160 get idea160 mad money dip weekend town cover credit card bill emergency fund dangerous says weliver160 leads max credit cards leads additional payment every month probably cant afford new credit mindset though barely 30 weliver sounds like oldtimer talks optimistic good ol days graduated college credit still flowing freely160 still mentality would double value dont worry money youll get good job maintains younger half generation totally different mindset160 recession changed young peoples relationship money understanding going debt160 saw happened neighbors relatives parents lost jobs homes repossessed160 stock prices tanked though since recovered retirement account balances hardhit even didnt actually affect family much media attention young people teens college time absorbed result says weliver younger millennials conservative money160 lot scared investing stock market becomes problem land first job faced making decision invest 401k next week think small start saving soon possible | 661 |
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<p>On Monday night, talk show host Jimmy Kimmel went on a tirade about gun control during his nightly monologue.&#160; While saying that “now is the time for political debate” about gun control, he said Republicans “should be <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2017/10/03/jimmy-kimmel-vegas-republicans-praying-god-forgive/" type="external">praying for God</a> to forgive them for letting the gun lobby run this country.”&#160; He also made a number of somewhat deceptive claims parroting the left’s talking points about guns, which <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2017/10/03/7-deceptive-claims-kimmel-guns-one-monologue/" type="external">AWR Hawkins</a> shot down rather easily.</p>
<p>To start, here’s video of Kimmel’s monologue:</p>
<p />
<p>And here are his deceptive and misleading claims, as cited by Hawkins:</p>
<p>1. Kimmel said, “Orlando, Aurora, Newtown, San Bernardino, [in] every one of these shootings the murderer used automatic or semiautomatic rifles.”</p>
<p>Wrong, Hawkins said, explaining that the use of the word “automatic” is ” very misleading.”</p>
<p>According to Hawkins:</p>
<p>In all four instances the rifle used was semiautomatic, period. Pistols were also present. Moreover, Kimmel did not mention that in three of the four instances, the attackers acquired their guns via background checks.&#160; Exceptions to this would be the rifles used in San Bernardino–they were acquired via a friend–but the San Bernardino handguns were acquired via a background check. And the guns used by the Newtown attacker were stolen. He stole them from someone who passed a background check for them.</p>
<p>Additionally, automatic weapons have only been used in three crimes since 1934.</p>
<p />
<p>2.&#160; Kimmel made the classic left-wing claim that AR-15s and firearms like them “are not weapons used for self-defense.”</p>
<p>Wrong again, Hawkins said, recalling at least four separate instances where an AR-style weapon was successfully used for self-defense.</p>
<p>3.&#160; Kimmel inaccurately accused President Trump of “signing a bill that made it easier for people with severe mental illness to buy guns legally.”</p>
<p>Not so fast, Hawkins said, explaining that what Trump did was reverse Obama’s Social Security gun ban — a ban he correctly observed “was actually not directed toward people with severe mental illness but toward recipients of disability benefits who required help with finances.”</p>
<p>4.&#160; Kimmel said that House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell “won’t do anything about [the attack] because the NRA has their balls in a money clip.”</p>
<p>“In reality,” Hawkins said, “ <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/28/national-reciprocity-picks-212th-house-sponsor/" type="external">Breitbart News</a> has been reporting that NRA-supported legislation revolving around concealed carry reciprocity has stalled because of Ryan.”</p>
<p>5.&#160; Kimmel also referenced the so-called “gun show loophole,” saying, “Right now, there are loopholes in the law that let people avoid background checks if they buy a gun privately–from another party–if they buy a gun online or at a gun show.”</p>
<p>But Hawkins explained there is no such loophole. He explained:</p>
<p>The Second Amendment was ratified in 1791 and since that point (and before), Americans have been buying guns from Americans. It is not a loophole, it is freedom. The left pushed background checks and secured them on retail sales in 1998–i.e., there have been background checks on retail sales for nearly two decades–and the left has spent the last four or five years inaccurately describing private sales as a “loophole” as a way to persuade Americans to support more gun control. Also, it must be noted that it is illegal to buy a gun online without going through a background check. If an individual from Florida wants to purchase a firearm online from a gun store in Oklahoma, that gun has to be shipped to an Oklahoma store where the buyer passes a background check before taking possession of it.</p>
<p>6.&#160; Kimmel showed pictures of Senators he said voted against so-called “loopholes” after the June 12, 2016, Orlando Pulse attack.</p>
<p>Hawkins, however, said Kimmel failed to mention that the Orlando Pulse attacker did not use these alleged “loopholes.”&#160; Instead, the shooter passed background checks and went through the prescribed waiting period to obtain his guns.&#160; Oops…</p>
<p>7.&#160; Finally, Kimmel claimed that Congress is now working to “legalize the sale of silencers.”</p>
<p>But, Hawkins said, Congress is doing no such thing, explaining that suppressors, as they are properly called, “have been legal and are legal in 42 states.”</p>
<p>Hawkins added: “What Congress is considering is a bill that removes the federal tax on suppressors, as well as the burdensome acquisition process to obtain one.”</p>
<p>Sadly, it seems that facts don’t really matter to the anti-gun left.</p>
<p>Kimmel was right about one thing, Hawkins wrote: There was nothing in the shooter’s past that signaled a problem.&#160; He also admitted that 64-year-old Stephen Paddock complied with all current gun laws and had “no criminal record,” meaning there was nothing to prevent him from legally obtaining a firearm.</p>
<p>It also means that no new law would have prevented Paddock from getting the weapons he used.&#160; As Clark County Sheriff Joseph Lombardo told reporters during a press briefing, he <a href="" type="internal">didn’t know how the shooting</a> could have been prevented.</p>
<p>There are, however, plenty of other questions that need to be addressed, as we noted <a href="" type="internal">here</a> earlier today.</p>
<p>Of course, we all know the real agenda, and that’s nothing less than the complete repeal of the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms, and the confiscation of guns from law-abiding citizens.</p>
<p>As a final note, here’s a short video of the 59 victims now being used as political pawns by the anti-gun left:</p>
<p>Let us know what you think in the comment section below.</p>
<p>Related:</p>
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<p>&#160;</p> | true | 0 | monday night talk show host jimmy kimmel went tirade gun control nightly monologue160 saying time political debate gun control said republicans praying god forgive letting gun lobby run country160 also made number somewhat deceptive claims parroting lefts talking points guns awr hawkins shot rather easily start heres video kimmels monologue deceptive misleading claims cited hawkins 1 kimmel said orlando aurora newtown san bernardino every one shootings murderer used automatic semiautomatic rifles wrong hawkins said explaining use word automatic misleading according hawkins four instances rifle used semiautomatic period pistols also present moreover kimmel mention three four instances attackers acquired guns via background checks160 exceptions would rifles used san bernardinothey acquired via friendbut san bernardino handguns acquired via background check guns used newtown attacker stolen stole someone passed background check additionally automatic weapons used three crimes since 1934 2160 kimmel made classic leftwing claim ar15s firearms like weapons used selfdefense wrong hawkins said recalling least four separate instances arstyle weapon successfully used selfdefense 3160 kimmel inaccurately accused president trump signing bill made easier people severe mental illness buy guns legally fast hawkins said explaining trump reverse obamas social security gun ban ban correctly observed actually directed toward people severe mental illness toward recipients disability benefits required help finances 4160 kimmel said house speaker paul ryan senate majority leader mitch mcconnell wont anything attack nra balls money clip reality hawkins said breitbart news reporting nrasupported legislation revolving around concealed carry reciprocity stalled ryan 5160 kimmel also referenced socalled gun show loophole saying right loopholes law let people avoid background checks buy gun privatelyfrom another partyif buy gun online gun show hawkins explained loophole explained second amendment ratified 1791 since point americans buying guns americans loophole freedom left pushed background checks secured retail sales 1998ie background checks retail sales nearly two decadesand left spent last four five years inaccurately describing private sales loophole way persuade americans support gun control also must noted illegal buy gun online without going background check individual florida wants purchase firearm online gun store oklahoma gun shipped oklahoma store buyer passes background check taking possession 6160 kimmel showed pictures senators said voted socalled loopholes june 12 2016 orlando pulse attack hawkins however said kimmel failed mention orlando pulse attacker use alleged loopholes160 instead shooter passed background checks went prescribed waiting period obtain guns160 oops 7160 finally kimmel claimed congress working legalize sale silencers hawkins said congress thing explaining suppressors properly called legal legal 42 states hawkins added congress considering bill removes federal tax suppressors well burdensome acquisition process obtain one sadly seems facts dont really matter antigun left kimmel right one thing hawkins wrote nothing shooters past signaled problem160 also admitted 64yearold stephen paddock complied current gun laws criminal record meaning nothing prevent legally obtaining firearm also means new law would prevented paddock getting weapons used160 clark county sheriff joseph lombardo told reporters press briefing didnt know shooting could prevented however plenty questions need addressed noted earlier today course know real agenda thats nothing less complete repeal second amendment right keep bear arms confiscation guns lawabiding citizens final note heres short video 59 victims used political pawns antigun left let us know think comment section related havent checked liked our160 facebook160page please go160 here160and youre concerned online censorship go order book remember half earn donated hurricane harvey relief 160 160 | 550 |
<p />
<p>Image source: Cameco.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Cameco Corporation (NYSE: CCJ) mines for uranium, which counts nuclear power plants as its prime customers. Ever since the Fukushima meltdown in Japan, though, that end market has been in something of a state of flux, exacerbating the oversupply of the nuclear fuel -- and the downward pressure on the miner's shares. But the past isn't the future -- here are three reasons Cameco Corporation's stock could rise from here.</p>
<p>Right now, China is the 800-pound gorilla in the nuclear power industry. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the country will account for around half of the world's growth in nuclear power through 2040. It makes some sense, too, since the nation is huge and moving up the socioeconomic ladder. Reliable electricity is a big part of that process.</p>
<p>India trails China in nuclear power growth...for now. Image source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.</p>
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<p>India is working hard to get a reliable grid up, too, and has strong potential as a catalyst for growth in nuclear. China and India, population-wise, are pretty close in size. Along with China, it will be a core force behind the expected growth in nuclear power globally. At this point, though, India's plans are nowhere near as aggressive as China's. A lot could change between now and 2040.</p>
<p>If India decides to step up its nuclear ambitions in line with those of China, then demand for uranium would turn out to be even greater than now anticipated. Investors would likely react favorably to such news.</p>
<p>There's no question that renewable power is an increasingly important force in the power market, taking share from dirtier fuel sources, like coal. The fact that technologies like solar and wind are getting better and cheaper clearly helps that. Still, renewable power is often subsidized by government largess. If for some reason -- perhaps another global recession -- that should stop, renewable power's march toward dominance might slow, which would be good for nuclear power.</p>
<p>But that's only half the picture. Part of nuclear's problem is that it is costly to build and run when looked at on a levelized cost basis, a metric that takes all costs (for example, construction, fuel, and operating expenses) into account. However, General Electric (NYSE: GE), among others, is working on next generation of nuclear power plants that could help change the math. The company's <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/07/23/are-general-electrics-nuclear-ambitions-doomed.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">PRISM technology Opens a New Window.</a> is expected to support smaller, safer, and more efficient nuclear reactors. To give you an idea of the advances GE is working on, the tech can actually use nuclear waste as fuel.</p>
<p>These advances are still a long way off at this point, with GE expecting its first PRISM units to be up and running in the mid-2020s. However, if GE can deliver on the technology, nuclear would suddenly become a much more competitive power option. And that would make a uranium supplier like Cameco a much more desirable investment.</p>
<p>Those are big-picture issues, to be sure. But there's a more fundamental one that could help boost Cameco's shares, too. And that would be the company simply running its business well, even in a difficult environment. So far, it's been doing that.</p>
<p>Notice the dip at the far right of the cost line. Image source: Cameco.</p>
<p>For example, the company has been able to push its costs notably lower (look at the right side of the graph above), and that comes after years of roughly stable costs. Clearly, Cameco is working hard to ensure it can compete in today's market. It's also kept its leverage to a reasonable level despite the downturn, with debt as a percentage of the capital structure at roughly 20% or so. That's completely reasonable for a capital-intensive business like mining.</p>
<p>Moreover, the company has remained profitable through the uranium price downturn -- at least until this year. Through the first half of 2016, the company has lost $0.15 a share, compared to earnings of $0.20 a share last year. Investors haven't taken kindly to that, with the shares off some 30% so far in 2016. But, if Cameco can find a way to turn a profit with today's prices (cost-cutting is a key piece of that, even though it may require the near-term pain of asset writedowns), investors will likely start to view the shares in a better light.</p>
<p>The truth is that there's no easy fix for Cameco. From a big-picture perspective, demand for nuclear power will be a key factor in how investors view the uranium miner. If there's more demand than expected, perhaps from India, that would likely be good for Cameco's stock price. Similarly, if up-and-coming clean power sources like solar and wind hit a speed bump, uranium might find itself back in the limelight. That, too, could benefit Cameco's shares.</p>
<p>Looking closer to the core, though, Cameco's biggest challenge today is working itself into fitter fighting shape, which it's trying hard to do. If it can keep the progress going, and claw its way back from the losses it's posted in the first half of 2016, investors would see the shares in a much more positive light.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/ReubenGBrewer/info.aspx" type="external">Reuben Brewer Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of General Electric. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | image source cameco continue reading cameco corporation nyse ccj mines uranium counts nuclear power plants prime customers ever since fukushima meltdown japan though end market something state flux exacerbating oversupply nuclear fuel downward pressure miners shares past isnt future three reasons cameco corporations stock could rise right china 800pound gorilla nuclear power industry according us energy information administration eia country account around half worlds growth nuclear power 2040 makes sense since nation huge moving socioeconomic ladder reliable electricity big part process india trails china nuclear power growthfor image source us energy information administration advertisement india working hard get reliable grid strong potential catalyst growth nuclear china india populationwise pretty close size along china core force behind expected growth nuclear power globally point though indias plans nowhere near aggressive chinas lot could change 2040 india decides step nuclear ambitions line china demand uranium would turn even greater anticipated investors would likely react favorably news theres question renewable power increasingly important force power market taking share dirtier fuel sources like coal fact technologies like solar wind getting better cheaper clearly helps still renewable power often subsidized government largess reason perhaps another global recession stop renewable powers march toward dominance might slow would good nuclear power thats half picture part nuclears problem costly build run looked levelized cost basis metric takes costs example construction fuel operating expenses account however general electric nyse ge among others working next generation nuclear power plants could help change math companys prism technology opens new window expected support smaller safer efficient nuclear reactors give idea advances ge working tech actually use nuclear waste fuel advances still long way point ge expecting first prism units running mid2020s however ge deliver technology nuclear would suddenly become much competitive power option would make uranium supplier like cameco much desirable investment bigpicture issues sure theres fundamental one could help boost camecos shares would company simply running business well even difficult environment far notice dip far right cost line image source cameco example company able push costs notably lower look right side graph comes years roughly stable costs clearly cameco working hard ensure compete todays market also kept leverage reasonable level despite downturn debt percentage capital structure roughly 20 thats completely reasonable capitalintensive business like mining moreover company remained profitable uranium price downturn least year first half 2016 company lost 015 share compared earnings 020 share last year investors havent taken kindly shares 30 far 2016 cameco find way turn profit todays prices costcutting key piece even though may require nearterm pain asset writedowns investors likely start view shares better light truth theres easy fix cameco bigpicture perspective demand nuclear power key factor investors view uranium miner theres demand expected perhaps india would likely good camecos stock price similarly upandcoming clean power sources like solar wind hit speed bump uranium might find back limelight could benefit camecos shares looking closer core though camecos biggest challenge today working fitter fighting shape trying hard keep progress going claw way back losses posted first half 2016 investors would see shares much positive light secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window reuben brewer opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares general electric try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 597 |
<p>A Senate panel will pose questions to a new set of key players Thursday as it delves deeper into General Motors' delayed recall of millions of small cars.</p>
<p>GM CEO Mary Barra will certainly be asked about how she's changing a corporate culture that allowed a defect with ignition switches to remain hidden from the car-buying public for 11 years. It will be Barra's second time testifying before the panel.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>But Senators at a hearing of the Senate Commerce subcommittee on consumer protection might sling their most pointed questions at GM General Counsel Michael Millikin as they drill down on the role the company's legal department played in the mishandled recall.</p>
<p>An internal investigation led by former federal prosecutor Anton Valukas — paid for by GM — showed that even as GM lawyers recommended the settlement of similar cases involving crashes where front air bags failed to deploy in Chevrolet Cobalts and Saturn Ions, they didn't alert higher-ups, including Millikin, to a potential safety issue.</p>
<p>Lawmakers may also question Valukas about the report's conclusion that a lone engineer, Ray DeGiorgio, was able to approve the use of a switch that didn't meet company specifications, and years later, to order a change to the switch without any senior executives at GM being aware.</p>
<p>Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., a Senate subcommittee member who has criticized the Valukas findings as "the best report money can buy," says he'll ask Valukas at the hearing "why they failed to go beyond the low-level management and engineers."</p>
<p>Also testifying will be Rodney O'Neal, the CEO and president of Delphi. His company manufactured the ignition switches. Compensation expert Kenneth Feinberg will testify about the plan he recently unveiled for compensating victims of crashes caused by the faulty switches.</p>
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<p>Some other questions senators may ask:</p>
<p>BARRA</p>
<p>— Q: How does GM plan to change the corporate culture exposed by Valukas's report? In light of the revelations, was the termination of 15 employees sufficient?</p>
<p>Valukas's investigation found a dysfunctional culture in which people didn't take responsibility for fixing problems. Barra has said that GM has restructured its process for making safety decisions, elevating it to the company's highest levels.</p>
<p>Senators also may have more questions on how much Barra knew about the problem with the ignition switches when she was GM product development chief.</p>
<p>MILLIKIN</p>
<p>— Q: What role did the company's legal department play in the delayed recall?</p>
<p>GM attorneys signed settlements with families of some crash victims in cases where the switch defects figured. Blumenthal said in an interview he wants to know, "Why did GM insist on keeping the settlements secret?"</p>
<p>O'NEAL</p>
<p>— Q: Why did Delphi send GM the switches even when its own tests showed that the force needed to turn them didn't meet GM's specifications?</p>
<p>Delphi, once a GM division, didn't allow Valukas's investigators to interview its employees and turned over a limited number of documents.</p>
<p>Senators likely will ask O'Neal whether Delphi should have notified GM higher-ups after DeGiorgio approved the out-of-spec switches. DeGiorgio also told Delphi to alter the switches in 2006 but not change the part number, making the change hard to track. That raises the question of why Delphi agreed to keep the part number the same.</p>
<p>Panel members will want to know when Delphi found out that the switches began causing fatal crashes, and why the company continued to provide them to GM after knowing about the deaths.</p>
<p>FEINBERG</p>
<p>— Q: Should the compensation program be extended to victims of crashes involving cars that GM recalled on June 30 — mainly older, midsize vehicles where ignition keys are the issue rather than switches?</p>
<p>Feinberg has presided over compensation plans for the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and other disasters. He has said GM placed no limit on what it will pay for crashes caused by faulty ignition switches. Victims of the June 30 recalls, affecting 8.2 million cars, can't file claims to the fund.</p>
<p>In the original recall, the ignition switches didn't meet GM's specifications but were used anyway, and they slipped too easily out of the "run" position.</p>
<p>The vehicles recalled last month have switches that do conform to GM's specifications. In these cases, the keys can move the ignition out of position because of jarring, bumps from the driver's knee or the weight of a heavy key chain, GM says. The recalled cars will get replacement keys. The 2.6 million small cars recalled in February are getting new ignitions.</p>
<p>VALUKAS</p>
<p>— Q: Do the actions that GM has taken so far appear sufficient to prevent the problem from happening again?</p>
<p>Valukas has acknowledged that his report leaves open some questions, notably whether there was civil and criminal culpability; whether GM will make the right decisions to stop this from happening again; and what specific crashes were caused by the ignition switch problem.</p>
<p>Skepticism from senators over Valukas's "lone engineer" finding can be expected to be thick.</p>
<p>__</p>
<p>AP Auto Writer Tom Krisher in Detroit contributed to this report.</p> | true | 0 | senate panel pose questions new set key players thursday delves deeper general motors delayed recall millions small cars gm ceo mary barra certainly asked shes changing corporate culture allowed defect ignition switches remain hidden carbuying public 11 years barras second time testifying panel continue reading senators hearing senate commerce subcommittee consumer protection might sling pointed questions gm general counsel michael millikin drill role companys legal department played mishandled recall internal investigation led former federal prosecutor anton valukas paid gm showed even gm lawyers recommended settlement similar cases involving crashes front air bags failed deploy chevrolet cobalts saturn ions didnt alert higherups including millikin potential safety issue lawmakers may also question valukas reports conclusion lone engineer ray degiorgio able approve use switch didnt meet company specifications years later order change switch without senior executives gm aware sen richard blumenthal dconn senate subcommittee member criticized valukas findings best report money buy says hell ask valukas hearing failed go beyond lowlevel management engineers also testifying rodney oneal ceo president delphi company manufactured ignition switches compensation expert kenneth feinberg testify plan recently unveiled compensating victims crashes caused faulty switches advertisement questions senators may ask barra q gm plan change corporate culture exposed valukass report light revelations termination 15 employees sufficient valukass investigation found dysfunctional culture people didnt take responsibility fixing problems barra said gm restructured process making safety decisions elevating companys highest levels senators also may questions much barra knew problem ignition switches gm product development chief millikin q role companys legal department play delayed recall gm attorneys signed settlements families crash victims cases switch defects figured blumenthal said interview wants know gm insist keeping settlements secret oneal q delphi send gm switches even tests showed force needed turn didnt meet gms specifications delphi gm division didnt allow valukass investigators interview employees turned limited number documents senators likely ask oneal whether delphi notified gm higherups degiorgio approved outofspec switches degiorgio also told delphi alter switches 2006 change part number making change hard track raises question delphi agreed keep part number panel members want know delphi found switches began causing fatal crashes company continued provide gm knowing deaths feinberg q compensation program extended victims crashes involving cars gm recalled june 30 mainly older midsize vehicles ignition keys issue rather switches feinberg presided compensation plans victims sept 11 terrorist attacks 2010 bp oil spill gulf mexico disasters said gm placed limit pay crashes caused faulty ignition switches victims june 30 recalls affecting 82 million cars cant file claims fund original recall ignition switches didnt meet gms specifications used anyway slipped easily run position vehicles recalled last month switches conform gms specifications cases keys move ignition position jarring bumps drivers knee weight heavy key chain gm says recalled cars get replacement keys 26 million small cars recalled february getting new ignitions valukas q actions gm taken far appear sufficient prevent problem happening valukas acknowledged report leaves open questions notably whether civil criminal culpability whether gm make right decisions stop happening specific crashes caused ignition switch problem skepticism senators valukass lone engineer finding expected thick __ ap auto writer tom krisher detroit contributed report | 516 |
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<p>CEO Alex Gorsky. Image source: Johnson &amp; Johnson.</p>
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<p>Shares of healthcare conglomerate Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) defied the odds in a year where healthcare stocks largely underperformed and, according to data from <a href="http://marketintelligence.spglobal.com/" type="external">S&amp;P Global Market Intelligence Opens a New Window.</a>, gained 12% for the year, outperforming the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&amp;P 500.</p>
<p>In many respects, we could just summarize J&amp;J's 2016 performance as business as usual and call it a day. It would be a fair assessment, as Johnson &amp; Johnson increased its dividend payout for a 54th straight year, grew its EPS once again, and maintained its AAA credit rating from Standard &amp; Poor's. It's one of only two publicly traded companies to bear the highest credit rating bestowed by Standard &amp; Poor's. However, if we were to pick out two specific drivers, it'd likely come down to the company's pharmaceutical sales performance, and one particular pipeline product.</p>
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<p>You'll note the heavy emphasis on J&amp;J's pharmaceutical segment. That's because pharmaceutical products account for the vast majority of J&amp;J's growth and gross margin, so it's the most likely segment to be responsible for a 12% move higher.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Through the first nine months of 2016, Johnson &amp; Johnson managed 9.1% operational sales growth in its pharmaceutical segment, excluding the effect of currency moves. Even with Olysio falling off the map in hepatitis C and J&amp;J set to face <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/what-is-a-biosimilar.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">biosimilar Opens a New Window.</a> competition for its best-selling drug, Remicade, the company's pharmaceutical segment, led by growth in blood cancer drug Imbruvica, continued to impress. All told, immunology and oncology sales have soared 19.4% and 28.7%, respectively, through the first nine months of fiscal 2016.</p>
<p>The other major catalyst for J&amp;J was the release of pivotal phase 3 data on guselkumab, a next-generation experimental drug designed to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. It was no surprise that guselkumab mopped the floor with the placebo given that it targets a protein known as interleukein-23, which is known to have a higher specificity when it comes to immune response disorders of the skin. At the 16-week mark, guselkumab led 73% of patients to near-complete skin clearance compared to just 2.9% of patients taking the placebo. The real shock was that it left the best-selling drug in the world, AbbVie's Humira, in the dust at both the 16-week mark for near-clearance (73% vs. nearly 50% for Humira), and at the 48-week mark (81% for guselkumab vs. 55% for Humira). All indications point to guselkumab being J&amp;J's next blockbuster drug.</p>
<p>2017 should be business as usual once again for J&amp;J, with one minor twist.</p>
<p>Image source: Johnson &amp; Johnson.</p>
<p>The biggest factor shareholders will have to adjust to this year is the entrance of Inflectra into the market. Inflectra is the aforementioned biosimilar of Remicade (an annually $6-billion-plus drug for J&amp;J) that was developed by Celltrion and licensed to Pfizer. It began hitting warehouses in November and is priced at a 15% discount to Remicade. Since there's really no precedent to biosimilar competition going after such a top-selling drug, no one on Wall Street is exactly sure what'll happen with Remicade or its sales. This uncertainty could weigh on J&amp;J's shares for a quarter or two until we have an answer.</p>
<p>Investors should also keep an eye on whether J&amp;J decides to go shopping in 2017. CEO Alex Gorsky has made it clear that J&amp;J is looking to supplement its organic growth with mergers and acquisitions (M&amp;A), and in recent weeks it's been courting Swiss-based Actelion and its portfolio of lung disease drugs. I'm personally <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2017/01/03/new-details-emerge-in-johnson-johnsons-pursuit-of.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">not a fan Opens a New Window.</a> of a potential deal between the two companies, but something tells me this may not be J&amp;J's only foray into M&amp;A this year.</p>
<p>As a whole, though, Johnson &amp; Johnson looks as steady as any healthcare stock you could buy. There have been no yellow flags in its earnings reports or financial statements to suggest otherwise. As such, I'd expect J&amp;J's valuation to motor forward in the years to come.</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of January 4, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFUltraLong/info.aspx" type="external">Sean Williams Opens a New Window.</a>has no material interest in any companies mentioned in this article. You can follow him on CAPS under the screen name <a href="http://caps.fool.com/player/tmfultralong.aspx" type="external">TMFUltraLong Opens a New Window.</a>, and check him out on Twitter, where he goes by the handle <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/TMFUltraLong" type="external">@TMFUltraLong Opens a New Window.</a>.The Motley Fool recommends Johnson and Johnson. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | ceo alex gorsky image source johnson amp johnson continue reading shares healthcare conglomerate johnson amp johnson nyse jnj defied odds year healthcare stocks largely underperformed according data sampp global market intelligence opens new window gained 12 year outperforming dow jones industrial average sampp 500 many respects could summarize jampjs 2016 performance business usual call day would fair assessment johnson amp johnson increased dividend payout 54th straight year grew eps maintained aaa credit rating standard amp poors one two publicly traded companies bear highest credit rating bestowed standard amp poors however pick two specific drivers itd likely come companys pharmaceutical sales performance one particular pipeline product advertisement youll note heavy emphasis jampjs pharmaceutical segment thats pharmaceutical products account vast majority jampjs growth gross margin likely segment responsible 12 move higher image source getty images first nine months 2016 johnson amp johnson managed 91 operational sales growth pharmaceutical segment excluding effect currency moves even olysio falling map hepatitis c jampj set face biosimilar opens new window competition bestselling drug remicade companys pharmaceutical segment led growth blood cancer drug imbruvica continued impress told immunology oncology sales soared 194 287 respectively first nine months fiscal 2016 major catalyst jampj release pivotal phase 3 data guselkumab nextgeneration experimental drug designed treat moderatetosevere plaque psoriasis surprise guselkumab mopped floor placebo given targets protein known interleukein23 known higher specificity comes immune response disorders skin 16week mark guselkumab led 73 patients nearcomplete skin clearance compared 29 patients taking placebo real shock left bestselling drug world abbvies humira dust 16week mark nearclearance 73 vs nearly 50 humira 48week mark 81 guselkumab vs 55 humira indications point guselkumab jampjs next blockbuster drug 2017 business usual jampj one minor twist image source johnson amp johnson biggest factor shareholders adjust year entrance inflectra market inflectra aforementioned biosimilar remicade annually 6billionplus drug jampj developed celltrion licensed pfizer began hitting warehouses november priced 15 discount remicade since theres really precedent biosimilar competition going topselling drug one wall street exactly sure whatll happen remicade sales uncertainty could weigh jampjs shares quarter two answer investors also keep eye whether jampj decides go shopping 2017 ceo alex gorsky made clear jampj looking supplement organic growth mergers acquisitions mampa recent weeks courting swissbased actelion portfolio lung disease drugs im personally fan opens new window potential deal two companies something tells may jampjs foray mampa year whole though johnson amp johnson looks steady healthcare stock could buy yellow flags earnings reports financial statements suggest otherwise id expect jampjs valuation motor forward years come 10 stocks like better johnson johnson investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right johnson johnson wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns january 4 2017 sean williams opens new windowhas material interest companies mentioned article follow caps screen name tmfultralong opens new window check twitter goes handle tmfultralong opens new windowthe motley fool recommends johnson johnson motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 513 |
<p>Oil prices pressed higher Friday morning, with Brent crude topping the elusive $60-a-barrel mark for the first time in more than two years.</p>
<p>Brent, the global benchmark, recently traded up 71 cents, or 1.2%, at $60.01 a barrel on ICE Futures Europe. U.S. crude futures traded up 81 cents, or 1.54%, at $53.45 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>"There's a lot of emotional momentum building," said Donald Morton, senior vice president at Herbert J. Sims &amp; Co., who oversees an energy-trading desk. The $60 price is "a big bull's-eye" that oil producers and bullish investors have been eyeing all year.</p>
<p>Brent hit a two-year high Thursday, settling at $59.30 a barrel, helped by declining inventories of fuel and optimism that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries will likely extend a deal to limit production and rein in global oversupply.</p>
<p>Analysts and market participants said Friday's move higher was fueled by technical factors, with more traders piling in as prices rose. But the fundamental outlook has also shifted, with stockpiles falling and questions about the growth rate of U.S. shale output also fueling gains.</p>
<p>"It's been a slow train coming," said Mark Benigno, co-director of energy trading at INTL FCStone, but investors have come around to the idea that OPEC's efforts are paying off. "It's happening the way they were hoping it would," Mr. Benigno said.</p>
<p>Some expect oil to encounter staunch resistance on its march higher. Producers are likely to take advantage of the rally to hedge, or lock in higher prices for output next year.</p>
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<p>"It can't really go above $60" a barrel, Giovanni Staunovo, a commodity analyst at UBS Wealth Management, said of the price of Brent. "If it goes too high, it's an indication to U.S. shale producers to produce more oil," a development that could undermine the oil market rebalancing under way, he said.</p>
<p>Mr. Staunovo said UBS expects the price of Brent to stay in a range of $55 to $60 a barrel.</p>
<p>"There is certainly no general consensus on whether this psychological threshold [$60 a barrel], which was last seen in July 2015, will be overcome in the near-term," Stephen Brennock, an analyst at brokerage PVM Oil Associates Ltd., wrote in a note Friday.</p>
<p>Mr. Brennock said the "ingredients are there" for Brent to move higher but that "sustaining it will be a herculean challenge."</p>
<p>Prices have been supported this week by data showing declining commercial petroleum stocks in the U.S. and news that Saudi Arabia and Russia -- the world's two largest crude producers -- want to extend the agreement to curb output after the deal expires in March 2018, likely through the end of next year.</p>
<p>OPEC and some major producers outside the cartel, including Russia, first agreed late last year to cap their production at around 1.8 million barrels a day lower than peak October 2016 levels, with the aim of alleviating global oversupply and boosting prices.</p>
<p>OPEC and Russia are set to formally discuss an extension of the deal at the cartel's next official meeting in Vienna on Nov. 30.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, analysts and investors are looking ahead to monthly U.S. supply and demand data, out on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Gasoline futures rose 0.59 cent, or 0.34%, to $1.7565 a gallon. Diesel futures rose 2.11 cents, or 1.15%, to $1.8630 a gallon.</p>
<p>Write to Alison Sider at [email protected] and Christopher Alessi at [email protected]</p>
<p>Oil prices pressed higher Friday, with Brent crude topping the elusive $60-a-barrel mark for the first time in more than two years amid hopes that OPEC will continue curbing output.</p>
<p>Brent, the global benchmark, rose $1.14, or 1.92%, to $60.44 -- its highest settlement value since July 2, 2015. U.S. crude futures rose $1.26, or 2.39%, to $53.90 a barrel -- an eight-month high.</p>
<p>The $60 threshold is one that oil producing nations and bullish investors have been eyeing all year. They've often been frustrated: despite production cuts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other major exporters, rallies have been fleeting.</p>
<p>But the outlook has shifted in recent weeks, with oil prices posting weekly gains three weeks in a row. Brent prices rose 4.66% this week and West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark, rose 3.97%.</p>
<p>"It's been a slow train coming," said Mark Benigno, co-director of energy trading at INTL FCStone, but investors have come around to the idea that OPEC's efforts are paying off. "People wrote off the story like, 'forget OPEC.' But it's happening the way they were hoping it would," Mr. Benigno said.</p>
<p>Crude and fuel stockpiles have declined steadily, and demand is growing. Saudi Arabia and Russia have thrown their support behind extending production cuts through the end of 2018. Near-term Brent prices are higher than prices for oil delivered in future months, a market structure that indicates tighter supplies available for immediate delivery.</p>
<p>"That's telling me this is happening -- this is working," said Michael Hiley, a trader at LPS Futures LLC. "The underlying fundamentals keep nudging us higher."</p>
<p>Rising geopolitical risk has also boosted oil prices lately. Clashes between Iraqi government troops and forces from the semiautonomous Kurdish region disrupted some oil production and exports this month.</p>
<p>Some expect oil to encounter staunch resistance on its march higher. U.S. oil producers are likely to take advantage of the rally to hedge, or lock in higher prices for output next year.</p>
<p>"It can't really go above $60" a barrel, Giovanni Staunovo, a commodity analyst at UBS Wealth Management, said of the price of Brent. "If it goes too high, it is an indication to U.S. shale producers to produce more oil," a development that could undermine the oil market rebalancing under way, he said.</p>
<p>Mr. Staunovo said UBS expects the price of Brent to stay in a range of $55 to $60 a barrel.</p>
<p>OPEC and some major producers outside the cartel, including Russia, first agreed late last year to cap their production at around 1.8 million barrels a day lower than peak October 2016 levels, with the aim of alleviating global oversupply and boosting prices. The deal has already been extended through March 2018, but many market participants are now anticipating that it will be pushed even further out, something Saudi Arabia and Russia -- the world's two largest crude producers, favor, people familiar with the matter said earlier this week.</p>
<p>OPEC and Russia are set to formally discuss an extension of the deal at the cartel's next official meeting in Vienna on Nov. 30.</p>
<p>Gasoline futures rose 1.8 cents, or 1.03%, to $1.7686 a gallon. Diesel futures rose 2.5 cents, or 1.36%, to $1.8669 a gallon -- its highest settle value since June 30, 2015.</p>
<p>Write to Alison Sider at [email protected] and Christopher Alessi at [email protected]</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>October 27, 2017 16:41 ET (20:41 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | oil prices pressed higher friday morning brent crude topping elusive 60abarrel mark first time two years brent global benchmark recently traded 71 cents 12 6001 barrel ice futures europe us crude futures traded 81 cents 154 5345 barrel new york mercantile exchange continue reading theres lot emotional momentum building said donald morton senior vice president herbert j sims amp co oversees energytrading desk 60 price big bullseye oil producers bullish investors eyeing year brent hit twoyear high thursday settling 5930 barrel helped declining inventories fuel optimism organization petroleum exporting countries likely extend deal limit production rein global oversupply analysts market participants said fridays move higher fueled technical factors traders piling prices rose fundamental outlook also shifted stockpiles falling questions growth rate us shale output also fueling gains slow train coming said mark benigno codirector energy trading intl fcstone investors come around idea opecs efforts paying happening way hoping would mr benigno said expect oil encounter staunch resistance march higher producers likely take advantage rally hedge lock higher prices output next year advertisement cant really go 60 barrel giovanni staunovo commodity analyst ubs wealth management said price brent goes high indication us shale producers produce oil development could undermine oil market rebalancing way said mr staunovo said ubs expects price brent stay range 55 60 barrel certainly general consensus whether psychological threshold 60 barrel last seen july 2015 overcome nearterm stephen brennock analyst brokerage pvm oil associates ltd wrote note friday mr brennock said ingredients brent move higher sustaining herculean challenge prices supported week data showing declining commercial petroleum stocks us news saudi arabia russia worlds two largest crude producers want extend agreement curb output deal expires march 2018 likely end next year opec major producers outside cartel including russia first agreed late last year cap production around 18 million barrels day lower peak october 2016 levels aim alleviating global oversupply boosting prices opec russia set formally discuss extension deal cartels next official meeting vienna nov 30 meanwhile analysts investors looking ahead monthly us supply demand data tuesday gasoline futures rose 059 cent 034 17565 gallon diesel futures rose 211 cents 115 18630 gallon write alison sider alisonsiderwsjcom christopher alessi christopheralessiwsjcom oil prices pressed higher friday brent crude topping elusive 60abarrel mark first time two years amid hopes opec continue curbing output brent global benchmark rose 114 192 6044 highest settlement value since july 2 2015 us crude futures rose 126 239 5390 barrel eightmonth high 60 threshold one oil producing nations bullish investors eyeing year theyve often frustrated despite production cuts organization petroleum exporting countries major exporters rallies fleeting outlook shifted recent weeks oil prices posting weekly gains three weeks row brent prices rose 466 week west texas intermediate us benchmark rose 397 slow train coming said mark benigno codirector energy trading intl fcstone investors come around idea opecs efforts paying people wrote story like forget opec happening way hoping would mr benigno said crude fuel stockpiles declined steadily demand growing saudi arabia russia thrown support behind extending production cuts end 2018 nearterm brent prices higher prices oil delivered future months market structure indicates tighter supplies available immediate delivery thats telling happening working said michael hiley trader lps futures llc underlying fundamentals keep nudging us higher rising geopolitical risk also boosted oil prices lately clashes iraqi government troops forces semiautonomous kurdish region disrupted oil production exports month expect oil encounter staunch resistance march higher us oil producers likely take advantage rally hedge lock higher prices output next year cant really go 60 barrel giovanni staunovo commodity analyst ubs wealth management said price brent goes high indication us shale producers produce oil development could undermine oil market rebalancing way said mr staunovo said ubs expects price brent stay range 55 60 barrel opec major producers outside cartel including russia first agreed late last year cap production around 18 million barrels day lower peak october 2016 levels aim alleviating global oversupply boosting prices deal already extended march 2018 many market participants anticipating pushed even something saudi arabia russia worlds two largest crude producers favor people familiar matter said earlier week opec russia set formally discuss extension deal cartels next official meeting vienna nov 30 gasoline futures rose 18 cents 103 17686 gallon diesel futures rose 25 cents 136 18669 gallon highest settle value since june 30 2015 write alison sider alisonsiderwsjcom christopher alessi christopheralessiwsjcom end dow jones newswires october 27 2017 1641 et 2041 gmt | 733 |
<p>Samsung expanded its recall of its hazardous Galaxy Note7 phones after it received additional reports of overheating that can lead to fires or an explosion. Other recalled consumer products this week include bicycles and strollers.</p>
<p>Here's a more detailed look:</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>SMARTPHONES</p>
<p>DETAILS: All Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphones. This updated recall involves all Galaxy Note7 devices received as replacements as part of the previous Galaxy Note7 recall on Sept. 15, 2016 and any Galaxy Note 7 with a green battery icon, regardless of date purchased or IMEI. They were sold at wireless carriers and electronic stores nationwide, including AT&amp;T, Best Buy, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon stores, online at www.samsung.com and other websites and on third party websites from August 2016 through October 2016.</p>
<p>WHY: The lithium-ion battery in the Galaxy Note7 smartphones can overheat and catch fire, posing serious fire and burn hazard to consumers.</p>
<p>INCIDENT: 96 reports of batteries in Note7 phones overheating in the U.S., including 23 new reports since the September 15 recall announcement. Samsung has received 13 reports of burns and 47 reports of property damage associated with Note7 phones.</p>
<p>HOW MANY: About 1.9 million, including the 1 million phones recalled on September 15, 2016.</p>
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<p>FOR MORE: Contact your wireless carrier, place of purchase or call Samsung at 844-365-6197 anytime, or visit http://www.samsung.com</p>
<p>BICYCLES</p>
<p>DETAILS: 2016 Specialized S-Works Venge Vias and Venge Pro Vias road bicycles. An S-works or Specialized decal can be found on the downtube. They were sold at authorized specialized retailers from July 2015 through September 2016.</p>
<p>WHY: The bicycle's rear wheel can come out of the dropout causing fractures in the rear triangle and presenting an injury hazard to riders.</p>
<p>INCIDENT: Seven reports of fractures in the bicycle's rear triangle, including one report of a rider suffering a minor injury.</p>
<p>HOW MANY: About 1,000.</p>
<p>FOR MORE: Call Specialized at 800-722-4423 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit www.specialized.com on Safety Notices for more information.</p>
<p>STROLLERS</p>
<p>DETAILS: Mamas &amp; Papas' Armadillo Flip and Armadillo Flip XT strollers. All models are folding, single-occupant infant strollers. Recalled items can be identified by their lot number, which is the month and year of manufacture. Lot numbers ranges for recalled Armadillo Flip strollers are 00814 through 00416 (August 2014 through April 2016). Lot number ranges for the Flip XT are 01214 through 00416 (December 2014 through April 2016). The lot number is printed on the sewn-in label on the stroller. They were sold at Albee Baby, Babies 'R' Us, Buy Buy Baby and other stores nationwide and at www.mamasandpapas.com and www.Amazon.com from December 2014 through July 2016.</p>
<p>WHY: A loose latch on the stroller can cause the seat to tip back unexpectedly when infant is in the parent-facing position, posing the risk of a fall to infants.</p>
<p>INCIDENT: 10 reports of seats tipping back. No injuries have been reported.</p>
<p>HOW MANY: About 3,000.</p>
<p>FOR MORE: Call Mamas &amp; Papas at 800-309-6312 anytime or visit www.mamasandpapas.com/us and click on Recall Notice for more information.</p>
<p>EDUCATIONAL LIGHT CUBES</p>
<p>DETAILS: Roylco Educational Light Cubes with model number R59601. The model number is located on the user guide included with the light cube. The cube is primarily used for creative learning involving light in the early childhood classroom. They were sold to educational dealers and distributors nationwide, including Beyond Play, Charles J. Becker, Excelligence, Hatch and Kaplan from December 2013 through April 2016.</p>
<p>WHY: The light cube's lithium polymer battery can overheat and catch fire, posing a fire hazard.</p>
<p>INCIDENT: Three reports of the light cube battery overheating and catching fire. No injuries have been reported.</p>
<p>HOW MANY: About 1,400.</p>
<p>FOR MORE: Call Roylco at 800-362-8656 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.roylcostore.com and click on "Product Recall" for more information.</p>
<p>BABY CARRIERS</p>
<p>DETAILS: Chimparoo brand Trek baby carriers that allow the user to carry a baby tummy to tummy, on the hip or on the back. "Chimparoo" is printed on the upper right hand corner of the carrier. "Trek" is embroidered on the belt. They were sold at Children's boutique stores, such as Granola Babies, of Costa Mesa, Calif., Eat/Sleep/Play, of Summerville, SC and Top to Bottom, of Omaha, Neb. and at www.Amazon.com and www.Chimaparoo.ca from May 2016 through July 2016.</p>
<p>WHY: The carriers' side strap can loosen unexpectedly from the buckle, posing a fall hazard to the child in the carrier.</p>
<p>INCIDENT: One report of a strap loosening unexpectedly from the carrier's side buckle. No injuries have been reported.</p>
<p>HOW MANY: About 130 in the U.S. and about 1,000 in Canada.</p>
<p>FOR MORE: Call Chimparoo at 855-289-5343 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, send email to [email protected] or visit www.Chimparoo.ca/en/recall and click on "Product Recall" at the bottom of the page.</p>
<p>BARSTOOLS</p>
<p>DETAILS: LF Products Sawyer swivel barstools sold in black, white, distressed blue, and dark brown and sold at Bed Bath &amp; Beyond stores nationwide and online at bedbathandbeyond.com from May 2012 through March 2016. "LF Products" is printed on a label affixed to the barstool.</p>
<p>WHY: Screws on the barstools can loosen, posing a fall hazard to the user.</p>
<p>INCIDENT: 15 reports of loosened hardware resulting in four reports of fall injuries.</p>
<p>HOW MANY: About 108,000 in the U.S. and about 6,200 units in Canada.</p>
<p>FOR MORE: Call Bed Bath &amp; Beyond at 800-462-3966 anytime or visit www.bedbathandbeyond.com and click on "Product Recall Information" for more information.</p> | true | 0 | samsung expanded recall hazardous galaxy note7 phones received additional reports overheating lead fires explosion recalled consumer products week include bicycles strollers heres detailed look continue reading smartphones details samsung galaxy note7 smartphones updated recall involves galaxy note7 devices received replacements part previous galaxy note7 recall sept 15 2016 galaxy note 7 green battery icon regardless date purchased imei sold wireless carriers electronic stores nationwide including atampt best buy sprint tmobile us cellular verizon stores online wwwsamsungcom websites third party websites august 2016 october 2016 lithiumion battery galaxy note7 smartphones overheat catch fire posing serious fire burn hazard consumers incident 96 reports batteries note7 phones overheating us including 23 new reports since september 15 recall announcement samsung received 13 reports burns 47 reports property damage associated note7 phones many 19 million including 1 million phones recalled september 15 2016 advertisement contact wireless carrier place purchase call samsung 8443656197 anytime visit httpwwwsamsungcom bicycles details 2016 specialized sworks venge vias venge pro vias road bicycles sworks specialized decal found downtube sold authorized specialized retailers july 2015 september 2016 bicycles rear wheel come dropout causing fractures rear triangle presenting injury hazard riders incident seven reports fractures bicycles rear triangle including one report rider suffering minor injury many 1000 call specialized 8007224423 9 5 pm pt monday friday visit wwwspecializedcom safety notices information strollers details mamas amp papas armadillo flip armadillo flip xt strollers models folding singleoccupant infant strollers recalled items identified lot number month year manufacture lot numbers ranges recalled armadillo flip strollers 00814 00416 august 2014 april 2016 lot number ranges flip xt 01214 00416 december 2014 april 2016 lot number printed sewnin label stroller sold albee baby babies r us buy buy baby stores nationwide wwwmamasandpapascom wwwamazoncom december 2014 july 2016 loose latch stroller cause seat tip back unexpectedly infant parentfacing position posing risk fall infants incident 10 reports seats tipping back injuries reported many 3000 call mamas amp papas 8003096312 anytime visit wwwmamasandpapascomus click recall notice information educational light cubes details roylco educational light cubes model number r59601 model number located user guide included light cube cube primarily used creative learning involving light early childhood classroom sold educational dealers distributors nationwide including beyond play charles j becker excelligence hatch kaplan december 2013 april 2016 light cubes lithium polymer battery overheat catch fire posing fire hazard incident three reports light cube battery overheating catching fire injuries reported many 1400 call roylco 8003628656 8 5 pm et monday friday visit wwwroylcostorecom click product recall information baby carriers details chimparoo brand trek baby carriers allow user carry baby tummy tummy hip back chimparoo printed upper right hand corner carrier trek embroidered belt sold childrens boutique stores granola babies costa mesa calif eatsleepplay summerville sc top bottom omaha neb wwwamazoncom wwwchimaparooca may 2016 july 2016 carriers side strap loosen unexpectedly buckle posing fall hazard child carrier incident one report strap loosening unexpectedly carriers side buckle injuries reported many 130 us 1000 canada call chimparoo 8552895343 9 5 pm et monday friday send email safetychimparoocom visit wwwchimparoocaenrecall click product recall bottom page barstools details lf products sawyer swivel barstools sold black white distressed blue dark brown sold bed bath amp beyond stores nationwide online bedbathandbeyondcom may 2012 march 2016 lf products printed label affixed barstool screws barstools loosen posing fall hazard user incident 15 reports loosened hardware resulting four reports fall injuries many 108000 us 6200 units canada call bed bath amp beyond 8004623966 anytime visit wwwbedbathandbeyondcom click product recall information information | 576 |
<p />
<p>SpaceX is amazing.Not only has Elon Musk's space start-up shaken up the industry by proving that rockets can launch from Earth, and then land back on Earth -- <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/16/spacex-does-the-impossible-again.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">and even on a boat Opens a New Window.</a>. Not only has it <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/09/01/spacex-begins-selling-used-rocket-rides.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">cut the price of such rocket launches enormously Opens a New Window.</a> -- and forced its rivals at Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Lockheed Martin's (NYSE: LMT) United Launch Alliance (ULA) <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/24/how-much-does-it-cost-to-launch-a-satellite.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">to do the same Opens a New Window.</a>. And not only has SpaceX published a plan to finally <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/10/05/elon-musks-mars-plan-is-much-bigger-than-just-the.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">land humans on Mars Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>No, SpaceX is also amazing for the fact that it has introduced the concept of customer service to the rocket-launch industry -- and forced its rivals to play catch-up.</p>
<p>How much does it cost to launch a rocket? ULA has the answer. Image source: United Launch Alliance.</p>
<p>Up until recently, SpaceX was unique among major space-launch providers by publishing its launch prices <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/05/28/spacex-raises-launch-prices.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">right up front on its website Opens a New Window.</a>andcommitting to send "up to 5.5" metric tons of payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) for the low, low cost of $62 million.</p>
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<p>Shopping for a launch on SpaceX, a customer no longer needed to cold-call a launch company without having any idea what price it might need to pay. At SpaceX, the customer would know what to expect before even placing the call. That removed one small but important (and entirely unnecessary) obstacle to making space accessible to the masses.</p>
<p>What's more, this tiny improvement to the provision of space services is already snowballing. Believe it or not, it's resulted in an improvement in service at ULA, as well.</p>
<p>Thanks, in part, to <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/25/spacex-surges-and-united-launch-alliance-announces.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">competition from SpaceX Opens a New Window.</a>, United Launch Alliance can no longer depend on government largesse to provide all the revenue it needs. Under the administration of new(ish) CEO Tory Bruno, ULA has embarked on <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/03/15/spacex-could-steal-1-billion-in-business-from-boei.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">a search for more commercial customers Opens a New Window.</a>. And with its entry into the commercial marketplace, ULA has already learned one valuable lesson:Customer service matters.</p>
<p>To prove it, ULA has taken a page from SpaceX's playbook, announcing last month a new " <a href="https://www.rocketbuilder.com/" type="external">RocketBuilder Opens a New Window.</a>" website that "sets a new standard for pricing transparency." RocketBuilder.com lets a customer input variables for launch date, orbit, rocket configuration, and additional services. This allows the customer "to build a rocket based on [its] needs," and emerge at the end with an all-inclusive launch cost.</p>
<p>Additionally, ULA says its website will provide context for customers, such as savings on insurance costs and the value of "schedule certainty" -- the economic value of knowing that a launch won't be delayed, costing the customer millions in lost revenue. (This might happen when a SpaceX rocket blows up on its pad and shuts down operations for the next four months. <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/12/13/spacex-delayed-again.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Speaking hypothetically, of course Opens a New Window.</a>).</p>
<p>How does RocketBuilder work? If you've ever "built a car" on Ford.com or GM.com, well, it works a whole lot like that. Start with a basic GTO mission, launching, say, a one-ton satellite aboard an Atlas V rocket sometime in the next three months. That will run you $109 million.</p>
<p>Click a button to transition into geostationaryequatorialorbit (GEO), and your price total automatically rises by $6 million. Want a polar orbit instead? Add $2 million more.</p>
<p>Need to launch a bigger payload? No problem. You can triple the size of your satellite without incurring any additional cost. You can even launch 10 tons ... for another $6 million.</p>
<p>And then there's the "added value." According to ULA, launching with ULA -- instead of with a company that cannot boast " <a href="https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/811644963629002753" type="external">115 missions. 100% success Opens a New Window.</a>" on its launches -- saves a customer about $12 million off the cost of insuring a $300 million satellite. Insurers charge $34 million less for a $1 billion satellite launched via ULA than for one launched with "the other guys."</p>
<p>ULA will also be happy to explain to you how much money you can save by knowing your satellite will launch when it's supposed to, reach the orbit it's supposed to, and so on. Granted, this facet of the RocketBuilder website seems more like advertising copy than anything else. Still, it gives ULA a chance to argue that its $109 million rock-bottom launch cost only really costs $44 million once you figure in all of the "extras" that ULA offers for free.</p>
<p>Believe it or not, with this new website, ULA has finally outdone SpaceX in the transparency department. Neither SpaceX nor Airbus'(NASDAQOTH: EADSY) Arianespace -- (Airbus is really ULA's main rival in the commercial market) -- offers anything like what ULA has put together with RocketBuilder.</p>
<p>Granted, it shouldn't take SpaceX and Airbus too much work to throw something together if they want to match ULA's "new standard for pricing transparency." But for now, ULA has officially become the leader in customer friendliness. It's a big change for the company, but a welcome one.</p>
<p>And if it helps ULA attract more commercial business, generating more revenue and profit for shareholders in its parent companies Boeing and Lockheed Martin -- all the better!</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Lockheed Martin When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=3668b979-cc36-441b-b11a-539117384c37&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Lockheed Martin wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
<p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=3668b979-cc36-441b-b11a-539117384c37&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of Nov. 7, 2016</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFDitty/info.aspx" type="external">Rich Smith Opens a New Window.</a>does not own shares of, nor is he short, any company named above. You can find him on <a href="http://caps.fool.com/" type="external">Motley Fool CAPS Opens a New Window.</a>, publicly pontificating under the handle <a href="http://caps.fool.com/ViewPlayer.aspx?t=01002844399633209838" type="external">TMFDitty Opens a New Window.</a>, where he's currently ranked No. 346 out of more than 75,000 rated members.</p>
<p>The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | spacex amazingnot elon musks space startup shaken industry proving rockets launch earth land back earth even boat opens new window cut price rocket launches enormously opens new window forced rivals boeing nyse ba lockheed martins nyse lmt united launch alliance ula opens new window spacex published plan finally land humans mars opens new window continue reading spacex also amazing fact introduced concept customer service rocketlaunch industry forced rivals play catchup much cost launch rocket ula answer image source united launch alliance recently spacex unique among major spacelaunch providers publishing launch prices right front website opens new windowandcommitting send 55 metric tons payload geosynchronous transfer orbit gto low low cost 62 million advertisement shopping launch spacex customer longer needed coldcall launch company without idea price might need pay spacex customer would know expect even placing call removed one small important entirely unnecessary obstacle making space accessible masses whats tiny improvement provision space services already snowballing believe resulted improvement service ula well thanks part competition spacex opens new window united launch alliance longer depend government largesse provide revenue needs administration newish ceo tory bruno ula embarked search commercial customers opens new window entry commercial marketplace ula already learned one valuable lessoncustomer service matters prove ula taken page spacexs playbook announcing last month new rocketbuilder opens new window website sets new standard pricing transparency rocketbuildercom lets customer input variables launch date orbit rocket configuration additional services allows customer build rocket based needs emerge end allinclusive launch cost additionally ula says website provide context customers savings insurance costs value schedule certainty economic value knowing launch wont delayed costing customer millions lost revenue might happen spacex rocket blows pad shuts operations next four months speaking hypothetically course opens new window rocketbuilder work youve ever built car fordcom gmcom well works whole lot like start basic gto mission launching say oneton satellite aboard atlas v rocket sometime next three months run 109 million click button transition geostationaryequatorialorbit geo price total automatically rises 6 million want polar orbit instead add 2 million need launch bigger payload problem triple size satellite without incurring additional cost even launch 10 tons another 6 million theres added value according ula launching ula instead company boast 115 missions 100 success opens new window launches saves customer 12 million cost insuring 300 million satellite insurers charge 34 million less 1 billion satellite launched via ula one launched guys ula also happy explain much money save knowing satellite launch supposed reach orbit supposed granted facet rocketbuilder website seems like advertising copy anything else still gives ula chance argue 109 million rockbottom launch cost really costs 44 million figure extras ula offers free believe new website ula finally outdone spacex transparency department neither spacex airbusnasdaqoth eadsy arianespace airbus really ulas main rival commercial market offers anything like ula put together rocketbuilder granted shouldnt take spacex airbus much work throw something together want match ulas new standard pricing transparency ula officially become leader customer friendliness big change company welcome one helps ula attract commercial business generating revenue profit shareholders parent companies boeing lockheed martin better 10 stocks like better lockheed martin investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right lockheed martin wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns nov 7 2016 rich smith opens new windowdoes shares short company named find motley fool caps opens new window publicly pontificating handle tmfditty opens new window hes currently ranked 346 75000 rated members motley fool position stocks mentioned try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 638 |
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