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<p />
<p>Image source: Pixabay.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Lately, Abiomed investors have seen their shares bounce around like a kid on a trampoline, mainly because the company is at an unpredictable crossroads.</p>
<p>The shares are trading at a high multiple of around 36 times trailing earnings. The recent stock price of around $96 may be too low or way too high, depending on the outcome of two main developments that will play out over the rest of the year.</p>
<p>If you're one of the lucky investors who wisely bought into Abiomed and its transcatheter heart pumps about a year and a half ago, now might be a good time to take just a littlebit of your profits off the table. At least this way you can enjoy the ride without becoming a candidate for one of its truly incredible devices.</p>
<p>The rest of the year will be a nervous wait-and-see period for this stock. Allow me to explain and warn investors against some potentially money-losing mistakes.</p>
<p>Mistake 1: Buy nowOne of the Affordable Care Act's provisions aimed to improve effectiveness and curb costs by including increased funding of comparative effectiveness research.</p>
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<p>Image source: St. Jude Medical.</p>
<p>One of the developments Abiomed investors need to look for is results from one of these comparative effectiveness studies currently under way. It's comparing an early Abiomed transcatheter heart pump, the Impella 2.5, against Thoratec's HeartMate PHP. The open-label study will be limited to temporary use during high-risk percutaneous heart surgeries.Given Abiomed's high valuation, results from this study could send the stock screaming in one direction or another. With Thoratec, and now its recent acquirer, St Jude Medical sponsoring the trial,I'd bet on "down," at least temporarily.</p>
<p>There are a several important points you should understand about the involved companies and devices under comparison before making any assumptions once the head-to-head trial data is released:</p>
<p>Image source: Abiomed</p>
<p>Once the results of the trial (which is expected to finish in December) are released, perhaps the most important distinction to bear in mind is this: The Impella 2.5 is designed for maximum flow of 2.5 liters per minute, while the HeartMate PHP allows flow of up to 4 liters per minute.</p>
<p>An average, healthy, 60-year-old woman with a resting heart rate of 70 beats per minute pumps roughly 5.25 liters of blood through her left ventricle into her aorta each minute.Clearly, the HeartMate will provide patients in dire conditions with closer to normal healthy blood flow.</p>
<p>Also, this is an open-label trial. Physicians aware their patients might require more than 2.5 liters per minute of assistance will probably reach for the HeartMate PHP, making "randomization" of patients questionable.</p>
<p>Mistake 2: Sell if HeartMate PHP is non-inferiorThe head-to-head trial with St. Jude's HeartMate PHP and Abiomed's Impella 2.5 may throw off numbers that suggest the Impella 2.5 is inferior, but I wouldn't be too hasty to dump Abiomed shares. The Impella 2.5 isinferior, by design. Here's the second recent development you need to keep in mind if the stock goes haywire.</p>
<p>Image source: Abiomed,</p>
<p>Abiomed has an FDA-approved device with a flow rate of up to 5 liters per minute. The Impella 5.0 is similar to the 2.5 in design, with one minor difference: The pump in the aorta is about 7mm in diameter. That's about 1mm smaller than the HeartMate PHP pump that wedges the aortic valve open about 8mm.</p>
<p>In addition to the Impella 2.5 and 5.0, Abiomed has two more nuancedpumps approved by the FDA for post-heart attack or post-heart surgery patients suffering from poor blood flow.</p>
<p>These four devices had 501(k) "clearance" for years, but on March 21, the FDA decided it would give them premarket approval, medical-device lingo for FDA approval, without bringing in an advisory committee.That's a good sign the agency is confident these devices are both safe and effective in this broader population, and waiving the committee meeting sped up the process several months.</p>
<p>Even before the FDA bestowed premarket approval upon these four devices for a wider population, the company's sales and popularity popped last year. In the quarter ended Dec. 31, patient use rose 45% compared with the same period the year before.</p>
<p>Abiomed sales truly began rising in early 2015, when the Impella 2.5 became the first of its breed to receive a premarket authorization for use during high-risk percutaneous interventions. With the broader indication for four products, next year could be even better, making these shares ones that you want to hold onto.</p>
<p>What to look out forAlthough I expect Abiomed's recent premarket approvals will boost sales at home, it is a small company. By market cap and sales staff, St. Jude Medical is relatively enormous, and it has a large direct sales force focused almost entirely on cardiology.</p>
<p>St. Jude also heavily upped its debt level to finance the $3.3 billion Thoratec acquisition,so I expect it will make every effort to include its new heart pumps into its sales pitches.</p>
<p>Thoratec's HeartMate 2 went through a Class 1 recall because of a defect that nearly resulted in a patient death and required emergency open-heart surgery. Whether that recall looms in the minds of healthcare professionals choosing heart pumps is hard to say.Abiomed has over 200 field representatives in the U.S., but St. Jude has about 18,000 employees worldwide. Not all of St Jude's employees are in sales, but it has built deep relationships with cardiologists over the years.</p>
<p>Abiomed's growth has well outpaced Thoratec over the past couple of years. Investors will want to keep an eye on whether it can continue doing so now that it's a St. Jude company.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/05/the-worst-mistakes-abiomed-inc-investors-can-make.aspx" type="external">The Worst Mistakes Abiomed, Inc. Investors Can Make Right Now 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 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=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 pixabay continue reading lately abiomed investors seen shares bounce around like kid trampoline mainly company unpredictable crossroads shares trading high multiple around 36 times trailing earnings recent stock price around 96 may low way high depending outcome two main developments play rest year youre one lucky investors wisely bought abiomed transcatheter heart pumps year half ago might good time take littlebit profits table least way enjoy ride without becoming candidate one truly incredible devices rest year nervous waitandsee period stock allow explain warn investors potentially moneylosing mistakes mistake 1 buy nowone affordable care acts provisions aimed improve effectiveness curb costs including increased funding comparative effectiveness research advertisement image source st jude medical one developments abiomed investors need look results one comparative effectiveness studies currently way comparing early abiomed transcatheter heart pump impella 25 thoratecs heartmate php openlabel study limited temporary use highrisk percutaneous heart surgeriesgiven abiomeds high valuation results study could send stock screaming one direction another thoratec recent acquirer st jude medical sponsoring trialid bet least temporarily several important points understand involved companies devices comparison making assumptions headtohead trial data released image source abiomed results trial expected finish december released perhaps important distinction bear mind impella 25 designed maximum flow 25 liters per minute heartmate php allows flow 4 liters per minute average healthy 60yearold woman resting heart rate 70 beats per minute pumps roughly 525 liters blood left ventricle aorta minuteclearly heartmate provide patients dire conditions closer normal healthy blood flow also openlabel trial physicians aware patients might require 25 liters per minute assistance probably reach heartmate php making randomization patients questionable mistake 2 sell heartmate php noninferiorthe headtohead trial st judes heartmate php abiomeds impella 25 may throw numbers suggest impella 25 inferior wouldnt hasty dump abiomed shares impella 25 isinferior design heres second recent development need keep mind stock goes haywire image source abiomed abiomed fdaapproved device flow rate 5 liters per minute impella 50 similar 25 design one minor difference pump aorta 7mm diameter thats 1mm smaller heartmate php pump wedges aortic valve open 8mm addition impella 25 50 abiomed two nuancedpumps approved fda postheart attack postheart surgery patients suffering poor blood flow four devices 501k clearance years march 21 fda decided would give premarket approval medicaldevice lingo fda approval without bringing advisory committeethats good sign agency confident devices safe effective broader population waiving committee meeting sped process several months even fda bestowed premarket approval upon four devices wider population companys sales popularity popped last year quarter ended dec 31 patient use rose 45 compared period year abiomed sales truly began rising early 2015 impella 25 became first breed receive premarket authorization use highrisk percutaneous interventions broader indication four products next year could even better making shares ones want hold onto look foralthough expect abiomeds recent premarket approvals boost sales home small company market cap sales staff st jude medical relatively enormous large direct sales force focused almost entirely cardiology st jude also heavily upped debt level finance 33 billion thoratec acquisitionso expect make every effort include new heart pumps sales pitches thoratecs heartmate 2 went class 1 recall defect nearly resulted patient death required emergency openheart surgery whether recall looms minds healthcare professionals choosing heart pumps hard sayabiomed 200 field representatives us st jude 18000 employees worldwide st judes employees sales built deep relationships cardiologists years abiomeds growth well outpaced thoratec past couple years investors want keep eye whether continue st jude company article worst mistakes abiomed inc investors make right opens new window originally appeared foolcom cory renauer 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 copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 646 |
<p />
<p>The U.S. dollar hit an 11-month peak on Monday as the risk of faster domestic inflation and wider budget deficits if Donald Trump goes on a U.S. spending binge sent Treasury and other benchmark global bond yields ever higher.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>It was a painful mix for assets in many emerging market countries. Currencies from the Mexican peso to the Malaysian ringgit fell to new lows, but for European share markets it made for a strong start to the week.</p>
<p>The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 1.1 percent, underpinned by gains among banks on hopes higher interest rates will help their profits and mining companies, which have been cheering Trump's promise of major infrastructure spending.</p>
<p>The reflation trade also saw futures for the S&amp;P 500 and Dow Jones industrial add another 0.5 percent after the Dow chalked up best week in five years last week.</p>
<p>The dollar bounded towards 108 yen and hit the eye-catching 100 threshold against a basket of currencies in brisk trade. That took the pace off a resurgent sterling and saw the euro slide to its lowest since the start of the year at around $1.0745.</p>
<p>"Clearly the market has settled on a 'buy dollar' theme on the basis there will be a debt-fueled U.S. fiscal binge that will push up inflation," said TD Securities European Head of Currency Strategy Ned Rumpeltin.</p>
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<p>"People are repricing the Fed on the basis of that so it all seems to be a relatively straight forward."</p>
<p>The dollar has been on a tear since the victory of Republican Trump in the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 8 triggered a massive sell-off in Treasuries.</p>
<p>Yields on the U.S. 10-year Treasury notes climbed to their highest since January on Monday at 2.22 percent, while 30-year paper reached 3 percent. German 30-year yields topped 1 percent for the first time in more than six months.</p>
<p>Just two days of selling last week wiped out more than $1 trillion across global bond markets, the worst rout in nearly a year and a half, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch.</p>
<p>The jump in yields on safe-haven U.S. debt threatened to suck funds out of emerging markets, while the risk of a trade war between the United States and China is also causing jitters.</p>
<p>"There are signs that higher bond yields and the knock of a stronger US dollar are having a domino impact, taking down the weakest risky assets first, before moving on to the next," said Alan Ruskin, global co-head of forex at Deutsche.</p>
<p>"There is only so much financial conditions tightening that risky assets can take when fiscal stimulus is still 'a promise' that lies some way in the future."</p>
<p>The stampede from bonds has seen 30-year yields post their biggest weekly increase since January 2009.</p>
<p>SUBMERGING MARKETS</p>
<p>Mexico's peso, Turkey's Lira and South Africa's rand all remained in the firing line in European trading. Emerging market stocks also extended their post- U.S. election slump to over 7 percent.</p>
<p>MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan ended at its lowest since mid-July as Hong Kong and Indonesia led the region's losses with drops of 2.7 and 2.2 percent.</p>
<p>In contrast, Japan's Nikkei jumped 1.7 percent on the weakening yen to reach its highest in nine months.</p>
<p>It got an added fillip from data showing Japan's economy grew at an annualized rate of 2.2 percent in the third quarter, handily beating forecasts.</p>
<p>Elsewhere, the New Zealand dollar eased after a powerful earthquake rocked the island nation early on Monday, killing at least two people and prompting a tsunami warning that sent thousands fleeing to higher ground.</p>
<p>The currency dipped to $0.7092, with losses limited by talk rebuilding work would support an already strong economy and lessen the need for further interest rate cuts.</p>
<p>Egypt's pound strengthened, meanwhile, after the International Monetary Fund approved a $12 billion, three-year loan program the government hopes will help restore investor confidence and stabilize the currency and economy.</p>
<p>In commodities, the rampant U.S. dollar pressured gold, which lost 0.8 percent to $1,215 an ounce. Yet industrial metals extended their bull run, with copper adding 1.2 percent.</p>
<p>In the oil market, Brent crude dipped a few cents to $44.62 a barrel, while U.S. crude eased 7 cents to $43.34.</p>
<p>One market rate, measuring expected inflation over the five-year period that begins five years from today, shot up 30 basis points to 2.46 percent last week, the highest since late 2014. It had been as low as 1.84 percent in June.</p>
<p>Fed fund futures &lt;0#FF:&gt; in turn imply a better-than-70 percent probability the Fed will hike rates in December.</p>
<p>Speaking in Frankfurt, European Central Bank Vice President Vitor Constancio warned about the uncertainty being caused by the sudden swing in markets.</p>
<p>"We should be cautious in drawing hasty, positive conclusions from those market developments because they may not necessarily indicate that the world economy will have an accelerating recovery with higher growth," Constancio said. (Reporting by Wayne Cole; Editing by Larry King)</p> | true | 0 | us dollar hit 11month peak monday risk faster domestic inflation wider budget deficits donald trump goes us spending binge sent treasury benchmark global bond yields ever higher continue reading painful mix assets many emerging market countries currencies mexican peso malaysian ringgit fell new lows european share markets made strong start week paneuropean stoxx 600 index rose 11 percent underpinned gains among banks hopes higher interest rates help profits mining companies cheering trumps promise major infrastructure spending reflation trade also saw futures sampp 500 dow jones industrial add another 05 percent dow chalked best week five years last week dollar bounded towards 108 yen hit eyecatching 100 threshold basket currencies brisk trade took pace resurgent sterling saw euro slide lowest since start year around 10745 clearly market settled buy dollar theme basis debtfueled us fiscal binge push inflation said td securities european head currency strategy ned rumpeltin advertisement people repricing fed basis seems relatively straight forward dollar tear since victory republican trump us presidential election nov 8 triggered massive selloff treasuries yields us 10year treasury notes climbed highest since january monday 222 percent 30year paper reached 3 percent german 30year yields topped 1 percent first time six months two days selling last week wiped 1 trillion across global bond markets worst rout nearly year half according bank america merrill lynch jump yields safehaven us debt threatened suck funds emerging markets risk trade war united states china also causing jitters signs higher bond yields knock stronger us dollar domino impact taking weakest risky assets first moving next said alan ruskin global cohead forex deutsche much financial conditions tightening risky assets take fiscal stimulus still promise lies way future stampede bonds seen 30year yields post biggest weekly increase since january 2009 submerging markets mexicos peso turkeys lira south africas rand remained firing line european trading emerging market stocks also extended post us election slump 7 percent mscis broadest index asiapacific shares outside japan ended lowest since midjuly hong kong indonesia led regions losses drops 27 22 percent contrast japans nikkei jumped 17 percent weakening yen reach highest nine months got added fillip data showing japans economy grew annualized rate 22 percent third quarter handily beating forecasts elsewhere new zealand dollar eased powerful earthquake rocked island nation early monday killing least two people prompting tsunami warning sent thousands fleeing higher ground currency dipped 07092 losses limited talk rebuilding work would support already strong economy lessen need interest rate cuts egypts pound strengthened meanwhile international monetary fund approved 12 billion threeyear loan program government hopes help restore investor confidence stabilize currency economy commodities rampant us dollar pressured gold lost 08 percent 1215 ounce yet industrial metals extended bull run copper adding 12 percent oil market brent crude dipped cents 4462 barrel us crude eased 7 cents 4334 one market rate measuring expected inflation fiveyear period begins five years today shot 30 basis points 246 percent last week highest since late 2014 low 184 percent june fed fund futures lt0ffgt turn imply betterthan70 percent probability fed hike rates december speaking frankfurt european central bank vice president vitor constancio warned uncertainty caused sudden swing markets cautious drawing hasty positive conclusions market developments may necessarily indicate world economy accelerating recovery higher growth constancio said reporting wayne cole editing larry king | 542 |
<p />
<p>I still have the same sense of wonder about our space program that I did as a child. It represents an essential part of our character -- curiosity and exploration, innovation and ingenuity, pushing the boundaries of what's possible and doing it before anybody else.-- <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/11/opinions/america-will-take-giant-leap-to-mars-barack-obama/index.html" type="external">President Barack Obama Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Goodbye, Space Shuttle. Hello, Mars? Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>For space investors, Barack Obama may be best remembered as the president who <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/10/08/darpa-places-a-big-bet-on-a-small-rocket-maker.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">retired the Space Shuttle in 2011 Opens a New Window.</a>, shuttering America's manned space program for years, and delivering our astronauts into the tender mercies of Russia's Roscosmos ( <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/02/03/should-nasa-pay-russia-82-million-for-astronaut-ri.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">and its bill collection department Opens a New Window.</a>). But that's not how he wants to be remembered.</p>
<p>Instead, President Obama wants us to remember him as the man who launched America's race to Mars.</p>
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<p>Last month, the president published an opinion piece on CNN.com emphasizing how his administration has "revitalized technology innovation at NASA, extended the life of the International Space Station, and helped American companies create private-sector jobs by capitalizing on the untapped potential of the space industry."</p>
<p>The next goal is "clear," says the president: We're "sending humans to Mars by the 2030s."</p>
<p>Now, in case you haven't heard, President Obama himself won't be around to personally lead the charge to Mars. In fact, by my count, the president has less than 10 weeksleft in office before <a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/2016/11/09/warren-buffetts-advice-for-a-donald-trump-presiden.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">President-elect Donald Trump Opens a New Window.</a> takes over. So what does he think about Mars?</p>
<p>In recent weeks, Trump's senior policy advisoron space, former Congressman Robert Walker, has been making the rounds of the media and laying out the president-elect's plans for space. Broadly speaking, these track what President Obama has been working on. Trump supports:</p>
<p>That seems pretty clear-cut. Like President Obama, President-elect Trump has his eye on the Mars prize. Indeed, he's looking even further out, perhaps to a day when we might see an American flag planted on Pluto by 2200. In furtherance of these two goals -- increased handoff of LEO space work to private companies, and a government-led drive for deeper space -- the president-elect plans to reinstitute the National Space Council to consider questions of which parties are best suited to perform which missions in space.</p>
<p>At the same time, though, Walker says,"It makes little sense for numerous launch vehicles to be developed at taxpayer cost, all with essentially the same technology and payload capacity. Coordinated policy would end such duplication of effort...."</p>
<p>Writing as Trump's surrogate, Walker heaped praiseupon "vibrant companies" such as Boeing (NYSE: BA) and its partner in United Launch Alliance, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT); upon ULA's partner companies in building NASA's Space Launch System -- Orbital ATK (NYSE: OA) and Aerojet Rocketdyne (NYSE: AJRD) in particular -- and upon such privately held space pioneers as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic.</p>
<p>At the same time, though, while a Trump administration would not stand in the way of private companies doing business in space, neither is it eager to spend taxpayer dollars to fund multiple competitors. Rather, Walker appears to be suggesting that a Trump administration would prefer to pick one winner to do each space job NASA needs done, and fund that.</p>
<p>Other experts posit other ways in which a Trump administration could shift away from Obama Administration policy. For example, Trump may favor <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/08/20/its-official-in-2017-we-begin-mining-the-moon.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">a return to the moon Opens a New Window.</a> before a trek to Mars. He might side with Congressional critics of <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/19/congress-could-nix-asteroid-mission-and-cost-boein.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">NASA's plan to capture an asteroid Opens a New Window.</a> with its Space Launch System (SLS), robbing that program of funds to pay for something else. For that matter, Trump might even abort the multi-multibillion-dollar SLS project entirely if private space companies such as SpaceX succeed in building something even <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/03/06/spacex-could-beat-nasa-to-mars-and-do-it-cheaper.aspx?source=yahoo&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">more powerful, and cheaper Opens a New Window.</a>, for the Mars trip.</p>
<p>(Indeed, <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">SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's recent talk in Guadalajara Opens a New Window.</a>, in which he laid out plans to establish fuel depots throughout the solar system, appears to jibe nicely with President-elect Trump's desire for "human exploration of the[whole] solar system.")</p>
<p>In short, President-elect Trump seems inclined to follow the broad outlines of President Obama's plans to land on Mars -- and even go further than that. Still, NASA under Trump's administration could take a significantly different path to Mars, creating significant implications for the companies NASA hires to help it accomplish its mission. How will this affect you as an investor? Stay tuned.</p>
<p>We certainly will. And as Trump's plans firm up, we'll keep you up to date.</p>
<p>Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than Boeing 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=aed3e3af-1c32-4f6a-8a24-56fff8f2359a&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 Boeing 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=aed3e3af-1c32-4f6a-8a24-56fff8f2359a&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/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. 314 out of more than 75,000 rated members.</p>
<p>The Motley Fool recommends Orbital ATK. 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. 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<p />
<p>If you owned shares of either Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) or Merck (NYSE: MRK) over the last five years, you're likely a happy camper. Both stocks are up more than 75% during the period. Both have also seen their shares climb by double-digit percentages this year, with Merck outperforming J&amp;J by around 5%. Which is the better choice for investors looking at 2017 and beyond? Here's how J&amp;J and Merck stack up.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>In a sense, Johnson &amp; Johnson is three companies rolled into one. The healthcare giant's three business segments -- consumer, pharmaceutical, and medical devices -- are all multi-billion dollar enterprises.</p>
<p>The best investing case for J&amp;J comes from its pharmaceutical segment. Sales for the segment grew over 9% in the first three quarters of 2016. The company claims several products boasting solid year-over-year sales increases, notably including anti-inflammatory drugs Simponi and Stelara, HIV drug Edurant, and blood thinner Xarelto.</p>
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<p>Johnson &amp; Johnson's biggest success story right now, though, is cancer drug Imbruvica. Third-quarter sales nearly doubled the amount generated in the prior year period. The future also looks promising for Imbruvica: The drug is currently in half a dozen late-stage clinical studies targeting additional indications.</p>
<p>That's just the tip of the iceberg. J&amp;J's pipeline includes 28 late-stage programs. This count doesn't include rheumatoid arthritis drug sirukumab, which is awaitingregulatory approval in the U.S. and Europe.</p>
<p>Dividend-seeking investors really have a lot to like about Johnson &amp; Johnson. The dividend yield currently stands at 2.7%. J&amp;J has increased the dividend for 54 consecutive years.</p>
<p>The company hasn't been a slouch at growth, either, posting32 consecutive years of adjusted earnings increases. With a solid lineup featuring Imbruvica plus over $40 billion in cash,cash equivalents, and marketable securities that could fund further acquisitions, Johnson &amp; Johnson should be able to keep its growth streak going.</p>
<p>Merck also has its own rising star with Keytruda. Sales for thecancer drug totaled $919 million. That's just the start. Analysts expect Keytruda to reach peak annual sales of over $8 billion.</p>
<p>The company also continues to see solid growth from its vaccines franchise. Sales forhuman papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine Gardasil and its ProQuad/M-M-R II/Varivax vaccines increased by double-digit percentages in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the prior year period. In addition, new hepatitis C drug Zepatier has contributed significant revenue this year.</p>
<p>Merck does face some challenges. Cardiovascular drugs Zetia and Vytorin lose patent protection in 2017. An agreement actually allows a generic version of Zetia to launch even sooner -- in December 2016.</p>
<p>Several pipeline candidates could help boost sales in the future. Merck's pipeline includes 21 late-stage programs.Anacetrapib, which targets treatment ofatherosclerosis, could run into trouble since two chemically similar drugs failed to win regulatory approval. However, Merck has multiple Keytruda studies in additional indications plus several diabetes candidates in late-stage development, along with experimental Alzheimer's disease treatment verubecestat.</p>
<p>Thanks largely to Keytruda and other possible winners in the pipeline, Wall Street thinks that Merck will be able to grow annual earnings by around 6% over the next five years. That's close to the same level expected for Johnson &amp; Johnson.</p>
<p>Merck's dividend yield of almost 2.9% is a tad higher than Johnson &amp; Johnson's. However, the company uses more of its earnings to fund dividend payments than J&amp;J does. Also, Merck can't boast of the string of annual dividend increases like J&amp;J can.</p>
<p>Merck should be a pretty good choice for investors looking for a reasonable dividend yield. Keytruda will likely become one of the biggest-selling drugs on the market, fueling Merck's growth well into the future.</p>
<p>However, I think Johnson &amp; Johnson is the better pick for long-term investors. J&amp;J provides consistency combined with a solid potential for steady (if not spectacular) growth. My take is that investors will continue to be happy campers with either one of these stocks, but J&amp;J shareholders will probably have the bigger smiles a decade or more from now.</p>
<p>Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than Johnson and Johnson 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=ade201a1-e126-45cb-b5f6-1a0e14eeb6f3&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 Johnson and Johnson 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=ade201a1-e126-45cb-b5f6-1a0e14eeb6f3&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>
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<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 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 | owned shares either johnson amp johnson nyse jnj merck nyse mrk last five years youre likely happy camper stocks 75 period also seen shares climb doubledigit percentages year merck outperforming jampj around 5 better choice investors looking 2017 beyond heres jampj merck stack continue reading image source getty images sense johnson amp johnson three companies rolled one healthcare giants three business segments consumer pharmaceutical medical devices multibillion dollar enterprises best investing case jampj comes pharmaceutical segment sales segment grew 9 first three quarters 2016 company claims several products boasting solid yearoveryear sales increases notably including antiinflammatory drugs simponi stelara hiv drug edurant blood thinner xarelto advertisement johnson amp johnsons biggest success story right though cancer drug imbruvica thirdquarter sales nearly doubled amount generated prior year period future also looks promising imbruvica drug currently half dozen latestage clinical studies targeting additional indications thats tip iceberg jampjs pipeline includes 28 latestage programs count doesnt include rheumatoid arthritis drug sirukumab awaitingregulatory approval us europe dividendseeking investors really lot like johnson amp johnson dividend yield currently stands 27 jampj increased dividend 54 consecutive years company hasnt slouch growth either posting32 consecutive years adjusted earnings increases solid lineup featuring imbruvica plus 40 billion cashcash equivalents marketable securities could fund acquisitions johnson amp johnson able keep growth streak going merck also rising star keytruda sales thecancer drug totaled 919 million thats start analysts expect keytruda reach peak annual sales 8 billion company also continues see solid growth vaccines franchise sales forhuman papillomavirus hpv vaccine gardasil proquadmmr iivarivax vaccines increased doubledigit percentages first nine months 2016 compared prior year period addition new hepatitis c drug zepatier contributed significant revenue year merck face challenges cardiovascular drugs zetia vytorin lose patent protection 2017 agreement actually allows generic version zetia launch even sooner december 2016 several pipeline candidates could help boost sales future mercks pipeline includes 21 latestage programsanacetrapib targets treatment ofatherosclerosis could run trouble since two chemically similar drugs failed win regulatory approval however merck multiple keytruda studies additional indications plus several diabetes candidates latestage development along experimental alzheimers disease treatment verubecestat thanks largely keytruda possible winners pipeline wall street thinks merck able grow annual earnings around 6 next five years thats close level expected johnson amp johnson mercks dividend yield almost 29 tad higher johnson amp johnsons however company uses earnings fund dividend payments jampj also merck cant boast string annual dividend increases like jampj merck pretty good choice investors looking reasonable dividend yield keytruda likely become one biggestselling drugs market fueling mercks growth well future however think johnson amp johnson better pick longterm investors jampj provides consistency combined solid potential steady spectacular growth take investors continue happy campers either one stocks jampj shareholders probably bigger smiles decade forget 2016 election 10 stocks like better johnson johnson 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 johnson johnson wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns november 7 2016 keith speights opens new window position stocks mentioned 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 | 574 |
<p>Civilians inspect the aftermath of a car bomb attack in Baghdad, Iraq / AP</p>
<p>BY: <a href="" type="internal">Bill Gertz</a> July 26, 2013 5:00 am</p>
<p>Al Qaeda claimed credit this week for a sophisticated attack on two Iraqi prisons, including the notorious Abu Ghraib prison, that freed 500 prisoners including numerous al Qaeda leaders and members considered by U.S. officials to be dangerous terrorists.</p>
<p>The prison break is expected to sharply increase the regional and possibly global threat posed by al Qaeda terrorism. It also highlighted the U.S. government’s failure to fully stabilize and secure Iraq after the 2003 U.S. military intervention and pullout of troops in 2011, according to officials and analysts.</p>
<p>The raids on the prisons, including Iraq’s notorious Abu Ghraib and a second facility near Baghdad, involved a large number of armed men equipped with suicide car bombs, mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, and assault rifles. An estimated 20 guards were killed along with 21 prisoners</p>
<p>"These coordinated prison breaks are troubling," said a U.S. official involved in counterterrorism efforts. "Clearly, there’s a concern that escaped inmates—who may include former al Qaeda members and other convicted terrorists—will seek to join al Qaeda in Iraq, strengthening the group."</p>
<p>Iraq continues to face an increasing number of terrorist attacks along with growing Iranian influence since the pullout of U.S. troops that began in 2009 and ended in 2011.</p>
<p>Bruce Riedel, a Brookings Institute counterterrorism specialist, said the breakout highlights al Qaeda’s growth.</p>
<p>"The prison break dramatically illustrates al Qaeda's resurgence in Iraq and that the gains of the [U.S. military] surge were temporary," Riedel said.</p>
<p>The U.S. military troop surge began in 2007 when more than 20,000 Army and Marine Corps troops were dispatched to Baghdad and Anbar Province. The surge was engineered by Gen. David Petraeus and sought to invoke a new counterinsurgency strategy that appears to have had temporary success.</p>
<p>Former special operations officer Bill Cowan warned that the breakout of hundreds of terrorists also increases the danger of released terrorists traveling to Syria, the new jihadist training ground.</p>
<p>"Just when we thought things couldn’t get any worse in Iraq, they will," Cowan said. "Moreover, some of these al Qaeda leaders will likely find their way to Syria, adding to the bloodshed and to the confusion about what the United States role there should be there."</p>
<p>The prison break is a setback for the Shiite-dominated government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki, who has aligned his government with Iran. Sunni insurgents, including al Qaeda in Iraq, have been seeking to overthrow the government.</p>
<p>Al Qaeda in Iraq is estimated to have around 2,500 terrorists and the group has been behind a series of deadly car bombings and other attacks across Iraq since the spring of 2013, killing at least 2,000 people.</p>
<p>Terror attack targets in recent months included mosques, football matches, shopping areas, and cafes.</p>
<p>Al Qaeda in Iraq recently merged with an al Qaeda affiliate in Syria, the al-Nusra Front, to create a new group called the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, which is gaining strength in Syria as hundreds of foreign jihadists traveled to Syria in recent months to join the Islamist rebels.</p>
<p>That group claimed credit for the prison attack on Tuesday in a statement.</p>
<p>"The mujahideen [holy warriors], after months of preparation and planning, targeted two of the largest prisons of the Safavid government," said the statement signed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), using a pejorative term for Shiites. The statement was posted on a jihadist web site.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Recently</a>, the al Qaeda Syrian affiliate killed a commander of the more secular Free Syrian Army, the rebel group that has the backing of several western stated.</p>
<p>The statement said the prison break was the conclusion of a campaign of attack designed to seek the release of Islamist prisoners, a key tenet of jihadists to win the release of captured comrades.</p>
<p>Online reaction from jihadists has been jubilant and the raid has been used to bolster support for the recent merger of the Iraq and Syria terrorist groups.</p>
<p>The number of freed prisoners was far less than online jihadists initially claimed. Early reports after the raid said that some 6,000 prisoners had been freed.</p>
<p>The terrorist campaign was dubbed "Tearing Down the Walls."</p>
<p>The statement was posted on the limited-access al Qaeda web site Shumukh al-Islam and also received wide attention on Twitter feeds from jihadists.</p>
<p>The terrorists among the prison escapees represent the first and second generation of al Qaeda terrorists in Iraq, according to the online Iraqi news outlet Shafiq News.</p>
<p>The terrorists broke out of the Abu Ghraib prison and moved into Iraq’s western regions of Ameriya, Samarra, Fallujah and Ramadi areas, the news outlet said, quoting an intelligence source.</p>
<p>An estimated 40 percent of the prisoners were hardened al Qaeda terrorists previously held at U.S. military prisons that were handed over to Iraqi authorities. They included former terrorists held by the U.S. military at Camp Bucca in Basra, and Camp Cropper at the Baghdad airport that were handed over to Iraqi authorities after U.S. troops left the country.</p>
<p>News reports from Iraq stated that the prison break was carried out with the help of collaborating prison guards.</p>
<p>One of the former prisoners sent Tweets after his release that were posted on the al Qaeda affiliated website Global Jihad Network.</p>
<p>The terrorist stated that "in Abu Ghraib prison the one who supervised my torture was Iranian; the one who removed my nails was Iranian."</p>
<p>At Abu Ghraib during Sunday’s raid, terrorists attacked the prison outside Baghdad by launching car bomb attacks on the gates of the prison. Gunmen then assaulted the high-security compound with mortars and rocket-propelled grenades, Reuters <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/22/us-iraq-violence-idUSBRE96J09I20130722" type="external">reported</a> from Baghdad Monday.</p>
<p>Other terrorists fired on security troops dispatched to the prison from a main road.</p>
<p>"The number of escaped inmates has reached 500, most of them were convicted senior members of al Qaeda and had received death sentences," Hakim Al-Zamili, a senior member of the security and defense committee in parliament, told Reuters.</p>
<p>"The security forces arrested some of them, but the rest are still free."</p>
<p>The attack on Taji, some 12 miles north of Baghdad was less successful. No inmates escaped, although 16 soldiers and six terrorists were killed in the battle.</p> | true | 0 | civilians inspect aftermath car bomb attack baghdad iraq ap bill gertz july 26 2013 500 al qaeda claimed credit week sophisticated attack two iraqi prisons including notorious abu ghraib prison freed 500 prisoners including numerous al qaeda leaders members considered us officials dangerous terrorists prison break expected sharply increase regional possibly global threat posed al qaeda terrorism also highlighted us governments failure fully stabilize secure iraq 2003 us military intervention pullout troops 2011 according officials analysts raids prisons including iraqs notorious abu ghraib second facility near baghdad involved large number armed men equipped suicide car bombs mortars rocketpropelled grenades assault rifles estimated 20 guards killed along 21 prisoners coordinated prison breaks troubling said us official involved counterterrorism efforts clearly theres concern escaped inmateswho may include former al qaeda members convicted terroristswill seek join al qaeda iraq strengthening group iraq continues face increasing number terrorist attacks along growing iranian influence since pullout us troops began 2009 ended 2011 bruce riedel brookings institute counterterrorism specialist said breakout highlights al qaedas growth prison break dramatically illustrates al qaedas resurgence iraq gains us military surge temporary riedel said us military troop surge began 2007 20000 army marine corps troops dispatched baghdad anbar province surge engineered gen david petraeus sought invoke new counterinsurgency strategy appears temporary success former special operations officer bill cowan warned breakout hundreds terrorists also increases danger released terrorists traveling syria new jihadist training ground thought things couldnt get worse iraq cowan said moreover al qaeda leaders likely find way syria adding bloodshed confusion united states role prison break setback shiitedominated government iraqi prime minister nuri al maliki aligned government iran sunni insurgents including al qaeda iraq seeking overthrow government al qaeda iraq estimated around 2500 terrorists group behind series deadly car bombings attacks across iraq since spring 2013 killing least 2000 people terror attack targets recent months included mosques football matches shopping areas cafes al qaeda iraq recently merged al qaeda affiliate syria alnusra front create new group called islamic state iraq levant gaining strength syria hundreds foreign jihadists traveled syria recent months join islamist rebels group claimed credit prison attack tuesday statement mujahideen holy warriors months preparation planning targeted two largest prisons safavid government said statement signed islamic state iraq levant isis using pejorative term shiites statement posted jihadist web site recently al qaeda syrian affiliate killed commander secular free syrian army rebel group backing several western stated statement said prison break conclusion campaign attack designed seek release islamist prisoners key tenet jihadists win release captured comrades online reaction jihadists jubilant raid used bolster support recent merger iraq syria terrorist groups number freed prisoners far less online jihadists initially claimed early reports raid said 6000 prisoners freed terrorist campaign dubbed tearing walls statement posted limitedaccess al qaeda web site shumukh alislam also received wide attention twitter feeds jihadists terrorists among prison escapees represent first second generation al qaeda terrorists iraq according online iraqi news outlet shafiq news terrorists broke abu ghraib prison moved iraqs western regions ameriya samarra fallujah ramadi areas news outlet said quoting intelligence source estimated 40 percent prisoners hardened al qaeda terrorists previously held us military prisons handed iraqi authorities included former terrorists held us military camp bucca basra camp cropper baghdad airport handed iraqi authorities us troops left country news reports iraq stated prison break carried help collaborating prison guards one former prisoners sent tweets release posted al qaeda affiliated website global jihad network terrorist stated abu ghraib prison one supervised torture iranian one removed nails iranian abu ghraib sundays raid terrorists attacked prison outside baghdad launching car bomb attacks gates prison gunmen assaulted highsecurity compound mortars rocketpropelled grenades reuters reported baghdad monday terrorists fired security troops dispatched prison main road number escaped inmates reached 500 convicted senior members al qaeda received death sentences hakim alzamili senior member security defense committee parliament told reuters security forces arrested rest still free attack taji 12 miles north baghdad less successful inmates escaped although 16 soldiers six terrorists killed battle | 661 |
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<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
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<p>Mentorship is widely touted as a means of supporting professional women, but a good mentorship program is hard to come by. Over 150,000 women have contributed to our database here at <a href="https://www.inhersight.com/" type="external">InHerSight Opens a New Window.</a>, ranking their employers on 14 fixed metrics like management opportunities, salary satisfaction, and mentorship programs. And according to their feedback covering some 28,000 companies, it's pretty clear that many employers talk a bigger game on mentorship than they actually deliver. "Mentorship and sponsorship programs" is the lowest-rated factor of all 14 criteria that we capture, with an average score of 2.2 out of five stars.</p>
<p>But here's the thing: According to our research, a company's mentorship program is highly correlated with women's overall satisfaction and happiness at their company. That means that, far from just scrapping badly rated mentorship programs and trying something else, your company probably needs to double down and work harder to get it right. If your female employees are unhappy with your mentorship program, they're more likely to be dissatisfied at work overall.</p>
<p>Some companies seem to have solved this puzzle better than others. Here's a look at two that have.</p>
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<p>Enterprise software company NetSuite <a href="https://www.inhersight.com/company/netsuite" type="external">scores a 4.1 out of 5 Opens a New Window.</a> for its mentorship program for female employees, which is still in its early days.</p>
<p>The program matches high-performing women at the company with mentors (regardless of gender) who work two levels above and in other departments. As JoAnne Taylor, NetSuite's global senior director for organizational effectiveness, learning, and development, explained it, the goal is to give participants access to a broader network of coworkers within the company that they can learn from.</p>
<p>Mentorship at NetSuite isn't just about making those connections and stepping back, though. The program includes a number of structured events that allow for networking, many of which are part of the broader Women in NetSuite program. There's also regular email communication on topics for mentorship pairs to discuss.</p>
<p>NetSuite's mentorship program currently serves about 60 mentees, and Taylor says it's in high demand and growing fast. Not only do those participants get one-on-one career coaching inside the company, but they can also share their knowledge and experiences with their mentors, helping more senior workers stay current in the fast-changing technology space.</p>
<p>While PayPal Holdings has <a href="https://www.inhersight.com/company/paypal" type="external">a number of different mentorship programs Opens a New Window.</a>, its Unity Mentorship Program is especially noteworthy. Unity is an employee-led community whose mission is to help women thrive at PayPal, which scores a 3.7 out of 5 for its mentorship programs overall.</p>
<p>Like many corporate mentorship programs, this one is relatively small, serving 100 matched mentor-mentee pairs at any given time. Pairs can be in the same department or different departments and are of mixed gender as well.</p>
<p>At its core, the program tries to emphasize a human connection, explains Stefana Hunyady, who runs the initiative. Although pairs are initially matched based on a short set of survey questions, the first meeting helps determine whether each participant has found a good fit. Those relationships tend to work best, says Hunyady, when "you have chemistry with, and are inspired by, your mentor or protg."</p>
<p>Like NetSuite, PayPal is seeing more demand for its Unity program than there are spots available, so the company is expanding its offerings to include group and peer mentoring. The group mentoring effort, which is in development now, will have one senior leader paired with 20 mentees. The group will meet monthly over a six-month period to discuss specific topics.</p>
<p>Peer mentoring will serve a different role, giving PayPal employees cheerleader-like figures inside the organization. With an emphasis on personalization, the goal is to give participants the support they need in order to reach their own versions of success.</p>
<p>Mentorship programs are in high demand, particularly from people in the earlier stages of their careers. If done well, they can be a way to keep employees happy and loyal even when you can't afford to pay the highest salaries or offer the hottest benefits. Mentorship programs can also be a way to hang on to the "job-hopping generation" by providing them with <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/3046989/what-millennial-employees-really-want" type="external">the feedback and connection they crave Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>But a good mentorship program requires thoughtful planning and a sustained commitment. If you're not willing to make mentorship a focused corporate effort, the data suggests that the better approach may be to scale your program back to a level your company can support. Many big mentorship efforts fail because they're too large to actually deliver the benefits they're designed to. Even big tech companies like PayPal seem to prefer a constellation of more focused mentorship programs to just one huge, companywide option.</p>
<p>One smaller-scale approach that's both manageable and effective might be a shadowing program that provides some of the benefits with less commitment. But if it's clear the resources or commitment just aren't there at the corporate level, it may be better to scrap your mentorship program until you can get leadership on board. The risks of a shoddy offering may be worse than no offering at all.</p>
<p>If you're looking for other companies getting above-average marks for their corporate mentorship programs, check out <a href="https://www.inhersight.com/company/linkedin" type="external">LinkedIn Opens a New Window.</a>, which scores a 3.8/5; <a href="https://www.inhersight.com/company/ceb" type="external">CEB</a>, which scores a 3.7/5; <a href="https://www.inhersight.com/company/cdw" type="external">CDW Opens a New Window.</a>, which scores a 3.6/5; and <a href="https://www.inhersight.com/company/ernst-young" type="external">EY</a>, which scores a 3.5/5.</p>
<p>Finally, a good place to start is simply finding out how your own company's sponsorship or mentorship program <a href="https://www.inhersight.com/rate" type="external">stacks up Opens a New Window.</a>. Your employees may already have weighed in on whether it's one of the rare success stories or a dud.</p>
<p>This article appeared at <a href="https://www.inhersight.com/blog/hidden-dangers-half-assed-mentorship" type="external">InHerSight Opens a New Window.</a> and was originally published on <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/3064292/strong-female-lead/these-companies-run-mentorship-programs-that-actually-work" type="external">Fast Company Opens a New Window.</a>.</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?aid=8727&amp;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>Teresa Kersten is an employee of LinkedIn and is a member of The Motley Fool's Board of Directors. LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft. The Motley Fool has an ownership interest in InHerSight. Motley Fool CFO Ollen Douglass serves on the Board of Directors for InHerSight. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/InHerSight/info.aspx" type="external">InHerSight Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends PayPal Holdings. The Motley Fool owns shares of LinkedIn. 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 mentorship widely touted means supporting professional women good mentorship program hard come 150000 women contributed database inhersight opens new window ranking employers 14 fixed metrics like management opportunities salary satisfaction mentorship programs according feedback covering 28000 companies pretty clear many employers talk bigger game mentorship actually deliver mentorship sponsorship programs lowestrated factor 14 criteria capture average score 22 five stars heres thing according research companys mentorship program highly correlated womens overall satisfaction happiness company means far scrapping badly rated mentorship programs trying something else company probably needs double work harder get right female employees unhappy mentorship program theyre likely dissatisfied work overall companies seem solved puzzle better others heres look two advertisement enterprise software company netsuite scores 41 5 opens new window mentorship program female employees still early days program matches highperforming women company mentors regardless gender work two levels departments joanne taylor netsuites global senior director organizational effectiveness learning development explained goal give participants access broader network coworkers within company learn mentorship netsuite isnt making connections stepping back though program includes number structured events allow networking many part broader women netsuite program theres also regular email communication topics mentorship pairs discuss netsuites mentorship program currently serves 60 mentees taylor says high demand growing fast participants get oneonone career coaching inside company also share knowledge experiences mentors helping senior workers stay current fastchanging technology space paypal holdings number different mentorship programs opens new window unity mentorship program especially noteworthy unity employeeled community whose mission help women thrive paypal scores 37 5 mentorship programs overall like many corporate mentorship programs one relatively small serving 100 matched mentormentee pairs given time pairs department different departments mixed gender well core program tries emphasize human connection explains stefana hunyady runs initiative although pairs initially matched based short set survey questions first meeting helps determine whether participant found good fit relationships tend work best says hunyady chemistry inspired mentor protg like netsuite paypal seeing demand unity program spots available company expanding offerings include group peer mentoring group mentoring effort development one senior leader paired 20 mentees group meet monthly sixmonth period discuss specific topics peer mentoring serve different role giving paypal employees cheerleaderlike figures inside organization emphasis personalization goal give participants support need order reach versions success mentorship programs high demand particularly people earlier stages careers done well way keep employees happy loyal even cant afford pay highest salaries offer hottest benefits mentorship programs also way hang jobhopping generation providing feedback connection crave opens new window good mentorship program requires thoughtful planning sustained commitment youre willing make mentorship focused corporate effort data suggests better approach may scale program back level company support many big mentorship efforts fail theyre large actually deliver benefits theyre designed even big tech companies like paypal seem prefer constellation focused mentorship programs one huge companywide option one smallerscale approach thats manageable effective might shadowing program provides benefits less commitment clear resources commitment arent corporate level may better scrap mentorship program get leadership board risks shoddy offering may worse offering youre looking companies getting aboveaverage marks corporate mentorship programs check linkedin opens new window scores 385 ceb scores 375 cdw opens new window scores 365 ey scores 355 finally good place start simply finding companys sponsorship mentorship program stacks opens new window employees may already weighed whether one rare success stories dud article appeared inhersight opens new window originally published fast company opens new window 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 teresa kersten employee linkedin member motley fools board directors linkedin owned microsoft motley fool ownership interest inhersight motley fool cfo ollen douglass serves board directors inhersight inhersight opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends paypal holdings motley fool owns shares linkedin motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 675 |
<p>Investing in stocks during retirement might seem like a risky proposition. But it doesn't have to be for those who know where to look, especially if you can offset that risk with the promise of steady dividend payments.</p>
<p>To that end, we asked three top Motley Fool investors to each pick a dividend stock that they believe investors can safely hold in retirement. Read on to see why they chose Disney (NYSE: DIS), Texas Instruments (NASDAQ: TXN), and Mastercard (NYSE: MA).</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSymington/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=8cf68a72-aa0a-11e7-9753-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Steve Symington Opens a New Window.</a> (Disney): Disney needs no introduction given the unrivaled brand power of its namesake parks, movie studios, and network TV channels. But not everyone appreciates the fact that it also owns Pixar (purchased for $7.4 billion in 2006), Marvel (bought for $4 billion in 2009), and Lucasfilm (picked up for $4.05 billion in 2012), all of which prove its ability to drive growth through astute acquisitions should the opportunity arise.</p>
<p>At the same time -- and to be fair -- Disney owns all of ABC and an 80% stake in ESPN, where cord-cutting and declining subscriber bases have left the market worried over Disney's ability to successfully navigate today's changing media landscape. Last month, though, Disney announced plans to launch an <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/02/walt-disney-prepares-to-launch-its-espn-streaming.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=8cf68a72-aa0a-11e7-9753-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">ESPN-branded multisport streaming service Opens a New Window.</a> in 2018, followed by a Disney-branded streaming service featuring new theatrical releases from both Disney and Pixar in 2019.&#160;Disney CEO Robert Iger called it the start of "an entirely new growth strategy" for the company that should position it to more effectively "leverage the strength of [its] great brands."</p>
<p>But Disney stock is still trading around 15% below its 52-week high set in April, and just 15.5 times forward earnings, which makes me believe the market is underestimating its ability to survive and thrive over the long run. Coupled with Disney's healthy 1.6% dividend (noting aims to return around 20% of all cash generated to shareholders through dividends and repurchases), I think Disney is about as compelling a portfolio candidate as retired investors can hope for.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.fool.com/author/2154/index.aspx?source=iapsitlnk0000003&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=8cf68a72-aa0a-11e7-9753-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Leo Sun Opens a New Window.</a> (Texas Instruments): Semiconductor stocks can be risky plays for retirees, since chipmakers that are too dependent on a single customer or sector could generate cyclical returns instead of stable ones. Therefore, the only chip stock I'd recommend to retirees is Texas Instruments, which rallied 150% over the past decade.TI sells a <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/07/14/3-great-reasons-to-buy-texas-instruments-inc.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=8cf68a72-aa0a-11e7-9753-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">well-diversified portfolio</a> of analog and embedded chips for the industrial, automotive, personal electronics, communication equipment, and enterprise systems markets. Growth in one segment usually offsets weakness in another segment. In recent quarters, TI's growth in the automotive and industrial markets (which generated over half of its revenues last year) offset declines at its personal electronics and enterprise systems markets. Its shift to a 300-mm manufacturing process also cut its production costs by about 40% and keeps its gross margins well above 60%.</p>
<p>As a result, TI offers robust but stable growth. Analysts expect its revenue and earnings to respectively rise 10% and 24% this year. TI also aims to return 100% of its free cash flow to shareholders via dividends and buybacks. The company hiked its dividend annually for <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/09/25/texas-instruments-inc-just-boosted-dividends-and-b.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=8cf68a72-aa0a-11e7-9753-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">14 straight years Opens a New Window.</a> and reduced its share count by 42% during that period, all while growing its free cash flow at a compound annual growth rate of 8%.</p>
<p>TI currently pays a forward dividend yield of 2.3%, which is higher than the S&amp;P 500's current yield of 2%. Its trailing P/E of 22 also represents a slight discount to the industry average of 24 for semiconductor makers -- making it a reasonably valued play in a frothy market.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFVelvetHammer/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=8cf68a72-aa0a-11e7-9753-0050569d4be0&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=8cf68a72-aa0a-11e7-9753-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Hal 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=8cf68a72-aa0a-11e7-9753-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">l Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;(Mastercard Inc.): For retirees, having a dependable source of steady income is very important, and their eagerness can often cause them to overlook a stock like Mastercard, with a minuscule dividend yield of 0.7% at recent prices.&#160;But since most people who reach retirement age will live into their 80s, retirees should also invest part of their nest egg for long-term growth, too.</p>
<p>And Mastercard's growth prospects are fantastic. Electronic payments are dominant in most developed economies, but they still make up a bare fraction of global transactions. Over the next couple of decades, the number of people using mobile devices with an internet connection is going to explode, right along with the roughly 1 billion-member expansion of the planet's middle class.</p>
<p>With one of the biggest, most secure, and reliable electronic payment networks in the world already in operation, and a globally recognized brand, Mastercard is positioned to be a big winner from this expansion. Over the past decade, Mastercard's earnings per share have surged over 400%, allowing it to increase the dividend a whopping&#160;13-fold.&#160;Combine that with a 836% increase in the stock price, and it's been an amazing run.</p>
<p>Looking 10 years and more into the future, and there's plenty of reason to expect that strong run to continue, rewarding retirees with both stock price and dividend growth that should help support your financial needs well into your golden years.</p>
<p>Find out why Walt Disney is one of the 10 best stocks to buy now</p>
<p>Motley Fool co-founders Tom and David Gardner have spent more than a decade beating the market. (In fact, the newsletter they run, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market!*)</p>
<p>Tom and David just revealed their ten top stock picks for investors to buy right now. Walt Disney <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-sa-bbn-eg%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0000450%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6313%26ftm_veh%3Darticle_pitch&amp;impression=8eace287-e94c-4c6f-a329-0e876085afac&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=8cf68a72-aa0a-11e7-9753-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">is on the list Opens a New Window.</a> -- but there are nine others you may be overlooking.</p>
<p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-sa-bbn-eg%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0000450%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6313%26ftm_veh%3Darticle_pitch&amp;impression=8eace287-e94c-4c6f-a329-0e876085afac&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=8cf68a72-aa0a-11e7-9753-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here to get access to the full list! Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of September 5, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSymington/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=8cf68a72-aa0a-11e7-9753-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Steve Symington Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Mastercard and Walt Disney. 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=8cf68a72-aa0a-11e7-9753-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | investing stocks retirement might seem like risky proposition doesnt know look especially offset risk promise steady dividend payments end asked three top motley fool investors pick dividend stock believe investors safely hold retirement read see chose disney nyse dis texas instruments nasdaq txn mastercard nyse continue reading steve symington opens new window disney disney needs introduction given unrivaled brand power namesake parks movie studios network tv channels everyone appreciates fact also owns pixar purchased 74 billion 2006 marvel bought 4 billion 2009 lucasfilm picked 405 billion 2012 prove ability drive growth astute acquisitions opportunity arise time fair disney owns abc 80 stake espn cordcutting declining subscriber bases left market worried disneys ability successfully navigate todays changing media landscape last month though disney announced plans launch espnbranded multisport streaming service opens new window 2018 followed disneybranded streaming service featuring new theatrical releases disney pixar 2019160disney ceo robert iger called start entirely new growth strategy company position effectively leverage strength great brands disney stock still trading around 15 52week high set april 155 times forward earnings makes believe market underestimating ability survive thrive long run coupled disneys healthy 16 dividend noting aims return around 20 cash generated shareholders dividends repurchases think disney compelling portfolio candidate retired investors hope advertisement leo sun opens new window texas instruments semiconductor stocks risky plays retirees since chipmakers dependent single customer sector could generate cyclical returns instead stable ones therefore chip stock id recommend retirees texas instruments rallied 150 past decadeti sells welldiversified portfolio analog embedded chips industrial automotive personal electronics communication equipment enterprise systems markets growth one segment usually offsets weakness another segment recent quarters tis growth automotive industrial markets generated half revenues last year offset declines personal electronics enterprise systems markets shift 300mm manufacturing process also cut production costs 40 keeps gross margins well 60 result ti offers robust stable growth analysts expect revenue earnings respectively rise 10 24 year ti also aims return 100 free cash flow shareholders via dividends buybacks company hiked dividend annually 14 straight years opens new window reduced share count 42 period growing free cash flow compound annual growth rate 8 ti currently pays forward dividend yield 23 higher sampp 500s current yield 2 trailing pe 22 also represents slight discount industry average 24 semiconductor makers making reasonably valued play frothy market jason opens new window hal opens new window l opens new window160mastercard inc retirees dependable source steady income important eagerness often cause overlook stock like mastercard minuscule dividend yield 07 recent prices160but since people reach retirement age live 80s retirees also invest part nest egg longterm growth mastercards growth prospects fantastic electronic payments dominant developed economies still make bare fraction global transactions next couple decades number people using mobile devices internet connection going explode right along roughly 1 billionmember expansion planets middle class one biggest secure reliable electronic payment networks world already operation globally recognized brand mastercard positioned big winner expansion past decade mastercards earnings per share surged 400 allowing increase dividend whopping16013fold160combine 836 increase stock price amazing run looking 10 years future theres plenty reason expect strong run continue rewarding retirees stock price dividend growth help support financial needs well golden years find walt disney one 10 best stocks buy motley fool cofounders tom david gardner spent decade beating market fact newsletter run motley fool stock advisor tripled market tom david revealed ten top stock picks investors buy right walt disney list opens new window nine others may overlooking click get access full list opens new window stock advisor returns september 5 2017 steve symington opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends mastercard walt disney motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 609 |
<p />
<p>Community is many things: the spirit of a clothing drive, the glow of holiday decorating, the common courtesy of one neighbor quietly looking out for another.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>But in October 2012, for the residents of Sea Bright, NJ, community came to mean something else entirely. After the coastal town of 1,400 residents was rocked on October 29 by Hurricane Sandy — the deadliest storm of the 2012 season, and the second-most expensive in U.S. history — community emerged like an immune system, repairing and healing the damaged town from one house to the next. And it’s something no Sea Brighter, to this day, takes for granted.</p>
<p>Nor do they have to. Three years after the storm, every Sea Brighter not only has a stronger sense of what it means to have community, but what it truly means to be home.</p>
<p>Lessons in loss</p>
<p>For many in Sea Bright, that lesson usually starts with loss. A prime example is local librarian&#160;Elizabeth Homer, who lived in a 100-year-old house. “We had between three-and-a-half and four feet of water inside,” she recalls. “It was not just simple, rising water. It was churning, ferocious water.”</p>
<p>Homer wasn’t able to save anything on her first floor. “Everything had to be thrown out,” she says.</p>
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<p>Her story isn’t unique — and that’s the repeat tragedy of Sandy. “All of our homes were in different states of ruin,” says Sea Bright resident Susie Markson. She’d been living in the same apartment for 20 years, “as close to the beach as you can live without actually pitching a tent in the sand.”</p>
<p>But then Sandy came and “wiped out the apartment under mine, causing part of my bedroom and bathroom to collapse.” Markson wasn’t allowed to salvage her belongings. Only when she found out looters had helped themselves did she step in and claim what she could. “It was scary,” she recalls. “The floor was mushy.”</p>
<p>A vulnerable spot</p>
<p>That Sandy hit the town hard is no surprise. Sea Bright, originally a small fishing town, is basically a three-mile strip of land in perpetual face-off with the Atlantic Ocean. But Sandy was unlike any storm the beach town had ever seen.</p>
<p>Resident Cristine Sinnott knew her 126-year-old house wasn’t immune, but it was also raised up, and had survived Irene. She had good reason to hope for the best. “Never in 126 years had it had water in it,” Sinnott notes. “We were preparing for a hurricane, not water damage.”</p>
<p>Once Sandy hit, says Sinnott, “we had water above the kitchen counters.”</p>
<p>The situation was painfully similar for Felecia Stratton, a long-time resident who, like many, happily lives across the street from the ocean. “We had raised our house after the 1992 Nor’easter, but it went up only eight feet,” the highest elevation permitted at the time.</p>
<p>But Sandy hit harder than anyone expected. “We had nearly three feet of water in the house,” says Stratton. “We lost the entire first floor.”</p>
<p>Heartbreak and hope</p>
<p>Stories of Sandy get worse — much worse. “Every dwelling, every building, every structure in my entire town was affected by Hurricane Sandy in some form or another,” says Sinnott.</p>
<p>Some didn’t survive, and some couldn’t stay. “One dear friend lost her home and was forced to leave Sea Bright,” says Stratton. “The town where she was born and grew up. That was heartbreaking.”</p>
<p>But even in that grim aftermath&#160;of the storm, a bit of hope was brewing.&#160;“The first days after the storm were chaotic, as everyone searched for temporary shelter,” recalls Stratton. “No one had electricity, and gas was hard to come by.”</p>
<p>Frustration might have remained the dominant mood, but Sea Bright Mayor Dina Long “quickly arranged for a town meeting at a local school,” says Stratton. “That was the first time I had seen many of my neighbors, and we were able to share our stories and status.”</p>
<p>Mayor Long — who also lost everything — was a huge point of strength for Sea Bright, sleeping on an air mattress and working dawn to dusk to organize rebuilding efforts. “Without her,” says Stratton, “I don’t know how this town would have survived.”</p>
<p>Not that Long takes credit. The way she sees it, she just guided the town through its own repair. “Sea Brighters rolled up their sleeves and got to work rebuilding their homes, while downtown business owners opened their doors as soon as they could,” Long says.</p>
<p>Community efforts emerged amid official efforts, often unasked.&#160;“Everybody pitched in with everybody,” says Sinnott, who had no fewer than 26 people show up to help her clean out her house.</p>
<p>Small miracles of community became the norm. “The biggest thing I felt was collective belonging,” says Homer, who posted on Facebook that she needed help cleaning her home and “got 20 people —&#160;some I knew, but mostly strangers —&#160;show up to help.”</p>
<p>A local recreation center “quickly became a donation drop-off point” for basic supplies, says Stratton.&#160;As for food, Chris Wood, owner of Woody’s Ocean Grille “implemented a mobile food station in his parking lot so workers and residents had a place to eat, for free.”</p>
<p>Redefining home</p>
<p>Community was thriving, but the idea of “home” was still a gaping question mark after Sandy, with many residents struggling through so much red tape to repair and recover.</p>
<p>“We weren’t able to touch any stuff in our house until we got insurance approval,” says Sinnott. “I had some things that were quite valuable —&#160;in my eyes, anyway.” Forty-five days later, “when insurance finally came, there was no salvaging it.”</p>
<p>Sinnott was finally able to move home after 14 months. In May 2015, she moved out so the house could be raised higher. She finally moved back in about one week ago, now with a view of the Manhattan skyline and the ocean. Still, a picture of her house’s former exterior hangs in her refurbished home, a gentle reminder of what was.</p>
<p>That seems to be the sense of things in Sea Bright: home, with an echo of the past. Markson moved back to her beach apartment, except it had been totally rebuilt. “I forgot that I wasn’t really going home,” she says. “The home I had lived in for close to 20 years didn’t exist anymore.”</p>
<p>But moving back in wasn’t a question — for Markson or any Sea Brighter. Home, like anything, would come in a matter of time.</p>
<p>Stratton was one of the first people back on her street, after just six months, but it was a ghost town. “Those early days were painful,” she recalls.</p>
<p>Homer was able to get back home after 14 months, but her home had been demolished and completely rebuilt. “We rebuilt smaller and stronger, and got home,” a necessary — and common — sacrifice.</p>
<p>What’s &#160;most amazing, three years after Sandy, is the renewed dedication to the town despite such losses. “I met incredible people since Sandy, and I’m so much more involved with the town and its people,” says Homer. “I would never want to live anywhere else.”</p>
<p>Markson, who drove Mayor Long around after the storm, explains&#160;why the community’s tragedy ultimately strengthened it: “What I learned is that the only way to feel better about a horrible situation is to help other people. That’s it. That’s the answer. I think everyone realized it.”</p>
<p>And even she finally began feeling at home again. “It took a lot of dinner parties and slumber parties, and cleaning up after my dog, and puzzle-and-soup Sundays before I could breathe again,” Markson says. “But eventually I did, and I still do. And it smells like the ocean and just like that, I’m home.”</p>
<p>Photos by <a href="http://mikalmariephotography.businesscatalyst.com/" type="external">Mikal Marie Photography Opens a New Window.</a>, and courtesy of Felecia Stratton, Cristine Sinnott, and Elizabeth Homer.&#160;</p>
<p>More from Zillow: <a href="http://www.zillow.com/blog/hurricane-insurance-179591/" type="external">Hurricane Insurance: What Homeowners and Renters Should Know Opens a New Window.</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/blog/things-home-insurance-doesnt-cover-164964/" type="external">Think You’re Covered? 6 Problems Your Home Insurance May Not Help With Opens a New Window.</a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/blog/beach-decor-for-every-home-179242/" type="external">Beach Decor for Every Home Opens a New Window.</a></p> | true | 0 | community many things spirit clothing drive glow holiday decorating common courtesy one neighbor quietly looking another continue reading october 2012 residents sea bright nj community came mean something else entirely coastal town 1400 residents rocked october 29 hurricane sandy deadliest storm 2012 season secondmost expensive us history community emerged like immune system repairing healing damaged town one house next something sea brighter day takes granted three years storm every sea brighter stronger sense means community truly means home lessons loss many sea bright lesson usually starts loss prime example local librarian160elizabeth homer lived 100yearold house threeandahalf four feet water inside recalls simple rising water churning ferocious water homer wasnt able save anything first floor everything thrown says advertisement story isnt unique thats repeat tragedy sandy homes different states ruin says sea bright resident susie markson shed living apartment 20 years close beach live without actually pitching tent sand sandy came wiped apartment mine causing part bedroom bathroom collapse markson wasnt allowed salvage belongings found looters helped step claim could scary recalls floor mushy vulnerable spot sandy hit town hard surprise sea bright originally small fishing town basically threemile strip land perpetual faceoff atlantic ocean sandy unlike storm beach town ever seen resident cristine sinnott knew 126yearold house wasnt immune also raised survived irene good reason hope best never 126 years water sinnott notes preparing hurricane water damage sandy hit says sinnott water kitchen counters situation painfully similar felecia stratton longtime resident like many happily lives across street ocean raised house 1992 noreaster went eight feet highest elevation permitted time sandy hit harder anyone expected nearly three feet water house says stratton lost entire first floor heartbreak hope stories sandy get worse much worse every dwelling every building every structure entire town affected hurricane sandy form another says sinnott didnt survive couldnt stay one dear friend lost home forced leave sea bright says stratton town born grew heartbreaking even grim aftermath160of storm bit hope brewing160the first days storm chaotic everyone searched temporary shelter recalls stratton one electricity gas hard come frustration might remained dominant mood sea bright mayor dina long quickly arranged town meeting local school says stratton first time seen many neighbors able share stories status mayor long also lost everything huge point strength sea bright sleeping air mattress working dawn dusk organize rebuilding efforts without says stratton dont know town would survived long takes credit way sees guided town repair sea brighters rolled sleeves got work rebuilding homes downtown business owners opened doors soon could long says community efforts emerged amid official efforts often unasked160everybody pitched everybody says sinnott fewer 26 people show help clean house small miracles community became norm biggest thing felt collective belonging says homer posted facebook needed help cleaning home got 20 people 160some knew mostly strangers 160show help local recreation center quickly became donation dropoff point basic supplies says stratton160as food chris wood owner woodys ocean grille implemented mobile food station parking lot workers residents place eat free redefining home community thriving idea home still gaping question mark sandy many residents struggling much red tape repair recover werent able touch stuff house got insurance approval says sinnott things quite valuable 160in eyes anyway fortyfive days later insurance finally came salvaging sinnott finally able move home 14 months may 2015 moved house could raised higher finally moved back one week ago view manhattan skyline ocean still picture houses former exterior hangs refurbished home gentle reminder seems sense things sea bright home echo past markson moved back beach apartment except totally rebuilt forgot wasnt really going home says home lived close 20 years didnt exist anymore moving back wasnt question markson sea brighter home like anything would come matter time stratton one first people back street six months ghost town early days painful recalls homer able get back home 14 months home demolished completely rebuilt rebuilt smaller stronger got home necessary common sacrifice whats 160most amazing three years sandy renewed dedication town despite losses met incredible people since sandy im much involved town people says homer would never want live anywhere else markson drove mayor long around storm explains160why communitys tragedy ultimately strengthened learned way feel better horrible situation help people thats thats answer think everyone realized even finally began feeling home took lot dinner parties slumber parties cleaning dog puzzleandsoup sundays could breathe markson says eventually still smells like ocean like im home photos mikal marie photography opens new window courtesy felecia stratton cristine sinnott elizabeth homer160 zillow hurricane insurance homeowners renters know opens new window think youre covered 6 problems home insurance may help opens new window beach decor every home opens new window | 770 |
<p>Shares of Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/07/28/why-shares-of-ford-motor-company-dropped-more-than.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">dropped 8.2% on Thursday Opens a New Window.</a> after the company's <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/07/28/ford-earnings-profit-down-9-on-pricing-pressures-a.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">second-quarter profit Opens a New Window.</a> missed expectations and executives warned that their full-year guidance was at risk.</p>
<p>That seems like bad news. Is it finally time to sell your Ford stock?</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>I think it might be an opportunity to buy more. Here's why.</p>
<p>Ford CFO Bob Shanks emphasized on Thursday that despite a 9% year-over-year drop in net profit, the second quarter was still a very good one for the Blue Oval.</p>
<p>All things considered, he's right. The U.S. new-car market <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">may be at a plateau Opens a New Window.</a> after years of growth, but it's a high plateau that might be sustainable for several more quarters, with strong sales in the most profitable market segments.</p>
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<p>The bad news, one of the factors that worried investors on Thursday, is that Ford's incentives were up year over year. But Shanks noted that Ford's incentives were unusually low in the second quarter of last year. That's because Ford was still ramping up production of its best-selling model, the then-new F-150. Its truck incentives were low a year ago because supplies were very tight. That led to an <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/07/28/ford-earnings-profit-second-quarter-2015.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">exceptional profitmargin Opens a New Window.</a> in the second quarter of last year, but it wasn't sustainable.</p>
<p>Now, things have returned to "normal" -- except that incentives have been slowly rising across the industry because sales growth has stalled, and Ford's have been keeping pace. Those incentives probably dented the profit margin in its North America unit: It was down from a year ago, but still extremely strong at 11.3%.</p>
<p>Abroad, Ford's road in China has hit some bumps as of late, as domestic Chinese automakers have upped their game at the lower ends of the market. That has put some pressure on Ford's pricing, and cost it some market share. But Ford's market share is already trending back up (from 4.1% in April to 4.7% in June), and it's moving to reduce the costs of its most affordable Chinese products, the Escort sedan and EcoSport SUV.</p>
<p>The new Ford Edge is a huge hit in China. Ford will increase local production of the popular crossover by the fourth quarter, one of several steps that should boost the Blue Oval's China profits. Image source: Ford Motor Company.</p>
<p>Later this year, Ford will launch a new version of its Taurus sedan in China that will be positioned to take advantage of a tax break for fuel-efficient vehicles, and it will also increase local production of its hot-selling and very profitable Edge SUV.</p>
<p>Long story short: Ford's performance in North America remains strong, and it is making adjustments in China to ensure that its performance there will be strong by the end of the fourth quarter. Or put another way, theseare short-term concerns, and that opens an opportunity for long-term-minded investors.</p>
<p>Ford lost billions in Europe earlier this decade. But now, Europe is a strong profit center for the Blue Oval. Ford earned $467 million in Europe in the second quarter. It's realizing the fruits of a turnaround plan <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2012/10/25/fords-big-plan-to-fix-europe.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">set in motion by former CEO Alan Mulally Opens a New Window.</a> in 2012, which closed unneeded factories and added more profitable products to the European lineup. Ford's second-quarter profit in Europe was a record, but the best news is that it could get even better from here. Europe chief Jim Farley is working on <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/05/10/how-ford-turned-a-loss-into-a-big-profit-in-europe.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">additional cost cuts and product-lineup tweaks Opens a New Window.</a>, looking to sustain (or improve on) Ford's good 5.8% profit margin last quarter.</p>
<p>Ford Europe is evolving from a money-losing operation into a sustainable profit center. It's close to the point where we will be able to count on it to add $1.5 billion or more to Ford's pre-tax income every year. That's a big swing from the billion-dollar annual losses it was posting as recently as 2014.</p>
<p>Ford is very profitable in North America, well-positioned in China, and making more money than ever in Europe. The past week's drop means that Ford is now trading at less than six times its last fourquarters' earnings, making the stock dirt-cheap by historical standards (10 times earnings would be more typical). Its dividend yield of 4.7% is very strong.</p>
<p>What's more, that dividend is probably sustainable even if the U.S. should fall into recession. Ford has a huge cash hoard ($27.2 billion as of the end of the second quarter) intended to ensure that it can continue to fund its commitments (including an aggressive new-product plan and spending on future technologies) even if its profits are squeezed during the next recession.</p>
<p>Snow and ice pose huge challenges for self-driving cars. Unlike most rivals, Ford has made a point of testing its self-driving prototypes in tough winter conditions. Image source: Ford Motor Company.</p>
<p>And as for that technology: There's a lot of talk about auto-industry disruption from new entrants in Silicon Valley and new technologies like electric cars and autonomous driving. Your humble Fool, who gets paid to watch all of this carefully, thinks that there will be winners and losers among the current established automakers -- and Ford's management has made the right commitments to keep the Blue Oval in the winning column.</p>
<p>Ford hasn't talked about it as much as some rivals, but the company is putting a lot of effort and resources into its <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/02/22/ford-continues-its-push-to-show-driverless-car-lea.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">self-driving-car program Opens a New Window.</a>, and it has a comprehensive plan to roll out advanced hybrids and electric vehicles across its lineup, around the world, over the next decade or so. (It's already a leading player in hybrids, and has been for several years now.)</p>
<p>When the market shift to electric vehicles and self-driving technologies gets underway in earnest, I'm convinced that Ford will be ready to continue to be a major global player -- and a profitable one.</p>
<p>Ford will never be a flashy growth stock. But it is positioned for some real growth in coming years, as it continues to build out its already-strong position in Asia, reap the benefits of its work in Europe, and take advantage of growing global demand for trucks and crossover SUVs. Its veteran management team, from CEO Mark Fields on down, has shown over and over that they're ready and able to steer Ford safely through any storms that might arise. Meanwhile, Ford is paying a steady, sustainable dividend that looks even stronger given what happened to the stock this past week.</p>
<p>Simply put, Ford's long-term trajectory is still strong. Value-minded investors who buy at these prices, reinvest the dividend, and stay patient even if the economy dips for a while stand a very good chance of being well-rewarded.</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 Ford. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Ford. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048" 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" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | shares ford motor company nysef dropped 82 thursday opens new window companys secondquarter profit opens new window missed expectations executives warned fullyear guidance risk seems like bad news finally time sell ford stock continue reading think might opportunity buy heres ford cfo bob shanks emphasized thursday despite 9 yearoveryear drop net profit second quarter still good one blue oval things considered hes right us newcar market may plateau opens new window years growth high plateau might sustainable several quarters strong sales profitable market segments advertisement bad news one factors worried investors thursday fords incentives year year shanks noted fords incentives unusually low second quarter last year thats ford still ramping production bestselling model thennew f150 truck incentives low year ago supplies tight led exceptional profitmargin opens new window second quarter last year wasnt sustainable things returned normal except incentives slowly rising across industry sales growth stalled fords keeping pace incentives probably dented profit margin north america unit year ago still extremely strong 113 abroad fords road china hit bumps late domestic chinese automakers upped game lower ends market put pressure fords pricing cost market share fords market share already trending back 41 april 47 june moving reduce costs affordable chinese products escort sedan ecosport suv new ford edge huge hit china ford increase local production popular crossover fourth quarter one several steps boost blue ovals china profits image source ford motor company later year ford launch new version taurus sedan china positioned take advantage tax break fuelefficient vehicles also increase local production hotselling profitable edge suv long story short fords performance north america remains strong making adjustments china ensure performance strong end fourth quarter put another way theseare shortterm concerns opens opportunity longtermminded investors ford lost billions europe earlier decade europe strong profit center blue oval ford earned 467 million europe second quarter realizing fruits turnaround plan set motion former ceo alan mulally opens new window 2012 closed unneeded factories added profitable products european lineup fords secondquarter profit europe record best news could get even better europe chief jim farley working additional cost cuts productlineup tweaks opens new window looking sustain improve fords good 58 profit margin last quarter ford europe evolving moneylosing operation sustainable profit center close point able count add 15 billion fords pretax income every year thats big swing billiondollar annual losses posting recently 2014 ford profitable north america wellpositioned china making money ever europe past weeks drop means ford trading less six times last fourquarters earnings making stock dirtcheap historical standards 10 times earnings would typical dividend yield 47 strong whats dividend probably sustainable even us fall recession ford huge cash hoard 272 billion end second quarter intended ensure continue fund commitments including aggressive newproduct plan spending future technologies even profits squeezed next recession snow ice pose huge challenges selfdriving cars unlike rivals ford made point testing selfdriving prototypes tough winter conditions image source ford motor company technology theres lot talk autoindustry disruption new entrants silicon valley new technologies like electric cars autonomous driving humble fool gets paid watch carefully thinks winners losers among current established automakers fords management made right commitments keep blue oval winning column ford hasnt talked much rivals company putting lot effort resources selfdrivingcar program opens new window comprehensive plan roll advanced hybrids electric vehicles across lineup around world next decade already leading player hybrids several years market shift electric vehicles selfdriving technologies gets underway earnest im convinced ford ready continue major global player profitable one ford never flashy growth stock positioned real growth coming years continues build alreadystrong position asia reap benefits work europe take advantage growing global demand trucks crossover suvs veteran management team ceo mark fields shown theyre ready able steer ford safely storms might arise meanwhile ford paying steady sustainable dividend looks even stronger given happened stock past week simply put fords longterm trajectory still strong valueminded investors buy prices reinvest dividend stay patient even economy dips stand good chance wellrewarded 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 ford motley fool owns shares recommends ford 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 | 743 |
<p />
<p>Last month’s congressional budget deal delivered a particularly hard hit to military retirees with at least 20 years of service, cutting their cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments by 1 percent a year until age 62.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Veterans’ groups say the cut could amount to an average cash loss of $80,000 or more for each affected retiree -- and a loss of confidence in the U.S. government’s word.</p>
<p>The cut, meant to save an estimated $6 billion over the next decade, does not take effect until 2015, but the battle over the provision has already started.</p>
<p>“The U.S. government has broken their promise and for someone who has committed themselves -- commitments that can be extremely grueling on a family -- and are pulling 15, 20 years or more, this is a fundamental loss of trust and has unquestionably hurt morale for active members,” said retired Vice Admiral Norbert Ryan, president and CEO of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), a non-profit focused on military advocacy.</p>
<p>The typical 20-year retiree -- a 40-year-old sergeant first class in the Army (in the E7 pay grade) -- will receive $23,000 in initial annuities. If the real cost of living climbs 3 percent in the first year the cuts go into effect, that retiree would lose $230. By age 61, it’s estimated that the same retiree would lose $7,960 a year because of the 1 percent compounding factor, which adds up to an estimated $82,982 in total losses, an average of $3,771 a year, according to MOAA.</p>
<p>Ryan said that the long-term COLA impact isn’t getting enough attention and that the provision, a small piece of the bipartisan budget deal Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) negotiated, was part of a backroom deal that doesn’t grandfather in people currently serving in the military who have been promised certain retirement benefits.</p>
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<p>"These [veterans] are not retiring on $23,000 dollars a year -- but they do depend on the government keeping its word on what they’re owed,"</p>
<p>Vice-Adm. Ryan also pointed to a 2011 statement by then-Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, who told a public hearing: “... we cannot break faith with those that have served and deployed time and time again and were promised the benefits of this retirement program. Those benefits are going to be protected under any circumstance.”</p>
<p>Lawrence Korb, a former assistant secretary of defense during the Reagan administration and now a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, a center-left public policy research group, defends the cuts.</p>
<p>“This is a good first step and provides [added money] for training for lives on the line. And if you put this into context, people [veterans] are not getting a bad deal,” said Korb, who also served as a naval flight officer.</p>
<p>“For retirees who enlisted between 1986 and 2001, they are making out better,” Korb added. “Between those years retirees received 40 percent of their base salary after 20 years of service. In 2001, it was reversed back to 50 percent of base, which was the commitment prior to 1986.”</p>
<p>Ryan said the reason the Pentagon decided to go back to the 50 percent rate is simple: retention-rate problems.</p>
<p>“You need something beside patriotism to pull in high-quality officers for 20 years,” he said. “Of course these people want to serve their country, but life is hard for many, going away for a year and then a year home. And many people often want to go and live their lives.” According to MOAA, only 17 percent of the military force stays on as a career.</p>
<p>Korb also pointed out that 40 percent of all service members have never seen combat, but Ryan said that has absolutely nothing to do with collecting their military pension.</p>
<p>“All of these people have signed up to give their life and will go or not go, depending on where they are ordered,” he said. “You don’t have a choice.”</p>
<p>Former Commander Mike Barron, deputy director of government relations at MOAA and a retiree directly affected by the provision, said the COLA reduction is not small, as it has been described.</p>
<p>“To make this politically palatable, what they lay this out as is a 1 percent reduction, and they only talk about the first year, which is a small amount,” he said. “But they purposefully do not talk about the compounding factor and the real lost retirement pay that will happen.”</p>
<p>Barron said it’s all about context. The House Budget Committee estimates that for an 18-year-old enlistee who serves 20 years, the lifetime retirement pay would decline from $1.734 million to $1.626 million. That doesn’t sound so bad, he admitted. But he pointed out it’s meant to seem like a minimal reduction.</p>
<p>“They are giving you a half-truth,” said Barron, who added that those large-sounding numbers are not the real dollars and cents a military veteran actually sees. “These are people who, after 20 years of service, had a base pay of under $50,000 and are now losing around $83,000.”</p>
<p>The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget agreed with Korb and said the “tiny military cut” is a positive move, pointing out that both the Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal editorial boards defended the provision.</p>
<p>Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel warned publicly last year that the Pentagon can no longer put off looking into ballooning military compensation. A recent study by the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments showed yearly compensation for active-duty members increased 57% between 2001 and 2012. (The number was adjusted for inflation.)</p>
<p>Secretary Hagel has spoken out against hitting disabled retirees with this provision but has not commented on the rest of the veterans affected.</p>
<p>“Secretary Hagel has said that the Administration wants reversed the unintended reduction in the cost-of-living adjustment for working-age military retirees with service-related disabilities and looks forward to working with the Congress to address other compensation-related provisions,” said a Pentagon spokesman.</p>
<p>In Congress, there are Democrats and Republicans on both sides of the issue.</p>
<p>Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) said his committee would review the provision before the cuts take effect next year. Others are taking a swifter approach. Several proposals are on the table to overturn the COLA cuts in favor of other possible savings and there is vocal bipartisan Senate support from everyone from Sens. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) and Kay Hagan (D-N.C.) to Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.).</p>
<p>“Singling out our hardworking military members and their families wouldn’t just be unfair, it’d be wrong,” said Senator Pryor in a statement in December. “That’s why I called on my colleagues to join me in supporting common-sense provisions to restore full retirement pay for our military retirees.”</p>
<p>Vice Admiral Ryan concurs.</p>
<p>“Unlike civilian life, we need to grow these people from within and keep high-quality people there,” he said. “Anyone who knows the economy right now knows that $23,000 a year for a family of four is below the poverty level. So when they do leave the service, of course [retirees] will need to go out and start a new career. They are not retiring on $23,000 dollars a year -- but they do depend on the government keeping its word on what they’re owed.”</p> | true | 0 | last months congressional budget deal delivered particularly hard hit military retirees least 20 years service cutting costofliving cola adjustments 1 percent year age 62 continue reading veterans groups say cut could amount average cash loss 80000 affected retiree loss confidence us governments word cut meant save estimated 6 billion next decade take effect 2015 battle provision already started us government broken promise someone committed commitments extremely grueling family pulling 15 20 years fundamental loss trust unquestionably hurt morale active members said retired vice admiral norbert ryan president ceo military officers association america moaa nonprofit focused military advocacy typical 20year retiree 40yearold sergeant first class army e7 pay grade receive 23000 initial annuities real cost living climbs 3 percent first year cuts go effect retiree would lose 230 age 61 estimated retiree would lose 7960 year 1 percent compounding factor adds estimated 82982 total losses average 3771 year according moaa ryan said longterm cola impact isnt getting enough attention provision small piece bipartisan budget deal sen patty murray dwash rep paul ryan rwis negotiated part backroom deal doesnt grandfather people currently serving military promised certain retirement benefits advertisement veterans retiring 23000 dollars year depend government keeping word theyre owed viceadm ryan also pointed 2011 statement thensecretary defense leon panetta told public hearing break faith served deployed time time promised benefits retirement program benefits going protected circumstance lawrence korb former assistant secretary defense reagan administration senior fellow center american progress centerleft public policy research group defends cuts good first step provides added money training lives line put context people veterans getting bad deal said korb also served naval flight officer retirees enlisted 1986 2001 making better korb added years retirees received 40 percent base salary 20 years service 2001 reversed back 50 percent base commitment prior 1986 ryan said reason pentagon decided go back 50 percent rate simple retentionrate problems need something beside patriotism pull highquality officers 20 years said course people want serve country life hard many going away year year home many people often want go live lives according moaa 17 percent military force stays career korb also pointed 40 percent service members never seen combat ryan said absolutely nothing collecting military pension people signed give life go go depending ordered said dont choice former commander mike barron deputy director government relations moaa retiree directly affected provision said cola reduction small described make politically palatable lay 1 percent reduction talk first year small amount said purposefully talk compounding factor real lost retirement pay happen barron said context house budget committee estimates 18yearold enlistee serves 20 years lifetime retirement pay would decline 1734 million 1626 million doesnt sound bad admitted pointed meant seem like minimal reduction giving halftruth said barron added largesounding numbers real dollars cents military veteran actually sees people 20 years service base pay 50000 losing around 83000 committee responsible federal budget agreed korb said tiny military cut positive move pointing washington post wall street journal editorial boards defended provision secretary defense chuck hagel warned publicly last year pentagon longer put looking ballooning military compensation recent study center strategic budgetary assessments showed yearly compensation activeduty members increased 57 2001 2012 number adjusted inflation secretary hagel spoken hitting disabled retirees provision commented rest veterans affected secretary hagel said administration wants reversed unintended reduction costofliving adjustment workingage military retirees servicerelated disabilities looks forward working congress address compensationrelated provisions said pentagon spokesman congress democrats republicans sides issue senate armed services committee chairman carl levin dmich said committee would review provision cuts take effect next year others taking swifter approach several proposals table overturn cola cuts favor possible savings vocal bipartisan senate support everyone sens mark pryor dark kay hagan dnc sens john mccain rariz kelly ayotte rnh singling hardworking military members families wouldnt unfair itd wrong said senator pryor statement december thats called colleagues join supporting commonsense provisions restore full retirement pay military retirees vice admiral ryan concurs unlike civilian life need grow people within keep highquality people said anyone knows economy right knows 23000 year family four poverty level leave service course retirees need go start new career retiring 23000 dollars year depend government keeping word theyre owed | 687 |
<p>Should Christians Be Celebrating Christmas? Looking At Christmas From The Bible's Perspective</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. " <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=luk&amp;c=2" type="external">Luke 2:11</a></p>
<p>Keeping focus. Let me begin this article by hitting a direct shot across the bow of what is wrong, from the bible's perspective, with the idea of Christians celebrating Christmas as it has come to be known in America. In a word (or two), it is Santa Claus, the great counterfeit of Satan. If Christmas has any meaning at all to the Christian, it is about the birth of the promised Messiah Jesus In the left sidebar, I list a series of points based on Scripture, why Santa Claus is a satanic creation and something that no bible believer should have anything to do with. Please take a moment and read what is listed there. If you are a teachable believer whose heart and mind are open to follow what the Lord has declared to be true, then you will find it to be a timely and necessary eye-opener. Now let us go on to some common objections that Christians raise regarding Christmas.</p>
<p>The 2 most common objections to the celebration of Christimas</p>
<p>The Christmas tree: In Jeremiah 10, we read of something that sounds a lot like a modern-day Christmas tree. "For the customs of the people [are] vain: for [one] cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They [are] upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also [is it] in them to do good. " <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=jer&amp;c=10" type="external">Jeremiah 2:2-5</a></p>
<p>Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Rom&amp;c=1" type="external">Romans 1:25</a> Analysis: This passage has to do with the creation of an idol to worship, something that you would bow down to, and give homage to. God is against idol worship in all forms. Having said that, I personally do not worship my Christmas tree. To me, it looks nice, fills the house with the sweet scent of pine, and I like the twinkling lights I put on it. Now, let every man be convinced in his own heart. If you are convicted of having a Christmas tree, then don't have one. But don't be a legalistic shrew and spoil someone else's pleasure in enjoying the beauty of a tree that God created. And if someone needs correcting on this matter, why don't you do us all a favor and let the Holy Spirit do the correcting? Amen.</p>
<p>The pagan roots of December 25th: How, then, did the Romish Church fix on December the 25th as Christmas-day? Why, thus: Long before the fourth century, and long before the Christian era itself, a festival was celebrated among the heathen, at that precise time of the year, in honour of the birth of the son of the Babylonian queen of heaven; and it may fairly be presumed that, in order to conciliate the heathen, and to swell the number of the nominal adherents of Christianity, the same festival was adopted by the Roman Church, giving it only the name of Christ. <a href="http://www.biblebelievers.com/babylon/sect31.htm" type="external">Alexander Hislop</a></p>
<p>Analysis: Yes, it is true that the pagan roots of a celebration on December go back all way to ancient Babylon. It is also true that the Catholic church took a pagan feast day, and renamed it as a celebration of the birth of Jesus. This is where our modern celebration of Christmas comes from. So the knee-jerk reaction would be to not celebrate the day, seeing as it has it's roots in paganism. But in doing so, a serious problem arises. If your desire is to remove all connection between you and pagan holidays and symbols, then the first thing you need to do is to no longer use or have any connection with using the days of the week. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday...they all have strong pagan meanings and symbolism from Greek mythology attached to them. Can you imagine trying to function in this world and not use the days of the week as they currently exist? You couldn't do it. But there is no need to not use the pagan names for the days of the week, because you do not attach any pagan meaning to them. When you say you are going to do something on Thursday, you mean the day between Wednesday and Friday. You do not mean to give glory to the Greek god Thor, for whom the day is named. Right? And so is the same logic applied to Christmas on December 25th.</p>
<p>The bible does not same what day Jesus was born, though it was probably sometime in September or October. It is never wrong to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, on December 25th or on any other day you choose to celebrate. Again, it is the 'thoughts and intent of your heart' that is at issue, and not a particular day.</p>
<p>Conclusion: If you truly wish to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, then do it in spirit and in truth. Make Him the focus, and cut Santa Claus out of the picture. Santa doesn't figure anywhere in the true Christmas story.</p>
<p>Jesus came to this world as a babe in the manger, but He will never again be that little child. He and He alone bore YOUR SINS on the cross, and it is only His Shed Blood which can redeem you. So if you want to have a manger scene, why don't you put a bloody cross next to it? Because without that bloody cross, a baby in the manger is meaningless.</p>
<p>At Christmas time, we love to give gifts to our loved ones, but what about the greatest gift of all? Is the sweet child you are giving the 10-speed bike to also a child of the King? Are YOU a child of the King? HINT: If Christmas and Easter are the two times you attend church each year, <a href="../freeGIFT.htm" type="external">then maybe you need to get saved</a>.</p>
<p>Santa Claus, reindeer, elves and presents have nothing to do with any day that might be called Christmas. If these elements are prominent in your celebration, then you are indeed celebrating something pagan in nature. If you bow down to anything other than the Holy God of the bible, then you are giving worship where it ought not go. If you are lying to your children, and making them believe that Santa is bringing them gifts, then that is a sin. And you should repent immediately. You should be telling them about <a href="../freeGIFT.htm" type="external">the Gift</a> that Jesus wants to give them.</p>
<p>It is all about Jesus Christ and Him alone. He will share His glory with no one, especially not with Santa Claus.</p>
<p>But if you from a pure heart want to celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25th, and your sins have been paid for, and you are <a href="../rapture/the-blessed-hope.htm" type="external">eagerly looking forward to His soon return</a>, then I only have one thing to say to you - Merry Christmas.</p>
<p /> Keeping focus. The Christmas tree: The pagan roots of December 25th: | true | 0 | christians celebrating christmas looking christmas bibles perspective 160 unto born day city david saviour christ lord luke 211 keeping focus let begin article hitting direct shot across bow wrong bibles perspective idea christians celebrating christmas come known america word two santa claus great counterfeit satan christmas meaning christian birth promised messiah jesus left sidebar list series points based scripture santa claus satanic creation something bible believer anything please take moment read listed teachable believer whose heart mind open follow lord declared true find timely necessary eyeopener let us go common objections christians raise regarding christmas 2 common objections celebration christimas christmas tree jeremiah 10 read something sounds lot like modernday christmas tree customs people vain one cutteth tree forest work hands workman axe deck silver gold fasten nails hammers move upright palm tree speak must needs borne go afraid evil neither also good jeremiah 225 changed truth god lie worshipped served creature creator blessed ever amen romans 125 analysis passage creation idol worship something would bow give homage god idol worship forms said personally worship christmas tree looks nice fills house sweet scent pine like twinkling lights put let every man convinced heart convicted christmas tree dont one dont legalistic shrew spoil someone elses pleasure enjoying beauty tree god created someone needs correcting matter dont us favor let holy spirit correcting amen pagan roots december 25th romish church fix december 25th christmasday thus long fourth century long christian era festival celebrated among heathen precise time year honour birth son babylonian queen heaven may fairly presumed order conciliate heathen swell number nominal adherents christianity festival adopted roman church giving name christ alexander hislop analysis yes true pagan roots celebration december go back way ancient babylon also true catholic church took pagan feast day renamed celebration birth jesus modern celebration christmas comes kneejerk reaction would celebrate day seeing roots paganism serious problem arises desire remove connection pagan holidays symbols first thing need longer use connection using days week sunday monday tuesdaythey strong pagan meanings symbolism greek mythology attached imagine trying function world use days week currently exist couldnt need use pagan names days week attach pagan meaning say going something thursday mean day wednesday friday mean give glory greek god thor day named right logic applied christmas december 25th bible day jesus born though probably sometime september october never wrong celebrate birth saviour december 25th day choose celebrate thoughts intent heart issue particular day conclusion truly wish celebrate birth lord saviour jesus christ spirit truth make focus cut santa claus picture santa doesnt figure anywhere true christmas story jesus came world babe manger never little child alone bore sins cross shed blood redeem want manger scene dont put bloody cross next without bloody cross baby manger meaningless christmas time love give gifts loved ones greatest gift sweet child giving 10speed bike also child king child king hint christmas easter two times attend church year maybe need get saved santa claus reindeer elves presents nothing day might called christmas elements prominent celebration indeed celebrating something pagan nature bow anything holy god bible giving worship ought go lying children making believe santa bringing gifts sin repent immediately telling gift jesus wants give jesus christ alone share glory one especially santa claus pure heart want celebrate birth jesus december 25th sins paid eagerly looking forward soon return one thing say merry christmas keeping focus christmas tree pagan roots december 25th | 565 |
<p />
<p>Article by Ruth Ross</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Have you ever hit the road for a leisurely drive or <a href="http://www.success.com/article/6-ways-to-make-your-commute-less-stressful" type="external">stressful commute Opens a New Window.</a>, only to be spooked by a flashing warning sign on your dashboard? It happened to me just the other day, and I admit that it unnerved me. I got to a safe area and pulled over to&#160;figure out what the picture represented. When I couldn't guess right away, I went the old-fashioned route, pulling out the owner's manual and flicking through it to match my picture to the problem.</p>
<p>Most times, you can avert trouble before it starts just by being aware of the warning signs.</p>
<p>As an advocate for curing the global workforce of the <a href="https://www.recruiter.com/employee-engagement.html" type="external">disengagement epidemic Opens a New Window.</a>, I am always linking things I see and hear back to this subject, and my recent car problem is no exception. It made me think about the concept of warning signs and how it relates to the critical business imperative of engagement. Although the <a href="http://www.success.com/article/7-warning-signs-of-an-unhappy-employee" type="external">signs of disengagement Opens a New Window.</a> might not constantly flash as brightly as neon bar signs, they are there for the naked eye to see – if you know what to look for.</p>
<p>No matter what may have caused your disengagement – the job not being what was promised, a&#160;feeling of being stuck, a lack of appreciation and recognition, an <a href="http://www.success.com/article/15-traits-of-a-terrible-leader" type="external">ineffective boss Opens a New Window.</a>, a toxic workplace, etc. – the following warning signs are universal:</p>
<p>1. An 'I Don't Care' Attitude</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>This person has given up on even making a pretense of <a href="http://www.success.com/article/4-tips-for-working-with-people-who-couldnt-care-less-about-their-job" type="external">caring about work Opens a New Window.</a>. They show up and do what is expected, but they don't expend energy or the extra effort to make sure the work is high quality. It's all about just getting it done, not about getting it done right.</p>
<p>2. Increased Absences or Tardiness</p>
<p>The disengaged have trouble getting up in the morning and arriving to work on time. They show up when they want, not when they are scheduled to be there. They tend to suffer more than their engaged colleagues with stress-related illnesses. Their symptoms of disengagement&#160;could be as small as headaches and colds, or&#160;as large as depression and&#160; <a href="http://www.success.com/article/6-stress-relieving-tricks-to-reduce-anxiety-at-work" type="external">anxiety. Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>3. Declining Quality of Work</p>
<p>People who used to care about the quality of their work and pay attention to small details no longer have the energy or desire to do so. They simply don't care if the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed. It's more about checking off the box and moving on to the next task. Error rates increase when employees are not engaged in the job at hand, and work gets&#160;done at a slower pace.</p>
<p>4. Mood Swings</p>
<p>Is today a good day or a bad one? People who are disengaged tend to have more mood swings than others. Usually they wear their emotions on their faces. It gets harder for them to hide their moods, as they prefer to just go with how they are feeling in the moment. They don't care if others notice because how they feel is how they show up.</p>
<p>5. Physical and/or Mental&#160;Isolation</p>
<p>Isolation can take two forms. One can be intentional, where the disengaged employee chooses to opt out. This happens a lot in group settings when someone sits back with arms folded and doesn't participate in the conversation. They don't join in hallway conversations or go to&#160;the local lunch joint with colleagues.</p>
<p>The second form of isolation is in a person's head. Many disengaged employees feel like they are invisible, even if they are in&#160;very visible roles. They believe others are ignoring them in the group, even if there is no external proof&#160;to validate this&#160;feeling.</p>
<p>6. No Desire for&#160;Creativity, Innovation, or Input</p>
<p>Something happens when a person falls into disengagement. They suddenly appear to become mute. A once defining voice becomes&#160;seemingly nonexistent. They make the choice to stay silent and don't offer input or advice, even when asked. They stop being creative and <a href="http://www.success.com/blog/why-stepping-outside-your-comfort-zone-is-worth-it-even-when-its-uncomfortable" type="external">trying new things Opens a New Window.</a>. They retreat to the familiar and routine and do everything they can to stay under the radar.</p>
<p>7. Lethargy</p>
<p>You can usually tell when someone crosses over from engagement to disengagement by looking at&#160;their <a href="http://www.success.com/blog/sleep-deprivation-is-killing-you-and-your-career" type="external">energy levels Opens a New Window.</a>. When it comes to how people show up on a daily basis, there is a marked change in behavior. All of their movements slow down, and things seem to move at a snail's pace. Even Type A personalities are not immune to&#160;this telltale behavior. In fact, it's often more noticeable when it arises in these people.</p>
<p>–</p>
<p>Were you surprised by the results, either good or bad, of your self-assessment? It's always a good thing to pause to reflect on where you are and then to recalculate where you need to go next. A mirror is the most important tool one can use on their life and career journeys. Don't be afraid to take a long look!</p>
<p>A version of this article originally appeared on <a href="http://www.success.com/blog/7-warning-signs-youre-checked-out?utm_campaign=link%20exchangeutm_medium=syndicationutm_source=Recruiterutm_term=Recruiter" type="external">SUCCESS.com Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Ruth K. Ross is a speaker, author, and engagement evangelist. After a successful 30-year career as a strategic human resources executive with top Fortune 100 companies, Ruth started her own company in San Francisco to focus on the critical intersection where people and processes fuse together in organizations. The outpouring of requests from C-suite executives, middle management, and service professionals for her thought leadership on engagement validated her belief that disengagement is robbing people of their passions and cutting deeply into corporate profitability. Her recent book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Alive-Journey-Reengage-Career/dp/1935953664/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8qid=1465930186sr=8-1linkCode=ll1tag=sm0fe-20linkId=e9a3add1a1b0e44752c04e90d0f14f5a" type="external">Coming Alive: The Journey to Reengage Your Life and Career Opens a New Window.</a>, is based on Ross's own experiences and research, exploring the epidemic of employee disengagement in corporate America. She is also frequently invited to speak at industry conferences and organizations on this topic. Learn more about her book, speaking topics, consulting services, upcoming events, and blog at <a href="http://www.ruthkross.com/" type="external">ruthkross.com Opens a New Window.</a>. Follow her on Twitter, <a href="https://twitter.com/ruthkross" type="external">@ruthkross Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | article ruth ross continue reading ever hit road leisurely drive stressful commute opens new window spooked flashing warning sign dashboard happened day admit unnerved got safe area pulled to160figure picture represented couldnt guess right away went oldfashioned route pulling owners manual flicking match picture problem times avert trouble starts aware warning signs advocate curing global workforce disengagement epidemic opens new window always linking things see hear back subject recent car problem exception made think concept warning signs relates critical business imperative engagement although signs disengagement opens new window might constantly flash brightly neon bar signs naked eye see know look matter may caused disengagement job promised a160feeling stuck lack appreciation recognition ineffective boss opens new window toxic workplace etc following warning signs universal 1 dont care attitude advertisement person given even making pretense caring work opens new window show expected dont expend energy extra effort make sure work high quality getting done getting done right 2 increased absences tardiness disengaged trouble getting morning arriving work time show want scheduled tend suffer engaged colleagues stressrelated illnesses symptoms disengagement160could small headaches colds or160as large depression and160 anxiety opens new window 3 declining quality work people used care quality work pay attention small details longer energy desire simply dont care dotted ts crossed checking box moving next task error rates increase employees engaged job hand work gets160done slower pace 4 mood swings today good day bad one people disengaged tend mood swings others usually wear emotions faces gets harder hide moods prefer go feeling moment dont care others notice feel show 5 physical andor mental160isolation isolation take two forms one intentional disengaged employee chooses opt happens lot group settings someone sits back arms folded doesnt participate conversation dont join hallway conversations go to160the local lunch joint colleagues second form isolation persons head many disengaged employees feel like invisible even in160very visible roles believe others ignoring group even external proof160to validate this160feeling 6 desire for160creativity innovation input something happens person falls disengagement suddenly appear become mute defining voice becomes160seemingly nonexistent make choice stay silent dont offer input advice even asked stop creative trying new things opens new window retreat familiar routine everything stay radar 7 lethargy usually tell someone crosses engagement disengagement looking at160their energy levels opens new window comes people show daily basis marked change behavior movements slow things seem move snails pace even type personalities immune to160this telltale behavior fact often noticeable arises people surprised results either good bad selfassessment always good thing pause reflect recalculate need go next mirror important tool one use life career journeys dont afraid take long look version article originally appeared successcom opens new window ruth k ross speaker author engagement evangelist successful 30year career strategic human resources executive top fortune 100 companies ruth started company san francisco focus critical intersection people processes fuse together organizations outpouring requests csuite executives middle management service professionals thought leadership engagement validated belief disengagement robbing people passions cutting deeply corporate profitability recent book coming alive journey reengage life career opens new window based rosss experiences research exploring epidemic employee disengagement corporate america also frequently invited speak industry conferences organizations topic learn book speaking topics consulting services upcoming events blog ruthkrosscom opens new window follow twitter ruthkross opens new window | 538 |
<p>(LA Times) – Not since 2010 has California felt itself politically so out of step with the times. That year the state resisted the nationwide wave of anti-incumbent, anti-regulation and anti-big government voting to elect Jerry Brown as governor, ease the passage of big-money state budgets and turn away a challenge to its pioneering greenhouse gas regulations.</p>
<p>This election day, California voters tightened gun control, extended taxes on the rich, hiked cigarette taxes, legalized marijuana, boosted multilingual education — and of course provided Hillary Clinton with all of her winning margin of 2 million popular votes, and then some, in her losing campaign for president.</p>
<p>No wonder the election has inspired talk of California’s seceding from the United States. The nascent campaign, organized under the banner of the Yes California Independence Campaign and heralded by the Twitter hashtag #Calexit, has been energized by remarks by Brown, and others, that a Trump election would necessitate “building a wall around California” to preserve its forward-looking policies against a reactionary federal regime. And why not, the argument goes. After all, with a gross domestic product of $2.5 trillion, the state’s economy ranks sixth in the world, sandwiched between Britain and France.</p>
<p>Secession talk is more valuable as a pointer to all the ways that California and federal policies are likely to come into conflict during the next few years than as a formula for practical politics.</p>
<p><a href="http://teaparty00.armor1rfid.hop.clickbank.net/?page=teaparty&amp;tid=rfidtp" type="external" /></p>
<p>“It’s impossible to look at the Trump campaign and not see a direct threat to the civil liberties and dignity of California citizens,” says Tom Steyer, the progressive billionaire who in recent years has focused his energy on combating climate change via his organization NextGen Climate.</p>
<p>To dispense with the prospect of California’s seceding from the union: On the gonna-happen scale, it’s a Not. “We’d either have to win the ensuing civil war or have Congress kiss us goodbye,” says Joel D. Aberbach, director of the Center for American Politics and Public Policy at UCLA. “There isn’t a procedure for seceding” in the Constitution. The very notion of the U.S. as a divisible entity was settled by the Civil War.</p>
<p>A constitutional amendment is the longest of long shots. It must be approved by a two-thirds majority in each house of Congress and ratified by three-fourths of the states (38 of the 50).</p>
<p>But the conflicts between state and federal policy will be serious. Here’s a look at what may be some of the most important.</p>
<p>Climate change: California has been among the national leaders in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and as recently as September strengthened its policies with a law mandating the reduction of climatologically harmful emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. Its auto emission rules traditionally have set a benchmark for the auto industry and federal regulators.</p>
<p>During his campaign, Trump dismissed climate change as a Chinese hoax and pledged to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which already has been ratified by 113 of the 197 signatory countries. The U.S. ratified the agreement by presidential order on Sept. 3.</p>
<p>“The single biggest achievement of the Obama administration in energy and climate was to get those countries to agree,” Steyer said. “It was an example of the best kind of American leadership — moral, technical, financial.”</p>
<p>Since the election, Trump has backed off his assertions about climate change and his promise to withdraw from the Paris pact. If he makes good on his threat, however, American leadership on climate change will pass to the states. Brown has pledged to keep California in the forefront of that movement, and earlier this month sent a state delegation to a U.N. climate change conference in Marrakech, Morocco.</p>
<p>That just continues the sort of state-level leadership that has emerged in recent years. “Over the past decade, Congress has not passed a single bill that takes direct aim at climate change,” former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg observed in a recent speech. “Yet at the same time, the U.S. has led the world in reducing emissions.”</p>
<p>Trump could stifle federal funding for crucial research on climate change. One of his science advisors says he plans to eliminate NASA spending on earth science, calling it “politically correct environmental monitoring” and refocusing the agency exclusively on space research. That mirrors congressional Republicans’ approach to NASA, whose role in climate monitoring they disdain even though it has made crucial contributions to understanding of global warming.</p>
<p>Immigration: Trump campaigned on a pledge to cut off federal funding to “sanctuary cities” as part of his crackdown on illegal immigration. His chief of staff-designate, Reince Priebus, reiterated the policy in an interview after the election.</p>
<p>These are cities whose police departments aren’t required to check the immigration status of people they stop or arrest or to notify U.S. immigration officials of the status of undocumented persons they release from custody. The roster of sanctuary cities includes Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento and Oakland; an estimated 1 million of the nation’s 11 million immigrants without legal status, many of whom Trump has threatened to deport, live in L.A. County.</p>
<p>Leaders of those cities have pledged to keep protecting immigrants and fight Trump’s proposed cuts in federal funding cuts, which would require congressional action. The stakes are high: Los Angeles receives about $500 million a year in federal funding for such municipal services as port security and homeless shelters. But there are practical as well as moral reasons for cities to steer clear of immigration enforcement. Complicity with immigration agents shatters trust in police in immigrant-rich communities, complicating street-level patrolling. And with undocumented immigrants part of the fabric of diverse communities, rigorous enforcement can have bad economic consequences.</p>
<p>Trump’s anti-immigrant stance has spurred calls to action to protect potential deportees. The Los Angeles Unified School District says it will rebuff any federal request for students’ immigration status. Cal State University Chancellor Timothy P. White, whose system includes as many as 10,000 students without legal documentation, has said that campus police won’t honor federal requests for deportation holds. Last week University of California President Janet Napolitano stated that UC campus police departments would not involve themselves in investigations of the immigration status of individuals on campus and ruled out “joint efforts” on immigration with federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies. She said the university aimed to “vigorously protect the privacy and civil rights of the undocumented members of the UC community.”</p>
<p>An estimated one in three of the 742,000 “Dreamers” — young people who were brought to this country by their parents without documentation and granted protection from deportation under the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA — lives in California. Trump has pledged to shut down the program.</p>
<p>Healthcare: Few states gave the Affordable Care Act, which Trump and congressional Republicans pledge to repeal, support as full-throated as California. The state has enrolled about 1.4 million people in Obamacare health plans via its statewide individual insurance exchange, Covered California, and added about 3 million low-income residents to Medicaid rolls via the law’s Medicaid expansion, the cost of which has been 100% paid by the federal government.</p>
<p>It’s doubtful that this record could be maintained if Trump and congressional Republicans repeal the ACA. Repeal would eliminate the federal tax credits that reduce premiums on Covered California plans and other costs for about 90% of enrollees. That would drive many of them off coverage. The state would surely be unable to make up those subsidies. California would also suffer from the loss of the ACA’s consumer protection elements, including a ban on exclusions for preexisting conditions and on annual or lifetime benefit limits. A study published last June by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation forecast that without the ACA, the ranks of the uninsured in California would soar by 2021 to 7.5 million, compared with only 3.4 million if the ACA remains in place.</p>
<p>Among the dangers in the GOP plans is uncertainty. The party has promised to “replace” the ACA with something that works better, yet has never coalesced around an alternative in more than six years of trying. But doubts that Covered California and other ACA marketplaces will eventually stabilize could drive more big insurers out of the market and force prices higher.</p>
<p>The prospects of disastrous tampering with healthcare were heightened Monday with Trump’s nomination of Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) as secretary of Health and Human Services. Price, an orthopedic surgeon, is a sworn enemy of the Affordable Care Act. He’s the author of an alternative law that could throw older and sicker patients out of the insurance pool and make insurance all but unaffordable for women of child-bearing age. The Price plan would repeal Obamacare and replace it with something resembling the pre-2010 individual insurance market, when overpriced, low-benefit plans were the norm for anyone except young, healthy males.</p>
<p>Republican proposals to convert Medicaid to a block-granted program—almost certainly a prelude to cutting the federal share of its budget—could pose a particular problem for House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield. In his district, which largely spans Kern and Tulare counties, roughly half of all residents are enrolled in Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program. Efforts to trim the program would have a direct effect on them.</p>
<p>Gun control and marijuana: Voters on election day flouted federal policy in both areas. Proposition 63 mandates background checks for ammunition sales and outlaws high-capacity ammo magazines. Proposition 64 legalizes marijuana.</p>
<p>Trump established himself as an ally of the National Rifle Assn. during the campaign, but White House policy may not be the biggest problem for the state’s firearms policy: the courts would be. In rulings in 2008 and 2010, the Supreme Court extended the reach of the 2nd Amendment’s protection of the right to bear arms. Within a day of the election, the NRA was talking about challenging Proposition 63 and related state laws before the courts.</p>
<p>Trump hasn’t expressed strong objections to the legalization of marijuana, but as the biggest state to legalize pot, California could find itself in the crosshairs of revived anti-marijuana enforcement by his administration. Obama’s Justice Department took an indulgent approach to the wave of state legalizations of the drug, declaring in 2013 that although it was still illegal under federal law, its prosecutors would focus chiefly on preventing sales to minors and to keeping profits out of the hands of criminal gangs.</p>
<p>But Trump’s attorney general-designate, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), stated in April that “marijuana is not the kind of thing that ought to be legalized, it ought not to be minimized, that it’s in fact a very real danger.” One anti-pot activist described him to the Washington Post as “by far the single most outspoken opponent of marijuana legalization in the U.S. Senate.” How he plans to enforce federal law in a legalization state as big as California is still a mystery.</p>
<p>www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-hiltzik-cal-secession-20161127-story.html</p> | true | 0 | la times since 2010 california felt politically step times year state resisted nationwide wave antiincumbent antiregulation antibig government voting elect jerry brown governor ease passage bigmoney state budgets turn away challenge pioneering greenhouse gas regulations election day california voters tightened gun control extended taxes rich hiked cigarette taxes legalized marijuana boosted multilingual education course provided hillary clinton winning margin 2 million popular votes losing campaign president wonder election inspired talk californias seceding united states nascent campaign organized banner yes california independence campaign heralded twitter hashtag calexit energized remarks brown others trump election would necessitate building wall around california preserve forwardlooking policies reactionary federal regime argument goes gross domestic product 25 trillion states economy ranks sixth world sandwiched britain france secession talk valuable pointer ways california federal policies likely come conflict next years formula practical politics impossible look trump campaign see direct threat civil liberties dignity california citizens says tom steyer progressive billionaire recent years focused energy combating climate change via organization nextgen climate dispense prospect californias seceding union gonnahappen scale wed either win ensuing civil war congress kiss us goodbye says joel aberbach director center american politics public policy ucla isnt procedure seceding constitution notion us divisible entity settled civil war constitutional amendment longest long shots must approved twothirds majority house congress ratified threefourths states 38 50 conflicts state federal policy serious heres look may important climate change california among national leaders reducing greenhouse gas emissions recently september strengthened policies law mandating reduction climatologically harmful emissions 40 1990 levels 2030 auto emission rules traditionally set benchmark auto industry federal regulators campaign trump dismissed climate change chinese hoax pledged withdraw us paris agreement reduce greenhouse gas emissions already ratified 113 197 signatory countries us ratified agreement presidential order sept 3 single biggest achievement obama administration energy climate get countries agree steyer said example best kind american leadership moral technical financial since election trump backed assertions climate change promise withdraw paris pact makes good threat however american leadership climate change pass states brown pledged keep california forefront movement earlier month sent state delegation un climate change conference marrakech morocco continues sort statelevel leadership emerged recent years past decade congress passed single bill takes direct aim climate change former new york mayor michael bloomberg observed recent speech yet time us led world reducing emissions trump could stifle federal funding crucial research climate change one science advisors says plans eliminate nasa spending earth science calling politically correct environmental monitoring refocusing agency exclusively space research mirrors congressional republicans approach nasa whose role climate monitoring disdain even though made crucial contributions understanding global warming immigration trump campaigned pledge cut federal funding sanctuary cities part crackdown illegal immigration chief staffdesignate reince priebus reiterated policy interview election cities whose police departments arent required check immigration status people stop arrest notify us immigration officials status undocumented persons release custody roster sanctuary cities includes los angeles san francisco sacramento oakland estimated 1 million nations 11 million immigrants without legal status many trump threatened deport live la county leaders cities pledged keep protecting immigrants fight trumps proposed cuts federal funding cuts would require congressional action stakes high los angeles receives 500 million year federal funding municipal services port security homeless shelters practical well moral reasons cities steer clear immigration enforcement complicity immigration agents shatters trust police immigrantrich communities complicating streetlevel patrolling undocumented immigrants part fabric diverse communities rigorous enforcement bad economic consequences trumps antiimmigrant stance spurred calls action protect potential deportees los angeles unified school district says rebuff federal request students immigration status cal state university chancellor timothy p white whose system includes many 10000 students without legal documentation said campus police wont honor federal requests deportation holds last week university california president janet napolitano stated uc campus police departments would involve investigations immigration status individuals campus ruled joint efforts immigration federal state local law enforcement agencies said university aimed vigorously protect privacy civil rights undocumented members uc community estimated one three 742000 dreamers young people brought country parents without documentation granted protection deportation obama administrations deferred action childhood arrivals program daca lives california trump pledged shut program healthcare states gave affordable care act trump congressional republicans pledge repeal support fullthroated california state enrolled 14 million people obamacare health plans via statewide individual insurance exchange covered california added 3 million lowincome residents medicaid rolls via laws medicaid expansion cost 100 paid federal government doubtful record could maintained trump congressional republicans repeal aca repeal would eliminate federal tax credits reduce premiums covered california plans costs 90 enrollees would drive many coverage state would surely unable make subsidies california would also suffer loss acas consumer protection elements including ban exclusions preexisting conditions annual lifetime benefit limits study published last june robert wood johnson foundation forecast without aca ranks uninsured california would soar 2021 75 million compared 34 million aca remains place among dangers gop plans uncertainty party promised replace aca something works better yet never coalesced around alternative six years trying doubts covered california aca marketplaces eventually stabilize could drive big insurers market force prices higher prospects disastrous tampering healthcare heightened monday trumps nomination rep tom price rga secretary health human services price orthopedic surgeon sworn enemy affordable care act hes author alternative law could throw older sicker patients insurance pool make insurance unaffordable women childbearing age price plan would repeal obamacare replace something resembling pre2010 individual insurance market overpriced lowbenefit plans norm anyone except young healthy males republican proposals convert medicaid blockgranted programalmost certainly prelude cutting federal share budgetcould pose particular problem house majority leader kevin mccarthy rbakersfield district largely spans kern tulare counties roughly half residents enrolled medical states medicaid program efforts trim program would direct effect gun control marijuana voters election day flouted federal policy areas proposition 63 mandates background checks ammunition sales outlaws highcapacity ammo magazines proposition 64 legalizes marijuana trump established ally national rifle assn campaign white house policy may biggest problem states firearms policy courts would rulings 2008 2010 supreme court extended reach 2nd amendments protection right bear arms within day election nra talking challenging proposition 63 related state laws courts trump hasnt expressed strong objections legalization marijuana biggest state legalize pot california could find crosshairs revived antimarijuana enforcement administration obamas justice department took indulgent approach wave state legalizations drug declaring 2013 although still illegal federal law prosecutors would focus chiefly preventing sales minors keeping profits hands criminal gangs trumps attorney generaldesignate sen jeff sessions rala stated april marijuana kind thing ought legalized ought minimized fact real danger one antipot activist described washington post far single outspoken opponent marijuana legalization us senate plans enforce federal law legalization state big california still mystery wwwlatimescombusinesshiltziklafihiltzikcalsecession20161127storyhtml | 1,096 |
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<p>Whole Foods Market (NASDAQ: WFM) is doing everything it can to boost its slowing traffic and deliver more sales growth, as its market-leading position in natural and organic foods has been eroded by lower cost competitors. To push back, Whole Foods has started to offer discounts and even rolled out a new, smaller footprint store concept.</p>
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<p>Now, the company is following up on those efforts with a customer loyalty program. Will it help Whole Foods deliver the turnaround it needs?</p>
<p>Whole Foods once dominated its organic and natural foods niche, but increased competition has taken its toll. Whole Foods is expected to lose its market leading position to Kroger some time this year or the next. The core problems come down to price and convenience, two areas where larger competitors have a distinct advantage. Whole Foods' same-store sales were down 2.6% year-over-year in the third quarter ended July 3. This important metric has steadily dropped from nearly 8% growth in the third quarter of 2013 to this recent low.</p>
<p>The Whole Foods app displaying a coupon. Image source: Whole Foods Market.</p>
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<p>To fight back, Whole Foods has taken on a value strategy. The company announced last year that it would open a new store concept called "365 by Whole Foods", a lower cost and convenience-focused store that offers mostly Whole Foods private-label items, has more automated and mobile checkout options, and provides other cost and time efficiencies. The first of these new stores opened in recent months, first in Los Angeles and then in Oregon.</p>
<p>Whole Foods has also started an initiative to give out digital coupons as an incentive to price-conscious shoppers who would value the discounts and download the Whole Foods mobile app to get them.</p>
<p>In a similar vein, the company has now created a loyalty program, which has begun to roll out in test markets this year.</p>
<p>"Today, we took another big step forward in our efforts to better understand and provide personalized offerings to our customers with the market-test launch of our new rewards program in the Dallas and Fort Worth metro areas," said management in the company's recent earnings call. The Texas cities join Philadelphia as test sites for the loyalty program, in which customers will "save instantly on member-only deals like 10% off their first purchase, earn rewards for free products, and receive surprises just for shopping in our stores."</p>
<p>Whole Foods expects the new offering to see enthusiastic adoption among customers similar to Whole Foods' current mobile app, which management says has enjoyed close to 50% more activity since the new coupon strategy was implemented. Once the tests of the loyalty program in Dallas-Fort Worth and Philadelphia are complete, the company intends to roll it out nationally in 2017.</p>
<p>One example of a very successful loyalty program is that of Starbucks, whichfaced a similar situation with lower cost competitors cutting into its store traffic and sales. So in 2009, the company created a loyalty program offering discounts and rewards for repeat customers. It now has more than 12 million users, more than $1 billion in prepaid value, and the program is generally credited as a major reason the company has managed to successfully grow same-store sales year after year.</p>
<p>So will Whole Foods see similar results? The value strategy will lead to lower margins, so the traffic and sales increases needed to combat the reduced profitability for improved earnings growth could take some time.</p>
<p>However, while the market waits to see how long it will take for the strategy to be successful (if at all), the stock currently trades at about $30.50 per share, sporting a very reasonable valuation of 20 times expected 2016 earnings. If traffic stabilizes or sees growth with this new value and loyalty-focused strategy, larger baskets could eventually help lift same-store sales as well. Then location growth, especially with the launch of the 365 stores, could also drive higher earnings in the years to come. For those with a long-term focus, that would make that current stock price attractive -- continue watching to see how the company's efforts play out.</p>
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<p>John Mackey, co-CEO of Whole Foods Market, is a member of The Motley Fools board of directors. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/BSMcNew/info.aspx" type="external">Seth McNew Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Starbucks and Whole Foods Market. 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 | whole foods market nasdaq wfm everything boost slowing traffic deliver sales growth marketleading position natural organic foods eroded lower cost competitors push back whole foods started offer discounts even rolled new smaller footprint store concept continue reading company following efforts customer loyalty program help whole foods deliver turnaround needs whole foods dominated organic natural foods niche increased competition taken toll whole foods expected lose market leading position kroger time year next core problems come price convenience two areas larger competitors distinct advantage whole foods samestore sales 26 yearoveryear third quarter ended july 3 important metric steadily dropped nearly 8 growth third quarter 2013 recent low whole foods app displaying coupon image source whole foods market advertisement fight back whole foods taken value strategy company announced last year would open new store concept called 365 whole foods lower cost conveniencefocused store offers mostly whole foods privatelabel items automated mobile checkout options provides cost time efficiencies first new stores opened recent months first los angeles oregon whole foods also started initiative give digital coupons incentive priceconscious shoppers would value discounts download whole foods mobile app get similar vein company created loyalty program begun roll test markets year today took another big step forward efforts better understand provide personalized offerings customers markettest launch new rewards program dallas fort worth metro areas said management companys recent earnings call texas cities join philadelphia test sites loyalty program customers save instantly memberonly deals like 10 first purchase earn rewards free products receive surprises shopping stores whole foods expects new offering see enthusiastic adoption among customers similar whole foods current mobile app management says enjoyed close 50 activity since new coupon strategy implemented tests loyalty program dallasfort worth philadelphia complete company intends roll nationally 2017 one example successful loyalty program starbucks whichfaced similar situation lower cost competitors cutting store traffic sales 2009 company created loyalty program offering discounts rewards repeat customers 12 million users 1 billion prepaid value program generally credited major reason company managed successfully grow samestore sales year year whole foods see similar results value strategy lead lower margins traffic sales increases needed combat reduced profitability improved earnings growth could take time however market waits see long take strategy successful stock currently trades 3050 per share sporting reasonable valuation 20 times expected 2016 earnings traffic stabilizes sees growth new value loyaltyfocused strategy larger baskets could eventually help lift samestore sales well location growth especially launch 365 stores could also drive higher earnings years come longterm focus would make current stock price attractive continue watching see companys efforts play 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 mackey coceo whole foods market member motley fools board directors seth mcnew opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends starbucks whole foods market 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 | 527 |
<p>NATO countries agreed on Thursday to enforce a no-fly zone in Libya to protect civilians against Muammar Gaddafi's forces, but fell short of taking full command of all military operations in the North African state.</p>
<p>Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told reporters after four days of grueling negotiations that the U.S.-led military alliance's mandate did not extend beyond enforcing an arms embargo and the no-fly zone, although NATO could also act in self-defense.</p>
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<p>Turkey's foreign minister said earlier that NATO would take over command of all coalition military operations in Libya from the United States.</p>
<p>Asked whether NATO would be able to strike at ground forces or take action against Gaddafi, Rasmussen said, "At this moment, there will still be a coalition operation and a NATO operation."</p>
<p>He added that talks were continuing on giving NATO a broader role, "but that decision has not been made yet." In the meantime, there would be close coordination to avoid conflicts.</p>
<p>U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who has been pushing President Barack Obama's effort to relinquish U.S. leadership of the Libya operation within days, said NATO was well placed to take over.</p>
<p>"NATO is well suited to coordinating this international effort and ensuring that all participating nations are working effectively together toward our shared goals," Clinton said after a deal that nevertheless appeared to leave significant responsibility on U.S. shoulders.</p>
<p>NATO officials said a decision was expected to be taken on Sunday whether to broaden the mandate to allow it to take command of all military operations and allow it to attack ground targets to protect civilian areas under threat from Gaddafi's forces.</p>
<p>NATO officials said alliance operations to enforce the no-fly zone were expected to get under way in 48 to 72 hours.</p>
<p>Earlier, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told reporters, "The operation will be transferred completely to NATO and there will be a single command and control."</p>
<p>His comments came after a four-way telephone conference among Clinton and the foreign ministers of Turkey, France and Britain.</p>
<p>U.S. Vice Admiral Bill Gortney said in Washington that the United States was working very hard to hand over leadership of the coalition, possibly as early as this weekend.</p>
<p>Ambassadors agreed to initiate military planning for a no-drive zone to protect civilians in addition to the no-fly zone, diplomats said, but that would require a further political decision.</p>
<p>Earlier, Turkish leaders cast new suspicions on the motives behind Western intervention in Libya, suggesting action was driven by oil and mineral wealth rather than a desire to protect civilians from Gaddafi's forces.</p>
<p>EXTRICATE</p>
<p>Obama, already trying to extricate Washington from two wars in Muslim nations, Iraq and Afghanistan, has said Washington wants to hand over responsibility for the Libya campaign to NATO within days rather than weeks.</p>
<p>The effort got a further boost as French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced the United Arab Emirates would contribute 12 planes to the Libya coalition force, significantly increasing Arab participation in the campaign.</p>
<p>The Turkish parliament approved a decision to join a NATO naval operation to enforce a U.N.-sanctioned arms embargo off Libya by sending four frigates, a submarine and a support vessel for the naval operation.</p>
<p>But Turkey wants to be able to use its NATO veto to limit allied operations against the country's infrastructure and avoid casualties among Muslim civilians that it fears could result from bombing raids.</p>
<p>Davutoglu said those concerns had been addressed.</p>
<p>France, which launched the air campaign with Britain and the United States on Saturday, says NATO should provide its command structure while an ad hoc steering group of coalition members, including the Arab League, exercises political control.</p>
<p>A French diplomatic source said Paris had secured agreement for a 'strategy commission that will bring together all the contributing states." It would meet in London on Tuesday and provide the political direction for operations in Libya.</p>
<p>Paris has argued that having NATO in full charge would erode Arab support because of U.S. unpopularity in the Arab world.</p>
<p>On Thursday, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said it may take a coalition of Western powers days or weeks to destroy Gaddafi's military, but not months.</p>
<p>TURKEY TAKES AIM AT FRANCE</p>
<p>Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan took a swipe at France on Thursday, saying the same people who were reluctant to let Turkey into the European Union now spoke in terms of "crusades" in Libya, referring to a loose comment by Sarkozy's interior minister.</p>
<p>He voiced suspicion that some seeking to act outside NATO had their eyes on Libya's oil, while President Abdullah Gul said the coalition lacked an agreed policy, planning and exit strategy, and Libya could be "looted" like Iraq.</p>
<p>"I wish that those who only see oil, gold mines and underground treasures when they look in that direction, would see the region through glasses of conscience from now on," Erdogan told a conference in Istanbul.</p>
<p>British Prime Minister David Cameron sought to assuage concerns about Western motives by saying the coalition should not stray beyond the U.N. resolution by targeting Gaddafi.</p>
<p>"It is very important we don't go beyond that in any way," he said when asked if the Libyan leader was a legitimate target.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p> | true | 0 | nato countries agreed thursday enforce nofly zone libya protect civilians muammar gaddafis forces fell short taking full command military operations north african state secretarygeneral anders fogh rasmussen told reporters four days grueling negotiations usled military alliances mandate extend beyond enforcing arms embargo nofly zone although nato could also act selfdefense continue reading turkeys foreign minister said earlier nato would take command coalition military operations libya united states asked whether nato would able strike ground forces take action gaddafi rasmussen said moment still coalition operation nato operation added talks continuing giving nato broader role decision made yet meantime would close coordination avoid conflicts us secretary state hillary clinton pushing president barack obamas effort relinquish us leadership libya operation within days said nato well placed take nato well suited coordinating international effort ensuring participating nations working effectively together toward shared goals clinton said deal nevertheless appeared leave significant responsibility us shoulders nato officials said decision expected taken sunday whether broaden mandate allow take command military operations allow attack ground targets protect civilian areas threat gaddafis forces nato officials said alliance operations enforce nofly zone expected get way 48 72 hours earlier turkish foreign minister ahmet davutoglu told reporters operation transferred completely nato single command control comments came fourway telephone conference among clinton foreign ministers turkey france britain us vice admiral bill gortney said washington united states working hard hand leadership coalition possibly early weekend ambassadors agreed initiate military planning nodrive zone protect civilians addition nofly zone diplomats said would require political decision earlier turkish leaders cast new suspicions motives behind western intervention libya suggesting action driven oil mineral wealth rather desire protect civilians gaddafis forces extricate obama already trying extricate washington two wars muslim nations iraq afghanistan said washington wants hand responsibility libya campaign nato within days rather weeks effort got boost french president nicolas sarkozy announced united arab emirates would contribute 12 planes libya coalition force significantly increasing arab participation campaign turkish parliament approved decision join nato naval operation enforce unsanctioned arms embargo libya sending four frigates submarine support vessel naval operation turkey wants able use nato veto limit allied operations countrys infrastructure avoid casualties among muslim civilians fears could result bombing raids davutoglu said concerns addressed france launched air campaign britain united states saturday says nato provide command structure ad hoc steering group coalition members including arab league exercises political control french diplomatic source said paris secured agreement strategy commission bring together contributing states would meet london tuesday provide political direction operations libya paris argued nato full charge would erode arab support us unpopularity arab world thursday french foreign minister alain juppe said may take coalition western powers days weeks destroy gaddafis military months turkey takes aim france turkish prime minister tayyip erdogan took swipe france thursday saying people reluctant let turkey european union spoke terms crusades libya referring loose comment sarkozys interior minister voiced suspicion seeking act outside nato eyes libyas oil president abdullah gul said coalition lacked agreed policy planning exit strategy libya could looted like iraq wish see oil gold mines underground treasures look direction would see region glasses conscience erdogan told conference istanbul british prime minister david cameron sought assuage concerns western motives saying coalition stray beyond un resolution targeting gaddafi important dont go beyond way said asked libyan leader legitimate target advertisement | 547 |
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<p>GOP presidential contender Mitt Romney's Intrade odds of winning rose to 34%, “back to where they were the day before the 47% video was released,” says Peter Boockvar of Miller Tabak, referring to the governor’s comment caught on video that 47% of Americans view themselves as entitled to government benefits.</p>
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<p>Boockvar adds the odds are “up from 26% yesterday and 21% on Sunday.”</p>
<p>So what does that mean for the markets?</p>
<p>"Whether that is the reason for the bounce in the S&amp;P futures this morning is unknown, but European markets are trading flat,” Boockvar notes. “As the S&amp;P 500 has doubled during Obama's presidency, making a longer term call on the market based on who's President is always difficult.”</p>
<p>The broad picture for the market holds, as it has since 2008. “The actions of our unelected Fed for better or for worse may unfortunately be the driver of U.S. stocks in the next four years irrespective of who is president,” Boockvar says.</p>
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<p>Still, the presidential debate was a lively, wonky fight over economic policies. Here’s a rundown:</p>
<p>Romney came out of the box attacking high unemployment. “Forty-three straight months of the jobless rate up above 8%,” he said, which shows “trickle down government doesn’t work,” to which the president rejoindered his plan is about “economic patriotism” that will help the middle class, whereas Romney’s tax plan will add $5 trillion to the deficit. The governor is asking for “a $5 trillion tax cut -- on top of the extension of the Bush tax cuts -- that's another trillion dollars -- and $2 trillion in additional military spending that the military hasn't asked for. That's $8 trillion,” the president said.</p>
<p>Romney then countered the $5 trillion figure was erroneous, that his plan will not add to the deficit, as he seeks to slash federal income tax rates, shut loopholes and wipe out deductions, on top of creating economic growth to bring in federal revenues, deploying many of the “same ideas as the Simpson-Bowles Commission,” the debt commission impaneled by the president, ideas which have since been set aside.</p>
<p>“I don't have a $5 trillion tax cut. I don't have a tax cut of a scale that you're talking about. My view is that we ought to provide tax relief to people in the middle class,” the governor said.</p>
<p>The governor went on to say that the middle class is getting “buried” under the president’s policies, using Vice President Joe Biden’s gaffe earlier in the week. The middle class, Romney said, is seeing its costs rise “$4,300” under the president’s policies, due to rising taxes, gas prices, costs for health care, and small businesses are getting slammed with higher taxes and regulations, while the president touts federal programs helping small businesses.</p>
<p>Romney then cited dozens of federal job training programs, saying he would ramp up fossil fuel production to create jobs. “Natural gas and oil production are up on private lands,” that’s why energy production has risen in this country due to private development, whereas under the Administration federal permits have been “cut in half,” the governor said.</p>
<p>The president then said his tax hikes, bringing the top rate back to the Clinton-era 39.6%, would not affect 97% of all small businesses. Romney countered that the “3% of small businesses hit with higher taxes employ half of all workers in the country” and that the tax hikes the president seeks would wipe out 700,000 jobs, citing a study from the National Federation of Independent Business.</p>
<p>At least three quarters of small businesses file federal income taxes at individual rates, says the National Federation of Independent Business.</p>
<p>The White House and Democrats in Congress have argued that hiking tax rates on small businesses that create jobs will get Americans working again and will lower the unemployment rate below 8%.</p>
<p>Remember, the president added about $5 trillion in new spending to the federal budget since taking office, equivalent to adding Germany and South Korea. That money went towards spending $825 billion on the president’s stimulus, Wall Street bailouts, automaker bailouts, housing bailouts, green energy bailouts, cash for clunkers, cash for white ware, cash for window sealers.</p>
<p>This 3% fallacy “is one of the more misleading statements in the long history of economic propaganda,” Kevin Hassett and Alan Viard of the American Enterprise Institute, have reported in The Wall Street Journal.</p>
<p>First of all, the 97% the president calls small business owners include people who sell whatever they can on eBay, and then report that income to the IRS as small business income, note Hassett and Viard. They don’t hire workers.</p>
<p>That 3% equates to some 940,000 small businesses who would see their federal income tax rates rise, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT).</p>
<p>According to IRS data, this 3% accounts for a whopping 53% of the $1.3 trillion in small business net income reported on individual tax returns that would be hit with higher taxes. Compare 53% to the president’s 3%, and you can see how habitually misleading the White House and Democrats are.</p>
<p>So that means more than $689 billion in small-business income will be hit with higher taxes if the president has his way.</p>
<p>The president wants to take out of small-business owners’ pockets tens of billions of dollars to pay for deficit spending that small businesses then won’t have to create jobs.</p>
<p>The president criticized Romney’s tax plan -- “math, common sense, and our history shows us that's not a recipe for job growth. Look, we've tried this. We've tried both approaches. The approach that Governor Romney's talking about is the same sales pitch that was made in 2001 and 2003, and we ended up with the slowest job growth in 50 years, we ended up moving from surplus to deficits, and it all culminated in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.”</p>
<p>Nowhere did the president or the governor cite the problematic Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as aiding and abetting the financial collapse, entities which taxpayers now own, and which now have an unlimited bailout pipeline into the U.S. Treasury. Also not noted by either the president or the governor is the fact that the Dodd-Frank financial reform law exempted Fannie and Freddie.</p>
<p>Nor the fact that many Democrats, as well as Republicans, have been in elected office for decades helping to craft the same policies that either helped or didn’t stop the collapse. Vice President Joe Biden and Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) have been in office since the Nixon Administration. Democrat Sen. Max Baucus has been in D.C. since the Carter White House, and Democrats Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Barney Frank, John Kerry, and Steny Hoyer have been in elected office since the Reagan era.</p> | true | 0 | gop presidential contender mitt romneys intrade odds winning rose 34 back day 47 video released says peter boockvar miller tabak referring governors comment caught video 47 americans view entitled government benefits continue reading boockvar adds odds 26 yesterday 21 sunday mean markets whether reason bounce sampp futures morning unknown european markets trading flat boockvar notes sampp 500 doubled obamas presidency making longer term call market based whos president always difficult broad picture market holds since 2008 actions unelected fed better worse may unfortunately driver us stocks next four years irrespective president boockvar says advertisement still presidential debate lively wonky fight economic policies heres rundown romney came box attacking high unemployment fortythree straight months jobless rate 8 said shows trickle government doesnt work president rejoindered plan economic patriotism help middle class whereas romneys tax plan add 5 trillion deficit governor asking 5 trillion tax cut top extension bush tax cuts thats another trillion dollars 2 trillion additional military spending military hasnt asked thats 8 trillion president said romney countered 5 trillion figure erroneous plan add deficit seeks slash federal income tax rates shut loopholes wipe deductions top creating economic growth bring federal revenues deploying many ideas simpsonbowles commission debt commission impaneled president ideas since set aside dont 5 trillion tax cut dont tax cut scale youre talking view ought provide tax relief people middle class governor said governor went say middle class getting buried presidents policies using vice president joe bidens gaffe earlier week middle class romney said seeing costs rise 4300 presidents policies due rising taxes gas prices costs health care small businesses getting slammed higher taxes regulations president touts federal programs helping small businesses romney cited dozens federal job training programs saying would ramp fossil fuel production create jobs natural gas oil production private lands thats energy production risen country due private development whereas administration federal permits cut half governor said president said tax hikes bringing top rate back clintonera 396 would affect 97 small businesses romney countered 3 small businesses hit higher taxes employ half workers country tax hikes president seeks would wipe 700000 jobs citing study national federation independent business least three quarters small businesses file federal income taxes individual rates says national federation independent business white house democrats congress argued hiking tax rates small businesses create jobs get americans working lower unemployment rate 8 remember president added 5 trillion new spending federal budget since taking office equivalent adding germany south korea money went towards spending 825 billion presidents stimulus wall street bailouts automaker bailouts housing bailouts green energy bailouts cash clunkers cash white ware cash window sealers 3 fallacy one misleading statements long history economic propaganda kevin hassett alan viard american enterprise institute reported wall street journal first 97 president calls small business owners include people sell whatever ebay report income irs small business income note hassett viard dont hire workers 3 equates 940000 small businesses would see federal income tax rates rise according joint committee taxation jct according irs data 3 accounts whopping 53 13 trillion small business net income reported individual tax returns would hit higher taxes compare 53 presidents 3 see habitually misleading white house democrats means 689 billion smallbusiness income hit higher taxes president way president wants take smallbusiness owners pockets tens billions dollars pay deficit spending small businesses wont create jobs president criticized romneys tax plan math common sense history shows us thats recipe job growth look weve tried weve tried approaches approach governor romneys talking sales pitch made 2001 2003 ended slowest job growth 50 years ended moving surplus deficits culminated worst financial crisis since great depression nowhere president governor cite problematic fannie mae freddie mac aiding abetting financial collapse entities taxpayers unlimited bailout pipeline us treasury also noted either president governor fact doddfrank financial reform law exempted fannie freddie fact many democrats well republicans elected office decades helping craft policies either helped didnt stop collapse vice president joe biden rep charles rangel dny office since nixon administration democrat sen max baucus dc since carter white house democrats nancy pelosi harry reid barney frank john kerry steny hoyer elected office since reagan era | 683 |
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<p>Analysis: Tax cuts, spending to raise deficit to $1T by 2020</p>
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<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — A new analysis says President Donald Trump's tax cuts and last month's big spending bill will send the federal deficit toward $1 trillion. The Congressional Budget Office says the deficit will reach $804 billion this year and nearly $1 trillion in 2019. CBO says economic growth from the tax cuts will add 0.7 percent on average to economic output over the decade. That only partially offsets the cost of the tax cuts. The administration had promised the cuts would pay for themselves.</p>
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<p>Zuckerberg prepares another apology — this time to Congress</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has already apologized to users for not doing enough to protect their privacy. Now he plans to apologize to Congress, saying in prepared testimony that Facebook hasn't done enough to prevent its tools from being used for harm. Zuckerberg says Facebook "didn't take a broad enough view of our responsibility, and that was a big mistake."</p>
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<p>Facebook users still waiting on privacy scandal notices</p>
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — Facebook users are awaiting word on whether their data has been swept up in the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Facebook is supposed to begin notifying users Monday, but it isn't clear if it's started yet. Facebook is in full damage-control mode following revelations that it might have shared the data of some 87 million users with Cambridge Analytica.</p>
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<p>Amid trade fight, Trump says he'll 'make it up' to farmers</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is acknowledging that farmers could be adversely affected by the escalating tariff dispute with China, but he promises to make it up to them. He says they "will be better off than they ever were." Speaking at a Cabinet meeting Monday, Trump addressed the Chinese threat to slap tariffs on soybeans and other agriculture staples grown in rural America. Such a move could hit Midwestern farmers, many of whom are strong supporters of the president.</p>
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<p>Court: Women can't be paid less than men based on past wages</p>
<p>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A U.S. appeals court says women can't be paid less than men based on their salary in a previous job. A unanimous 11-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Monday that pay differences for the same work based on prior salaries were discriminatory under the federal Equal Pay Act. The decision overturned a decision by a smaller panel of 9th Circuit judges that had been criticized by equal pay advocates.</p>
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<p>Child advocates ask FTC to investigate YouTube</p>
<p>A complaint filed Monday accuses Google of collecting personal data from kids under 13 without their parents' consent. A group of child advocates and consumer groups wants the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and impose potentially billions of dollars of penalties on Google.</p>
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<p>Indictment accuses Backpage founders of aiding prostitution</p>
<p>PHOENIX (AP) — The founders of Backpage.com have been indicted in what authorities say was a scheme to facilitate prostitution by running ads for sexual services. An indictment alleges Backpage.com had helped customers edit their ads so they would stay within legal limits while still encouraging commercial sex. Website founders Michael Lacey and James Larkin are charged with facilitating prostitution and money laundering. Lacey's lawyer didn't return a call for comment and records did not list Larkin's lawyer.</p>
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<p>Report: Airlines getting better in key areas except delays</p>
<p>U.S. airlines are getting better at many things except getting you to your destination on time. They are losing fewer bags. Complaints are down. And on the anniversary of a man getting dragged off a plane because a crew member needed his seat, airlines are bumping fewer passengers. That's the upshot of a report issued by academics who analyze numbers compiled by the Transportation Department.</p>
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<p>Stocks rise, but biggest gains fade as market stays volatile</p>
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — US stock indexes gave up most of a big gain in the afternoon but still finished slightly higher as technology companies and banks rallied. The market had tumbled in erratic trading last week as investors worried about the possibility of an escalating trade dispute between the U.S. and China. Gene therapy developer AveXis is surging after drugmaker Novartis agreed to buy it for $8.7 billion.</p>
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<p>The Standard &amp; Poor's 500 index gained 8.69 points, or 0.3 percent, to 2,613.16. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 46.34 points, or 0.2 percent, to 23,979.10. The Nasdaq composite jumped 35.23 points, or 0.5 percent, to 6,950.34. The Russell 2000 index of smaller company stocks added 1.17 points, or 0.1 percent, to 1,514.46.</p>
<p>Benchmark U.S. crude jumped $1.36, or 2.2 percent, to $63.42 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, used to price international oils, added $1.54, or 2.3 percent, to $68.65 a barrel London. Wholesale gasoline rose 3 cents to $1.98 a gallon. Heating oil rose 4 cents to $2 a gallon. Natural gas lost 1 cent to $2.69 per 1,000 cubic feet.</p> | true | 0 | ___ analysis tax cuts spending raise deficit 1t 2020 continue reading washington ap new analysis says president donald trumps tax cuts last months big spending bill send federal deficit toward 1 trillion congressional budget office says deficit reach 804 billion year nearly 1 trillion 2019 cbo says economic growth tax cuts add 07 percent average economic output decade partially offsets cost tax cuts administration promised cuts would pay ___ zuckerberg prepares another apology time congress washington ap facebook ceo mark zuckerberg already apologized users enough protect privacy plans apologize congress saying prepared testimony facebook hasnt done enough prevent tools used harm zuckerberg says facebook didnt take broad enough view responsibility big mistake ___ advertisement facebook users still waiting privacy scandal notices new york ap facebook users awaiting word whether data swept cambridge analytica scandal facebook supposed begin notifying users monday isnt clear started yet facebook full damagecontrol mode following revelations might shared data 87 million users cambridge analytica ___ amid trade fight trump says hell make farmers washington ap president donald trump acknowledging farmers could adversely affected escalating tariff dispute china promises make says better ever speaking cabinet meeting monday trump addressed chinese threat slap tariffs soybeans agriculture staples grown rural america move could hit midwestern farmers many strong supporters president ___ court women cant paid less men based past wages san francisco ap us appeals court says women cant paid less men based salary previous job unanimous 11judge panel 9th us circuit court appeals said monday pay differences work based prior salaries discriminatory federal equal pay act decision overturned decision smaller panel 9th circuit judges criticized equal pay advocates ___ child advocates ask ftc investigate youtube complaint filed monday accuses google collecting personal data kids 13 without parents consent group child advocates consumer groups wants federal trade commission investigate impose potentially billions dollars penalties google ___ indictment accuses backpage founders aiding prostitution phoenix ap founders backpagecom indicted authorities say scheme facilitate prostitution running ads sexual services indictment alleges backpagecom helped customers edit ads would stay within legal limits still encouraging commercial sex website founders michael lacey james larkin charged facilitating prostitution money laundering laceys lawyer didnt return call comment records list larkins lawyer ___ report airlines getting better key areas except delays us airlines getting better many things except getting destination time losing fewer bags complaints anniversary man getting dragged plane crew member needed seat airlines bumping fewer passengers thats upshot report issued academics analyze numbers compiled transportation department ___ stocks rise biggest gains fade market stays volatile new york ap us stock indexes gave big gain afternoon still finished slightly higher technology companies banks rallied market tumbled erratic trading last week investors worried possibility escalating trade dispute us china gene therapy developer avexis surging drugmaker novartis agreed buy 87 billion ___ standard amp poors 500 index gained 869 points 03 percent 261316 dow jones industrial average rose 4634 points 02 percent 2397910 nasdaq composite jumped 3523 points 05 percent 695034 russell 2000 index smaller company stocks added 117 points 01 percent 151446 benchmark us crude jumped 136 22 percent 6342 barrel new york brent crude used price international oils added 154 23 percent 6865 barrel london wholesale gasoline rose 3 cents 198 gallon heating oil rose 4 cents 2 gallon natural gas lost 1 cent 269 per 1000 cubic feet | 552 |
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<p>The year before I went away for college, I had the sit-down with my parents. I’m referring, of course, to the college talk. “Where do you want to go?” they asked. “What do you want to study?” they prodded. Finally, they cleared their throats and looked uncomfortable. Then they told me how much they could give me to help pay for my college.</p>
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<p>I will be honest and say that it was less than I expected. I had recently realized that I would have to leave my hometown to study what I was passionate about. The amount that they could afford would cover tuition and some living costs, but I would need almost double that.</p>
<p>Growing up, my parents had always told me that they would pay for college. However, by the time I was ready to go away for school the costs had skyrocketed and they had experienced some financial setbacks. It was up to me to make up the shortfall.</p>
<p>This, of course, led to a few sleepless nights in which I imagined graduating loaded down with tens of thousands of dollars in student loans. I felt like I was sinking beneath the weight of it all. When I did fall asleep, I’d wake up anxious and gasping for breath. There must be another way, I told myself. It turns out there was.</p>
<p>Over time, I came up with a game plan for how to go away to school, study what I love and not have to take out student loans. When I graduated in 2009 with my Master’s degree I wasn’t just debt-free — I also had $40,000 in the bank. To help others avoid student loans, I’m sharing the five most effective ways that I <a href="http://www.credit.com/debt/how-to-pay-for-college-without-building-mountain-of-debt/?utm_source=Fox&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_content=IB_1&amp;utm_campaign=avoided_student_loans" type="external">avoided student loan debt Opens a New Window.</a>:</p>
<p>1. I Lived Frugally</p>
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<p>If you want to avoid student loans, one of the best ways to do so is to spend as little as possible while you’re in school. Some people do this by living at home. Studies say that this can save up to $25,000 over the course of a degree. While I wasn’t able to live at home to save money, another easy way to live frugally is to learn to cook. I definitely experienced a learning curve in learning to cook but once I got the hang of it and found some great recipes featuring seasonal ingredients I was able to eat extremely frugally. I was also able to save significant amounts of money by developing a strict budget and adhering to it. I was less tempted to spend money on clothes or going out for expensive dinners when I had a clear idea of how much I could spend every month.</p>
<p>2. I Won Scholarships</p>
<p>Winning scholarships and grants definitely made the biggest difference. All told, I won $60,000 in scholarships and merit-based grants. So many students think that they can’t win scholarships, but the truth is that there are scholarships out there for everyone. You just need to learn how to find, prioritize, and <a href="http://www.millennialpersonalfinance.com/apply-for-scholarships/" type="external">apply for scholarships Opens a New Window.</a>. Don’t just apply for the scholarships with the biggest dollar amounts but do your research and prioritize scholarships that fit you best.</p>
<p>3. I Found a Cheap School</p>
<p>When I was choosing which school to attend, cost definitely factored into the equation. If all else is equal, why pay more money to get the same degree? By choosing a college with cheaper tuition, I was able to save significant amounts of money and get a well-respected degree. There are a number of colleges that offer <a href="http://www.millennialpersonalfinance.com/cheap-colleges/" type="external">free or cheap tuition Opens a New Window.</a>like Brigham Young University or Alice Lloyd College. Other schools like the University of Chicago have recently made no-loan pledges for certain students. Also, many Ivy Leagues provide such great financial aid that students from families with incomes under $65,000 can go to Harvard or Yale without a family contribution. There are more places to go to college without breaking the bank than you think.</p>
<p>4. I Found Jobs That Paid Well</p>
<p>The art of staying loan-free while in college involves finding jobs that pay you more than minimum wage. I was able to make $9/hour taking notes for students with hearing problems in classes that I was already attending. I was also able to leverage my experience volunteering for non-profits to make $18/hour one summer at a non-profit. Consider doing paid internships or co-ops that will allow you to make money and get school credit. Look into work study programs. Start your own small business by finding a way to market skills you already have or are learning in school. This won’t just help you stay debt-free but will also help you get a job once you graduate.</p>
<p>5. I Graduated in 4&#160;Years</p>
<p>Many students take more than four years to finish their programs, but that can be costly. By drawing your degree out an extra year, you have to pay more in tuition and living expenses. Do your best to finish your degree in four years. Even better, take extra classes and graduate in three years if you can.</p>
<p>Why It’s Important to Be Debt-Free</p>
<p>I’m not going to say that it was easy. I had to work hard and be resourceful. In the end, however, it was definitely worth all the hard work. When I graduated I was able to take a job that I loved that didn’t pay very well but which gave me a lot of responsibility. Because of that, I was able to quickly move up the ladder and find a job where I now make significantly more than the average income for someone my age. I wouldn’t have been able to do that if I had taken a regular entry-level job right out of school.</p>
<p>There are a lot of reasons to avoid going into student loan debt, but having more freedom when you graduate and not feeling like you’re <a href="http://www.credit.com/loans/student-loans/student-articles/repayment-options-for-student-loans/?utm_source=Fox&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_content=IB_4&amp;utm_campaign=avoided_student_loans" type="external">drowning from the weight of student loans Opens a New Window.</a> are two of the best reasons. Why spend your 20s and 30s paying for your education when you could spend that money buying a house, getting married or seeing the world?</p>
<p>While it would be ideal to avoid student loans entirely, if you do need to do so, make sure you take out as little as possible and learn as much as you can about student loans before you sign anything.</p>
<p>If you do have student loan debt, make your payments on time every month, and if you have trouble paying them, contact your servicer to see if you can make alternative payment arrangements with them. Otherwise, defaulting on your student loans can hurt your credit, which can impact your ability to get loans for the next few years. You can find out <a href="https://www.credit.com/free-credit-score/?utm_source=Fox&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_content=IB_5&amp;utm_campaign=avoided_student_loans" type="external">how your debt is affecting your credit scores Opens a New Window.</a> by checking them for free on Credit.com, and you can see <a href="http://www.credit.com/tools/lifetime-cost-of-debt/?utm_source=Fox&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_content=IB_6&amp;utm_campaign=avoided_student_loans" type="external">how much your debt could cost you in your lifetime Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Amanda is a freelance writer and the creator of <a href="http://www.millennialpersonalfinance.com" type="external">Millennial Personal Finance Opens a New Window.</a>. After graduating from university with no-debt, and $40,000 in savings, Amanda helped others through her scholarship and admission consulting service <a href="http://www.gettinginconsulting.com" type="external">Getting In Consulting Opens a New Window.</a> and wrote the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Debt-Free-Education-scholarships-ebook/dp/B00NP6830U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1414513177&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=amanda+reaume" type="external">The Complete Guide to a Debt-Free Education. Opens a New Window.</a>She’s passionate about helping Millennials invest, save, and live their best lives.</p> | true | 0 | year went away college sitdown parents im referring course college talk want go asked want study prodded finally cleared throats looked uncomfortable told much could give help pay college continue reading honest say less expected recently realized would leave hometown study passionate amount could afford would cover tuition living costs would need almost double growing parents always told would pay college however time ready go away school costs skyrocketed experienced financial setbacks make shortfall course led sleepless nights imagined graduating loaded tens thousands dollars student loans felt like sinking beneath weight fall asleep id wake anxious gasping breath must another way told turns time came game plan go away school study love take student loans graduated 2009 masters degree wasnt debtfree also 40000 bank help others avoid student loans im sharing five effective ways avoided student loan debt opens new window 1 lived frugally advertisement want avoid student loans one best ways spend little possible youre school people living home studies say save 25000 course degree wasnt able live home save money another easy way live frugally learn cook definitely experienced learning curve learning cook got hang found great recipes featuring seasonal ingredients able eat extremely frugally also able save significant amounts money developing strict budget adhering less tempted spend money clothes going expensive dinners clear idea much could spend every month 2 scholarships winning scholarships grants definitely made biggest difference told 60000 scholarships meritbased grants many students think cant win scholarships truth scholarships everyone need learn find prioritize apply scholarships opens new window dont apply scholarships biggest dollar amounts research prioritize scholarships fit best 3 found cheap school choosing school attend cost definitely factored equation else equal pay money get degree choosing college cheaper tuition able save significant amounts money get wellrespected degree number colleges offer free cheap tuition opens new windowlike brigham young university alice lloyd college schools like university chicago recently made noloan pledges certain students also many ivy leagues provide great financial aid students families incomes 65000 go harvard yale without family contribution places go college without breaking bank think 4 found jobs paid well art staying loanfree college involves finding jobs pay minimum wage able make 9hour taking notes students hearing problems classes already attending also able leverage experience volunteering nonprofits make 18hour one summer nonprofit consider paid internships coops allow make money get school credit look work study programs start small business finding way market skills already learning school wont help stay debtfree also help get job graduate 5 graduated 4160years many students take four years finish programs costly drawing degree extra year pay tuition living expenses best finish degree four years even better take extra classes graduate three years important debtfree im going say easy work hard resourceful end however definitely worth hard work graduated able take job loved didnt pay well gave lot responsibility able quickly move ladder find job make significantly average income someone age wouldnt able taken regular entrylevel job right school lot reasons avoid going student loan debt freedom graduate feeling like youre drowning weight student loans opens new window two best reasons spend 20s 30s paying education could spend money buying house getting married seeing world would ideal avoid student loans entirely need make sure take little possible learn much student loans sign anything student loan debt make payments time every month trouble paying contact servicer see make alternative payment arrangements otherwise defaulting student loans hurt credit impact ability get loans next years find debt affecting credit scores opens new window checking free creditcom see much debt could cost lifetime opens new window amanda freelance writer creator millennial personal finance opens new window graduating university nodebt 40000 savings amanda helped others scholarship admission consulting service getting consulting opens new window wrote book complete guide debtfree education opens new windowshes passionate helping millennials invest save live best lives | 639 |
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<p>Image source: Suburban Propane.</p>
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<p>If you're looking to buy Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. because of a fat yield and the expectation that low energy prices will rebound, you'll want to stop and rethink that decision. Why? Because Suburban Propane isn't your typical energy company. Here's what you need to understand before you buy Suburban Propane Partners.</p>
<p>Top versus bottomSuburban Propane is a domestic propane distributor. Although propane is often considered an afterthought in the energy market, there's a fairly large base of domestic customers using it for everything from home cookouts to drying crops and heating homes in hard-to-reach locations. But here's the thing: Suburban isn't really getting paid for propane.</p>
<p>Suburban is basically the middle man. It passes the costs of propane on to customers. What it gets paid for is delivering propane. Since it has to buy the propane before it delivers it, Suburban's top line will fluctuate with propane prices. This means that revenue swings from propane prices don't the impact on the bottom line nearly as much as total volumes sold -- which is more a function of the weather.</p>
<p>But this little fact sets up an odd dynamic. Low propane prices are a good thing for Suburban. That's because the fuel is slowly being replaced in the United States by other power options, including fuel cells, natural gas, batteries, and even electric heating. When propane prices are low, however, customers are less likely to shift to a different option. This is a dynamic that you should understand, particularly if energy prices head higher, since that will boost top-line results but could be detrimental for the partnership's long-term outlook. A very different dynamic than what you'd find at an oil driller.</p>
<p>It's been kind of hot latelyThat brings up another issue you need to get a handle on -- the weather. Because a significant amount of propane demand comes from heating applications, winter temperatures are a key driver of volume delivered. That's the metric that will have the most impact on the bottom line.</p>
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<p>Retail propane gallons sold</p>
<p>Data source: Suburban Propane.</p>
<p>The past couple of winters have been fairly warm, and that's led to lower volumes. For example, in the company's fiscal first quarter, ended in December, volumes sold fell roughly 18%. That's pretty much in line with peers such as Ferrellgas Partners , where volumes fell about 16% in its fiscal second quarter, ended in January.</p>
<p>Note that those quarterly periods aren't aligned with the calendar year. That's because the heating season is so important that each company has shifted its fiscal year around the winter months. That said, the volume declines are, clearly, a bad thing. But should we have a cold winter, Suburban and Ferrellgas should see a nice boost to demand and, more important, delivery needs. So if you're watching Suburban, you'll also want to keep a close eye on the weather.</p>
<p>Offsetting displacementI mentioned that propane is being displaced by other fuels. That's a long-term negative for the industry. However, Suburban, Ferrellgas, and their other large peers haven't been sitting idly by waiting for their businesses to die. Ferrellgas, for example, has closed over 200 acquisitions since 1986. Although Suburban Propane does little deals, too, its big move was to roughly double its size in 2012, when it bought Inergy's propane business. That move basically pushed it into the top players.</p>
<p>Image source: Suburban Propane.</p>
<p>So as you look at Suburban, you'll want to keep an eye on the acquisition front. It needs to keep buying up smaller players so it can grow and, perhaps equally important, offset the long-term demand decline in the industry. (It completed another, smaller deal in its fiscal first quarter, by the way.) More important, there's still plenty of room for acquisitions, since the top 10 propane distributors control only around 40% of the U.S. market, according to competitor AmeriGas Partners .</p>
<p>Know this before you pull the triggerSo before you buy Suburban Propane Partners units, you'll want to make sure you understand how the company differs from other energy players. For example, the price of propane is important to the top line, but less so to the bottom line. In fact, low prices actually help mitigate customer defections. Weather is a far more important determinant of delivery volume, which will have a greater impact on the bottom line than propane prices. And last but certainly not least, acquisitions are a key factor for propane companies as they look to both grow and offset slowly declining demand. Once you understand these dynamics, feel free to move forward with your buying plans.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/24/read-this-before-you-buy-suburban-propane-partners.aspx" type="external">Read This Before You Buy Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. Stock</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/ReubenGBrewer/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Reuben Brewer</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=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 suburban propane continue reading youre looking buy suburban propane partners lp fat yield expectation low energy prices rebound youll want stop rethink decision suburban propane isnt typical energy company heres need understand buy suburban propane partners top versus bottomsuburban propane domestic propane distributor although propane often considered afterthought energy market theres fairly large base domestic customers using everything home cookouts drying crops heating homes hardtoreach locations heres thing suburban isnt really getting paid propane suburban basically middle man passes costs propane customers gets paid delivering propane since buy propane delivers suburbans top line fluctuate propane prices means revenue swings propane prices dont impact bottom line nearly much total volumes sold function weather little fact sets odd dynamic low propane prices good thing suburban thats fuel slowly replaced united states power options including fuel cells natural gas batteries even electric heating propane prices low however customers less likely shift different option dynamic understand particularly energy prices head higher since boost topline results could detrimental partnerships longterm outlook different dynamic youd find oil driller kind hot latelythat brings another issue need get handle weather significant amount propane demand comes heating applications winter temperatures key driver volume delivered thats metric impact bottom line advertisement retail propane gallons sold data source suburban propane past couple winters fairly warm thats led lower volumes example companys fiscal first quarter ended december volumes sold fell roughly 18 thats pretty much line peers ferrellgas partners volumes fell 16 fiscal second quarter ended january note quarterly periods arent aligned calendar year thats heating season important company shifted fiscal year around winter months said volume declines clearly bad thing cold winter suburban ferrellgas see nice boost demand important delivery needs youre watching suburban youll also want keep close eye weather offsetting displacementi mentioned propane displaced fuels thats longterm negative industry however suburban ferrellgas large peers havent sitting idly waiting businesses die ferrellgas example closed 200 acquisitions since 1986 although suburban propane little deals big move roughly double size 2012 bought inergys propane business move basically pushed top players image source suburban propane look suburban youll want keep eye acquisition front needs keep buying smaller players grow perhaps equally important offset longterm demand decline industry completed another smaller deal fiscal first quarter way important theres still plenty room acquisitions since top 10 propane distributors control around 40 us market according competitor amerigas partners know pull triggerso buy suburban propane partners units youll want make sure understand company differs energy players example price propane important top line less bottom line fact low prices actually help mitigate customer defections weather far important determinant delivery volume greater impact bottom line propane prices last certainly least acquisitions key factor propane companies look grow offset slowly declining demand understand dynamics feel free move forward buying plans article read buy suburban propane partners lp stock originally appeared foolcom reuben brewer position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned 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 | 519 |
<p>FBN’s Liz MacDonald discusses the details of Tesla’s release of risks ahead of its first-quarter earnings report.</p>
<p>Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) recently disclosed about thirty pages of risks to its earnings, a sizable number. Risk disclosures are standard boilerplate for publicly traded companies, but the scope of <a href="http://ir.teslamotors.com/secfiling.cfm?filingID=1564590-15-1031&amp;CIK=1318605#TSLA-10K_20141231_HTM_ITEM_1A" type="external">Tesla’s admissions Opens a New Window.</a> reveal some eye-brow raising details -- including warnings about customers getting electrocuted by its electric cars if users try to hack them.</p>
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<p>Tesla is so worried about its reputation that, for the first time, it warned in its disclosures that buyers could fry themselves if they use “unsafe charging outlets” or try to customize its vehicles. “Automobile enthusiasts may seek to ‘hack’ our vehicles to modify its performance which could compromise vehicle safety systems,” it said. Tesla noted, for instance, that customers “have installed large speaker systems that may impact the electrical systems of the vehicle.”</p>
<p>This is a big deal for Tesla. It can’t control what customers do to its technologically advanced cars, which appear not to be beautiful or powerful enough for some car buyers who want to pimp their Tesla ride. If it goes haywire on them, it’s Tesla that takes the hits to its brand.</p>
<p>Tesla added: “We have not tested, nor do we endorse, such changes or products,” noting, “such unauthorized modifications could reduce the safety of our vehicles, and any injuries from such modifications could result in adverse publicity which would negatively affect our brand and harm our business, prospects, financial condition, and operating results.”</p>
<p>Yet another headache for Tesla, which also admits in its SEC filings that it hasn’t been profitable since it launched in 2003, except for the first quarter of 2013; it went public in 2010.&#160; Last year Tesla spilled $294 million in red ink on $3.2 billion in revenue, and its cash flow is virtually nil. Tesla’s stock has ricocheted over the past 52 weeks, to an intra-day trading high of $291.42 per share down to a low of $177.22 a share.</p>
<p>Despite all that, Tesla shares are valued at $25.5 billion, 42% of GM’s market cap. Last year Tesla delivered 31,655 vehicles, below estimates, compared to GM’s record 9.9 million vehicles sold last year. Tesla has to simultaneously build not just the electric cars, but also the factories for the batteries and the vehicles, as well as the supercharging stations to recharge the cars. It’s getting tax subsidies for its $5 billion Gigafactory; it has just about $1.9 billion in cash and equivalents on the balance sheet.</p>
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<p>However, Tesla founder Elon Musk is optimistic. He said last month Tesla will have positive cash flow by the third quarter. Even though profits on a GAAP basis are still five years away, Musk is forecasting Tesla’s market cap would equal Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) gargantuan valuation in ten years.</p>
<p>Optimism to Wall Street analysts on earnings conference calls are one thing. The devil is in the details, or rather, the footnotes, when it comes to possible hits to any future earnings -- the stumbling blocks to being in the black.</p>
<p>Though its Model S recently won an overall five star safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it does say its lithium-ion battery cells “have been observed to catch fire or vent smoke and flame, and such events have raised concerns.” Last year, federal safety regulators closed a probe into whether Tesla’s design made its electric car vulnerable to fires. Tesla cars burst into flames on at least two known occasions in 2013; the company has moved to rectify the problem.</p>
<p>Tesla, which also sells its battery packs to Toyota and Daimler, notes that this type of battery has caught fire in laptop computers and cell phones. However, cell manufacturers are pursuing alternative lithium-ion battery cell chemistries to improve safety, Tesla says.</p>
<p>Tesla also said it’s continuing to build out its Supercharging stations in the United States, Europe and Asia, which it needs to sell its Model S vehicles. But as with any business, it must secure suitable locations, permits, negotiate leases with landowners and deal with utility companies.</p>
<p>It admitted it may “be unable to expand the Supercharger network as fast as we intend or as the public expects, or to place the charging stations in places our customers believe to be optimal.” It does say it will not be charging customers to access this network in addition to what they have already paid for their electric vehicles.</p>
<p>The other problem for Tesla: Servicing the cars for customers. “We have limited experience servicing our vehicles, especially in certain regions outside of the United States,” it said. “If we are unable to address the service requirements of our existing and future customers, our business will be materially and adversely affected.”</p>
<p>Given all these obstacles, it’s interesting that Tesla is largely in the hands of one man. Tesla said it is “highly dependent on the services of Elon Musk,” its chief executive officer and best marketer. Musk owns 26.7% of the company; together with other executives, insiders own about 28%, a concentration which may “prevent new investors from influencing significant corporate decisions,” Tesla said.</p> | true | 0 | fbns liz macdonald discusses details teslas release risks ahead firstquarter earnings report tesla nasdaqtsla recently disclosed thirty pages risks earnings sizable number risk disclosures standard boilerplate publicly traded companies scope teslas admissions opens new window reveal eyebrow raising details including warnings customers getting electrocuted electric cars users try hack continue reading tesla worried reputation first time warned disclosures buyers could fry use unsafe charging outlets try customize vehicles automobile enthusiasts may seek hack vehicles modify performance could compromise vehicle safety systems said tesla noted instance customers installed large speaker systems may impact electrical systems vehicle big deal tesla cant control customers technologically advanced cars appear beautiful powerful enough car buyers want pimp tesla ride goes haywire tesla takes hits brand tesla added tested endorse changes products noting unauthorized modifications could reduce safety vehicles injuries modifications could result adverse publicity would negatively affect brand harm business prospects financial condition operating results yet another headache tesla also admits sec filings hasnt profitable since launched 2003 except first quarter 2013 went public 2010160 last year tesla spilled 294 million red ink 32 billion revenue cash flow virtually nil teslas stock ricocheted past 52 weeks intraday trading high 29142 per share low 17722 share despite tesla shares valued 255 billion 42 gms market cap last year tesla delivered 31655 vehicles estimates compared gms record 99 million vehicles sold last year tesla simultaneously build electric cars also factories batteries vehicles well supercharging stations recharge cars getting tax subsidies 5 billion gigafactory 19 billion cash equivalents balance sheet advertisement however tesla founder elon musk optimistic said last month tesla positive cash flow third quarter even though profits gaap basis still five years away musk forecasting teslas market cap would equal apples nasdaqaapl gargantuan valuation ten years optimism wall street analysts earnings conference calls one thing devil details rather footnotes comes possible hits future earnings stumbling blocks black though model recently overall five star safety rating national highway traffic safety administration say lithiumion battery cells observed catch fire vent smoke flame events raised concerns last year federal safety regulators closed probe whether teslas design made electric car vulnerable fires tesla cars burst flames least two known occasions 2013 company moved rectify problem tesla also sells battery packs toyota daimler notes type battery caught fire laptop computers cell phones however cell manufacturers pursuing alternative lithiumion battery cell chemistries improve safety tesla says tesla also said continuing build supercharging stations united states europe asia needs sell model vehicles business must secure suitable locations permits negotiate leases landowners deal utility companies admitted may unable expand supercharger network fast intend public expects place charging stations places customers believe optimal say charging customers access network addition already paid electric vehicles problem tesla servicing cars customers limited experience servicing vehicles especially certain regions outside united states said unable address service requirements existing future customers business materially adversely affected given obstacles interesting tesla largely hands one man tesla said highly dependent services elon musk chief executive officer best marketer musk owns 267 company together executives insiders 28 concentration may prevent new investors influencing significant corporate decisions tesla said | 514 |
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<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
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<p>There are lots of ways to determine whether or not a stock is expensive. No single method is perfect, but a company's price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) is by far the most popular. Looking at all U.S.-based stocks valued at over $10 billion, we can get an idea of which blue-chip stocks are the cheapest right now.</p>
<p>As you'll see below, the market's five cheapest big-cap stocks are concentrated in just two industries -- and they're all names you should recognize. But are any of them buys at these prices?</p>
<p>Three of America's biggest airlines find themselves on this list: Delta (NYSE: DAL), American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL), and the cheapest of the bunch,United Continental (NYSE: UAL).</p>
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<p>Data source: E*Trade.</p>
<p>Instead of diving into all three of these companies individually, I think it's more instructive to take a look at what's going on throughout the industry.</p>
<p>While airlines have benefited from low fuel costs, those gains have been offset by losses in a key metric: passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM). In essence, this lets investors know how efficiently an airline is running.</p>
<p><a href="http://charts.infogr.am/column-chart?utm_source=embed_bottom&amp;utm_medium=seo&amp;utm_campaign=column_chart" type="external">Create column charts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>As fellow Fool Adam Levine-Weinberg <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/25/is-it-time-to-give-up-on-american-airlines-and-uni.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">pointed out Opens a New Window.</a>, there are lots of potential reasons for this: a stronger dollar, fuel surcharges, and -- since Adam wrote the piece -- the Brexit vote. "However, the fundamental reason for the sharp unit revenue declines is that capacity is growing much faster than demand."</p>
<p>So does that mean these stocks are worth buying right now? It depends on the type of investor you are. I like to buy companies that have huge competitive moats and are changing the way the world works. Right now, airlines don't fit that bill.</p>
<p>But if you're looking for value stocks, all three of these are worth at least a look. It will take time for these three airlines to cut capacity. The major unknown is where gas prices will sit once that occurs. If macroeconomic forces work in these companies' favor, then they could rebound in a big way.</p>
<p>The other two companies with bargain-basement P/Es are American icons: Ford (NYSE: F) and General Motors (NYSE: GM).</p>
<p>Data source: E*Trade.</p>
<p>Cyclical stocks can be a nightmare for beginning investors. Just when stocks look their cheapest, they plummet. And just when they look super-expensive, they boom. Car manufacturers' business is highly cyclical. In the U.S. and around the world, there are definite peaks and troughs in vehicle sales. At one extreme, sales will come to a grinding halt -- typically during tough economic times -- and at the other, there's such a flurry of car-buying that supply can barely keep up with demand.</p>
<p>Because "earnings" are the denominator of P/E, this metric can be somewhat misleading. At the bottom of the cycle -- just before the buying gets started -- earnings are usually so low that they make the stock look expensive. The exact opposite is true at the top of the cycle -- which is where many investors think we are now. In other words, a low P/E can indicate that it's abad time to buy an automaker.</p>
<p>One difference between these automakers and the airlines is that Ford and GM offer large dividend yields of 5% and 5.1%, respectively.</p>
<p>As you can see, however, Ford's dividend looks much more sustainable at the moment.</p>
<p><a href="http://charts.infogr.am/column-chart?utm_source=embed_bottom&amp;utm_medium=seo&amp;utm_campaign=column_chart" type="external">Create column charts Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>Over the past 12 months, GM has used 84% of its free cash flow to pay out its dividend. There's nothing wrong with that, but taking a broader view of the company's history, it's clear that there's not that much room for growth left if business doesn't pick up significantly.</p>
<p>Ford, on the other hand, has seen its free cash flow explode over the past three years. Currently, it's only using 25% of its free cash flow to pay out its dividend. That high-yield dividend looks very safe.</p>
<p>So if you were deciding between these two companies, I would recommend Ford. If we're truly at the top of a car-buying cycle, and earnings are about to start dropping off, then it's far more likely that Ford can continue paying its dividend. That will allow long-term investors to keep collecting payouts through thick and thin, or perhaps automatically reinvest those dividends in more shares.</p>
<p>There's a good reason why all five of these stocks are cheap. The airline industry is dealing with a supply glut, and investors are worried that car buying will start to slump. I think Ford is poised to emerge as the strongest bet five years from now, but only time will tell if I'm correct.</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/TMFCheesehead/info.aspx" type="external">Brian Stoffel Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Ford. 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 | image source getty images continue reading lots ways determine whether stock expensive single method perfect companys pricetoearnings ratio pe far popular looking usbased stocks valued 10 billion get idea bluechip stocks cheapest right youll see markets five cheapest bigcap stocks concentrated two industries theyre names recognize buys prices three americas biggest airlines find list delta nyse dal american airlines nasdaq aal cheapest bunchunited continental nyse ual advertisement data source etrade instead diving three companies individually think instructive take look whats going throughout industry airlines benefited low fuel costs gains offset losses key metric passenger revenue per available seat mile prasm essence lets investors know efficiently airline running create column charts opens new window fellow fool adam levineweinberg pointed opens new window lots potential reasons stronger dollar fuel surcharges since adam wrote piece brexit vote however fundamental reason sharp unit revenue declines capacity growing much faster demand mean stocks worth buying right depends type investor like buy companies huge competitive moats changing way world works right airlines dont fit bill youre looking value stocks three worth least look take time three airlines cut capacity major unknown gas prices sit occurs macroeconomic forces work companies favor could rebound big way two companies bargainbasement pes american icons ford nyse f general motors nyse gm data source etrade cyclical stocks nightmare beginning investors stocks look cheapest plummet look superexpensive boom car manufacturers business highly cyclical us around world definite peaks troughs vehicle sales one extreme sales come grinding halt typically tough economic times theres flurry carbuying supply barely keep demand earnings denominator pe metric somewhat misleading bottom cycle buying gets started earnings usually low make stock look expensive exact opposite true top cycle many investors think words low pe indicate abad time buy automaker one difference automakers airlines ford gm offer large dividend yields 5 51 respectively see however fords dividend looks much sustainable moment create column charts opens new window past 12 months gm used 84 free cash flow pay dividend theres nothing wrong taking broader view companys history clear theres much room growth left business doesnt pick significantly ford hand seen free cash flow explode past three years currently using 25 free cash flow pay dividend highyield dividend looks safe deciding two companies would recommend ford truly top carbuying cycle earnings start dropping far likely ford continue paying dividend allow longterm investors keep collecting payouts thick thin perhaps automatically reinvest dividends shares theres good reason five stocks cheap airline industry dealing supply glut investors worried car buying start slump think ford poised emerge strongest bet five years time tell im correct 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 brian stoffel opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends ford 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 | 524 |
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<p>Image source: Flickr user Erin Nekervis.</p>
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<p>The path to retirement is often a tale of two stories.</p>
<p>When entering the workforce our perception is that of a path that's pretty straight and narrow. Getting from Point A to B involves saving, investing, and retiring on a sandy beach with mimosas when we turn 65.</p>
<p>But, oh how things change.</p>
<p>Along our often four-decade-plus work history we run into a number of twists and turns that alter our vision of a straight and narrow path from Point A to B into something of a rollercoaster ride. Going to and paying for college, starting a family, buying a home, or dealing with an unexpected medical expense, are all reasons why our plans to save and invest could be altered or completely put on hold.</p>
<p>Eventually, though, most of us will reach our goal of crossing that personalized finish line and hanging up our work gloves for good. But as many new retirees soon realize, the behind-the-scenes work doesn't stop there. Investing for your future is a lifelong endeavor that can, and should, extend well past the point where you leave the workforce. Let's look at three reasons why investing long after you retire can be such a critical decision.</p>
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<p>Image source: Pixabay.</p>
<p>1. Life expectancies are on the riseTo begin with, life expectancies in the United States, and for that matter most countries around the world, are on the rise. Since the mid-1960's life expectancies in the United States have risen from about 70 years to an average of nearly 79 years. This means the average retiree at 62 today could easily spend two decades being retired thanks to improved health education and medicines. It's possible that millennials and Generation Z could live even longer.</p>
<p>Retirees also need to factor in what inflation can do their money over time. Sure, putting money under your mattress (in the literal sense) protects that money from losing nominal value, but it does nothing to protect your nest egg from the effects of inflation. If the price of goods and services increases at a rate of 3.5% annually (which is roughly the average rate of inflation over the past 100 years), your money will be "worth" only half of what it is today in 20 years.</p>
<p>2. Social Security uncertainties Social Security benefits represent another cloud of uncertainty for retirees -- both current and those still working and planning to retire within the next 20 years.</p>
<p>Image source: Flickr user Sebastiaan ter Burg.</p>
<p>As it stands now, the Social Security Trust is forecast by the Trustees' Board to burn through its excess cash reserves by 2035. The reason the Trust Fund is expected to see its cash inflow turn into a cash outflow is twofold. First, people are living longer than ever, and are thus able to collect a benefits payment for a longer period of time. The other issue here is that baby boomers are retiring in greater numbers, leading to a drop in the worker-to-beneficiary ratio. In plain terms, the Social Security program is less than 20 years away from potentially critical changes that could include benefit reductions.</p>
<p>The Social Security Administration has suggested that benefits are only designed to replace about 40% of a person's working wage come retirement. If this figure is cut, it'll be imperative for retirees to have other sources of income generation handy.</p>
<p>3. Rising medical costs Another major problem for seniors is the rising cost associated with receiving medical care and drugs.</p>
<p>Image source: Flickr user MyFuture.com.</p>
<p>An analysis on prescription drug prices released by healthcare data company Truveris in January shows that drug costs spiked across the board in 2015. Branded drug prices jumped 14.8%, specialty drug costs rose 9.2%, and even generic drugs increased by nearly 3%. All told, average drug costs jumped more than 10% in 2015. Drug costs have historically outpaced the rate of inflation and wage growth, but this is above and beyond the norm that retirees are used to.</p>
<p>Making matters worse, the Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust is in the same predicament as the Social Security Trust, only it's set to exhaust its cash reserves by 2030. It's quite possible that as medical costs rise the federal government could look to push some of these costs back to seniors in the form of monthly deductibles or copays. Now more than ever retirees need to be prepared for higher-than-anticipated medical costs in their golden years.</p>
<p>In addition to the above points, although it might not be considered "critical," giving your immediate family a head start with a potential inheritance, and staying involved with your finances in order to keep your mind focused and active, could be added drivers that keep you motivated to invest well after you retire.</p>
<p>Invest wisely, even in your golden yearsInvesting during your golden years is clearly important, but you also don't want to take unnecessary risks when living off of your nest egg. Here are a couple of strategies to consider that could help generate income and/or protect your assets.</p>
<p>Image source: Pictures of Money via Flickr.</p>
<p>For starters, a Roth IRA can be particularly helpful before and after retirement when it comes to reducing your taxable income. As long as you meet the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/Plan-Participant,-Employee/Amount-of-Roth-IRA-Contributions-That-You-Can-Make-for-2016" type="external">income requirements</a> to contribute to a Roth, the money you invest (which maxes out at $6,500 a year for someone aged 50 and up) can grow completely free of taxes.</p>
<p>The advantage of a Roth IRA is particularly felt if you begin investing in your early 20s and let your investment grow over the course of four-, five-, or six-plus decades. Best of all, Roth IRAs have no contribution age limit or minimum withdrawal amount, so you remain in complete control of when you want to take funds (as long as it's not until after age 59-1/2, or it's for a qualified exemption prior to that age).</p>
<p>In terms of investments, high-quality dividend paying stocks are almost always a smart addition. In particular, master-limited partnerships (MLPs) and real estate investment trusts (REITs) can be a wise move for retirees. MLPs and REITs typically have market-topping dividend yields, and the payments from REITs and MLPs simply reduce a unitholders' cost basis. In easier-to-understand terms, you only pay tax on the payouts received from MLPs and REITs when your cost basis equals zero (i.e., you've recouped your entire investment via dividend payments), or when you sell your position. This can be particularly helpful to retirees who may be trying to avoid paying a lot in taxes each year.</p>
<p>Exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, are another potentially wise move for retirees. Instead of dealing with individual stock risk, retirees can buy baskets of stocks that act like mutual funds but are just as liquid as a stock. High-dividend ETFs, multi-asset ETFs, and preferred share ETFs are some ideas that I would encourage retirees to examine.</p>
<p>Retirement is what you make of it; so ensure it's a good one by continuing to build your nest egg throughout your lifetime.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/general/2016/03/18/3-reasons-its-important-that-you-continue-investin.aspx" type="external">3 Reasons It's Important That You Continue Investing Long After You Retire</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFUltraLong/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Sean Williams</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</a>, track every pick he makes under the screen name <a href="http://caps.fool.com/player/trackultralong.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">TrackUltraLong</a>, and check him out on Twitter, where he goes by the handle <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/TMFUltraLong" type="external">@TMFUltraLong</a>.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=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 flickr user erin nekervis continue reading path retirement often tale two stories entering workforce perception path thats pretty straight narrow getting point b involves saving investing retiring sandy beach mimosas turn 65 oh things change along often fourdecadeplus work history run number twists turns alter vision straight narrow path point b something rollercoaster ride going paying college starting family buying home dealing unexpected medical expense reasons plans save invest could altered completely put hold eventually though us reach goal crossing personalized finish line hanging work gloves good many new retirees soon realize behindthescenes work doesnt stop investing future lifelong endeavor extend well past point leave workforce lets look three reasons investing long retire critical decision advertisement image source pixabay 1 life expectancies riseto begin life expectancies united states matter countries around world rise since mid1960s life expectancies united states risen 70 years average nearly 79 years means average retiree 62 today could easily spend two decades retired thanks improved health education medicines possible millennials generation z could live even longer retirees also need factor inflation money time sure putting money mattress literal sense protects money losing nominal value nothing protect nest egg effects inflation price goods services increases rate 35 annually roughly average rate inflation past 100 years money worth half today 20 years 2 social security uncertainties social security benefits represent another cloud uncertainty retirees current still working planning retire within next 20 years image source flickr user sebastiaan ter burg stands social security trust forecast trustees board burn excess cash reserves 2035 reason trust fund expected see cash inflow turn cash outflow twofold first people living longer ever thus able collect benefits payment longer period time issue baby boomers retiring greater numbers leading drop workertobeneficiary ratio plain terms social security program less 20 years away potentially critical changes could include benefit reductions social security administration suggested benefits designed replace 40 persons working wage come retirement figure cut itll imperative retirees sources income generation handy 3 rising medical costs another major problem seniors rising cost associated receiving medical care drugs image source flickr user myfuturecom analysis prescription drug prices released healthcare data company truveris january shows drug costs spiked across board 2015 branded drug prices jumped 148 specialty drug costs rose 92 even generic drugs increased nearly 3 told average drug costs jumped 10 2015 drug costs historically outpaced rate inflation wage growth beyond norm retirees used making matters worse medicare hospital insurance trust predicament social security trust set exhaust cash reserves 2030 quite possible medical costs rise federal government could look push costs back seniors form monthly deductibles copays ever retirees need prepared higherthananticipated medical costs golden years addition points although might considered critical giving immediate family head start potential inheritance staying involved finances order keep mind focused active could added drivers keep motivated invest well retire invest wisely even golden yearsinvesting golden years clearly important also dont want take unnecessary risks living nest egg couple strategies consider could help generate income andor protect assets image source pictures money via flickr starters roth ira particularly helpful retirement comes reducing taxable income long meet income requirements contribute roth money invest maxes 6500 year someone aged 50 grow completely free taxes advantage roth ira particularly felt begin investing early 20s let investment grow course four five sixplus decades best roth iras contribution age limit minimum withdrawal amount remain complete control want take funds long age 5912 qualified exemption prior age terms investments highquality dividend paying stocks almost always smart addition particular masterlimited partnerships mlps real estate investment trusts reits wise move retirees mlps reits typically markettopping dividend yields payments reits mlps simply reduce unitholders cost basis easiertounderstand terms pay tax payouts received mlps reits cost basis equals zero ie youve recouped entire investment via dividend payments sell position particularly helpful retirees may trying avoid paying lot taxes year exchangetraded funds etfs another potentially wise move retirees instead dealing individual stock risk retirees buy baskets stocks act like mutual funds liquid stock highdividend etfs multiasset etfs preferred share etfs ideas would encourage retirees examine retirement make ensure good one continuing build nest egg throughout lifetime article 3 reasons important continue investing long retire originally appeared foolcom sean williamshas material interest companies mentioned article follow caps screen name tmfultralong track every pick makes screen name trackultralong check twitter goes handle tmfultralongthe motley fool position stocks mentioned try foolish newsletter services free 30 days fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insightsmakes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy | 761 |
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<p>Profits at roughly a quarter of Chinese companies in a Reuters analysis were too low in the first half of this year to cover their debt servicing obligations, as earnings languish and loan burdens increase.</p>
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<p>Corporate China sits on $18 trillion in debt, equivalent to about 169 percent of China's GDP, but few firms reported feeling the heat.</p>
<p>Instead, lenders are heeding Beijing's call to support the real economy and so are rolling over company debt or granting repayment waivers, sometimes for years, specialist lawyers and investors said.</p>
<p>This is evidence that China may be in for a long period of Japan-like stagnation rather than a single event triggering a crisis - what some economists call a "Lehman moment" after the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008, which touched off the global financial crisis.</p>
<p>"They are kicking the can down the road for stability in the short term," said Roland Mieth, Singapore-based emerging markets portfolio manager for U.S. fund manager PIMCO. "China can maintain status quo for many years to come, like Japan did with their leverage, without triggering a financial crisis."</p>
<p>International institutions have warned China to stop financing weak firms, especially inefficient state-owned enterprises (SOEs), which tend to crowd out the private sector. More defaults are needed, they say, to improve credit allocation and stop wasteful spending in the economy.</p>
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<p>CREDIT QUALITY</p>
<p>But while China has recognized the need to wean its corporate sector off of cheap loans, Premier Li Keqiang has also promised credit would keep growing, and state-run banks have been urged to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs).</p>
<p>And banks are listening, say lawyers and investors, with companies given three or four years of grace, when they do not pay interest, or helped to restructure bonds at full value, essentially, rolling them over.</p>
<p>"Premier Li has asked banks to rollover loans, especially for SMEs. That's a clear reason why bond defaults are coming down," said brokerage CLSA's head of China strategy, Francis Cheung.</p>
<p>"(Banks) have shifted focus from bad debt recognition to economy-supporting measures. Banks are giving more grace period and reporting more stable NPLs (non-performing loans), even after guiding earlier that these ratios will rise."</p>
<p>Goldman Sachs estimated last week there was only one default in the domestic Chinese bond market in the past three months, compared with at least 10 in the first half of the year.</p>
<p>Of course, onshore defaults could and will still rise - rating agency S&amp;P Global says the credit quality of about 240 Chinese companies it rates is deteriorating more quickly than at any time since 2009.</p>
<p>The muted default situation "is an aberration given the sharp deterioration in credit risks," it said in a research note.</p>
<p>According to Reuters data analysis, profit in the first half of 2016 fell a median 0.8 percent for 527 mainland listed firms and grew just 0.3 percent for a group of 93 Hong Kong-listed Chinese companies.</p>
<p>Overall debt levels for both are at record highs.</p>
<p>For the 93 of Hong Kong's largest Chinese companies with listings stretching back to 2011, their ability to repay debt with current profits has only been lower once in the last five years.</p>
<p>Almost half have operating profit less than three times their interest payments - heading towards an unhealthy balance. One quarter do not make enough to cover their interest costs, the analysis shows.</p>
<p>HOUSE OF DEBT</p>
<p>The impact of growing debt has been, for many, lower profitability and less long-term investment. Increasingly, debt is being used to pay back other debt and not to fund growth.</p>
<p>Debt is also growing - the China Beige Book reported the highest number of firms in three years took loans in the third quarter.</p>
<p>Already, profitability, as measured by return on equity (ROE), is the lowest in at least five years for the 93 Hong Kong-listed companies surveyed by Reuters, standing at 7.32 percent.</p>
<p>For 527 mainland listed companies, the median ROE stands at 5.07 percent, also the lowest in at least five years. Analysts generally consider a healthy ROE to be 15-20 percent.</p>
<p>But while many companies reported they were repaying debt, some already deeply indebted groups said they had little trouble accessing more loans, especially for acquisitions overseas.</p>
<p>"We don't have this problem," said an executive in the company secretary's office at Shanghai-listed Jinggong Steel &lt;600496.SH&gt;. "We can just apply for super-short financing from Chinese banks, we are not anxious."</p>
<p>At one large, state-owned Hong Kong-listed developer, whose profits no longer cover its interest cost, an official said the outlook was still positive for loans, though it was becoming tougher to raise capital through bonds.</p>
<p>"There's a lot of liquidity in the market and the interest rate is low - even for perpetual securities the interest rate is low if you repay within five years. Borrowing from banks has not been a problem," the official said. "Being an SOE also helps."</p>
<p>(Additional reporting by Clara Ferreira Marques in SINGAPORE, Clare Jim in HONG KONG, Tripti Kalro in BANGALORE and Shanghai Newsroom: Editing by Neil Fullick)</p> | true | 0 | profits roughly quarter chinese companies reuters analysis low first half year cover debt servicing obligations earnings languish loan burdens increase continue reading corporate china sits 18 trillion debt equivalent 169 percent chinas gdp firms reported feeling heat instead lenders heeding beijings call support real economy rolling company debt granting repayment waivers sometimes years specialist lawyers investors said evidence china may long period japanlike stagnation rather single event triggering crisis economists call lehman moment collapse lehman brothers 2008 touched global financial crisis kicking road stability short term said roland mieth singaporebased emerging markets portfolio manager us fund manager pimco china maintain status quo many years come like japan leverage without triggering financial crisis international institutions warned china stop financing weak firms especially inefficient stateowned enterprises soes tend crowd private sector defaults needed say improve credit allocation stop wasteful spending economy advertisement credit quality china recognized need wean corporate sector cheap loans premier li keqiang also promised credit would keep growing staterun banks urged support small medium enterprises smes banks listening say lawyers investors companies given three four years grace pay interest helped restructure bonds full value essentially rolling premier li asked banks rollover loans especially smes thats clear reason bond defaults coming said brokerage clsas head china strategy francis cheung banks shifted focus bad debt recognition economysupporting measures banks giving grace period reporting stable npls nonperforming loans even guiding earlier ratios rise goldman sachs estimated last week one default domestic chinese bond market past three months compared least 10 first half year course onshore defaults could still rise rating agency sampp global says credit quality 240 chinese companies rates deteriorating quickly time since 2009 muted default situation aberration given sharp deterioration credit risks said research note according reuters data analysis profit first half 2016 fell median 08 percent 527 mainland listed firms grew 03 percent group 93 hong konglisted chinese companies overall debt levels record highs 93 hong kongs largest chinese companies listings stretching back 2011 ability repay debt current profits lower last five years almost half operating profit less three times interest payments heading towards unhealthy balance one quarter make enough cover interest costs analysis shows house debt impact growing debt many lower profitability less longterm investment increasingly debt used pay back debt fund growth debt also growing china beige book reported highest number firms three years took loans third quarter already profitability measured return equity roe lowest least five years 93 hong konglisted companies surveyed reuters standing 732 percent 527 mainland listed companies median roe stands 507 percent also lowest least five years analysts generally consider healthy roe 1520 percent many companies reported repaying debt already deeply indebted groups said little trouble accessing loans especially acquisitions overseas dont problem said executive company secretarys office shanghailisted jinggong steel lt600496shgt apply supershort financing chinese banks anxious one large stateowned hong konglisted developer whose profits longer cover interest cost official said outlook still positive loans though becoming tougher raise capital bonds theres lot liquidity market interest rate low even perpetual securities interest rate low repay within five years borrowing banks problem official said soe also helps additional reporting clara ferreira marques singapore clare jim hong kong tripti kalro bangalore shanghai newsroom editing neil fullick | 532 |
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<p>IBM recently announced that it will start offering Nvidia 's Tesla M60 GPU accelerators to its cloud-based enterprise clients. IBM states that installing the high-end GPUs will enable companies to "deploy fewer, more powerful cloud servers while churning through complex jobs faster." These jobs include compute-intensive workloads from graphics, analytics, energy exploration, and deep learning virtual applications.</p>
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<p>This isn't the first time IBM teamed up with Nvidia. Big Blue already offers Nvidia's Tesla K80 and K10 GPUs to its cloud-based clients. Last year, IBM claimed that combining the K80 with its Power-based chips enabled its <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/05/17/ibms-watson-enrolls-in-cybersecurity-school.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Watson AI platform Opens a New Window.</a>to answer queries 1.7 times faster. That same year, IBM partnered with Nvidia and the Department of Energy to install its Power8 CPUs alongside Tesla P100 GPUs in twonew supercomputers by 2018.</p>
<p>Let's examine how these collaborations are helping both companies widen their defensive moats.</p>
<p>Nvidia's top-tier Tesla P100. Image source: Nvidia.</p>
<p>Partnering with Nvidia helps IBM in two ways. First, it strengthens its Open Power initiative, which "open sources" its Power-based server designs to third-party vendors. IBM controls a tiny sliver of the data center market compared to Intel , but pairing Nvidia GPUs with its Power CPUs could prove to be a potent combination for next-gen applications like cloud-based apps, analytics, and AI.</p>
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<p>That's because machine learning applications generally run faster on GPUs than CPUs, and Nvidia is the market leader in high-end GPUs. Nvidia claims that the Tesla K80 GPU is "two to five times" faster than Intel's Xeon Phi 7120 CPU at running "key science applications." Higher sales of Power CPUs into its first and third-party servers could boost IBM's system (systems hardware and operating systems software) sales, which fell 22% annually last quarter and accounted for 9% of its total revenue.</p>
<p>Second, customers who buy Power-based hardware could be more likely to buy additional services from IBM's higher growth "strategic imperatives" of cloud, analytics, and engagement businesses. Revenue from those units rose 14% annually last quarter and accounted for 37% of the company's top line. IBM hopes that growth in hardware and strategic imperatives could help it finally break its 16 straight quarters of annual revenue declines.</p>
<p>For Nvidia, Tesla/GRID GPUs for cloud computing can help it grow its business beyond high-end GPUs for PCs. Last quarter, Nvidia's data center revenue (which includes Tesla/GRID), rose 63% annually and accounted for 11% of the company's top line. Nvidia attributed that growth -- which outpaced 17% growth in its core gaming GPU business and 4% growth in professional visualization -- to "strong demand for GPU acceleration related to deep learning." Tesla/GRID GPUs also connect to Nvidia's Tegra CPUs, which are being installed in infotainment systems and its <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/05/22/better-driverless-car-stock-mobileye-nv-or-nvidi-2.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">end-to-end solutions Opens a New Window.</a> for autonomous cars.</p>
<p>Nvidia's alliance with IBM also complements its <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/12/26/facebook-inc-gives-nvidia-corporations-gpus-a-seal.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">partnership with Opens a New Window.</a> <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/12/26/facebook-inc-gives-nvidia-corporations-gpus-a-seal.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Facebook Opens a New Window.</a>, which installed Tesla M40 GPUs inits Big Sur computing platform for AI tasks last year. Like IBM, Facebook open sourced Big Sur's design to other companies, which could boost marketwide demand for Tesla GPUs.</p>
<p>Facebook's Nvidia-powered Big Sur platform. Image source: Facebook.</p>
<p>But looking ahead, Nvidia's Tesla faces big challengers in the data center business. Alphabet's Google recently announced the development of its own machine learning chip, the TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), which is already powering someof its data centers. Google has claimed that TPUs could be more efficient than GPUs in AI applications. That's why Nvidia needs major allies like IBM and Facebook in its corner.</p>
<p>IBM and Facebook's partnership with Nvidia and Google's development of first-party chips indicate that the data center market is rapidly evolving. That's good news for Nvidia, which has established itself as the "best in breed" player in graphics processing.</p>
<p>But it's bad news for Intel, which lacks Nvidia's high-end GPU muscle and will likely need to rely more on the FPGA (field programmable gate array) tech it gained through its acquisition of Altera. Intel still controls around 99% of the data center market, but the tables could quickly turn if Internet heavyweights like Facebook and Google start ordering fewer Intel chips.</p>
<p>IBM and Nvidia's new partnership is a win-win deal for both companies, but it arguably helps Nvidia more than IBM. That's because Tesla sales account for a higher percentage of Nvidia's overall revenue, and are rising at a much faster rate than IBM's systems or strategic imperatives revenue. For IBM, partnering with Nvidia is a defensive move whichshrewdlywidens its moat against Intel.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/05/26/ibm-teams-up-with-nvidia-for-faster-virtual-cloud.aspx" type="external">IBM Teams Up With Nvidia For Faster Virtual Cloud Applications Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p>Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fools board of directors. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSunLion/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" 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), Facebook, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends Intel. 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 | ibm recently announced start offering nvidia tesla m60 gpu accelerators cloudbased enterprise clients ibm states installing highend gpus enable companies deploy fewer powerful cloud servers churning complex jobs faster jobs include computeintensive workloads graphics analytics energy exploration deep learning virtual applications continue reading isnt first time ibm teamed nvidia big blue already offers nvidias tesla k80 k10 gpus cloudbased clients last year ibm claimed combining k80 powerbased chips enabled watson ai platform opens new windowto answer queries 17 times faster year ibm partnered nvidia department energy install power8 cpus alongside tesla p100 gpus twonew supercomputers 2018 lets examine collaborations helping companies widen defensive moats nvidias toptier tesla p100 image source nvidia partnering nvidia helps ibm two ways first strengthens open power initiative open sources powerbased server designs thirdparty vendors ibm controls tiny sliver data center market compared intel pairing nvidia gpus power cpus could prove potent combination nextgen applications like cloudbased apps analytics ai advertisement thats machine learning applications generally run faster gpus cpus nvidia market leader highend gpus nvidia claims tesla k80 gpu two five times faster intels xeon phi 7120 cpu running key science applications higher sales power cpus first thirdparty servers could boost ibms system systems hardware operating systems software sales fell 22 annually last quarter accounted 9 total revenue second customers buy powerbased hardware could likely buy additional services ibms higher growth strategic imperatives cloud analytics engagement businesses revenue units rose 14 annually last quarter accounted 37 companys top line ibm hopes growth hardware strategic imperatives could help finally break 16 straight quarters annual revenue declines nvidia teslagrid gpus cloud computing help grow business beyond highend gpus pcs last quarter nvidias data center revenue includes teslagrid rose 63 annually accounted 11 companys top line nvidia attributed growth outpaced 17 growth core gaming gpu business 4 growth professional visualization strong demand gpu acceleration related deep learning teslagrid gpus also connect nvidias tegra cpus installed infotainment systems endtoend solutions opens new window autonomous cars nvidias alliance ibm also complements partnership opens new window facebook opens new window installed tesla m40 gpus inits big sur computing platform ai tasks last year like ibm facebook open sourced big surs design companies could boost marketwide demand tesla gpus facebooks nvidiapowered big sur platform image source facebook looking ahead nvidias tesla faces big challengers data center business alphabets google recently announced development machine learning chip tpu tensor processing unit already powering someof data centers google claimed tpus could efficient gpus ai applications thats nvidia needs major allies like ibm facebook corner ibm facebooks partnership nvidia googles development firstparty chips indicate data center market rapidly evolving thats good news nvidia established best breed player graphics processing bad news intel lacks nvidias highend gpu muscle likely need rely fpga field programmable gate array tech gained acquisition altera intel still controls around 99 data center market tables could quickly turn internet heavyweights like facebook google start ordering fewer intel chips ibm nvidias new partnership winwin deal companies arguably helps nvidia ibm thats tesla sales account higher percentage nvidias overall revenue rising much faster rate ibms systems strategic imperatives revenue ibm partnering nvidia defensive move whichshrewdlywidens moat intel article ibm teams nvidia faster virtual cloud applications opens new window originally appeared foolcom 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 facebook nvidia motley fool recommends intel 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 | 617 |
<p />
<p>Ever since the Internet blossomed in the 1990s, cybersecurity was built on the idea that computers could be protected by a digital quarantine. Now, as hackers routinely overwhelm such defenses, experts say cybersecurity is beyond due an overhaul.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Their message: Neutralize attackers once they're inside networks rather than fixating on trying to keep them out.</p>
<p>First they need to convince a conservative business world to gamble on a different approach. And having sold generations of defensive systems that consistently lagged the capabilities of the most advanced hackers, the industry itself must overcome skepticism it's flogging another illusion of security.</p>
<p>According to U.S. cybersecurity company FireEye, 229 days is the median length of time attackers lurk inside their victim's computers before being detected or revealing themselves, underscoring the weakness of conventional tools in identifying sophisticated intruders.</p>
<p>The traditional defenses must "have a description of the bad guys before they can help you find them," said Dave Merkel, chief technology officer at FireEye Inc. "That's just old and outmoded. And just doesn't work anymore," he said.</p>
<p>"There's no way to guarantee that you never are the victim of cyberattack."</p>
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<p>Merkel said in the worst case he knows of, attackers hid themselves for years.</p>
<p>Experts aren't recommending organizations stop deploying perimeter defenses such as antivirus software or firewalls that weed out vanilla threats. But they say a strategy that could be likened to laying traps is needed to counter the sophisticated hacks that can cause huge losses.</p>
<p>The weakness of relying on a firewall is that it's like building a fence around a housing complex but not hiring a guard to patrol the interior streets, said Ed Amoroso, chief security officer at AT&amp;T.</p>
<p>The hackers who targeted Anthem, the second biggest U.S. health insurer, and accessed personal information of 80 million customers, may have been inside its system for more than a month before being detected, according to the company.</p>
<p>In the famous Sony Pictures hack, the attackers who breached the Hollywood studio's network went unnoticed until computers were paralyzed and a mountain of data was dumped on the Internet.</p>
<p>The amount of data copied and removed from Sony's systems should have set off internal alarms long before Sony workers found their PCs taken over by malware, said Mike Potts, CEO of Lancope, a network security company based in Alpharetta, Georgia.</p>
<p>The cybersecurity industry characterizes such long-term intrusions as advanced persistent threats or APT. They are often sponsored by states and target valuable commercial and military information.</p>
<p>In South Korea, where government agencies and businesses have come under repeated attacks from hackers traced by Seoul to North Korea, several security firms have jumped on the growing global trend to develop systems that analyze activity to detect potentially suspicious patterns rather than scanning for known threats.</p>
<p>Kwon Seok-chul, CEO at computer security firm Cuvepia Inc., said it has been tough to convince executives that it's more effective to catch bad guys after they've infiltrated a network instead of trying to keep them out, which he believes is impossible anyway.</p>
<p>Kwon said his company's latest monitoring product keeps a log of all activity, dividing it into authorized users and possible attackers. When certain conditions are met, the program sounds an alarm. A response team, he said, can sit back and watch what hackers copy and respond before damage is done. The security team can cut the hacker's connection or trick the intruder into stealing empty files.</p>
<p>"Because hackers are in your palm, you can enforce any measures that you want," said Kwon, member of an advisory board for South Korea's cyberwarfare command.</p>
<p>In one case, the security team at one of Kwon's clients "enjoyed" watching for about an hour as a hacker scanned its network and installed tools to unlock passwords and counter antivirus programs.</p>
<p>He said that for skilled hackers, it usually takes about 20 minutes to lay out the initial steps of the attack that allow them to stealthily roam a network. Normally the security team would counterattack within a few minutes after gathering intelligence about the hacker's tools. But in this case, the hacker was not sophisticated and employed well-known programs mostly made in China.</p>
<p>Eventually, the security team severed the hacker's connection to the victim's computer based on the unique ID of the program that Cuvepia's software showed the hacker was using.</p>
<p>According to FireEye's Merkel, there is a rise in awareness in the U.S. and growing interest in Asia in modern approaches to information security that include using automated programs to scan for unusual network activity, encryption and segregating sensitive data in special "domains" that require additional credentials to access.</p>
<p>But many companies are in denial about their vulnerability or are reluctant to spend more on cybersecurity, he said.</p>
<p>In the financial industry at least, part of the reason is greater concern with meeting regulatory requirements for security than improving security itself.</p>
<p>When encryption is used, South Korean courts have limited the liability of companies that faced lawsuits from customers over stolen data, said Hwang Weoncheol, a former chief information security officer at a South Korean financial institution. That reinforces the security strategy centered on compliance with regulation, he said.</p>
<p>Protecting high value information often comes with a high price tag.</p>
<p>Installing Cuvepia's cheapest monitoring product on 1,000 computers for a year costs 450 million won ($410,000). That is many times the cost of installing antivirus software though the cost drops significantly after the first year.</p>
<p>The answer for executives, said Kwon, is to see cybersecurity as an investment not a cost.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Youkyung Lee on Twitter: www.twitter.com/YKLeeAP</p>
<p>AP Technology Writer Brandon Bailey in San Francisco contributed.</p> | true | 0 | ever since internet blossomed 1990s cybersecurity built idea computers could protected digital quarantine hackers routinely overwhelm defenses experts say cybersecurity beyond due overhaul continue reading message neutralize attackers theyre inside networks rather fixating trying keep first need convince conservative business world gamble different approach sold generations defensive systems consistently lagged capabilities advanced hackers industry must overcome skepticism flogging another illusion security according us cybersecurity company fireeye 229 days median length time attackers lurk inside victims computers detected revealing underscoring weakness conventional tools identifying sophisticated intruders traditional defenses must description bad guys help find said dave merkel chief technology officer fireeye inc thats old outmoded doesnt work anymore said theres way guarantee never victim cyberattack advertisement merkel said worst case knows attackers hid years experts arent recommending organizations stop deploying perimeter defenses antivirus software firewalls weed vanilla threats say strategy could likened laying traps needed counter sophisticated hacks cause huge losses weakness relying firewall like building fence around housing complex hiring guard patrol interior streets said ed amoroso chief security officer atampt hackers targeted anthem second biggest us health insurer accessed personal information 80 million customers may inside system month detected according company famous sony pictures hack attackers breached hollywood studios network went unnoticed computers paralyzed mountain data dumped internet amount data copied removed sonys systems set internal alarms long sony workers found pcs taken malware said mike potts ceo lancope network security company based alpharetta georgia cybersecurity industry characterizes longterm intrusions advanced persistent threats apt often sponsored states target valuable commercial military information south korea government agencies businesses come repeated attacks hackers traced seoul north korea several security firms jumped growing global trend develop systems analyze activity detect potentially suspicious patterns rather scanning known threats kwon seokchul ceo computer security firm cuvepia inc said tough convince executives effective catch bad guys theyve infiltrated network instead trying keep believes impossible anyway kwon said companys latest monitoring product keeps log activity dividing authorized users possible attackers certain conditions met program sounds alarm response team said sit back watch hackers copy respond damage done security team cut hackers connection trick intruder stealing empty files hackers palm enforce measures want said kwon member advisory board south koreas cyberwarfare command one case security team one kwons clients enjoyed watching hour hacker scanned network installed tools unlock passwords counter antivirus programs said skilled hackers usually takes 20 minutes lay initial steps attack allow stealthily roam network normally security team would counterattack within minutes gathering intelligence hackers tools case hacker sophisticated employed wellknown programs mostly made china eventually security team severed hackers connection victims computer based unique id program cuvepias software showed hacker using according fireeyes merkel rise awareness us growing interest asia modern approaches information security include using automated programs scan unusual network activity encryption segregating sensitive data special domains require additional credentials access many companies denial vulnerability reluctant spend cybersecurity said financial industry least part reason greater concern meeting regulatory requirements security improving security encryption used south korean courts limited liability companies faced lawsuits customers stolen data said hwang weoncheol former chief information security officer south korean financial institution reinforces security strategy centered compliance regulation said protecting high value information often comes high price tag installing cuvepias cheapest monitoring product 1000 computers year costs 450 million 410000 many times cost installing antivirus software though cost drops significantly first year answer executives said kwon see cybersecurity investment cost ___ youkyung lee twitter wwwtwittercomykleeap ap technology writer brandon bailey san francisco contributed | 575 |
<p />
<p>McDonald's Corp. is dropping the Minute Maid apple juice box from its Happy Meals and replacing it with a watered-down, organic juice with less sugar made by Honest Kids.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>The change, set for November, is the latest step in the evolution of the Happy Meal toward healthier options and one that shows how shifting consumer tastes have prompted Coca-Cola Co., which owns both Minute Maid and Honest Kids, to broaden its portfolio of beverages to include lower-calorie options.</p>
<p>Parents are increasingly turning away from 100% fruit juice in favor of water and other drinks with less sugar. McDonald's nutritionist Cindy Goody said the latest Happy Meal menu change was driven by feedback from parents who wanted a healthier beverage choice.</p>
<p>Mary Lozano, a 33-year-old mom in Los Angeles, who was dining at a McDonald's this week, said she would like to see a broader selection of healthy items in Happy Meals, such as carrots, mixed-fruit cups or apple sauce. But, she said, "I don't know how much more they can do without going way off their menu."</p>
<p>The 6-ounce Honest Kids Appley Ever After box contains more water than juice -- it is 42% apple juice. It has 10 fewer grams of sugar and half the calories of the 6-ounce Minute Maid box, which is 100% apple juice. Both are made from concentrate. Coca-Cola declined to comment on any financial effect from the switch.</p>
<p>Amid a backlash against the fast-food industry for contributing to America's obesity problem, McDonald's six years ago reduced the size of its french fry servings in Happy Meals by more than half and added sliced apples. Later, the chain stopped promoting soft drinks as an option in children's meals and instead started including juice, low-fat milk and water on its menu boards and in its advertising.</p>
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<p>McDonald's also has added low-fat yogurt and clementines as side options, and last year removed artificial preservatives, colors and flavors from its chicken nuggets.</p>
<p>The popularity of fast-food children's meals with toys had been declining for several years before McDonald's began making the nutrition-related changes. In recent years, those meals have been on the upswing, with a 6% increase to 1.1 billion orders at U.S. fast-food chains in the 12 months ending June, according to NPD Group Inc.</p>
<p>In addition to declining soda consumption, Coca-Cola's Minute Maid has also fallen out of favor. Sales of Minute Maid at grocers and other retailers in the U.S. have dropped 18% since 2012 to $1.1 billion in 2016, according to independent market-research firm Euromonitor International. Meanwhile, the Honest Kids brand has been growing. Its products since 2015 have been added to menus at Wendy's, Chick-fil-A and Subway.</p>
<p>Combined, Honest Tea's juice, tea and other drinks are expected to generate $400 million in retail sales this year and, with the boost from McDonald's and other projected growth, could reach $600 million next year, said Honest Tea co-founder Seth Goldman. He remains at Coca-Cola, which bought the business in 2011.</p>
<p>Howell Wechsler, chief executive of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a nonprofit that has pushed McDonald's to develop healthier choices for children, called the move "a good step, but we look forward to the day when kids see water as the baseline default choice."</p>
<p>He added that McDonald's could still do more to make Happy Meals more nutritious, for example by offering vegetables and rotating in different fruits to expose children to a variety of healthy items.</p>
<p>A McDonald's spokeswoman said the company is proud of the changes it has made and that, "We are committed to continuing our food journey for the benefit of our guests."</p>
<p>Write to Jennifer Maloney at [email protected] and Julie Jargon at [email protected]</p>
<p>McDonald's Corp. is dropping the Minute Maid apple juice box from its Happy Meals and replacing it with a watered-down, organic juice with less sugar made by Honest Kids.</p>
<p>The change, set for November, is the latest step in the evolution of the Happy Meal toward healthier options and one that shows how shifting consumer tastes have prompted Coca-Cola Co., which owns both Minute Maid and Honest Kids, to broaden its portfolio of beverages to include lower-calorie options.</p>
<p>Parents are increasingly turning away from 100% fruit juice in favor of water and other drinks with less sugar. McDonald's nutritionist Cindy Goody said the latest Happy Meal menu change was driven by feedback from parents who wanted a healthier beverage choice.</p>
<p>Mary Lozano, a 33-year-old mom in Los Angeles, who was dining at a McDonald's this week, said she would like to see a broader selection of healthy items in Happy Meals, such as carrots, mixed-fruit cups or apple sauce. But, she said, "I don't know how much more they can do without going way off their menu."</p>
<p>The 6-ounce Honest Kids Appley Ever After box contains more water than juice -- it is 42% apple juice. It has 10 fewer grams of sugar and half the calories of the 6-ounce Minute Maid box, which is 100% apple juice. Both are made from concentrate. Coca-Cola said it was pleased to help McDonald's offer an organic, lower-calorie option, but declined to comment on the financial impact of the change.</p>
<p>Amid a backlash against the fast-food industry for contributing to America's obesity problem, McDonald's six years ago reduced the size of its french fry servings in Happy Meals by more than half and added sliced apples. Later, the chain stopped promoting soft drinks as an option in children's meals and instead started including juice, low-fat milk and water on its menu boards and in its advertising.</p>
<p>McDonald's also has added low-fat yogurt and clementines as side options, and last year removed artificial preservatives, colors and flavors from its chicken nuggets.</p>
<p>The popularity of fast-food children's meals with toys had been declining for several years before McDonald's began making the nutrition-related changes. In recent years, those meals have been on the upswing, with a 6% increase to 1.1 billion orders at U.S. fast-food chains in the 12 months ending June, according to NPD Group Inc.</p>
<p>In addition to declining soda consumption, Coca-Cola's Minute Maid has also fallen out of favor. Sales of Minute Maid at grocers and other retailers in the U.S. have dropped 18% since 2012 to $1.1 billion in 2016, according to independent market-research firm Euromonitor International. Meanwhile, the Honest Kids brand has been growing. Its products since 2015 have been added to menus at Wendy's, Chick-fil-A and Subway.</p>
<p>Combined, Honest Tea's juice, tea and other drinks are expected to generate $400 million in retail sales this year and, with the boost from McDonald's and other projected growth, could reach $600 million next year, said Honest Tea co-founder Seth Goldman. He remains at Coca-Cola, which bought the business in 2011.</p>
<p>Howell Wechsler, chief executive of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a nonprofit that has pushed McDonald's to develop healthier choices for children, called the move "a good step, but we look forward to the day when kids see water as the baseline default choice."</p>
<p>He added that McDonald's could still do more to make Happy Meals more nutritious, for example by offering vegetables and rotating in different fruits to expose children to a variety of healthy items.</p>
<p>A McDonald's spokeswoman said the company is proud of the changes it has made and that, "We are committed to continuing our food journey for the benefit of our guests."</p>
<p>Write to Jennifer Maloney at [email protected] and Julie Jargon at [email protected]</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>September 15, 2017 14:42 ET (18:42 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | mcdonalds corp dropping minute maid apple juice box happy meals replacing watereddown organic juice less sugar made honest kids continue reading change set november latest step evolution happy meal toward healthier options one shows shifting consumer tastes prompted cocacola co owns minute maid honest kids broaden portfolio beverages include lowercalorie options parents increasingly turning away 100 fruit juice favor water drinks less sugar mcdonalds nutritionist cindy goody said latest happy meal menu change driven feedback parents wanted healthier beverage choice mary lozano 33yearold mom los angeles dining mcdonalds week said would like see broader selection healthy items happy meals carrots mixedfruit cups apple sauce said dont know much without going way menu 6ounce honest kids appley ever box contains water juice 42 apple juice 10 fewer grams sugar half calories 6ounce minute maid box 100 apple juice made concentrate cocacola declined comment financial effect switch amid backlash fastfood industry contributing americas obesity problem mcdonalds six years ago reduced size french fry servings happy meals half added sliced apples later chain stopped promoting soft drinks option childrens meals instead started including juice lowfat milk water menu boards advertising advertisement mcdonalds also added lowfat yogurt clementines side options last year removed artificial preservatives colors flavors chicken nuggets popularity fastfood childrens meals toys declining several years mcdonalds began making nutritionrelated changes recent years meals upswing 6 increase 11 billion orders us fastfood chains 12 months ending june according npd group inc addition declining soda consumption cocacolas minute maid also fallen favor sales minute maid grocers retailers us dropped 18 since 2012 11 billion 2016 according independent marketresearch firm euromonitor international meanwhile honest kids brand growing products since 2015 added menus wendys chickfila subway combined honest teas juice tea drinks expected generate 400 million retail sales year boost mcdonalds projected growth could reach 600 million next year said honest tea cofounder seth goldman remains cocacola bought business 2011 howell wechsler chief executive alliance healthier generation nonprofit pushed mcdonalds develop healthier choices children called move good step look forward day kids see water baseline default choice added mcdonalds could still make happy meals nutritious example offering vegetables rotating different fruits expose children variety healthy items mcdonalds spokeswoman said company proud changes made committed continuing food journey benefit guests write jennifer maloney jennifermaloneywsjcom julie jargon juliejargonwsjcom mcdonalds corp dropping minute maid apple juice box happy meals replacing watereddown organic juice less sugar made honest kids change set november latest step evolution happy meal toward healthier options one shows shifting consumer tastes prompted cocacola co owns minute maid honest kids broaden portfolio beverages include lowercalorie options parents increasingly turning away 100 fruit juice favor water drinks less sugar mcdonalds nutritionist cindy goody said latest happy meal menu change driven feedback parents wanted healthier beverage choice mary lozano 33yearold mom los angeles dining mcdonalds week said would like see broader selection healthy items happy meals carrots mixedfruit cups apple sauce said dont know much without going way menu 6ounce honest kids appley ever box contains water juice 42 apple juice 10 fewer grams sugar half calories 6ounce minute maid box 100 apple juice made concentrate cocacola said pleased help mcdonalds offer organic lowercalorie option declined comment financial impact change amid backlash fastfood industry contributing americas obesity problem mcdonalds six years ago reduced size french fry servings happy meals half added sliced apples later chain stopped promoting soft drinks option childrens meals instead started including juice lowfat milk water menu boards advertising mcdonalds also added lowfat yogurt clementines side options last year removed artificial preservatives colors flavors chicken nuggets popularity fastfood childrens meals toys declining several years mcdonalds began making nutritionrelated changes recent years meals upswing 6 increase 11 billion orders us fastfood chains 12 months ending june according npd group inc addition declining soda consumption cocacolas minute maid also fallen favor sales minute maid grocers retailers us dropped 18 since 2012 11 billion 2016 according independent marketresearch firm euromonitor international meanwhile honest kids brand growing products since 2015 added menus wendys chickfila subway combined honest teas juice tea drinks expected generate 400 million retail sales year boost mcdonalds projected growth could reach 600 million next year said honest tea cofounder seth goldman remains cocacola bought business 2011 howell wechsler chief executive alliance healthier generation nonprofit pushed mcdonalds develop healthier choices children called move good step look forward day kids see water baseline default choice added mcdonalds could still make happy meals nutritious example offering vegetables rotating different fruits expose children variety healthy items mcdonalds spokeswoman said company proud changes made committed continuing food journey benefit guests write jennifer maloney jennifermaloneywsjcom julie jargon juliejargonwsjcom end dow jones newswires september 15 2017 1442 et 1842 gmt | 776 |
<p />
<p>RUSH: Trump takes a call from the female president of Taiwan, and everybody in the diplomatic corps and everybody in the Washington establishment, anti-Trump Trumpists or anti-Never Trumpers and leftists and the media have a collective cow.&#160; “Oh, my God, he’s so stupid. You don’t do this.&#160; They’re not official.&#160; He just slammed China.&#160; He just insulted China.&#160; He doesn’t even know it, the guy is so stupid, his ego is so bad, anybody could call him and congratulate him and he’ll take the call. He didn’t know that he’s not supposed to talk to her.”&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>And they began their narrative that Trump’s demonstrating his naivete, his ignorance, his lack of qualifications, and demonstrating just how dangerous he is going to be.&#160; And then somebody said, “Wait a minute.&#160; What if he did this on purpose?”&#160; And they all paused with a note of fear.&#160; “Wait a minute.&#160; On purpose?&#160; You mean Trump did this on purpose?&#160; You mean Trump did this as a strategy?”&#160; Yeah.&#160; And then they said, “Well, Trump’s not that smart.&#160; No.&#160; It has to be one of his advisers, it’s probably Bannon.&#160; Trump’s not smart enough to do this. Trump couldn’t figure this out. Trump doesn’t know enough to do this.”&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>And then as time trickled by it became apparent that yes, Trump did it, Trump did it on purpose, it was strategic, and it had a reason.&#160; It had a diplomatic reason and the diplomatic reason was exactly what he said during the campaign.&#160; We’re being led by a bunch of dumb people right now doing a bunch of dumb things, and I’m gonna stop it.&#160; If I’m elected we’re gonna start being smart.&#160; And so he takes a call from somebody he is not supposed to take call from.&#160; Why isn’t he supposed to take the call?&#160; Well, they say you’re just not supposed to take the call.&#160; Who is “they”?&#160; The people have been screwing things up for the last 40 years.&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>So now the media is once again on defense, Trump on offense, media on defense, trying to figure this out, trying to come to the conclusion Trump may have been doing this on purpose.&#160; They’re asking, “Why would Trump want to insult the Chinese, for crying out loud?&#160; Does he not know how dangerous this?”&#160; To which the retort is, “Were you not listening during the campaign?”&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>Did you not hear every Trump rally, every Trump rally and probably over half of Trump TV experiences he criticized the ChiComs. He called ’em out by name. He accused them of manipulating their currency to our detriment.&#160; He accused them of dumping all kinds of inferior products on the U.S. market.&#160; He caused them of this and that and the other thing and he said it was gonna stop.&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>It makes perfect sense that he would take a call from the leader of Taiwan if for no other reason to get the attention of the ChiComs.&#160; It makes perfect sense if you ever took the time to listen to Trump.&#160; But even those who did listen to Trump, there’s another thing he does that has them befuddled, and that is he apparently means what he says, and they are not accustomed to that.&#160; And by “they,” I’m talking about the establishment.&#160; Both parties, diplomatic corps, the elites, they speak in a different language.&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>They never telegraph what they’re really thinking, what they’re really going to do.&#160; They speak in code.&#160; They speak in diplomacy.&#160; As such, you never tell anybody what you’re gonna do, you never tell anybody what you really think, you gotta leave your options open.&#160; Trump doesn’t do anything but tell people what he thinks, and he’s now acting on what he said he was gonna do, and it’s just foreign to most people in Washington.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>“Donald Trump Threatens Payback for U.S. Companies That Move Abroad — Donald Trump is threatening to impose heavy taxes on U.S. companies that move jobs overseas and still try to sell their products to Americans.”&#160; He said he was gonna do this during the campaign.&#160; Nobody ought to be surprised.&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>You know, I think a lot of people watching this — I’m not talking about you Trump supporters.&#160; I’m talking about the critics of Trump, opponents of Trump, I think they didn’t attach any seriousness to him during the campaign.&#160; They just thought he was doing things the way they do. Just say what you have to say to set yourself apart, to be different, get people’s attention, lie to them if you have to.&#160; But he doesn’t mean this stuff.&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>And now here he is president-elect, and he’s beginning to implement everything he said he was gonna do, and they’re just stunned.&#160; “This is crony capitalist.&#160; He can’t do this.”&#160; You know, how did the federal government collect money?&#160; Not the right question.&#160; How did the U.S. raise money before the 13th Amendment and the establishment of — not the 13th.&#160; It was in 1913.&#160; Before the establishment of the income tax, what was the primary funding mechanism for the United States government?&#160; Does anybody know?&#160; Tariffs.&#160; Tariffs on imported goods.&#160; Tariffs on domestic goods that were exported.&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>Tariffs was the primary funding source, before the income tax.&#160; “Are you saying they’re justified?”&#160; No.&#160; Did I say that?&#160; I’m just telling you.&#160; Tariffs is how the U.S. funded itself before the income tax came along.&#160; Trump is merely beginning to implement everything he said he was gonna do, and people are having a cow about it for a host of reasons.&#160; Anyway, we still gotta get to the Taiwan call and the funny Drive-By Media and establishment reaction to it.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: &#160;I want to start with last Wednesday.&#160; Go back to something I pointed out last Wednesday on this program.&#160;</p>
<p>RUSH ARCHIVE:&#160; They’re honestly sitting there, after having listened to Trump for a year and a half, after having watched Trump — or at least they’ve had the opportunity — assuming he’s got no plan.&#160; Well, he most certainly does have a plan, and he’s been very clear about it.&#160; He’s been very precise about it.&#160; What is it about it that these people don’t see?&#160; Why are they not able to listen to what Donald Trump says he’s gonna do and believe he means it?&#160; Well, they don’t believe it and they don’t believe anybody in their world would ever speak this way, would ever have think kind of agenda or these kinds of objectives, and so nobody else would either. No reasonable person could possibility behave like Donald Trump does, not in our world. “What if Trump’s got no plan?”&#160; He’s got no plan?&#160; His plan is what’s behind him running for office.&#160; His plan is to make the country great again!&#160;</p>
<p>RUSH:&#160; He had one of the most detailed and lengthy agendas of any candidate I can recall.&#160; And he mentioned his agenda practically every rally.&#160; It’s not a mystery what Donald Trump’s plan is.&#160; And, by the way, I was very on the money with this.&#160; His plan is what’s behind him seeking the office.&#160; And he’s been very clear.&#160; And one of the things he’s been clear on is that he thinks the ChiComs are running rings around us, manipulating their currency, getting our trade balance out of whack, messing around with imports and exports.&#160; He’s had China on his mind ever since he got into this campaign.&#160;</p>
<p>When he talks about trade, NAFTA, jobs leaving America, he’s always got the ChiComs in the mix. It shouldn’t be a mystery to anybody that he would take a phone call from the leader of Taiwan.&#160; So let’s go to the audio sound bites.&#160; Drive-Bys amazed.&#160; At first they said, “This is idiotic.&#160; This guy doesn’t know what he’s doing.&#160; This is so bad. This is such a faux pas. This is a humongous mistake. This is why we didn’t want Trump. This is embarrassing. We can’t possibly have a dummkopf like this.”&#160; And then one of the Drive-Bys posited, “Hey, wait a minute, what if he does have a plan and what if this is it?”&#160; And now they’re panicked like this.&#160;</p>
<p>CHARLIE ROSE:&#160; It is reported that they thought long and hard about doing this, so it was intentional.&#160;</p>
<p>MAJOR GARRETT: Some thought this might have been an inadvertent mistake, but we have learned the Trump transition team spend some time arranging this call.&#160;</p>
<p>CHUCK TODD: So this was an intentional sort of challenge.&#160;</p>
<p>NORAH O’DONNELL: Whether it was out of ignorance or some plan to send a message to China.&#160;</p>
<p>BRIAN KILMEADE: Looks like it’s calculated, intentional to send a message.&#160;</p>
<p>DAGEN MCDOWELL: That was intentional.&#160; That wasn’t a mistake.&#160;</p>
<p>BOB KERREY: It’s a remarkable change, if it’s intentional.&#160;</p>
<p>DAVID IGNATIUS: I wouldn’t think it was wise unless you had a detailed plan for what to do next and next.&#160;</p>
<p>CHRIS CUOMO: Do you have any reason to believe that what we just saw with Taiwan and now these tweets about China are part of a thought-out plan?&#160;</p>
<p>RUSH:&#160; You hear all those people, you got the Drive-By Media people in there, you got the Washington Post David Ignatius, Bobby Kerry, a bunch of people, F. Chuck Todd, Charlie Rose, they can’t believe it.&#160; And now the fact that he may be intending to do this?&#160; It’s even worse.&#160; Now they think he’s provoking these big, bad ChiComs, and who knows, they might nuke. Oh, this is dangerous, oh, my God, we’ve elected Barry Goldwater, oh, no.&#160; They’re in panic city.&#160; But they’re really not.&#160; Well, they are, but not for the reason I — They are starting to confront, beginning to confront the reality that the guy’s serious, that he’s smart, and that he meant it, and that he’s the opposite of everything they believe in.&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>And I think they’re now starting to get very, very concerned.&#160; And these tweets are his way of staying on offense.&#160; These tweets are his way of keeping them on defense.&#160; These tweets are his way of relegating them to irrelevancy.&#160; He’s telling them he doesn’t need them to get his message out to the American people.&#160; And he said, “Hey, look, if you people would report honorably and honestly about me I wouldn’t have to do all these tweets.”&#160; And Mike Pence said (paraphrasing), “Wait a minute, you telling me we can’t wait a call from a Democrat leader in Taiwan but Obama can get in bed with Castro?”&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>Is that what you’re telling us, that Obama can call every fleabag communist tinhorn dictator in the world and that’s great, and we take a call from a Democrat ally in Taiwan and the world’s coming to an end?&#160; And he’s right.&#160; Matthew Dowd, Alex Castellanos debating whether Trump’s call was intentional on ABC yesterday.&#160;</p>
<p>DOWD:&#160; I don’t think it was intentional for Donald Trump to sort of reset the China policy of the United States of America through one phone call.&#160; I think he got a phone call, it fed his ego if a president of Taiwan calls him up.&#160; The problem is is when you don’t have a real fundamental strategy in place.&#160; What is your Far Eastern policy?&#160; What’s it gonna do to your relationship with North Korea that you need the Chinese for?&#160; What’s it gonna do on climate change that you need the Chinese for?&#160; And what’s it gonna do on Iran that you need the Chinese for.&#160; Donald Trump didn’t think all those things through.&#160;</p>
<p>RUSH:&#160; Wait a minute.&#160; That’s Matthew Dowd, a former Republican Bush analyst that has now gone over to the dark side.&#160; These questions are amazing. (imitating Dowd) “I don’t think it was intentional.&#160; I think Trump doesn’t know what he’s doing. He got one phone call, it’s his ego on parade. The problem is there’s no fundamental strategy in place, what’s your Far Eastern policy?”&#160; The Norks?&#160; Are you kidding me?&#160; The ChiComs aren’t doing a thing to rein in the Norks.&#160; We’re demanding that the ChiComs make sure the Norks don’t nuke everybody, and the ChiComs are sitting there laughing at us.&#160; They’re not gonna be anymore.&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>“What’s it gonna do on climate change?”&#160; The Chinese have told climate change to go (raspberry).&#160; The Chinese and climate change, need the Chinese on climate change?&#160; From everything we know, Trump doesn’t believe in your version of climate change.&#160; We now got that under advisement with Algore in and out of there.&#160; We’re being very patient on that.&#160; Hang in there, be tough.&#160; Iran?&#160; The Chinese helped Obama in coming up with a horrible Iran nuke deal!&#160; Which Trump has also honestly said is a bad deal.&#160; If the Chinese facilitated all of this, it’s no wonder Trump wants to reverse it.&#160; Here’s Alex Castellanos in reply.&#160;</p>
<p>CASTELLANOS:&#160; We’re seeing disruption, and it’s freaking out the news media and the old establishment in Washington.&#160; Guess what?&#160; That’s why Donald Trump was elected, to do exactly that.&#160; I feel like we’re watching Elvis Presley on the Ed Sullivan Show.&#160;</p>
<p>DOWD:&#160; Do you think the Taiwan call was deliberate?&#160;</p>
<p>CASTELLANOS:&#160; I think, actually, it was.&#160; Apparently his aides were over there at some point.&#160; And, you know, it was almost three months ago to the day that China snubbed the president of the United States —&#160;</p>
<p>RUSH:&#160; Stop the tape.&#160; That’s enough.&#160; Castellanos is a former Republican analyst, and he believed that the call was done on purpose, which it was.&#160; There’s no doubt about it. But listen to one more here.&#160; Charlie Rose as on CBS today speaking with author Ian Bremmer.&#160; He’s also the president of the Eurasia Group — E-u-r-a-s-i-A. Europe-Asia. Eurasia Group.&#160; And Charlie Rose said, “Ian, it’s been reported that they thought long and hard, the Trump people, about doing this.&#160; So was it intentional?&#160; Is that your reading of this?”&#160;</p>
<p>BREMMER:&#160; My reading is that there are few people that are in the transition team around Trump that have been talking to the Taiwanese for some time and love the idea of reaching out.&#160; I don’t believe that Trump had the sense personally that by having a phone call as president-elect with the Taiwanese president, that he was setting policy.&#160;</p>
<p>RUSH:&#160; So if it was intentional, it came from advisers. Trump has no idea.&#160; This is like Reagan. Reagan didn’t know what was going on. He was sleeping. He was dozing. Jim Baker was really running the show, and that’s why we could rely on it. Now they’re trying to say, “Well, yeah, Trump had no idea what he’s doing here. I don’t believe Trump had the sense that by having the call he was setting policy.&#160; Trump’s so stupid, I don’t think Trump knew.”&#160; These guys… You watch.&#160; It’s amazing.&#160; These guys are gonna have their heads bitten off.&#160; They’re gonna be fully exposed as the arrogant snobs that they are, and it isn’t gonna be much longer.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH:&#160; I’m gonna tell you what’s beginning to dawn on these people, the establishment types, the losers, the anti-Trumpers.&#160; What’s beginning to dawn on them is that he’s going to be successful, and that’s got them paranoid.&#160; And that they will not be able to talk us, the general public, out of believing it and accepting it.&#160; They have been able to destroy successful Republican presidents.&#160; It took ’em five years to destroy Bush, but they were able to do it — well, four.&#160; Trump is a different guy.&#160;</p>
<p>Trump fights back from the moment it happens, and he doesn’t allow whatever they say to settle in and start flowering.&#160; He destroys it the minute he hears it, or tries to.&#160; And they’re not accustomed to this.&#160; They do not have an answer to Trump’s tweets.&#160; They only know one way of doing things, and they are not adaptable, folks.&#160; This is the wonderful thing about the Drive-Bys.&#160; They’re so stuck in the way it’s always been done and in routine and the way they’ve been taught — and the narrative here, the narrative there — that they don’t know how to adapt to this.&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>So they’re just gonna keep trying everything that they’ve always tried in the past that’s worked.&#160; And it’s dawning on ’em it might not with Trump.</p> | true | 0 | rush trump takes call female president taiwan everybody diplomatic corps everybody washington establishment antitrump trumpists antinever trumpers leftists media collective cow160 oh god hes stupid dont this160 theyre official160 slammed china160 insulted china160 doesnt even know guy stupid ego bad anybody could call congratulate hell take call didnt know hes supposed talk her160160 began narrative trumps demonstrating naivete ignorance lack qualifications demonstrating dangerous going be160 somebody said wait minute160 purpose160 paused note fear160 wait minute160 purpose160 mean trump purpose160 mean trump strategy160 yeah160 said well trumps smart160 no160 one advisers probably bannon160 trumps smart enough trump couldnt figure trump doesnt know enough this160160 time trickled became apparent yes trump trump purpose strategic reason160 diplomatic reason diplomatic reason exactly said campaign160 led bunch dumb people right bunch dumb things im gon na stop it160 im elected gon na start smart160 takes call somebody supposed take call from160 isnt supposed take call160 well say youre supposed take call160 they160 people screwing things last 40 years160160 media defense trump offense media defense trying figure trying come conclusion trump may purpose160 theyre asking would trump want insult chinese crying loud160 know dangerous this160 retort listening campaign160160 hear every trump rally every trump rally probably half trump tv experiences criticized chicoms called em name accused manipulating currency detriment160 accused dumping kinds inferior products us market160 caused thing said gon na stop160160 makes perfect sense would take call leader taiwan reason get attention chicoms160 makes perfect sense ever took time listen trump160 even listen trump theres another thing befuddled apparently means says accustomed that160 im talking establishment160 parties diplomatic corps elites speak different language160160 never telegraph theyre really thinking theyre really going do160 speak code160 speak diplomacy160 never tell anybody youre gon na never tell anybody really think got ta leave options open160 trump doesnt anything tell people thinks hes acting said gon na foreign people washington break transcript donald trump threatens payback us companies move abroad donald trump threatening impose heavy taxes us companies move jobs overseas still try sell products americans160 said gon na campaign160 nobody ought surprised160160 know think lot people watching im talking trump supporters160 im talking critics trump opponents trump think didnt attach seriousness campaign160 thought things way say say set apart different get peoples attention lie to160 doesnt mean stuff160160 presidentelect hes beginning implement everything said gon na theyre stunned160 crony capitalist160 cant this160 know federal government collect money160 right question160 us raise money 13th amendment establishment 13th160 1913160 establishment income tax primary funding mechanism united states government160 anybody know160 tariffs160 tariffs imported goods160 tariffs domestic goods exported160160 tariffs primary funding source income tax160 saying theyre justified160 no160 say that160 im telling you160 tariffs us funded income tax came along160 trump merely beginning implement everything said gon na people cow host reasons160 anyway still got ta get taiwan call funny driveby media establishment reaction break transcript rush 160i want start last wednesday160 go back something pointed last wednesday program160 rush archive160 theyre honestly sitting listened trump year half watched trump least theyve opportunity assuming hes got plan160 well certainly plan hes clear it160 hes precise it160 people dont see160 able listen donald trump says hes gon na believe means it160 well dont believe dont believe anybody world would ever speak way would ever think kind agenda kinds objectives nobody else would either reasonable person could possibility behave like donald trump world trumps got plan160 hes got plan160 plan whats behind running office160 plan make country great again160 rush160 one detailed lengthy agendas candidate recall160 mentioned agenda practically every rally160 mystery donald trumps plan is160 way money this160 plan whats behind seeking office160 hes clear160 one things hes clear thinks chicoms running rings around us manipulating currency getting trade balance whack messing around imports exports160 hes china mind ever since got campaign160 talks trade nafta jobs leaving america hes always got chicoms mix shouldnt mystery anybody would take phone call leader taiwan160 lets go audio sound bites160 drivebys amazed160 first said idiotic160 guy doesnt know hes doing160 bad faux pas humongous mistake didnt want trump embarrassing cant possibly dummkopf like this160 one drivebys posited hey wait minute plan it160 theyre panicked like this160 charlie rose160 reported thought long hard intentional160 major garrett thought might inadvertent mistake learned trump transition team spend time arranging call160 chuck todd intentional sort challenge160 norah odonnell whether ignorance plan send message china160 brian kilmeade looks like calculated intentional send message160 dagen mcdowell intentional160 wasnt mistake160 bob kerrey remarkable change intentional160 david ignatius wouldnt think wise unless detailed plan next next160 chris cuomo reason believe saw taiwan tweets china part thoughtout plan160 rush160 hear people got driveby media people got washington post david ignatius bobby kerry bunch people f chuck todd charlie rose cant believe it160 fact may intending this160 even worse160 think hes provoking big bad chicoms knows might nuke oh dangerous oh god weve elected barry goldwater oh no160 theyre panic city160 theyre really not160 well reason starting confront beginning confront reality guys serious hes smart meant hes opposite everything believe in160160 think theyre starting get concerned160 tweets way staying offense160 tweets way keeping defense160 tweets way relegating irrelevancy160 hes telling doesnt need get message american people160 said hey look people would report honorably honestly wouldnt tweets160 mike pence said paraphrasing wait minute telling cant wait call democrat leader taiwan obama get bed castro160160 youre telling us obama call every fleabag communist tinhorn dictator world thats great take call democrat ally taiwan worlds coming end160 hes right160 matthew dowd alex castellanos debating whether trumps call intentional abc yesterday160 dowd160 dont think intentional donald trump sort reset china policy united states america one phone call160 think got phone call fed ego president taiwan calls up160 problem dont real fundamental strategy place160 far eastern policy160 whats gon na relationship north korea need chinese for160 whats gon na climate change need chinese for160 whats gon na iran need chinese for160 donald trump didnt think things through160 rush160 wait minute160 thats matthew dowd former republican bush analyst gone dark side160 questions amazing imitating dowd dont think intentional160 think trump doesnt know hes got one phone call ego parade problem theres fundamental strategy place whats far eastern policy160 norks160 kidding me160 chicoms arent thing rein norks160 demanding chicoms make sure norks dont nuke everybody chicoms sitting laughing us160 theyre gon na anymore160160 whats gon na climate change160 chinese told climate change go raspberry160 chinese climate change need chinese climate change160 everything know trump doesnt believe version climate change160 got advisement algore there160 patient that160 hang tough160 iran160 chinese helped obama coming horrible iran nuke deal160 trump also honestly said bad deal160 chinese facilitated wonder trump wants reverse it160 heres alex castellanos reply160 castellanos160 seeing disruption freaking news media old establishment washington160 guess what160 thats donald trump elected exactly that160 feel like watching elvis presley ed sullivan show160 dowd160 think taiwan call deliberate160 castellanos160 think actually was160 apparently aides point160 know almost three months ago day china snubbed president united states 160 rush160 stop tape160 thats enough160 castellanos former republican analyst believed call done purpose was160 theres doubt listen one here160 charlie rose cbs today speaking author ian bremmer160 hes also president eurasia group eurasia europeasia eurasia group160 charlie rose said ian reported thought long hard trump people this160 intentional160 reading this160 bremmer160 reading people transition team around trump talking taiwanese time love idea reaching out160 dont believe trump sense personally phone call presidentelect taiwanese president setting policy160 rush160 intentional came advisers trump idea160 like reagan reagan didnt know going sleeping dozing jim baker really running show thats could rely theyre trying say well yeah trump idea hes dont believe trump sense call setting policy160 trumps stupid dont think trump knew160 guys watch160 amazing160 guys gon na heads bitten off160 theyre gon na fully exposed arrogant snobs isnt gon na much longer break transcript rush160 im gon na tell whats beginning dawn people establishment types losers antitrumpers160 whats beginning dawn hes going successful thats got paranoid160 able talk us general public believing accepting it160 able destroy successful republican presidents160 took em five years destroy bush able well four160 trump different guy160 trump fights back moment happens doesnt allow whatever say settle start flowering160 destroys minute hears tries to160 theyre accustomed this160 answer trumps tweets160 know one way things adaptable folks160 wonderful thing drivebys160 theyre stuck way always done routine way theyve taught narrative narrative dont know adapt this160160 theyre gon na keep trying everything theyve always tried past thats worked160 dawning em might trump | 1,413 |
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<p>President Barack Obama is leaving the White House in a few months, but the troubles of his signature health care law continue to make headlines. With premiums rising by double digits and many consumers scrambling to replace coverage because their insurer bailed out, the 2017 sign-up season that starts Nov. 1 looks challenging.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Obama says it's just "growing pains" but critics see the threat of market collapse, a death spiral. Here are some questions and answers for consumers ahead of the law's fourth open enrollment season:</p>
<p>__</p>
<p>I BUY MY INSURANCE DIRECTLY. SO WHY ARE MY PREMIUMS GOING UP SO MUCH IF I DON'T USE HEALTHCARE.GOV?</p>
<p>The 2010 health care law aimed to create a single market in each state for health insurance purchased by individuals. That's increasingly true as older plans that predate the law fade away.</p>
<p>So consumers who bypass the public insurance exchanges and buy individual policies from an insurer are not insulated from premium increases. And they lack the income-based subsidies available to customers inside the government marketplaces.</p>
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<p>The administration estimates that 6.9 million people currently buy coverage outside the marketplaces, and of those, nearly two-thirds would not be eligible for subsidies if they looked within the exchanges.</p>
<p>Another group, roughly 1.5 million people, buy policies through the exchanges but make too much to qualify for subsidies.</p>
<p>The people in these two groups will bear the brunt of premium increases.</p>
<p>Minnesota dairy farmers Dave and Ann Buck say their monthly premium of $1,650 for a family plan could jump to more than $3,000 next year.</p>
<p>"Our rates have gone up since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, and they just keep going up to the point where it is unaffordable," said Ann Buck.</p>
<p>__</p>
<p>WHAT DOES THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION SAY ABOUT RISING PREMIUMS?</p>
<p>Officials finally acknowledged the price jump this week, revealing that premiums for a midlevel benchmark plan are going up an average of 25 percent across the 39 HealthCare.gov states. (It's slightly less — 22 percent — when remaining states running their own marketplaces are factored in.)</p>
<p>The administration calls it a temporary market "correction" because insurers had set their premiums too low in previous years. Officials estimate that 72 percent of HealthCare.gov customers will still be able to find a plan for less than $75 a month after taking into account subsidies.</p>
<p>Caveat: Those large subsidies tend to go to lower-income consumers, not those in the solid middle class. And switching to reduce your premiums may mean having to accept higher out-of-pocket costs, or a different network of doctors, or a new list of preferred medications.</p>
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<p>ARE PREMIUMS GOING UP BECAUSE SOME INSURERS ARE LEAVING THE MARKET?</p>
<p>While there's strong evidence that competition among insurers helps to keep premiums in check, it's not clear that insurers bailing out is the main reason driving double-digit increases.</p>
<p>Insurers say their new customers turned out to be sicker than expected, and not enough younger, healthier people have signed up to help defray costs. Also, the law's internal system to help balance out gains and losses among insurers has not worked well.</p>
<p>About 1 in 5 HealthCare.gov customers will only have a single carrier in their communities next year. UnitedHealthcare, Aetna and Humana have scaled back. More than a dozen nonprofit insurance co-ops have shut down because of financial problems.</p>
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<p>I'M A RETURNING CUSTOMER TO THE HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE. WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR THIS TIME?</p>
<p>It probably makes more sense than ever to shop around.</p>
<p>If your insurer left the market, HealthCare.gov will try to automatically match you up with a similar plan from another carrier. You don't have to accept that match, but it could be a starting point for shopping.</p>
<p>Administration officials say a smoother website should make it easier to compare plans on features that consumers care about, such as which doctors participate. HealthCare.gov has been improved for mobile devices.</p>
<p>Depending on availability, consumers will have a new option of picking "Simple Choice" plans, clearly flagged on the website. These plans make it easier to compare premiums and provider networks.</p>
<p>Tip: Make sure to check your income information and update if needed.</p>
<p>__</p>
<p>I'M A NEW CUSTOMER. WHAT SHOULD I BE AWARE OF?</p>
<p>Instead of focusing on insurer brands, you might want to get familiar with the tiers of coverage on the marketplace: bronze, silver, gold and platinum.</p>
<p>Silver plans definitely deserve a close look because they're the only ones that come with extra financial help for out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments. The so-called "cost sharing reductions" are keyed to a consumer's income and are available for people making up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level, which is about $50,400 for a family of three.</p>
<p>For many families help with cost sharing makes the coverage affordable.</p>
<p>Tip: If you're unfamiliar with health insurance jargon, seek out an enrollment counselor in your community. Also, make sure to correctly enter your family information, citizenship, immigration status and income. Missing details or mistakes can create big problems later.</p>
<p>__</p>
<p>I PAID A FINE FOR BEING UNINSURED. IS IT WORTH MY TIME TO LOOK FOR COVERAGE?</p>
<p>It can't hurt to run the numbers, because the basic fine now starts at $695 and it will creep up each year.</p>
<p>Don't be shocked if you get a letter from the IRS reminding you about open enrollment season. The nudge from the taxman is part of the administration's outreach effort this year.</p>
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<p>WHAT ARE THE KEY DATES TO REMEMBER?</p>
<p>Dec. 15 is the last day you can sign up or make a change in time to take effect Jan. 1. That has been traditionally been HealthCare.gov's busiest day. And open enrollment ends Jan. 31, after Inauguration Day for the next president.</p>
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<p>Online: www.healthcare.gov</p> | true | 0 | president barack obama leaving white house months troubles signature health care law continue make headlines premiums rising double digits many consumers scrambling replace coverage insurer bailed 2017 signup season starts nov 1 looks challenging continue reading obama says growing pains critics see threat market collapse death spiral questions answers consumers ahead laws fourth open enrollment season __ buy insurance directly premiums going much dont use healthcaregov 2010 health care law aimed create single market state health insurance purchased individuals thats increasingly true older plans predate law fade away consumers bypass public insurance exchanges buy individual policies insurer insulated premium increases lack incomebased subsidies available customers inside government marketplaces advertisement administration estimates 69 million people currently buy coverage outside marketplaces nearly twothirds would eligible subsidies looked within exchanges another group roughly 15 million people buy policies exchanges make much qualify subsidies people two groups bear brunt premium increases minnesota dairy farmers dave ann buck say monthly premium 1650 family plan could jump 3000 next year rates gone since implementation affordable care act keep going point unaffordable said ann buck __ obama administration say rising premiums officials finally acknowledged price jump week revealing premiums midlevel benchmark plan going average 25 percent across 39 healthcaregov states slightly less 22 percent remaining states running marketplaces factored administration calls temporary market correction insurers set premiums low previous years officials estimate 72 percent healthcaregov customers still able find plan less 75 month taking account subsidies caveat large subsidies tend go lowerincome consumers solid middle class switching reduce premiums may mean accept higher outofpocket costs different network doctors new list preferred medications __ premiums going insurers leaving market theres strong evidence competition among insurers helps keep premiums check clear insurers bailing main reason driving doubledigit increases insurers say new customers turned sicker expected enough younger healthier people signed help defray costs also laws internal system help balance gains losses among insurers worked well 1 5 healthcaregov customers single carrier communities next year unitedhealthcare aetna humana scaled back dozen nonprofit insurance coops shut financial problems __ im returning customer health insurance marketplace look time probably makes sense ever shop around insurer left market healthcaregov try automatically match similar plan another carrier dont accept match could starting point shopping administration officials say smoother website make easier compare plans features consumers care doctors participate healthcaregov improved mobile devices depending availability consumers new option picking simple choice plans clearly flagged website plans make easier compare premiums provider networks tip make sure check income information update needed __ im new customer aware instead focusing insurer brands might want get familiar tiers coverage marketplace bronze silver gold platinum silver plans definitely deserve close look theyre ones come extra financial help outofpocket costs like deductibles copayments socalled cost sharing reductions keyed consumers income available people making 250 percent federal poverty level 50400 family three many families help cost sharing makes coverage affordable tip youre unfamiliar health insurance jargon seek enrollment counselor community also make sure correctly enter family information citizenship immigration status income missing details mistakes create big problems later __ paid fine uninsured worth time look coverage cant hurt run numbers basic fine starts 695 creep year dont shocked get letter irs reminding open enrollment season nudge taxman part administrations outreach effort year __ key dates remember dec 15 last day sign make change time take effect jan 1 traditionally healthcaregovs busiest day open enrollment ends jan 31 inauguration day next president ___ online wwwhealthcaregov | 572 |
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<p>The Dow Jones Industrial Average has had its fair share of ups and downs throughout history, but over the past year and a half it's essentially gone nowhere. Based on Tuesday's closing value of 17,675, the Dow is basically flat with its closing value in mid-November 2014.</p>
<p>Sideways markets are often the perfect time for value investors to come streaming out of the woodwork looking for a good deal. Value stocks, as the name would imply, usually offer some form of downside protection for investors if the market heads lower. By a similar token, when the market does eventually find its footing, value stocks should be primed to increase in valuation since they trade at a perceived-to-be discount to either their peers or the broader market in general.</p>
<p>Of course, finding cheap stocks isn't always easy. There's a veritable smorgasbord of financial metrics that investors can choose from when trying to establish which companies offer the best downside protection during a recession and upside potential during the next rally. One of my personal favorites is comparing companies based on annual cash flow per share, or CFPS. Companies with strong cash flow generation are often more liable to pay a dividend -- and reinvested dividends can really jump-start portfolio growth -- and their business models have typically stood the test of time.</p>
<p>With this in mind, using data from Thomson Reuters, I screened all 30 Dow components for their estimated 2016 annual cash flow per share. I then divided the current price per share of each Dow component into the estimated annual CFPS estimate from Thomson Reuters to get a price-to-CFPS (P/CFPS) measure that would help us determine which Dow stocks really are the cheapest. Based on the closing data as of June 14, the following Dow stocks are the iconic index's cheapest.</p>
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<p>Image source: Pixabay.</p>
<p>Based on annual cash flow per share forecasting for 2016, property and casualty insurer Travelers Companies is by far the cheapest, although I'm going to throw a little asterisk next to this figure. You see, neither Travelers nor Wall Street can predict the future when it comes to catastrophes. Thus, while the current cash flow estimates look appealing for Travelers, my guess is the current forecast could prove overzealous if a single act of God were to occur, such as a hurricane or tornado.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, Travelers still looks relatively inexpensive considering the highly profitable nature of the insurance business. Insurers like Travelers can use catastrophes as justification to raise premiums, meaning losses, should they occur, rarely stretch beyond one or two quarters. Additionally, insurers can use their pricing clout in times where claims are lower than normal, too, with the justification being that a catastrophe is coming at some point in the future. It's a business model that's primed for success in almost any market environment.</p>
<p>I'd also suggest that Travelers is poised to benefit from the normalization of lending rates in the coming years. The Federal Reserve has kept lending rates near historic lows for more than seven years, which has hurt companies like Travelers that invest in safe, interest-bearing assets. An increase in the federal funds target could provide a nice boost in investment income for the insurance industry.</p>
<p>Image source: Verizon.</p>
<p>With nearly $7.80 per share in expected cash flow in 2016, telecom giant Verizon Communications is the second cheapest Dow stock. What makes Verizon such an intriguing play is the high barrier to entry in the telecom sector, as well as its customer loyalty.</p>
<p>Within the U.S., you can count the major wireless players on one hand -- and even then there are only two with deep enough pockets to deploy the newest infrastructure to meet consumers' growing data demands: Verizon and AT&amp;T. Among the two, Verizon is leading AT&amp;T in terms of major cities that have 4G LTE coverage. Given these higher barriers to entry and Verizon's leading next-generation wireless network (85% of its total phone base is using smartphones as of the end of Q1 2016, and 92% of data is transmitted via LTE), it tends to command strong pricing power for its high-margin data plans.</p>
<p>Verizon's network has also been a major linchpin that's helped drive customer loyalty. As of the first quarter, retail postpaid churn was just 0.96%, an improvement of seven basis points from the prior-year quarter. In easy-to-understand terms, it's losing less than one in 100 customers to its competition.</p>
<p>Verizon also has long-term growth channels in streaming, content bundling, and potential acquisitions. Verizon acquired AOL in 2015 and has been mentioned as a possible purchaser of Yahoo!'sInternet operations.</p>
<p>Tack on a 4.3% dividend yield and you have what looks to be a very solid, and reasonably cheap, Dow stock in Verizon.</p>
<p>Image source: TaxRebate.org.uk via Flickr.</p>
<p>Last, we have credit processing and lending behemoth American Express , which is trading at just seven times its expected annual cash flow per share in 2016.</p>
<p>Unlike Travelers and Verizon, American Express is going through a bit of a transitional period. Last year, Costco announced that it would be ending its partnership with American Express after well over a decade and will accept only Visa credit cards. This was a big blow to American Express, given that around 8% of its total billed business in 2014 came from Costco. Thus, AmEx has been on damage control over the past year figuring out how it'll reignite growth.</p>
<p>The good news is the company's core business is still incredibly profitable, and it does have pathways to growth. For example, American Express has long been associated with affluent clientele. Going after the well-to-do makes the company less likely to experience loan delinquencies or slowdowns in spending if global growth weakens or contracts, since the wealthy are less likely to be affected by a global growth slowdown. AmEx's branding and storied history should allow it to retain these affluent clients.</p>
<p>American Express also has time on its side. As a lender and payment processing facilitator, it can "double-dip" by earning money from its merchant network, as well as on interest from loans or fees on its credit cards. This does leave the company a bit more exposed than credit payment processors such as Visa during global downturns, but periods of economic expansion typically last much longer than periods of contraction.</p>
<p>With AmEx losing around a third of its value since the announcement that it and Costco were parting ways, now could be the time to consider gobbling up shares of the company on the cheap.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/16/the-3-cheapest-dow-stocks-based-on-cash-flow-per-s.aspx" type="external">The 3 Cheapest Dow Stocks Based on Cash Flow Per Share</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFUltraLong/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Sean Williams</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</a>, and check him out on Twitter, where he goes by the handle <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/TMFUltraLong" type="external">@TMFUltraLong</a>.The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Costco Wholesale, Verizon Communications, and Visa. It also recommends American Express and Yahoo. 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 getty images continue reading dow jones industrial average fair share ups downs throughout history past year half essentially gone nowhere based tuesdays closing value 17675 dow basically flat closing value midnovember 2014 sideways markets often perfect time value investors come streaming woodwork looking good deal value stocks name would imply usually offer form downside protection investors market heads lower similar token market eventually find footing value stocks primed increase valuation since trade perceivedtobe discount either peers broader market general course finding cheap stocks isnt always easy theres veritable smorgasbord financial metrics investors choose trying establish companies offer best downside protection recession upside potential next rally one personal favorites comparing companies based annual cash flow per share cfps companies strong cash flow generation often liable pay dividend reinvested dividends really jumpstart portfolio growth business models typically stood test time mind using data thomson reuters screened 30 dow components estimated 2016 annual cash flow per share divided current price per share dow component estimated annual cfps estimate thomson reuters get pricetocfps pcfps measure would help us determine dow stocks really cheapest based closing data june 14 following dow stocks iconic indexs cheapest advertisement image source pixabay based annual cash flow per share forecasting 2016 property casualty insurer travelers companies far cheapest although im going throw little asterisk next figure see neither travelers wall street predict future comes catastrophes thus current cash flow estimates look appealing travelers guess current forecast could prove overzealous single act god occur hurricane tornado nonetheless travelers still looks relatively inexpensive considering highly profitable nature insurance business insurers like travelers use catastrophes justification raise premiums meaning losses occur rarely stretch beyond one two quarters additionally insurers use pricing clout times claims lower normal justification catastrophe coming point future business model thats primed success almost market environment id also suggest travelers poised benefit normalization lending rates coming years federal reserve kept lending rates near historic lows seven years hurt companies like travelers invest safe interestbearing assets increase federal funds target could provide nice boost investment income insurance industry image source verizon nearly 780 per share expected cash flow 2016 telecom giant verizon communications second cheapest dow stock makes verizon intriguing play high barrier entry telecom sector well customer loyalty within us count major wireless players one hand even two deep enough pockets deploy newest infrastructure meet consumers growing data demands verizon atampt among two verizon leading atampt terms major cities 4g lte coverage given higher barriers entry verizons leading nextgeneration wireless network 85 total phone base using smartphones end q1 2016 92 data transmitted via lte tends command strong pricing power highmargin data plans verizons network also major linchpin thats helped drive customer loyalty first quarter retail postpaid churn 096 improvement seven basis points prioryear quarter easytounderstand terms losing less one 100 customers competition verizon also longterm growth channels streaming content bundling potential acquisitions verizon acquired aol 2015 mentioned possible purchaser yahoosinternet operations tack 43 dividend yield looks solid reasonably cheap dow stock verizon image source taxrebateorguk via flickr last credit processing lending behemoth american express trading seven times expected annual cash flow per share 2016 unlike travelers verizon american express going bit transitional period last year costco announced would ending partnership american express well decade accept visa credit cards big blow american express given around 8 total billed business 2014 came costco thus amex damage control past year figuring itll reignite growth good news companys core business still incredibly profitable pathways growth example american express long associated affluent clientele going welltodo makes company less likely experience loan delinquencies slowdowns spending global growth weakens contracts since wealthy less likely affected global growth slowdown amexs branding storied history allow retain affluent clients american express also time side lender payment processing facilitator doubledip earning money merchant network well interest loans fees credit cards leave company bit exposed credit payment processors visa global downturns periods economic expansion typically last much longer periods contraction amex losing around third value since announcement costco parting ways could time consider gobbling shares company cheap article 3 cheapest dow stocks based cash flow per share originally appeared foolcom sean williamshas material interest companies mentioned article follow caps screen name tmfultralong check twitter goes handle tmfultralongthe motley fool owns shares recommends costco wholesale verizon communications visa also recommends american express yahoo 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 | 750 |
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<p>After decades of rather consistent growth, Magellan Midstream Partners (NYSE: MMP) seemed to hit the ceiling in 2016:</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/MMP/ebitda_ttm" type="external">MMP EBITDA (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Driving that decline is the company's direct exposure to commodity prices, which were weak in 2016. That said, prices are on the mend, which, when combined with the slew of growth projects Magellan Midstream Partners has in the pipeline, positions the company for a stronger showing in 2017. In fact, it could be the company's best year yet for adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow.</p>
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<p>Magellan Midstream Partners entered 2016 expecting it to be a down year. After producing $1.172 billion in adjusted EBITDA and $942.9 million in distributable cash flow in 2015, the company's initial 2016 guidance for adjusted EBITDA was $1.154 billion, while it saw distributable cash flow slipping to $900 million. However, the MLP steadily increased its guidance throughout the year thanks to stronger-than-expected performance. As a result, it now expects to produce $1.193 billion in adjusted EBITDA and $925 million of distributable cash flow. While that would push adjusted EBITDA to a new record, distributable cash flow would still fall short of 2015's record level.</p>
<p>The primary culprit causing cash flow to slump is the company's refined products segment, where year-to-date operating margin has declined 7.2%. Driving that decline is the partnership's commodity-related activities, which have been under pressure because of weaker commodity prices in 2016. In addition to that, Magellan's marine storage segment has been under some pressure this year because of part to lower ancillary customer activities.</p>
<p>This past year would have been a whole lot worse if it weren't for the fact that 85% of Magellan Midstream Partners' operating margin comes from fee-based activities. In fact, one of the company's goals is to increase the percentage of its operating margin that comes from fee-based activates to reduce its direct exposure to commodity prices even further. That's why it has invested $850 million in organic growth projects in 2016, which should supply growing fee-based cash flow in 2017.</p>
<p>One of the largest projects is the Saddlehorn Pipeline, which Magellan is building with Plains All American Pipeline (NYSE: PAA) and Anadarko Petroleum (NYSE: APC). Both Plains All American Pipeline and Magellan own 40% of the project, which puts their total investment at $230 million apiece. They expect the project to be fully operational early next year, which is noteworthy given its robust first-year economics. Magellan estimates that it will earn eight times EBITDA on the capital deployed, or roughly $28.8 million in annual EBITDA apiece for Magellan and Plains All American Pipeline on their investment.</p>
<p>In addition to that, Magellan has a $300 million condensate splitter nearing completion. Theeconomics of this project are even better at six times EBITDA on invested capital, or roughly $50 million per year of EBITDA.</p>
<p>The steady fee-based earnings from these and other projects in the pipeline alone could push Magellan's adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow to new records in 2016.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>In addition to the new fee-based assets going into service in 2017, Magellan should also benefit from an improving commodity price market. OPEC's recent decision to step in and support oil prices should at least stabilize crude oil prices in 2017 -- if not push them higher -- which should cause crude production in the U.S. to rebound. This improving oil market will benefit Magellan's crude oil segment by reversing the lower transportation and storage volumes the company experienced in 2016 due to weaker U.S. oil production resulting from low oil prices.</p>
<p>Likewise, the company's refined products and marine storage segments also stand to benefit from an improving oil market. Not only should Magellan earn higher margins on its commodity-related activities as a result of improving prices, but it should experience stronger demand for services. These improvements should drive a recovery in the operating margin of both segments, which should push distributable cash flow higher in 2017.</p>
<p>Weaker commodity prices marred Magellan Midstream Partners' results in 2016 because its direct exposure to those prices cut into distributable cash flow. However, the company has several large fee-based growth projects nearing completion, and there is growing reason to believe that an improving commodity price market is on tap for the year ahead. These catalysts could push the company's adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow to a new record in 2017, making it the company's best year yet.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Magellan Midstream Partners 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=3f9ebf28-ec87-4cb4-a2db-3868b906717b&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 Magellan Midstream 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=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=3f9ebf28-ec87-4cb4-a2db-3868b906717b&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/TMFmd19/info.aspx" type="external">Matt DiLallo Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Magellan Midstream 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 | image source getty images continue reading decades rather consistent growth magellan midstream partners nyse mmp seemed hit ceiling 2016 mmp ebitda ttm data ycharts opens new window driving decline companys direct exposure commodity prices weak 2016 said prices mend combined slew growth projects magellan midstream partners pipeline positions company stronger showing 2017 fact could companys best year yet adjusted ebitda distributable cash flow advertisement magellan midstream partners entered 2016 expecting year producing 1172 billion adjusted ebitda 9429 million distributable cash flow 2015 companys initial 2016 guidance adjusted ebitda 1154 billion saw distributable cash flow slipping 900 million however mlp steadily increased guidance throughout year thanks strongerthanexpected performance result expects produce 1193 billion adjusted ebitda 925 million distributable cash flow would push adjusted ebitda new record distributable cash flow would still fall short 2015s record level primary culprit causing cash flow slump companys refined products segment yeartodate operating margin declined 72 driving decline partnerships commodityrelated activities pressure weaker commodity prices 2016 addition magellans marine storage segment pressure year part lower ancillary customer activities past year would whole lot worse werent fact 85 magellan midstream partners operating margin comes feebased activities fact one companys goals increase percentage operating margin comes feebased activates reduce direct exposure commodity prices even thats invested 850 million organic growth projects 2016 supply growing feebased cash flow 2017 one largest projects saddlehorn pipeline magellan building plains american pipeline nyse paa anadarko petroleum nyse apc plains american pipeline magellan 40 project puts total investment 230 million apiece expect project fully operational early next year noteworthy given robust firstyear economics magellan estimates earn eight times ebitda capital deployed roughly 288 million annual ebitda apiece magellan plains american pipeline investment addition magellan 300 million condensate splitter nearing completion theeconomics project even better six times ebitda invested capital roughly 50 million per year ebitda steady feebased earnings projects pipeline alone could push magellans adjusted ebitda distributable cash flow new records 2016 image source getty images addition new feebased assets going service 2017 magellan also benefit improving commodity price market opecs recent decision step support oil prices least stabilize crude oil prices 2017 push higher cause crude production us rebound improving oil market benefit magellans crude oil segment reversing lower transportation storage volumes company experienced 2016 due weaker us oil production resulting low oil prices likewise companys refined products marine storage segments also stand benefit improving oil market magellan earn higher margins commodityrelated activities result improving prices experience stronger demand services improvements drive recovery operating margin segments push distributable cash flow higher 2017 weaker commodity prices marred magellan midstream partners results 2016 direct exposure prices cut distributable cash flow however company several large feebased growth projects nearing completion growing reason believe improving commodity price market tap year ahead catalysts could push companys adjusted ebitda distributable cash flow new record 2017 making companys best year yet 10 stocks like better magellan midstream partners 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 magellan midstream partners wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns nov 7 2016 matt dilallo opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool recommends magellan midstream partners motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 557 |
<p>With only one month remaining in 2017, it's pretty clear which big pharma stock has been the better pick this year between Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) and Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE: JNJ). J&amp;J's share price is up more than 20%, while Pfizer stock is only up a little over half as much.</p>
<p>Investing is kind of like driving, though. It's much more important to look ahead than it is to focus on what's in the rearview mirror. Which of these stocks is the better choice for investors in the years to come? Here's how Pfizer and Johnson &amp; Johnson compare in three key categories.</p>
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<p>Several factors drive growth for pharmaceutical companies. Obviously, the prospects for current products already on the market are very important. The companies' pipelines also play a critical role in determining how much growth could be attained. And the ability to make acquisitions and licensing deals is another key determinant.</p>
<p>The easiest of these factors to use in comparing Pfizer and J&amp;J are current products. For Pfizer, there's good and bad news. The company's innovative health segment grew revenue by nearly 11% year, led by blockbuster drugs Eliquis, Ibrance, and Lyrica. However, Pfizer's essential health segment is dragging down overall revenue growth due to falling sales for drugs that have lost exclusivity.</p>
<p>Johnson &amp; Johnson has its own challenges, with sales for its top-selling drug Remicade declining due to biosimilar competition (including Pfizer's Inflectra). J&amp;J's consumer segment also has sluggish sales growth. Overall, though, J&amp;J's revenue growth is stronger than Pfizer's has been this year, thanks in large part from acquisitions.</p>
<p>Both companies have solid pipelines. Pfizer awaits regulatory approval for 10 drugs (some of which are for new indications for drugs already approved). The company also has 28 late-stage programs. J&amp;J has even more programs in late-stage studies and is waiting on U.S. regulatory approval for eight drugs (including new indications). Earlier this year, research firm EvaluatePharma ranked J&amp;J's pipeline as the <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/07/18/5-big-pharma-stocks-with-the-best-drug-pipelines.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=e9f33cee-d5d8-11e7-a8fd-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">fifth-best among big pharma companies Opens a New Window.</a>, while Pfizer didn't make the top five list.</p>
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<p>Acquisitions have been important to both companies. Pfizer bought Anacor and Medivation last year, while J&amp;J acquired Actelion in 2017. Both companies are also likely to spur more growth through additional acquisitions. As of Oct. 1, 2017, Pfizer had cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $16.9 billion, while J&amp;J had $16.2 billion.</p>
<p>Which company has the overall advantage when it comes to growth prospects? My view is that Johnson &amp; Johnson wins in this category.</p>
<p>It's a different story with income, though. J&amp;J certainly has the more impressive track record. The healthcare giant has increased its dividend for 55 consecutive years. Pfizer has a nice streak of dividend hikes going now, but the economic crisis of 2008-2009 caused the big drugmaker to cut its dividend.</p>
<p>However, Pfizer's dividend yield of nearly 3.6% is much higher than J&amp;J's yield of close to 2.4%. While J&amp;J has been increasing its dividend at a slightly faster rate than Pfizer has in recent years, I don't see it catching up with Pfizer. In my opinion, Pfizer has the clear advantage in generating steady income for shareholders.</p>
<p>Pfizer stock currently trades at a little over 13 times expected earnings. That's significantly below J&amp;J's forward earnings multiple of nearly 18. For investors who prefer using valuation metrics based on enterprise value, Pfizer also looks less expensive than J&amp;J.</p>
<p>But what about factoring in growth prospects? Although the <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/peg-ratio.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=e9f33cee-d5d8-11e7-a8fd-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">price-to-earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio Opens a New Window.</a> is usually used more for high-growth stocks, we can use it to compare the valuations of these two big pharma companies. Again, Pfizer has the edge, with a PEG ratio of 2.34 versus 2.73 for J&amp;J. I view Pfizer as the better bargain between these two stocks.</p>
<p>Pfizer has the advantage over Johnson &amp; Johnson in two out of three categories. It's clearly the less expensive of the two stocks. And Pfizer claims the more attractive dividend, despite J&amp;J's great history of dividend increases.</p>
<p>But do J&amp;J's growth prospects make it the better pick? Not in my view. I look for Pfizer to make a few more acquisitions that will improve its growth potential. In the meantime, the company offers tremendous dividend yields. For me, Pfizer gets the slight nod, but both of these stocks are great picks for investors looking to win over the long run.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than PfizerWhen 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=776088d5-775f-4e4e-9630-ff1a29f1a5dc&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=e9f33cee-d5d8-11e7-a8fd-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Pfizer 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=776088d5-775f-4e4e-9630-ff1a29f1a5dc&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=e9f33cee-d5d8-11e7-a8fd-0050569d32b9&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 6, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFishBiz/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=e9f33cee-d5d8-11e7-a8fd-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Keith Speights Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Pfizer. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Johnson &amp; 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;referring_guid=e9f33cee-d5d8-11e7-a8fd-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | one month remaining 2017 pretty clear big pharma stock better pick year pfizer nyse pfe johnson amp johnson nyse jnj jampjs share price 20 pfizer stock little half much investing kind like driving though much important look ahead focus whats rearview mirror stocks better choice investors years come heres pfizer johnson amp johnson compare three key categories continue reading several factors drive growth pharmaceutical companies obviously prospects current products already market important companies pipelines also play critical role determining much growth could attained ability make acquisitions licensing deals another key determinant easiest factors use comparing pfizer jampj current products pfizer theres good bad news companys innovative health segment grew revenue nearly 11 year led blockbuster drugs eliquis ibrance lyrica however pfizers essential health segment dragging overall revenue growth due falling sales drugs lost exclusivity johnson amp johnson challenges sales topselling drug remicade declining due biosimilar competition including pfizers inflectra jampjs consumer segment also sluggish sales growth overall though jampjs revenue growth stronger pfizers year thanks large part acquisitions companies solid pipelines pfizer awaits regulatory approval 10 drugs new indications drugs already approved company also 28 latestage programs jampj even programs latestage studies waiting us regulatory approval eight drugs including new indications earlier year research firm evaluatepharma ranked jampjs pipeline fifthbest among big pharma companies opens new window pfizer didnt make top five list advertisement acquisitions important companies pfizer bought anacor medivation last year jampj acquired actelion 2017 companies also likely spur growth additional acquisitions oct 1 2017 pfizer cash cash equivalents shortterm investments totaling 169 billion jampj 162 billion company overall advantage comes growth prospects view johnson amp johnson wins category different story income though jampj certainly impressive track record healthcare giant increased dividend 55 consecutive years pfizer nice streak dividend hikes going economic crisis 20082009 caused big drugmaker cut dividend however pfizers dividend yield nearly 36 much higher jampjs yield close 24 jampj increasing dividend slightly faster rate pfizer recent years dont see catching pfizer opinion pfizer clear advantage generating steady income shareholders pfizer stock currently trades little 13 times expected earnings thats significantly jampjs forward earnings multiple nearly 18 investors prefer using valuation metrics based enterprise value pfizer also looks less expensive jampj factoring growth prospects although pricetoearningstogrowth peg ratio opens new window usually used highgrowth stocks use compare valuations two big pharma companies pfizer edge peg ratio 234 versus 273 jampj view pfizer better bargain two stocks pfizer advantage johnson amp johnson two three categories clearly less expensive two stocks pfizer claims attractive dividend despite jampjs great history dividend increases jampjs growth prospects make better pick view look pfizer make acquisitions improve growth potential meantime company offers tremendous dividend yields pfizer gets slight nod stocks great picks investors looking win long run 10 stocks like better pfizerwhen 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 pfizer wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns november 6 2017 keith speights opens new window owns shares pfizer motley fool owns shares recommends johnson amp johnson motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 537 |
<p>As small business owners learn what their 2018 health insurance costs will be, some are considering providing different types of coverage for their employees.</p>
<p>Companies are receiving notices of premium and coverage changes for 2018. The changes vary, depending on factors including the state where a company is located, how many employees it has and how comprehensive its insurance is. But many owners are seeing rate increases of double-digit percentages, finding dramatically reduced coverage, or both. Health insurance consultants expect more owners to rethink their strategies beyond 2018 and choose alternatives like paying for claims themselves or adding health services that can lower costs.</p>
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<p>Gail Trauco's insurer is eliminating her company's policy known as a preferred provider organization, or PPO, replacing it with a health maintenance organization, or HMO, a change that would limit the choice of doctors for her five employees. Her annual costs were scheduled to rise nearly $10,000 in 2018.</p>
<p>The HMO was a deal-breaker, says Trauco, owner of The PharmaKon, which helps coordinate clinical drug trials.</p>
<p>"It's important for a patient to choose a physician they can have a good relationship with," says Trauco, whose business is based in Barnesville, Georgia. Trauco hired a health insurance broker who helped her find a PPO with a different carrier, and she's saving enough money to add dental coverage.</p>
<p>Some owners say they may not be able to keep shielding their staffers from rising health costs.</p>
<p>Workshop Digital's premiums are soaring 55 percent, and co-founder Brian Forrester says the business will be less profitable next year as it absorbs the increase. He may have to ask the Richmond, Virginia-based marketing agency's 30 staffers to pay more for coverage in the years ahead. The company currently pays 83 percent of medical insurance, 90 percent of vision care and 52 percent of dental coverage.</p>
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<p>"We never plan on removing our coverage or reducing the type of coverage we offer, but the out-of-pocket costs for our team may have to go up over time," Forrester says.</p>
<p>Under the Affordable Care Act, companies with fewer than 50 employees aren't required to offer insurance, but many do because they feel it's right or because it helps them compete for and retain top workers. Fifty percent of companies with three to 49 workers have offered health benefits this year, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, which studies health care trends. That compares with 53 percent of all employers, and is little changed from the previous three years.</p>
<p>James Bernstein, an executive at benefits consulting firm Mercer, says many offer employees a choice of plans to serve staffers' needs but also keep their own costs in line.</p>
<p>"What they're saying is, a one-plan-fits-all strategy does not work, especially with a multigenerational workforce: millennials, young families, baby boomers," Bernstein says.</p>
<p>A Mercer survey found many small businesses are considering coverage that has a higher deductible and in turn, lower premiums. These plans shift more costs to employees, but many owners contribute money to Health Savings Accounts, or HSAs, to help staffers pay medical expenses. The combination of a high-deductible plan and an HSA is known as a consumer-driven health plan, because it allows people to determine where they spend their health dollars.</p>
<p>Mercer found about a fifth of companies with 50 to 199 employees and 37 percent of companies with 200 to 499 workers plan to offer consumer-driven plans as a choice in the next three years. Those with 10 to 49 workers are less inclined to do so; only 10 percent said they will offer one.</p>
<p>Employers' health care costs have been rising for decades, not only since the ACA mandated minimum levels of insurance coverage in 2014. Health care costs at W.H. Christian soared between 150 percent and 180 percent over nine years, says Scott Christian, director of operations for the New York-based company that sells and rents work uniforms.</p>
<p>W.H. Christian ended the spiral last year, switching to what's called self-funded coverage for its 72 staffers. In self-funding, a company sets aside money to pay employees' claims rather than have an insurer do so. It buys stop-loss insurance or reinsurance to pay claims in case employees submit more claims than expected.</p>
<p>Money was just one factor in the change, Scott Christian says. The company saw the quality of its coverage declining, with doctor networks shrinking; it kept switching carriers in hopes of better coverage, but each renewal offer was a disappointment.</p>
<p>"The main driver was we wanted to give our employees a good plan," Christian says. "That seemed more and more impossible to provide given where the health insurance universe was going."</p>
<p>The number of small businesses that self-fund is small — 15 percent of workers covered by insurance are in self-funded plans, versus 79 percent in large companies, according to the Kaiser foundation. Self-funding can be particularly beneficial for a company with a young and healthy staff, says Craig Scurato, a vice president with Leslie Saunders, an insurance and benefits broker based in Lutz, Florida.</p>
<p>Scurato also sees a growing interest in nontraditional medical services like direct primary care practices, doctor's offices that provide medical services including examinations and laboratory testing. The company pays a flat fee per month; insurance companies are not involved.</p>
<p>Midwest Scrap Management was interested in health services that would help it save money when it switched to self-funding in March — one of the plan's appeals was that the metal processor would have more say over what its coverage would include, Chief Financial Officer Craig Ward says.</p>
<p>The Kansas City, Missouri-based company offers its 120 employees 24/7 access to telemedicine, allowing them to consult with clinicians and get advice and prescriptions when they don't feel well. It costs less than office visits. Midwest Scrap Management also offers biometric screening, which among other things measures cholesterol and blood sugar levels, letting staffers know if there's a problem.</p>
<p>The company has saved $20,000 off its projected health care costs since it switched, Ward says. And because an insurer is no longer in charge, there's no mystery about where the company's money is going.</p>
<p>"When you get a renewal every year from a traditional carrier, they tell you what your rate increase will be, but you never get a reason why," Ward says.</p>
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<p>Follow Joyce Rosenberg at www.twitter.com/JoyceMRosenberg. Her work can be found here: https://apnews.com/search/joyce%20rosenberg</p> | true | 0 | small business owners learn 2018 health insurance costs considering providing different types coverage employees companies receiving notices premium coverage changes 2018 changes vary depending factors including state company located many employees comprehensive insurance many owners seeing rate increases doubledigit percentages finding dramatically reduced coverage health insurance consultants expect owners rethink strategies beyond 2018 choose alternatives like paying claims adding health services lower costs continue reading gail traucos insurer eliminating companys policy known preferred provider organization ppo replacing health maintenance organization hmo change would limit choice doctors five employees annual costs scheduled rise nearly 10000 2018 hmo dealbreaker says trauco owner pharmakon helps coordinate clinical drug trials important patient choose physician good relationship says trauco whose business based barnesville georgia trauco hired health insurance broker helped find ppo different carrier shes saving enough money add dental coverage owners say may able keep shielding staffers rising health costs workshop digitals premiums soaring 55 percent cofounder brian forrester says business less profitable next year absorbs increase may ask richmond virginiabased marketing agencys 30 staffers pay coverage years ahead company currently pays 83 percent medical insurance 90 percent vision care 52 percent dental coverage advertisement never plan removing coverage reducing type coverage offer outofpocket costs team may go time forrester says affordable care act companies fewer 50 employees arent required offer insurance many feel right helps compete retain top workers fifty percent companies three 49 workers offered health benefits year according kaiser family foundation studies health care trends compares 53 percent employers little changed previous three years james bernstein executive benefits consulting firm mercer says many offer employees choice plans serve staffers needs also keep costs line theyre saying oneplanfitsall strategy work especially multigenerational workforce millennials young families baby boomers bernstein says mercer survey found many small businesses considering coverage higher deductible turn lower premiums plans shift costs employees many owners contribute money health savings accounts hsas help staffers pay medical expenses combination highdeductible plan hsa known consumerdriven health plan allows people determine spend health dollars mercer found fifth companies 50 199 employees 37 percent companies 200 499 workers plan offer consumerdriven plans choice next three years 10 49 workers less inclined 10 percent said offer one employers health care costs rising decades since aca mandated minimum levels insurance coverage 2014 health care costs wh christian soared 150 percent 180 percent nine years says scott christian director operations new yorkbased company sells rents work uniforms wh christian ended spiral last year switching whats called selffunded coverage 72 staffers selffunding company sets aside money pay employees claims rather insurer buys stoploss insurance reinsurance pay claims case employees submit claims expected money one factor change scott christian says company saw quality coverage declining doctor networks shrinking kept switching carriers hopes better coverage renewal offer disappointment main driver wanted give employees good plan christian says seemed impossible provide given health insurance universe going number small businesses selffund small 15 percent workers covered insurance selffunded plans versus 79 percent large companies according kaiser foundation selffunding particularly beneficial company young healthy staff says craig scurato vice president leslie saunders insurance benefits broker based lutz florida scurato also sees growing interest nontraditional medical services like direct primary care practices doctors offices provide medical services including examinations laboratory testing company pays flat fee per month insurance companies involved midwest scrap management interested health services would help save money switched selffunding march one plans appeals metal processor would say coverage would include chief financial officer craig ward says kansas city missouribased company offers 120 employees 247 access telemedicine allowing consult clinicians get advice prescriptions dont feel well costs less office visits midwest scrap management also offers biometric screening among things measures cholesterol blood sugar levels letting staffers know theres problem company saved 20000 projected health care costs since switched ward says insurer longer charge theres mystery companys money going get renewal every year traditional carrier tell rate increase never get reason ward says _____ follow joyce rosenberg wwwtwittercomjoycemrosenberg work found httpsapnewscomsearchjoyce20rosenberg | 659 |
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<p>As the baby boomer generation ages, one outcome seems certain: Medicare enrollment will continue to grow. That's concerning for the U.S. government, which must deal with higher Medicare costs. But for several companies, more people enrolled in Medicare is a very good thing -- especially if those individuals choose Medicare Advantage plans.</p>
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<p>Three of the top Medicare companies are UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), Humana (NYSE: HUM), and Aetna (NYSE: AET). Together, the three health insurers covered 46% of Medicare Advantage members in 2016. Here's why the stocks continue to look like good picks this year.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>The nation's largest health insurer, UnitedHealth Group, also ranks as the largest provider of services to Medicare members. UnitedHealth covered 3.6 million Americans with its Medicare Advantage plans last year, 21% of the total number of individuals in Medicare Advantage.</p>
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<p>UnitedHealth didn't just focus on Medicare Advantage. The company reported 8.6 million people in its Medicare Part D prescription drug plans at the end of 2016. In addition, UnitedHealth covered 4.7 million seniors through its Medicare supplement plans offered in association with AARP.Roughly 25% of the insurer's total revenue in 2016 came from theCenters for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), most of which came from Medicare-related products.</p>
<p>Over the past three years, UnitedHealth Group's stock has been the top performer among large health insurers. A big reason behind the stock's success is continued strong growth from the company's Optum business segment, which includes the OptumRx pharmacy benefits management (PBM) unit.</p>
<p>Higher Medicare enrollment combined with Optum's momentum should enable UnitedHealth Group to grow earnings by more than 15% annually over the next five years. The company's dividend yield currently stands at 1.52%. UnitedHealth's strong growth prospects plus a decent dividend make the stock a compelling buy for long-term investors.</p>
<p>Humana provides individual Medicare Advantage coverage to more than 2.8 million members plus group Medicare Advantage to another 355,000 people. This coverage represents 18% of the total number of Americans with Medicare Advantage.</p>
<p>Over 4.9 million individuals purchased Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage from Humana in 2016. The company also provided Medicare supplement plans to nearly 219,000 Americans. Overall, Medicare generated 87% of Humana's total premium and services revenue last year.</p>
<p>Thanks in part to a merger bid from Aetna, Humana's stock trailed only UnitedHealth Group in performance over the last three years. However, the deal was called off after a federal court blocked the merger on concerns that it would reduce competition.</p>
<p>Humana should be able to grow earnings by more than 13% over the next five years. Its reduced participation in the Obamacare exchanges should help boost the bottom line.Although Humana's dividend yield of less than 1% isn't as strong as some of its peers, the company seems well positioned to increase the dividend down the road.</p>
<p>Aetna covers nearly 1.4 million Americans through its Medicare Advantage plans. That makes the company the No. 3 Medicare Advantage provider, with 7% of the total market. Aetna also claims bragging rights for the highest percentage of members in Medicare Advantage plans with at least four stars in the government's star rating program evaluating plan quality.</p>
<p>The insurer's membership includes another 3 million individuals enrolled in its Medicare Part D prescription drug plans plus 685,000 people buying its Medicare supplement plans. Over 43% of Aetna's total revenue in 2016 stemmed from government programs, with Medicare generated a substantial portion of that revenue.</p>
<p>Aetna's stock performance over the past three years has lagged behind that of UnitedHealth Group and Humana. However, the stock has nevertheless racked up significant gains. The termination of the planned merger with Humana doesn't appear to have hurt Aetna's share price much. However, Aetna did agree to pay Humana $1 billion in cash as part of the two companies' termination agreement.</p>
<p>Over the next five years, Aetna should be able to grow its earnings by close to 14% annually on average. Like its peers, the company is reducing its participation in Obamacare exchanges dramatically, a move that should improve profitability. Aetna should also continue to experience strong growth with its Medicare Advantage plans. This growth, combined with Aetna's dividend yield of 1.57%, should make the stock a winner for investors over the long run.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than AetnaWhen 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=5d1a50cf-2e16-456b-9062-3de67d3267d3&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 Aetna 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=5d1a50cf-2e16-456b-9062-3de67d3267d3&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><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 recommends UnitedHealth Group. 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 | baby boomer generation ages one outcome seems certain medicare enrollment continue grow thats concerning us government must deal higher medicare costs several companies people enrolled medicare good thing especially individuals choose medicare advantage plans continue reading three top medicare companies unitedhealth group nyse unh humana nyse hum aetna nyse aet together three health insurers covered 46 medicare advantage members 2016 heres stocks continue look like good picks year image source getty images nations largest health insurer unitedhealth group also ranks largest provider services medicare members unitedhealth covered 36 million americans medicare advantage plans last year 21 total number individuals medicare advantage advertisement unitedhealth didnt focus medicare advantage company reported 86 million people medicare part prescription drug plans end 2016 addition unitedhealth covered 47 million seniors medicare supplement plans offered association aarproughly 25 insurers total revenue 2016 came thecenters medicare medicaid services cms came medicarerelated products past three years unitedhealth groups stock top performer among large health insurers big reason behind stocks success continued strong growth companys optum business segment includes optumrx pharmacy benefits management pbm unit higher medicare enrollment combined optums momentum enable unitedhealth group grow earnings 15 annually next five years companys dividend yield currently stands 152 unitedhealths strong growth prospects plus decent dividend make stock compelling buy longterm investors humana provides individual medicare advantage coverage 28 million members plus group medicare advantage another 355000 people coverage represents 18 total number americans medicare advantage 49 million individuals purchased medicare part prescription drug coverage humana 2016 company also provided medicare supplement plans nearly 219000 americans overall medicare generated 87 humanas total premium services revenue last year thanks part merger bid aetna humanas stock trailed unitedhealth group performance last three years however deal called federal court blocked merger concerns would reduce competition humana able grow earnings 13 next five years reduced participation obamacare exchanges help boost bottom linealthough humanas dividend yield less 1 isnt strong peers company seems well positioned increase dividend road aetna covers nearly 14 million americans medicare advantage plans makes company 3 medicare advantage provider 7 total market aetna also claims bragging rights highest percentage members medicare advantage plans least four stars governments star rating program evaluating plan quality insurers membership includes another 3 million individuals enrolled medicare part prescription drug plans plus 685000 people buying medicare supplement plans 43 aetnas total revenue 2016 stemmed government programs medicare generated substantial portion revenue aetnas stock performance past three years lagged behind unitedhealth group humana however stock nevertheless racked significant gains termination planned merger humana doesnt appear hurt aetnas share price much however aetna agree pay humana 1 billion cash part two companies termination agreement next five years aetna able grow earnings close 14 annually average like peers company reducing participation obamacare exchanges dramatically move improve profitability aetna also continue experience strong growth medicare advantage plans growth combined aetnas dividend yield 157 make stock winner investors long run 10 stocks like better aetnawhen 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 aetna 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 recommends unitedhealth group motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 557 |
<p>Sometimes, the most hated stocks are the ones worth looking at the closest. That's especially true for stocks that pay dividends, since their yields rise as their share prices fall. If the reasons behind investors' displeasure with the stocks either are no longer valid or might soon change, these stocks could be great deals.</p>
<p>Three stocks particularly fall into this category, in my view: Seagate Technology (NASDAQ: STX), Energy Transfer Partners (NYSE: ETP), and Omega Healthcare Investors (NYSE: OHI). Here's why these are three hated dividend stocks you can buy now.</p>
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<p>Energy Transfer Partners stock has plunged more than 20% in 2017 and around 60% over the last three years. Investors have soured on the midstream master limited partnership (MLP) for several reasons. The downturn in the oil market hurt the company's business, but Energy Transfer Partners also has <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/07/26/energy-transfer-partners-lp-pipeline-problems-are.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6f006412-acf2-11e7-bc29-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">encountered delays</a> in some of its most important projects.</p>
<p>These woes led the company to slash its dividend earlier this year. Even with that cut, though, Energy Transfer Partners still boasts a sky-high yield of 11.9%. Further dividend cuts don't appear to be on the horizon. However, the yield would still be very attractive even if more trimming was needed.</p>
<p>Is there a reason to buy Energy Transfer Partners stock now? Yes. The company looks like it might have <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/08/09/energy-transfer-partners-lp-finally-turns-the-corn.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6f006412-acf2-11e7-bc29-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">turned the corner</a>. In the second quarter, Energy Transfer Partners reported that adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased 16.7% year over year. Distributable cash flow jumped 21.5% from the prior-year period.</p>
<p>In addition, there are a couple of things that fellow Fool Matt DiLallo pointed out recently that <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/09/28/2-catalysts-that-could-send-energy-transfer-partne.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6f006412-acf2-11e7-bc29-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">could be huge catalysts</a> for the stock. First, Energy Transfer Partners has a sizable position in its sibling company, Sunoco LP, and Sunoco could look to buy back some equity.&#160;That could allow Energy Transfer Partners to raise up to $1 billion. Second, the company could take steps to reduce its incentive distribution rights (IDR) burden, which give the MLP's general partner, Sunoco Partners LLC, an increasing share in the incremental distributable cash flow the partnership generates.&#160;Reducing this IDR burden would likely send Energy Transfer Partners' units higher.</p>
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<p>Seagate Technology's share price has dropped nearly 10% this year. It's apparent that many expect it to continue to suffer: More than 17% of the stock's <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/small-cap/2005/04/29/quotoutstanding-sharesquot-vs-quotfloatquot.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6f006412-acf2-11e7-bc29-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">float</a> is currently sold short. The hard-disk drive maker posted disappointing fiscal fourth-quarter results in July.</p>
<p>One area where Seagate won't disappoint investors, though, is with its dividend. Seagate's yield currently stands north of 7.5%. And while the company is using nearly all of its earnings to fund dividends, Seagate's cash flow is solid and should be sufficient to keep the dividends flowing at current levels.</p>
<p>The primary reason to buy Seagate Technology stock is its long-term prospects. Several of the factors behind the company's revenue and earnings misses in the fiscal fourth quarter were due to temporary issues. For example, there were some supply chain problems affecting revenue that should be worked out in the near future.</p>
<p>Over the long run, the most important technologies, including artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, will drive increased demand for data storage. Seagate remains one of the top players in the data storage market. That isn't likely to change anytime soon. Buying the stock now locks in a terrific yield for a business that should rebound.</p>
<p>Omega Healthcare Investors stock hasn't been beaten down this year, although its share price hasn't gone up much, either. So why categorize Omega Healthcare as a hated dividend stock? More than 22% of the float is currently sold short, indicating that there are plenty of investors who are pretty bearish about this healthcare-focused <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/reit.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6f006412-acf2-11e7-bc29-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">real estate investment trust (REIT)</a>.</p>
<p>Probably the biggest reason for investors' skepticism is that the company reported an earnings decline of nearly 40% in its last quarter. Much of that decrease stemmed from higher interest expense and refinancing costs.</p>
<p>The good news for investors is that Omega Healthcare pays an attractive dividend, which currently yields 8.1%. It also has a solid history of growth: The company has increased its dividend for 20 consecutive quarters.</p>
<p>Omega Healthcare investors should benefit from an unstoppable trend: the aging of the baby boomer generation. The company owns skilled nursing and assisted living properties throughout the U.S. and U.K. Omega Healthcare stock might be hated now, but it's one that investors should come to love over time with its increasing dividends and solid long-term growth prospects.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Omega Healthcare InvestorsWhen 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 September 5, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFishBiz/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=6f006412-acf2-11e7-bc29-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Keith Speights</a> has no position in any of the 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;uuid=6f006412-acf2-11e7-bc29-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy</a>.</p> | true | 0 | sometimes hated stocks ones worth looking closest thats especially true stocks pay dividends since yields rise share prices fall reasons behind investors displeasure stocks either longer valid might soon change stocks could great deals three stocks particularly fall category view seagate technology nasdaq stx energy transfer partners nyse etp omega healthcare investors nyse ohi heres three hated dividend stocks buy continue reading energy transfer partners stock plunged 20 2017 around 60 last three years investors soured midstream master limited partnership mlp several reasons downturn oil market hurt companys business energy transfer partners also encountered delays important projects woes led company slash dividend earlier year even cut though energy transfer partners still boasts skyhigh yield 119 dividend cuts dont appear horizon however yield would still attractive even trimming needed reason buy energy transfer partners stock yes company looks like might turned corner second quarter energy transfer partners reported adjusted earnings interest taxes depreciation amortization ebitda increased 167 year year distributable cash flow jumped 215 prioryear period addition couple things fellow fool matt dilallo pointed recently could huge catalysts stock first energy transfer partners sizable position sibling company sunoco lp sunoco could look buy back equity160that could allow energy transfer partners raise 1 billion second company could take steps reduce incentive distribution rights idr burden give mlps general partner sunoco partners llc increasing share incremental distributable cash flow partnership generates160reducing idr burden would likely send energy transfer partners units higher advertisement seagate technologys share price dropped nearly 10 year apparent many expect continue suffer 17 stocks float currently sold short harddisk drive maker posted disappointing fiscal fourthquarter results july one area seagate wont disappoint investors though dividend seagates yield currently stands north 75 company using nearly earnings fund dividends seagates cash flow solid sufficient keep dividends flowing current levels primary reason buy seagate technology stock longterm prospects several factors behind companys revenue earnings misses fiscal fourth quarter due temporary issues example supply chain problems affecting revenue worked near future long run important technologies including artificial intelligence internet things drive increased demand data storage seagate remains one top players data storage market isnt likely change anytime soon buying stock locks terrific yield business rebound omega healthcare investors stock hasnt beaten year although share price hasnt gone much either categorize omega healthcare hated dividend stock 22 float currently sold short indicating plenty investors pretty bearish healthcarefocused real estate investment trust reit probably biggest reason investors skepticism company reported earnings decline nearly 40 last quarter much decrease stemmed higher interest expense refinancing costs good news investors omega healthcare pays attractive dividend currently yields 81 also solid history growth company increased dividend 20 consecutive quarters omega healthcare investors benefit unstoppable trend aging baby boomer generation company owns skilled nursing assisted living properties throughout us uk omega healthcare stock might hated one investors come love time increasing dividends solid longterm growth prospects 10 stocks like better omega healthcare investorswhen 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 omega healthcare investors wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click learn picks stock advisor returns september 5 2017 keith speights position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy | 546 |
<p>The Clinton Foundation has come under a microscope this election cycle. What has come to light about the Clinton Foundation has revealed that the so-called charity is truly a quagmire of Clintonian corruption and sleaze through quid pro quo deals for the Clintons and their cronies to enrich themselves.</p>
<p>Here are the Clinton Foundation's seven worst scandals.</p>
<p>1. When Hillary Clinton was sworn in as secretary of state, she was required to sign a document stating she would keep the State Department independent from the Clinton Foundation. She was also required to disclose the Clinton Foundation's donors. Needless to say, Clinton did not follow this agreement, as is made clear below.</p>
<p>2. A newly unearthed memo reveals that the Clinton Foundation was nothing more than a vessel for the Clintons to get rich. The memo, written in 2011 by a Doug Band, a confidant of Bill Clinton, explained how Band used his consulting firm Teneo to encourage people to donate to the Clinton Foundation. Daily Wire editor-in-chief <a href="" type="internal">Ben Shapiro explains</a>:</p>
<p>Band explained how Teneo would solicit “in-kind services for the President and his family – for personal travel, hospitality, vacation and the like.” As the Washington Post reports, Band talked openly of a “circle of enrichment in which he raised money for the Clinton Foundation from top-tier corporations such as Dow Chemical and Coca-Cola that were clients of his firm, Teneo, while pressing many of those same donors to provide personal income to the former president.” Band made serious cash for Clinton: they’d raised $8 million for the foundation, and created contracts worth $66 million to the Clintons over the next nine years. For example, Teneo brought together Clinton and Dow chief executive Andrew Liveris, helped facilitate Dow’s donation of millions to the Clinton Foundation and tens of millions to Teneo; simultaneously, Hillary visited Northern Ireland and thanked Dow for their creation of jobs in the country.</p>
<p>The connection between Teneo, the Clinton Foundation, and the State Department was beyond cozy. Declan Kelly, a former Hillary fundraiser, was one of the partners at Teneo – and ended up as an ambassador appointed by Hillary at State. Cheryl Mills, Hillary’s top hatchet woman, worked heavily with the Clinton Foundation. Huma Abedin worked at the State Department for Hillary while still receiving a waiver to work for a company connected to Teneo. And Abedin worked to assure “a presidential appointment for a supporter of the Clinton Foundation, according to a chain obtained by Politico.” Chelsea Clinton was upset enough by Teneo’s infiltration of the Clinton Global Initiative – Bill eventually had to return pay he received directly from Teneo thanks to Teneo’s connection to scandals including former New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine’s MF Global – that she ripped on Teneo to John Podesta, Hillary’s current campaign chair. That led Band to call Chelsea “a spoiled rich brat who has nothing else to do but create issues to justify what she’s doing because she, as she has said, hasn’t found her way and has a lack of focus in her life.”</p>
<p>The report is such an obvious example of corruption that even leftist reporter Chris Cillizza had to admit the obvious:</p>
<p>If this isn't a textbook example of buying access, I don't know what is [link fixed] <a href="https://t.co/OPs4JZtFd1" type="external">https://t.co/OPs4JZtFd1</a></p>
<p>3. Numerous companies donated to the Clinton Foundation and then lobbied the State Department with lobbyists who were connected to the Clintons. A <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/10/17/hillary-clinton-foundation-donors-lobbyists-state-department/92285652/" type="external">USA Today</a> report poured through data from the Center for Responsive Politics and financial records to determine that "at least a dozen of those same companies lobbied the State Department, using lobbyists who doubled as major Clinton campaign fundraisers." These lobbyists even had a name if they raised at least $100,000 for the Clinton campaign–"Hillblazers." There were at least four Hillblazers used as a lobbyists.</p>
<p>Some of the companies that engaged in this practice included:</p>
<p>• Microsoft has given between $1 million and $5 million to the foundations, as the tech giant also lobbied for visa issues, protection of critical infrastructure and cybersecurity, software industry licensing and government procurement.</p>
<p>• Pfizer, one of the world’s top biopharmaceutical companies, has also given between $1 million and $5 million to the foundations, while lobbying for such issues as intellectual property rights overseas and issues related to medicines in Turkey and India.</p>
<p>• ExxonMobil, the global oil and energy company based in Texas, gave the foundations between $1 million and $5 million. The company lobbied the Department of State for issues involving hydraulic fracturing, popularly known as fracking, oil sands and other provisions.</p>
<p>• The Northeast Maglev, a Washington, D.C.-based company that advocates for high-speed, magnetic levitation rail service in the U.S., donated as much as $100,000 while lobbying the Department of State to help provide support for the issue.</p>
<p>• Mexico TV network Azteca and its affiliates donated as much as $375,000 while lobbying for U.S. business opportunities, an education initiative involving students from the U.S., Mexico and Latin America, and other causes.</p>
<p>USA Today provided a little more detail on some of these companies and their use of Hillblazers:</p>
<p>All of these present a serious conflict of interest for a President Hillary Clinton, as these companies wouldn't give these donations without expecting something in return. There has already been plenty of examples of quid pro quo between Clinton Foundation donors and the State Department.</p>
<p>4. Hillary's State Department emboldened Russia through Clinton Foundation quid pro quos. <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-clinton-foundation-state-and-kremlin-connections-1469997195" type="external">Peter Schweizer</a>, author of Clinton Cash, wrote in the Wall Street Journal that as secretary of state, Clinton corralled U.S. tech companies -- including those who were donors to the Clinton Foundation -- to provide funding to Skolkovo, which was dubbed "Russia’s version of Silicon Valley." Skolkovo returned their favor by having Russians connected to the "innovation city" donate to the Clinton Foundation and gathering together 28 "Key Partners," 17 of which "made financial commitments to the Clinton Foundation, totaling tens of millions of dollars, or sponsored speeches by Bill Clinton."</p>
<p>Here's the problem with all this: Skolkovo is funded by the Russian government, which has utilized the "innovation city" to enhance their military technology and steal classified information from the U.S.: (emphasis bolded)</p>
<p>Amid all the sloshing of Russia rubles and American dollars, however, the state-of-the-art technological research coming out of Skolkovo raised alarms among U.S. military experts and federal law-enforcement officials. Research conducted in 2012 on Skolkovo by the U.S. Army Foreign Military Studies Program at Fort Leavenworth declared that the purpose of Skolkovo was to serve as a “vehicle for world-wide technology transfer to Russia in the areas of information technology, biomedicine, energy, satellite and space technology, and nuclear technology.”</p>
<p>Moreover, the report said: “the Skolkovo Foundation has, in fact, been involved in defense-related activities since December 2011, when it approved the first weapons-related project—the development of a hypersonic cruise missile engine. . . . Not all of the center’s efforts are civilian in nature.”</p>
<p>Technology can have multiple uses—civilian and military. But in 2014 the Boston Business Journal ran an op-ed placed by the FBI, and noted that the agency had sent warnings to technology and other companies approached by Russian venture-capital firms. The op-ed—under the byline of Lucia Ziobro, an assistant special agent at the FBI’s Boston office—said that “The FBI believes the true motives of the Russian partners, who are often funded by their government, is to gain access to classified, sensitive, and emerging technology from the companies.”</p>
<p>Ms. Ziobro also wrote that “The [Skolkovo] foundation may be a means for the Russian government to access our nation’s sensitive or classified research development facilities and dual-use technologies with military and commercial application.”</p>
<p>It would be bad enough if this were the only quid pro quo deal that benefited the Russian government, but there was another deal that was just as bad, if not worse.</p>
<p>Clinton's State Department <a href="http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2016/08/memo-sheds-new-light-on-clinton-russia-uranium-scandal.php" type="external">approved the sale of Uranium One</a> to essentially be under the control of the Russian government. The deal allowed the Russian government to be in control of at least 20 percent of the U.S.'s uranium output, with some estimates putting it as high as 50 percent. Uranium One had donated $2.6 million to the Clinton Foundation.</p>
<p>For all of Clinton's tough talk against Russia in the 2016 election cycle, her actions as secretary of state do not substantiate her rhetoric.</p>
<p>5. Hillary's State Department approved arms deals to countries with poor human rights records. As the <a href="" type="internal">Daily Wire reported</a> previously, the State Department "approved of '$165 billion worth of commercial arms sales to 20 nations whose governments have given money to the Clinton Foundation,' including 'Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar, according to International Business Times."</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Saudi Arabia</a> and <a href="" type="internal">Qatar</a> are both countries that <a href="http://fortune.com/2016/03/17/this-is-how-oppressed-women-are-in-saudi-arabia/" type="external">treat women</a> as <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=79539" type="external">second-class citizens</a> and provide aid to Islamic terror organizations.</p>
<p>6. The Clintons scammed the people of Haiti after devastating natural disasters to enrich Clinton Foundation donors. The Daily Wire <a href="" type="internal">reports</a>:</p>
<p>Dinesh D'Souza has chronicled the seedy details of the scam <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/article/437883/hillarys-america-secret-history-democratic-party-dinesh-dsouza-clinton-foundation" type="external">here</a>.</p>
<p>7. Hillary confidant Sidney Blumenthal lobbied for the U.S. to take out Libyan dictator Moammar Gaddafi. According to <a href="http://thefederalist.com/2015/10/23/4-times-sidney-blumenthal-was-more-than-just-a-friend-to-hillary-clinton/" type="external">The Federalist</a>:</p>
<p>Blumenthal had invested in Osprey Global Solutions, a military contractor that wanted to do business with the Libyan rebels. While this was going down, he pushed Clinton, who was serving as Secretary of State at the time, to support business relations between western military contractors and Libyan rebels. This kind of prompting, combined with his financial interests, seems to be on the illegal side of things, according to National Review. A cynic might even characterize Blumenthal’s efforts as blatant war-profiteering.</p>
<p>Blumenthal at the time was employed by the Clinton Foundation, and using his influence he essentially ousted an <a href="" type="internal">American ally</a> who provided intelligence on Islamic terrorists, resulting in the country being overrun by jihadists. And it was all so Blumenthal could profit off of it.</p>
<p>For more on the Clinton Foundation, the Daily Wire's primer on the foundation <a href="" type="internal">here</a> as well <a href="" type="internal">Ben Shapiro</a>'s "list of countries and figures who have benefitted thanks to Hillary Clinton’s dramatic corruption."</p> | true | 0 | clinton foundation come microscope election cycle come light clinton foundation revealed socalled charity truly quagmire clintonian corruption sleaze quid pro quo deals clintons cronies enrich clinton foundations seven worst scandals 1 hillary clinton sworn secretary state required sign document stating would keep state department independent clinton foundation also required disclose clinton foundations donors needless say clinton follow agreement made clear 2 newly unearthed memo reveals clinton foundation nothing vessel clintons get rich memo written 2011 doug band confidant bill clinton explained band used consulting firm teneo encourage people donate clinton foundation daily wire editorinchief ben shapiro explains band explained teneo would solicit inkind services president family personal travel hospitality vacation like washington post reports band talked openly circle enrichment raised money clinton foundation toptier corporations dow chemical cocacola clients firm teneo pressing many donors provide personal income former president band made serious cash clinton theyd raised 8 million foundation created contracts worth 66 million clintons next nine years example teneo brought together clinton dow chief executive andrew liveris helped facilitate dows donation millions clinton foundation tens millions teneo simultaneously hillary visited northern ireland thanked dow creation jobs country connection teneo clinton foundation state department beyond cozy declan kelly former hillary fundraiser one partners teneo ended ambassador appointed hillary state cheryl mills hillarys top hatchet woman worked heavily clinton foundation huma abedin worked state department hillary still receiving waiver work company connected teneo abedin worked assure presidential appointment supporter clinton foundation according chain obtained politico chelsea clinton upset enough teneos infiltration clinton global initiative bill eventually return pay received directly teneo thanks teneos connection scandals including former new jersey governor jon corzines mf global ripped teneo john podesta hillarys current campaign chair led band call chelsea spoiled rich brat nothing else create issues justify shes said hasnt found way lack focus life report obvious example corruption even leftist reporter chris cillizza admit obvious isnt textbook example buying access dont know link fixed httpstcoops4jztfd1 3 numerous companies donated clinton foundation lobbied state department lobbyists connected clintons usa today report poured data center responsive politics financial records determine least dozen companies lobbied state department using lobbyists doubled major clinton campaign fundraisers lobbyists even name raised least 100000 clinton campaignhillblazers least four hillblazers used lobbyists companies engaged practice included microsoft given 1 million 5 million foundations tech giant also lobbied visa issues protection critical infrastructure cybersecurity software industry licensing government procurement pfizer one worlds top biopharmaceutical companies also given 1 million 5 million foundations lobbying issues intellectual property rights overseas issues related medicines turkey india exxonmobil global oil energy company based texas gave foundations 1 million 5 million company lobbied department state issues involving hydraulic fracturing popularly known fracking oil sands provisions northeast maglev washington dcbased company advocates highspeed magnetic levitation rail service us donated much 100000 lobbying department state help provide support issue mexico tv network azteca affiliates donated much 375000 lobbying us business opportunities education initiative involving students us mexico latin america causes usa today provided little detail companies use hillblazers present serious conflict interest president hillary clinton companies wouldnt give donations without expecting something return already plenty examples quid pro quo clinton foundation donors state department 4 hillarys state department emboldened russia clinton foundation quid pro quos peter schweizer author clinton cash wrote wall street journal secretary state clinton corralled us tech companies including donors clinton foundation provide funding skolkovo dubbed russias version silicon valley skolkovo returned favor russians connected innovation city donate clinton foundation gathering together 28 key partners 17 made financial commitments clinton foundation totaling tens millions dollars sponsored speeches bill clinton heres problem skolkovo funded russian government utilized innovation city enhance military technology steal classified information us emphasis bolded amid sloshing russia rubles american dollars however stateoftheart technological research coming skolkovo raised alarms among us military experts federal lawenforcement officials research conducted 2012 skolkovo us army foreign military studies program fort leavenworth declared purpose skolkovo serve vehicle worldwide technology transfer russia areas information technology biomedicine energy satellite space technology nuclear technology moreover report said skolkovo foundation fact involved defenserelated activities since december 2011 approved first weaponsrelated projectthe development hypersonic cruise missile engine centers efforts civilian nature technology multiple usescivilian military 2014 boston business journal ran oped placed fbi noted agency sent warnings technology companies approached russian venturecapital firms opedunder byline lucia ziobro assistant special agent fbis boston officesaid fbi believes true motives russian partners often funded government gain access classified sensitive emerging technology companies ms ziobro also wrote skolkovo foundation may means russian government access nations sensitive classified research development facilities dualuse technologies military commercial application would bad enough quid pro quo deal benefited russian government another deal bad worse clintons state department approved sale uranium one essentially control russian government deal allowed russian government control least 20 percent uss uranium output estimates putting high 50 percent uranium one donated 26 million clinton foundation clintons tough talk russia 2016 election cycle actions secretary state substantiate rhetoric 5 hillarys state department approved arms deals countries poor human rights records daily wire reported previously state department approved 165 billion worth commercial arms sales 20 nations whose governments given money clinton foundation including algeria saudi arabia kuwait united arab emirates oman qatar according international business times saudi arabia qatar countries treat women secondclass citizens provide aid islamic terror organizations 6 clintons scammed people haiti devastating natural disasters enrich clinton foundation donors daily wire reports dinesh dsouza chronicled seedy details scam 7 hillary confidant sidney blumenthal lobbied us take libyan dictator moammar gaddafi according federalist blumenthal invested osprey global solutions military contractor wanted business libyan rebels going pushed clinton serving secretary state time support business relations western military contractors libyan rebels kind prompting combined financial interests seems illegal side things according national review cynic might even characterize blumenthals efforts blatant warprofiteering blumenthal time employed clinton foundation using influence essentially ousted american ally provided intelligence islamic terrorists resulting country overrun jihadists blumenthal could profit clinton foundation daily wires primer foundation well ben shapiros list countries figures benefitted thanks hillary clintons dramatic corruption | 999 |
<p>Some schools are getting tougher on e-cigarettes, even punishing possession of the devices more harshly than regular cigarettes.</p>
<p>The devices, which heat a nicotine solution to create a vapor instead of burning tobacco, have passed traditional smokes in popularity among teenagers. Schools are clamping down because e-cigarettes, sometimes also known as vaporizers, can also be used for illegal substances like marijuana.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Most schools have folded e-cigarettes into their anti-tobacco policies, which typically punish students with detention, a letter home and sometimes a tobacco education class.</p>
<p>But other schools in states including North Carolina, New Jersey, Washington and Connecticut, are grouping the devices in with bongs and pipes, meaning students could face long suspensions and required drug tests and have possession of drug paraphernalia marked on their school record.</p>
<p>"Our goal is to reduce access and discourage use on campus," said Sarah D'Annolfo, dean of students at The Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut. The co-ed boarding school amended its policy this school year to have e-cigarettes fall under its drug and alcohol policy. A disciplinary committee made up of faculty and students evaluate violations case-by-case, but they could result in a weeklong suspension and a mark on their record rather than a chat with the dean and school doctor and parental notification.</p>
<p>"It definitely sparks conversation within the school community about e-cigarette use and the possible dangers and the possible benefits," D'Annolfo said. "That conversation alone is a hugely important learning opportunity."</p>
<p>According to an annual government survey of more than 41,000 students, e-cigarettes have surpassed traditional smoking in popularity among teens.</p>
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<p>Some 16 percent of 10th-graders had tried an e-cigarette in the past month, and 17 percent of high school seniors. Regular smoking continued inching down, to 7 percent of 10th-graders and 14 percent of 12th-graders. However, the survey didn't ask about repeat use, or whether teens were just experimenting with something new.</p>
<p>Most agree it should be illegal to sell e-cigarettes to kids, and most states have banned such sales. But health and public policy experts can't say for certain whether the electronic devices are a good thing or a bad thing overall, whether they help smokers kick the habit or are a gateway to ordinary paper-and-tobacco cigarettes.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, companies vying for a stake in the e-cigarette business have revived marketing tactics that helped hook generations of Americans on regular smokes. The TV commercials, race-car sponsorships and candy-flavored nicotine liquid all raise fears that makers are targeting young people to take up an addictive habit.</p>
<p>Last April, the Food and Drug Administration for the first time proposed regulations for e-cigarettes. They would include banning sales to minors and requiring health warning labels. The rules wouldn't immediately ban the wide array of flavors or styles of e-cigarettes or curb marketing.</p>
<p>Gregory Conley, president of the e-cigarette advocacy group American Vaping Association, said minors shouldn't have or use e-cigarettes but it's "pure over-reaction" to punish students caught with them more than students who have regular cigarettes.</p>
<p>Still, the array of possible uses of e-cigarettes has spurred caution among school officials.</p>
<p>"We don't know if it's vapor or some kind of hashish oil or if it's some kind of illegal substance," said Anne Garrett, superintendent of Haywood County Schools in western North Carolina, where the policies were changed this month to treat the devices as drug paraphernalia.</p>
<p>Some parents think such measures are too harsh. In Parsippany, New Jersey, Kathleen Leone refused to let school officials drug test her 16-year-old daughter after she was caught with her older brother's e-cigarette in her pocketbook, leading to a four-day suspension.</p>
<p>"I'm not going to sit here and tell you that she should have it, but you know, she's 16, and 16-year-olds do stupid things," said Leone, who's also a teacher. "In her record it says she was suspended for refusal to take (a drug test), and that's something that could affect her chances getting into a university."</p>
<p>But the concerns raised by school districts may not be too far-fetched.</p>
<p>Devices that look exactly like e-cigarettes but have a compartment that can be filled with substances like concentrated forms of marijuana are sold online and in stores across the country. In states like Colorado and Washington state, where marijuana is legal for adults over 21, stores not only sell the hash oil itself but sells it in pre-filled cartridges.</p>
<p>Traditional e-cigarettes also are being modified by users for use with the oil, illegal in most of the country.</p>
<p>Much like using an e-cigarette with liquid nicotine, the vapor - along with any odor - produced dissipates quickly. Still, some argue most people could smell the difference.</p>
<p>The National Association of State Boards of Education doesn't have an official policy on e-cigarettes, but Executive Director Kristen Amundson said she believes the group would recommend that the devices be treated as tobacco products. But if a school district thinks they have a particular problem with the devices, then sending a really clear message may be a good idea, she said.</p>
<p>"But it is always better if school administrators use good judgment and discretion," said Amundson, a former Virginia legislator and teacher who also served on the school board of northern Virginia's Fairfax County. "That's how we end up not having to hear a case of a kindergartner who brought a little paring knife to school suddenly being recommended for expulsion for bringing a weapon to school."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Michael Felberbaum can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/MLFelberbaum.</p> | true | 0 | schools getting tougher ecigarettes even punishing possession devices harshly regular cigarettes devices heat nicotine solution create vapor instead burning tobacco passed traditional smokes popularity among teenagers schools clamping ecigarettes sometimes also known vaporizers also used illegal substances like marijuana continue reading schools folded ecigarettes antitobacco policies typically punish students detention letter home sometimes tobacco education class schools states including north carolina new jersey washington connecticut grouping devices bongs pipes meaning students could face long suspensions required drug tests possession drug paraphernalia marked school record goal reduce access discourage use campus said sarah dannolfo dean students taft school watertown connecticut coed boarding school amended policy school year ecigarettes fall drug alcohol policy disciplinary committee made faculty students evaluate violations casebycase could result weeklong suspension mark record rather chat dean school doctor parental notification definitely sparks conversation within school community ecigarette use possible dangers possible benefits dannolfo said conversation alone hugely important learning opportunity according annual government survey 41000 students ecigarettes surpassed traditional smoking popularity among teens advertisement 16 percent 10thgraders tried ecigarette past month 17 percent high school seniors regular smoking continued inching 7 percent 10thgraders 14 percent 12thgraders however survey didnt ask repeat use whether teens experimenting something new agree illegal sell ecigarettes kids states banned sales health public policy experts cant say certain whether electronic devices good thing bad thing overall whether help smokers kick habit gateway ordinary paperandtobacco cigarettes nevertheless companies vying stake ecigarette business revived marketing tactics helped hook generations americans regular smokes tv commercials racecar sponsorships candyflavored nicotine liquid raise fears makers targeting young people take addictive habit last april food drug administration first time proposed regulations ecigarettes would include banning sales minors requiring health warning labels rules wouldnt immediately ban wide array flavors styles ecigarettes curb marketing gregory conley president ecigarette advocacy group american vaping association said minors shouldnt use ecigarettes pure overreaction punish students caught students regular cigarettes still array possible uses ecigarettes spurred caution among school officials dont know vapor kind hashish oil kind illegal substance said anne garrett superintendent haywood county schools western north carolina policies changed month treat devices drug paraphernalia parents think measures harsh parsippany new jersey kathleen leone refused let school officials drug test 16yearold daughter caught older brothers ecigarette pocketbook leading fourday suspension im going sit tell know shes 16 16yearolds stupid things said leone whos also teacher record says suspended refusal take drug test thats something could affect chances getting university concerns raised school districts may farfetched devices look exactly like ecigarettes compartment filled substances like concentrated forms marijuana sold online stores across country states like colorado washington state marijuana legal adults 21 stores sell hash oil sells prefilled cartridges traditional ecigarettes also modified users use oil illegal country much like using ecigarette liquid nicotine vapor along odor produced dissipates quickly still argue people could smell difference national association state boards education doesnt official policy ecigarettes executive director kristen amundson said believes group would recommend devices treated tobacco products school district thinks particular problem devices sending really clear message may good idea said always better school administrators use good judgment discretion said amundson former virginia legislator teacher also served school board northern virginias fairfax county thats end hear case kindergartner brought little paring knife school suddenly recommended expulsion bringing weapon school ___ michael felberbaum reached httpwwwtwittercommlfelberbaum | 549 |
<p><a href="//videos/37/65294" type="external" /></p>
<p>RUSH: Yeah. <a href="" type="internal">In the Stack of Things</a> That Are Totally Made-up and Cannot Possibly Be True Today, there’s a Washington Post poll, and do you know what it says? The vast majority of you support Obama’s nuke deal with Iran. That’s what it says. The vast majority of the American people are ready to go, ready to help Obama get the nuke deal done with Iran. Except they’re not told the truth about what the deal is. The primary question in the poll is, “Would you support an Iranian nuclear deal which lifted sanctions on Iran for a pledge from Iran not to develop a nuclear weapon?”</p>
<p>Well, of course, reasonable people say, “Yep, that’s good with me!” But that’s not what the Iranian nuke deal is. They do a poll on an imaginary nuke deal, but that question has no relationship to what the deal currently being discussed is. And, of course, the deal has fallen apart. There are so many misconceptions about this. Everybody thought that the deadline — THE deadline — was today. Now they say, “No, this was just phase one. This was some preliminary thing. This is the framework of a deal. This is not the deal.”</p>
<p>The Drive-Bys were hyping this date, today, as it had to get done or else it was gonna blow up and nothing was ever gonna happen. That simply was never the case. The original drop-dead date for this is sometime in June or July. And what happened here is exactly what the Iranians always do. At the last minute, they made a total change to something they had previously committed to. In this case they said, “You know what? We’re not gonna surrender the enriched uranium that we produced,” and John Kerry said, “But wait! But wait! You said you were!”</p>
<p>The Iranians said, “Well, we changed our mind. We talked to Ali Khomeini, and we changed our mind. We’re not gonna do that.” So we called the Russians, “Hey, can you guys help? Because you essentially sold them the stuff to help ’em make it,” and Putin said, “Yeah, we’ll take the uranium off their hands.” And the Iranians said, “No, we not gonna give up our uranium.” The Russians said, “We’d be happy to take it and hold it in escrow.” (snorts) So then as I say the ayatollah Khamenei came in and said, “Screw all this!”</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" />So the deadline today is gonna come and go. Whether it’s met or not is irrelevant because the Ayatollah Khamenei said, “This two-phase thing is a bunch of garbage, anyway! Screw this framework stuff. The real drop-dead date is July. That’s what’s now operative.” Of course this is also part and parcel of the way Iran gets things. They get very, very close to what everybody thinks is a deal and they walk away.</p>
<p>Now they’ve gone… See this is March, April, May. (chuckles) They got three or four months here to keep developing uranium, keep running their centrifuges, keep working toward the creation of a nuclear weapon while the talks stall and then resume and then stall and get everybody focused on a new date this summer. It’s exactly what Iran does.</p>
<p>Here, grab sound bite number one and two, John Bolton. Before we get back to Indiana Mike Pence, let me get this out of the way because this not gonna take much. On America’s Newsroom today Bill Hemmer was speaking with Bolton about all of this going on in Iran, and he said, “Now, critics say that the president’s already given way too much. Today’s the day, right? John Kerry said last night, ‘Everybody knows the meaning of tomorrow and tomorrow is today.’ So what does it all mean,” Mr. Bolton?</p>
<p>BOLTON: If they don’t announce it today, they’ll have to announce it on April Fool’s Day. They will declare success because in negotiation, you never fail. But if anybody thinks that Iran has really made any substantial concession here, they’re not listening careful enough, and the Iranians really are never gonna make substantial concessions because they’re determined to get nuclear weapons.</p>
<p>RUSH: Right, and we’re not telling them that they can’t. The only way that… Well, here, he addresses it. Bolton says the only way we’re gonna stop this is to bomb ’em, and we’re not gonna do that, so they’re gonna get the weapon. Hemmer said, “Well, you’re taking a lot of heat, Mr. Bolton, for a piece that you put out last week. You said to stop Iran’s bomb you gotta bomb Iran. You think that’s the only way out here?”</p>
<p>BOLTON: There are only two outcomes here. One is the most likely outcome: Iran gets nuclear weapons. Whether they sign this deal or not, I think there’s a lot of common-sense understanding that they are stringing us along. Look at the prior examples where the Israelis bombed a nuclear reactor in Syria being constructed by North Korea in September of 2007. They set Saddam Hussein’s nuclear weapons program back for a decade by bombing the Osirak reactor in 1991.</p>
<p>RUSH: So his point is that’s about the only leverage we have now is to bomb their facilities. The problem is many of their facilities are way, way down there — way down underground. It’d be tough. You’d need one of those bunker-busting bombs. I don’t know if we still have ’em or if the Democrats outlawed them for being too dangerous. But that’s what it would take. John Bolton has become sort of a fait accompli-ist on this.</p>
<p>They’re gonna get it. Negotiations never fail. No matter what happens, you declare victory. (That’s called “statesmanship,” by the way.) He’s not accusing Obama of that. That’s just what everybody does. At the end of every negotiation, everybody claims victory, whether there is one or not. Now, Bill Richardson. We’ve featured his sound bites on this subject the past couple of weeks, and he was back on CNN today with Chris Cuomo. He just cannot believe what he’s seeing here. Cuomo said, “I know it’s just optics, and I know it’s oversimplification, but it does look like Iran’s getting everything it wants. It looks like they’re running the table here, doesn’t it?”</p>
<p>RICHARDSON: They’re running rampant. They’re moving ahead in Iraq. They’re moving in Syria. With ISIS they are on our side, but they’re causing a lot of problems in the region. You can’t trust ’em. Lastly, Saudi Arabia and Israel; they’re our friends. They’re not happy about this. We gotta find a way in this interim period to get closer to the Saudis, to see if we can breach this relationship, make it better with Israel, ’cause there’s just too much turmoil in the region, and we can’t let Iran get away with everything it’s doing in the region. They are running rampant.</p>
<p>RUSH: We are not stopping them. We do not have an administration that wants to stop them. That’s what everybody seems to have trouble realizing or admitting here. We do not have an administration that wants to stop Iran. It’s just the opposite in fact. There’s a reason that Iran’s running rampant. It’s that nobody’s stopping them. I take that back. The French are trying to. Imagine that. The French are bigger hawks than we are. Of course the Israelis are trying to stop it.</p>
<p>Even some of the other European nations, the P5+1 group. But they can’t do it. They can’t do it without us, and we’re not on the same page with them. This administration does not wants to stop Iran from its ultimate aim: Getting nuclear weapons. Now, they’re not trying to facilitate this happening tomorrow, but they don’t want to stop it. The current deal permits Iran in ten years to have nuclear weapons.</p>
<p>It’s gonna rely on the power of Obama’s charisma and his speeches on it persuading Iran not to use the nuclear weapons that they are going to eventually either obtain or create, produce.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: Jim in Battle Creek, Michigan. Great to have you on the EIB Network, sir. Hello.</p>
<p>CALLER: Hello. Thank you for taking my call and —</p>
<p>RUSH: You bet.</p>
<p>CALLER: — and thank you for all you do for us.</p>
<p>RUSH: Thank you.</p>
<p>CALLER: Now that they’re okay with them building those centrifuges deep in the ground, will it be okay for us to start building nuclear power plants deep in the ground?</p>
<p>RUSH: You mean like the Iranians are doing?</p>
<p>CALLER: Yes.</p>
<p>RUSH: The Iranians are building their nuclear facilities way, way, way down there. I mean, way down there, folks, so that our bombs or anybody else’s bombs can’t get to them.</p>
<p>CALLER: And so if it’s okay for them to do that, is it okay for us to start building nuclear power plants?</p>
<p>RUSH: It’s actually not a bad question. His question, the Iranians maintain that they’re not building nuclear weapons, except that they are. They claim that they’re building nuclear power. They need to build nuclear power to be able to fuel their growing nation. People say, “Wait a minute. You got more oil than you know what to do with.” And they say, “Yeah, but we’re so behind the times, we don’t have any refineries. We have to ship it out.” Which is true, they don’t. “And if we got these embargoes on us, we got they see sanctions, we need nuclear power.”</p>
<p>Their facilities are way underground. His point is we can’t build a nuclear power plant in this country without 10 years of investigations and regulatory filings and all that. Now, what happens if we would build one way underground? The environmentalist wackos would find something. It would probably cause earthquakes if we did it. His point is, why is it okay for the Iranians to do any of this, either build a bomb or nuclear power plants, wherever they’re doing it, and we can’t do diddly-squat? There’s an answer to it. Why can the Iranians and why can’t we? The simplest answer often works. It’s called the Democrat Party.</p> | true | 0 | rush yeah stack things totally madeup possibly true today theres washington post poll know says vast majority support obamas nuke deal iran thats says vast majority american people ready go ready help obama get nuke deal done iran except theyre told truth deal primary question poll would support iranian nuclear deal lifted sanctions iran pledge iran develop nuclear weapon well course reasonable people say yep thats good thats iranian nuke deal poll imaginary nuke deal question relationship deal currently discussed course deal fallen apart many misconceptions everybody thought deadline deadline today say phase one preliminary thing framework deal deal drivebys hyping date today get done else gon na blow nothing ever gon na happen simply never case original dropdead date sometime june july happened exactly iranians always last minute made total change something previously committed case said know gon na surrender enriched uranium produced john kerry said wait wait said iranians said well changed mind talked ali khomeini changed mind gon na called russians hey guys help essentially sold stuff help em make putin said yeah well take uranium hands iranians said gon na give uranium russians said wed happy take hold escrow snorts say ayatollah khamenei came said screw deadline today gon na come go whether met irrelevant ayatollah khamenei said twophase thing bunch garbage anyway screw framework stuff real dropdead date july thats whats operative course also part parcel way iran gets things get close everybody thinks deal walk away theyve gone see march april may chuckles got three four months keep developing uranium keep running centrifuges keep working toward creation nuclear weapon talks stall resume stall get everybody focused new date summer exactly iran grab sound bite number one two john bolton get back indiana mike pence let get way gon na take much americas newsroom today bill hemmer speaking bolton going iran said critics say presidents already given way much todays day right john kerry said last night everybody knows meaning tomorrow tomorrow today mean mr bolton bolton dont announce today theyll announce april fools day declare success negotiation never fail anybody thinks iran really made substantial concession theyre listening careful enough iranians really never gon na make substantial concessions theyre determined get nuclear weapons rush right telling cant way well addresses bolton says way gon na stop bomb em gon na theyre gon na get weapon hemmer said well youre taking lot heat mr bolton piece put last week said stop irans bomb got ta bomb iran think thats way bolton two outcomes one likely outcome iran gets nuclear weapons whether sign deal think theres lot commonsense understanding stringing us along look prior examples israelis bombed nuclear reactor syria constructed north korea september 2007 set saddam husseins nuclear weapons program back decade bombing osirak reactor 1991 rush point thats leverage bomb facilities problem many facilities way way way underground itd tough youd need one bunkerbusting bombs dont know still em democrats outlawed dangerous thats would take john bolton become sort fait accompliist theyre gon na get negotiations never fail matter happens declare victory thats called statesmanship way hes accusing obama thats everybody end every negotiation everybody claims victory whether one bill richardson weve featured sound bites subject past couple weeks back cnn today chris cuomo believe hes seeing cuomo said know optics know oversimplification look like irans getting everything wants looks like theyre running table doesnt richardson theyre running rampant theyre moving ahead iraq theyre moving syria isis side theyre causing lot problems region cant trust em lastly saudi arabia israel theyre friends theyre happy got ta find way interim period get closer saudis see breach relationship make better israel cause theres much turmoil region cant let iran get away everything region running rampant rush stopping administration wants stop thats everybody seems trouble realizing admitting administration wants stop iran opposite fact theres reason irans running rampant nobodys stopping take back french trying imagine french bigger hawks course israelis trying stop even european nations p51 group cant cant without us page administration wants stop iran ultimate aim getting nuclear weapons theyre trying facilitate happening tomorrow dont want stop current deal permits iran ten years nuclear weapons gon na rely power obamas charisma speeches persuading iran use nuclear weapons going eventually either obtain create produce break transcript rush jim battle creek michigan great eib network sir hello caller hello thank taking call rush bet caller thank us rush thank caller theyre okay building centrifuges deep ground okay us start building nuclear power plants deep ground rush mean like iranians caller yes rush iranians building nuclear facilities way way way mean way folks bombs anybody elses bombs cant get caller okay okay us start building nuclear power plants rush actually bad question question iranians maintain theyre building nuclear weapons except claim theyre building nuclear power need build nuclear power able fuel growing nation people say wait minute got oil know say yeah behind times dont refineries ship true dont got embargoes us got see sanctions need nuclear power facilities way underground point cant build nuclear power plant country without 10 years investigations regulatory filings happens would build one way underground environmentalist wackos would find something would probably cause earthquakes point okay iranians either build bomb nuclear power plants wherever theyre cant diddlysquat theres answer iranians cant simplest answer often works called democrat party | 885 |
<p />
<p>Seven is Amazon.com's (NASDAQ: AMZN) lucky number.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>This morning, for the seventh time this year (according to <a href="http://www.streetinsider.com/rating_history.php?q=AMZN" type="external">StreetInsider.com Opens a New Window.</a>), Amazon stock received a new buy rating on Wall Street. That sounds like good news for owners of Amazon stock -- and it is. The stock has gained 1.6% in response to the new upgrade already. But here's some even better news for folks who own the stock:The analyst upgrading Amazon this morning is <a href="http://caps.fool.com/player/trackargus.aspx" type="external">Argus Research Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>According to our records on <a href="http://caps.fool.com/" type="external">Motley Fool CAPS Opens a New Window.</a>, Argus Research is one of the best stock pickers on Wall Street. Since 2008, when we first began tracking the analyst's performance, Argus' stock picks have outperformed the S&amp;P 500 by better than 17 percentage points per pick, an outstanding record that places the analyst in the top 10% of investors we track.</p>
<p>And now it likes Amazon. Here are three things you need to know about that.</p>
<p>Amazon's Fire is on sale, and Argus says so is Amazon stock -- on sale, and also on fire! Image source: Amazon.com.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>As explained in a write-up on <a href="http://thefly.com/news.php?symbol=AMZN" type="external">TheFly.com Opens a New Window.</a> this morning, Argus likes Amazon for three main reasons: First, it owns "well more than half" of the infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) market via its Amazon Web Services (AWS) business. Second, Amazon's online retail business is growing faster than its stock price. And third, Argus believes Amazon.com is a long-term buy -- so long as the first two trends remain true.</p>
<p>Argus rates the stock a buy and predicts Amazon.com stock will hit $935 a share within the next year.</p>
<p>All that being said, Argus does admit that Amazon stock sells for "rich multiples." Up 47% in value over the past 52 weeks, Amazon stock has never -- ever -- cost more than it does today. One single share of Amazon.com stock currently costs more than $802. By contrast, the second-biggest online retailer of general goods, Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT), carries a per-share price in only the double-digits (about $72), and the third-biggest, Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS) is priced only in the single digits -- $8 and change.</p>
<p>Is that too much to pay? Triple-digit valuations on the No. 1 retailer, when the No. 2 sells for double digits and the No. 3 player, just single digits?</p>
<p>Before you answer, remember that Amazon, Wal-Mart, and Staples are more than just stocks. They're also businesses. No matter how much a share of any of these companies' stocks costs, to know how expensive the business is, you need to add up all the shares that it has been carved into, multiply them by the stock price, and whatever you get -- the stock's market capitalization -- is how much the whole business costs.</p>
<p>Do that, and what you'll find is that Staples has a market capitalization of $5.5 billion, Wal-Mart Stores $223.4 billion, and Amazon.com $381.5 billion.</p>
<p>Viewed from this perspective, you can see that Amazon.com, as a business, does indeed cost more than Wal-Mart -- but only 71% more, not 1,110% more. (It's still a heckuvalot more expensive than Staples, though?)</p>
<p>Now the question becomes: Is Amazon worth it?</p>
<p>Let's consider. Focusing on the Wal-Mart/Amazon race, Wal-Mart stock currently sells for 10.5 times trailing free cash flow, while Amazon stock has a price-to-FCF ratio of 51.6. On the other hand, analysts polled by <a href="https://www.capitaliq.com/" type="external">S&amp;P Global Market Intelligence Opens a New Window.</a> see Wal-Mart growing its profits at only about 5% annually over the next five years, versus Amazon growing at 55% annually -- 11 times as fast as Wal-Mart. As a function of price-to-FCF-to-growth, therefore, Wal-Mart has a ratio of 2.0, while Amazon has a ratio of 0.9. (In fact, when you dig into the numbers, these analysts see Amazon's free cash flow roughly doubling in size between 2015 and 2017, between 2016 and 2108, and only then beginning to slow down -- doubling again between 2017 and 2020.)</p>
<p>What that tells me is that not only is Amazon.com stock relatively cheaper than Wal-Mart, it also suggests that Amazon.com stock is cheap, period -- even at $802 a share, even at $381.5 billion in market cap, and even at a P/E ratio of 200.</p>
<p>Long story short? Argus is right about Amazon selling for slightly terrifying "rich multiples." It's also right that the company is growing more than fast enough to justify those multiples.</p>
<p>And Argus is right when it says Amazon.com stock is a buy.</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>Fool contributor <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</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 currently ranks No. 280 out of more than 75,000 rated members.</p>
<p>The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon.com. 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 | seven amazoncoms nasdaq amzn lucky number continue reading morning seventh time year according streetinsidercom opens new window amazon stock received new buy rating wall street sounds like good news owners amazon stock stock gained 16 response new upgrade already heres even better news folks stockthe analyst upgrading amazon morning argus research opens new window according records motley fool caps opens new window argus research one best stock pickers wall street since 2008 first began tracking analysts performance argus stock picks outperformed sampp 500 better 17 percentage points per pick outstanding record places analyst top 10 investors track likes amazon three things need know amazons fire sale argus says amazon stock sale also fire image source amazoncom advertisement explained writeup theflycom opens new window morning argus likes amazon three main reasons first owns well half infrastructureasaservice iaas market via amazon web services aws business second amazons online retail business growing faster stock price third argus believes amazoncom longterm buy long first two trends remain true argus rates stock buy predicts amazoncom stock hit 935 share within next year said argus admit amazon stock sells rich multiples 47 value past 52 weeks amazon stock never ever cost today one single share amazoncom stock currently costs 802 contrast secondbiggest online retailer general goods walmart nyse wmt carries pershare price doubledigits 72 thirdbiggest staples nasdaq spls priced single digits 8 change much pay tripledigit valuations 1 retailer 2 sells double digits 3 player single digits answer remember amazon walmart staples stocks theyre also businesses matter much share companies stocks costs know expensive business need add shares carved multiply stock price whatever get stocks market capitalization much whole business costs youll find staples market capitalization 55 billion walmart stores 2234 billion amazoncom 3815 billion viewed perspective see amazoncom business indeed cost walmart 71 1110 still heckuvalot expensive staples though question becomes amazon worth lets consider focusing walmartamazon race walmart stock currently sells 105 times trailing free cash flow amazon stock pricetofcf ratio 516 hand analysts polled sampp global market intelligence opens new window see walmart growing profits 5 annually next five years versus amazon growing 55 annually 11 times fast walmart function pricetofcftogrowth therefore walmart ratio 20 amazon ratio 09 fact dig numbers analysts see amazons free cash flow roughly doubling size 2015 2017 2016 2108 beginning slow doubling 2017 2020 tells amazoncom stock relatively cheaper walmart also suggests amazoncom stock cheap period even 802 share even 3815 billion market cap even pe ratio 200 long story short argus right amazon selling slightly terrifying rich multiples also right company growing fast enough justify multiples argus right says amazoncom stock buy 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 fool contributor rich smith opens new windowdoes shares short company named find motley fool caps publicly pontificating handle tmfditty opens new window currently ranks 280 75000 rated members motley fool owns shares recommends amazoncom 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 | 545 |
<p>UPDATED:</p>
<p>A fatal shooting at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) left two adult males dead at approximately 10:00 a.m. this morning.</p>
<p>Here are five things you need to know:</p>
<p>1. It was ruled a murder-suicide.</p>
<p>The Los Angeles Police Department, leading the investigation, ruled the shooting a “possible” murder-suicide. A source at Fox 11 reporting from the UCLA campus told The Daily Wire a murder-suicide has been confirmed and one of the victims was responsible for the shooting. A gun and a note were found on the shooter’s body. The deceased shooter’s motives are still being investigated.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LAPD?src=hash" type="external">#LAPD</a> News: <a href="https://twitter.com/LAPDChiefBeck" type="external">@LAPDChiefBeck</a> Campus is now safe &amp; incident is contained. 2 males are dead. Possible murder-suicide. <a href="https://twitter.com/UCLABruinAlert" type="external">@UCLABruinAlert</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MayorOfLA" type="external">@MayorOfLA</a></p>
<p>2. The shooting took place near UCLA’s Engineering Building. Students were advised to remain on lockdown until further notice.</p>
<p>Mass alerts were sent periodically to the entire UCLA community:</p>
<p>9:54 AM</p>
<p>BruinAlert:</p>
<p>Shooting at Engineering 4. Go to secure location and deny entry (lockdown) now!</p>
<p>11:27 AM</p>
<p>BruinAlert:</p>
<p>Follow up: Shooting. Lock down continues for entire campus. Regardless of location on campus, go to secure location and deny entry (lockdown) now! More information once available.</p>
<p>Students were instructed by faculty to remain within their classrooms, lock their doors, and wait until further notice to leave.</p>
<p>The doors open outward and we can't lock them so we are barricading things in front of the door <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ucla?src=hash" type="external">#Ucla</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/activeshooter?src=hash" type="external">#activeshooter</a> <a href="https://t.co/KwA3VjqVHh" type="external">pic.twitter.com/KwA3VjqVHh</a></p>
<p>Student Jason Schechter reported he and his colleagues had barricaded themselves in their computer lab on the 4th floor of the Engineering Building during lockdown. One of the students apparently urinated on the floor because he had no access to a restroom.</p>
<p>Still sheltered in the engineering building. One student had to pee so bad he just went all over the floor. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ucla?src=hash" type="external">#Ucla</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/activeshooter?src=hash" type="external">#activeshooter</a></p>
<p>Schechter said he didn’t hear a gunshot but he heard a lot of police in the vicinity.</p>
<p>There's like 40 SWAT members outside our window in Boelter <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ucla?src=hash" type="external">#Ucla</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/uclashooting?src=hash" type="external">#uclashooting</a> <a href="https://t.co/ILjcWBwSoB" type="external">pic.twitter.com/ILjcWBwSoB</a></p>
<p>11:44 AM</p>
<p>BruinAlert:.</p>
<p>Lock down continues. Do not go outside unless instructed by UCPD! Do not come to campus. If outside go indoors and lock down.</p>
<p>3. Lockdown was lifted from the UCLA campus at approximately 12:00 p.m. but classes are canceled for the day as the shooting investigation continues.</p>
<p>LAPD announced the campus was safe, but that an investigation would continue. Classes and finals scheduled for June 1st are canceled for the day, and professors are allowing homework extensions as they recover from the incident.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LAPD?src=hash" type="external">#LAPD</a> News: <a href="https://twitter.com/LAPDChiefBeck" type="external">@LAPDChiefBeck</a> Out of an abundance of caution, search will still continue in bldg where incident took place. <a href="https://twitter.com/UCLABruinAlert" type="external">@UCLABruinAlert</a></p>
<p>12:18 PM</p>
<p>BruinAlert: All Clear.</p>
<p>Shooting event was an apparent murder/suicide. Lockdown is lifted at this time. Classes are cancelled for the remainder of the day and expected to resume tomorrow. Campus is open with exception for areas affected by the investigation. Check <a href="http://newsroom.ucla.edu/" type="external">newsroom.ucla.edu</a> for updates.</p>
<p>4th floor of engineering IV. Class canceled for the day. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ucla?src=hash" type="external">#Ucla</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/uclashooting?src=hash" type="external">#uclashooting</a> <a href="https://t.co/DlL69zrlra" type="external">pic.twitter.com/DlL69zrlra</a></p>
<p>One photo indicated a professor was locked in his classroom but still attempted to get his students to complete their final scheduled for today:</p>
<p>A UCLA professor tried to make students take their final during the shooting incident today <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Overwatch?src=hash" type="external">#Overwatch</a> … <a href="https://t.co/pxaLwHNdK1" type="external">pic.twitter.com/pxaLwHNdK1</a></p>
<p>4. The unarmed shooting victim was a biomechanics professor, William Klug.</p>
<p>Klug taught mechanical engineering at UCLA and was beloved by his students, some of whom are mourning his death by commemorating him <a href="https://www.everipedia.com/william-klug/" type="external">online</a>.</p>
<p>The victim in today's UCLA shooting was a brilliant professor of biomechanics - my fmr professor <a href="https://t.co/FQK3ImCxh2" type="external">https://t.co/FQK3ImCxh2</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLAShooting?src=hash" type="external">#UCLAShooting</a></p>
<p>Kayla Boldt, a sophomore at Yeshiva University in New York City, told The Daily Wire she knew Klug and was supposed to meet with him in Los Angeles tomorrow to discuss interning for him at UCLA over the summer.</p>
<p>"I was suppose to meet with him tomorrow," Boldt, shocked by the incident, said. "Let me put it this way, I contacted about 40 professors to see if I could do research with them this summer. He was the only one who took me under his wing and offered me a position. He said he was a lot like me as a student, trying to grab hands on opportunities wherever he could."</p>
<p>Boldt added when she heard a shooting had occurred at UCLA this morning, she immediately emailed Klug to find out whether he was okay and still on for their meeting the next day.</p>
<p>"The not so funny thing is that when I heard about the shooting, before the authorities said that the two wounded were actually victims, I emailed him saying I hope everyone is safe and asking if it was still ok if I met with him tomorrow," she said.</p>
<p>5. Sources say the shooter was a student of Klug who was "despondent" about his grades.</p>
<p>KNX reporter Claudia Peschiutta tweeted that the shooter was a student who was upset with his grades and shot himself after shooting the professor. Peschiutta's tweet was not confirmed by officials, however.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLAshooting?src=hash" type="external">#UCLAshooting</a>: Student apparently despondent about his grades shot professor &amp; then killed himself, according to law enf source. <a href="https://twitter.com/KNX1070" type="external">@KNX1070</a></p>
<p>UCLA's campus newspaper, the Daily Bruin, <a href="http://dailybruin.com/2016/06/01/two-reported-dead-in-murder-suicide-on-ucla-campus/" type="external">reports</a> the law enforcement officials are refusing to identify the shooter and release details about his motives:</p>
<p>Officials said LAPD will continue to investigate the incident as a homicide. Beck said some officers reported evidence of a suicide note, but the note has not been confirmed.</p>
<p>The shooter, a male adult, was found dead with a gun. Officials said they could not release more information about the shooter’s identity.</p>
<p>Beck said only the Coroner’s Office is authorized to release identifying information about the victim.</p>
<p>Students are being instructed to avoid Westwood Plaza until further notice. Classes will resume tomorrow, Thursday, and scheduled finals next week will resume as planned. According to <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/01/us/ucla-shooting-report/" type="external">CNN</a>, the Engineering senior class dinner is scheduled for Thursday night.</p>
<p>Boelter Hall, the Engineering building where the shooting reportedly took place, is where the internet was born when in 1969, the first transmission that would become the internet was sent.</p>
<p>UCLA, along with the other University of California campuses, remains a <a href="https://www.ucpd.ucla.edu/prevention-education/education/weapons-are-prohibited-on-campus" type="external">gun-free</a> zone.</p>
<p>Follow Pardes Seleh on <a href="https://twitter.com/PardesSeleh" type="external">Twitter</a>.</p> | true | 0 | updated fatal shooting university california los angeles ucla left two adult males dead approximately 1000 morning five things need know 1 ruled murdersuicide los angeles police department leading investigation ruled shooting possible murdersuicide source fox 11 reporting ucla campus told daily wire murdersuicide confirmed one victims responsible shooting gun note found shooters body deceased shooters motives still investigated lapd news lapdchiefbeck campus safe amp incident contained 2 males dead possible murdersuicide uclabruinalert mayorofla 2 shooting took place near uclas engineering building students advised remain lockdown notice mass alerts sent periodically entire ucla community 954 bruinalert shooting engineering 4 go secure location deny entry lockdown 1127 bruinalert follow shooting lock continues entire campus regardless location campus go secure location deny entry lockdown information available students instructed faculty remain within classrooms lock doors wait notice leave doors open outward cant lock barricading things front door ucla activeshooter pictwittercomkwa3vjqvhh student jason schechter reported colleagues barricaded computer lab 4th floor engineering building lockdown one students apparently urinated floor access restroom still sheltered engineering building one student pee bad went floor ucla activeshooter schechter said didnt hear gunshot heard lot police vicinity theres like 40 swat members outside window boelter ucla uclashooting pictwittercomiljcwbwsob 1144 bruinalert lock continues go outside unless instructed ucpd come campus outside go indoors lock 3 lockdown lifted ucla campus approximately 1200 pm classes canceled day shooting investigation continues lapd announced campus safe investigation would continue classes finals scheduled june 1st canceled day professors allowing homework extensions recover incident lapd news lapdchiefbeck abundance caution search still continue bldg incident took place uclabruinalert 1218 pm bruinalert clear shooting event apparent murdersuicide lockdown lifted time classes cancelled remainder day expected resume tomorrow campus open exception areas affected investigation check newsroomuclaedu updates 4th floor engineering iv class canceled day ucla uclashooting pictwittercomdll69zrlra one photo indicated professor locked classroom still attempted get students complete final scheduled today ucla professor tried make students take final shooting incident today overwatch pictwittercompxalwhndk1 4 unarmed shooting victim biomechanics professor william klug klug taught mechanical engineering ucla beloved students mourning death commemorating online victim todays ucla shooting brilliant professor biomechanics fmr professor httpstcofqk3imcxh2 uclashooting kayla boldt sophomore yeshiva university new york city told daily wire knew klug supposed meet los angeles tomorrow discuss interning ucla summer suppose meet tomorrow boldt shocked incident said let put way contacted 40 professors see could research summer one took wing offered position said lot like student trying grab hands opportunities wherever could boldt added heard shooting occurred ucla morning immediately emailed klug find whether okay still meeting next day funny thing heard shooting authorities said two wounded actually victims emailed saying hope everyone safe asking still ok met tomorrow said 5 sources say shooter student klug despondent grades knx reporter claudia peschiutta tweeted shooter student upset grades shot shooting professor peschiuttas tweet confirmed officials however uclashooting student apparently despondent grades shot professor amp killed according law enf source knx1070 uclas campus newspaper daily bruin reports law enforcement officials refusing identify shooter release details motives officials said lapd continue investigate incident homicide beck said officers reported evidence suicide note note confirmed shooter male adult found dead gun officials said could release information shooters identity beck said coroners office authorized release identifying information victim students instructed avoid westwood plaza notice classes resume tomorrow thursday scheduled finals next week resume planned according cnn engineering senior class dinner scheduled thursday night boelter hall engineering building shooting reportedly took place internet born 1969 first transmission would become internet sent ucla along university california campuses remains gunfree zone follow pardes seleh twitter | 591 |
<p />
<p>RUSH: The Democrats are trying to connect Trump to the ongoing so-called failure of getting aid and relief to Puerto Rico. And that’s gonna bomb. You know, it’s starting to happen. Actually, I think it’s been happening for a while. The left does not innovate. The Democrat Party, let me specify it. The Democrat Party does not innovate. They don’t have any innovators, and they don’t have any forward thinkers. If the Democrat Party produced a smartphone, it would still be 30 years old. And the only thing that would change in it is the numbers of people that you can call.</p>
<p>They really don’t innovate. The way they’re going after Trump on Puerto Rico is a replay of how they went after Bush on Katrina, which is a replay on how they went after George H. W. Bush on Kuwait, which is a replay on how they’ve gone after Reagan for not caring about — it’s just a replay. They just go to their playbook and repeat things that, in their minds, have worked very well, and they try to adapt them to the modern era, but it doesn’t work, and it’s all falling apart.</p>
<p>The same thing with the NFL. That is falling apart on them. Trump is being proven a winner on this. They don’t want to admit it. The NFL doesn’t want to admit it, of course. But if you look at any number of indicators and any number of teams now announcing in advance, “Hey, we’re standing on Sunday.” The Steelers. “We’re standing on Sunday.”</p>
<p>Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints, came out and said, “We’re gonna do both. We’re gonna kneel and then we’re gonna stand.” That I predict is not — like I said last night, the NFL is making a tactical error here and maybe even strategic. And I think corporate America has been doing the same thing. Corporate America — the NFL’s in that world — gets caught up in media and they see everything through the lens of media, as the most people do. But the picture of America that the media paints or broadcasts or portrays isn’t accurate. And let me give you an example.</p>
<p>I hearken back to this all the time, because, to me, it’s one of the best. Mike Pence was governor of Indiana. And they passed a religious freedom restoration bill because in Indiana people were being prevented, they were being protested, they were having trouble expressing religious freedom, which is granted in the First Amendment in the U.S. Constitution.</p>
<p>So what Governor Pence and the Indiana legislature did was pass a state law that basically reaffirmed it. They found it necessary to do so because not enough people knew that religious freedom was guaranteed in the First Amendment of the Constitution. It cannot be abridged.</p>
<p>But there were ongoing protests and other hassles that were being visited upon Christians in Indiana. So they come up with a religious restoration bill. Well, immediately the media tried to portray the state of Indiana as homophobic and racist and bigoted. And you remember, the media went all over the state knocking on doors of businesses. They were trying to find a business that would admit that it would not cater a gay wedding, if it was a pizzeria, if it was a bakery, if it was a photography studio.</p>
<p>It took them two weeks, and they found a little pizzeria in a small town in Indiana, and the daughter of the owner was 21 or 22, and they run into her shop with their cameras and microphones and ask her, “If a gay wedding asked you to cater their reception, would you do it?” And she said, “No. It’s a violation of my religious beliefs,” and they were off and running. So they found one example.</p>
<p>The coverage of the whole incident in Indiana was made to look like Indiana was an outlier, that the rest of America sees Indiana the way the media was portraying Indiana — as backwards, as Christian, as restrictionist, as exclusionary, as racist, as bigoted, as homophobic. So now if you happen to be a corporate CEO — a titan of industry living in Montana, living in Arizona, living in Texas — you watch this, and you might be forgiven if you believe that the media portrayal, the narrative here is right.</p>
<p>In other words, I think that a number of people and institutions — corporate leaders — have mistakenly bought the media narrative of where American culture is, and they believe that American culture is moving left — and it is in certain spots. I’m not denying that. They believe that American culture all is united against Christian conservatives. In other words, the people the media portray as enemies is made to look like everybody in America thinks so.</p>
<p>And you can see when you look at corporate marketing how they choose to advertise and sell their products. You can tell who they think their audiences are, and I believe in many cases they’re missing the mark. And I think the NFL is one of these corporate entities that’s missing its mark. I think there are people there who really believe that sideline protests of the flag and disrespect for the flag and the honoring of <a href="" type="internal">Colin Kaepernick</a> was going to improve their image. Why would they do it otherwise?</p>
<p>Why would the NFL purposely engage in activity if they knew it was going to be harmful? Now, wait. There are institutions that are doing that. ESPN is continuing to lose subscribers, and yet they are continuing to take action and implement policies that will guarantee the continued erosion of subscribers. While saying they’re not a political organization, they’ve gone all left, all the time. Do they know that they are offending a great majority of their audience? Do they not see the cancellations of subscriptions to cable TV and online?</p>
<p>What if they do? What explains why they continue to do this? Well, what explains CNN continuing to do what they do when they stay in tenth place? Why? Why doesn’t CNN adapt? Why does CNN…? Well, part of it is niche advertising and pursuing a niche audience and trying to own all of it, but another aspect of it is — I guarantee you — that CNN believes it’s hip. CNN believes it is where the majority of thinking is; it’s just taking a while for people to admit it, and CNN’s gonna be loyal to the cause no matter what.</p>
<p>They’ll go down with the ship. They’ll go down with the flag. If liberalism kills CNN, if CNN dies as a network, they’ll go down on the ship with it, because they’re loyal to the cause. Is that the NFL? Is the NFL so devoted to a political ideology that they willingly allow the product to suffer just to stay loyal to the political ideology? I don’t think so. We’re already seeing the league try to backtrack. They had a big meeting yesterday, and do you know the thing that came out of that meeting?</p>
<p>There were owners in the meeting. There were players in the meeting and NFL execs, the commissioner. You know what the big thing to come out of the meeting was? Have you heard? The big thing to come out of the meeting was they all agreed that this approach — that it’s the players and the NFL versus President Trump — has got to stop. Why? Because they’re losing it. They didn’t think they were gonna lose this. When owners and management promote — and that’s what they were doing.</p>
<p>That’s why I was sad. That’s why I was despondent on Sunday and Monday. When the owners, when the league officials — the commissioner, his executive team — tout this public display of anti-American symbolism — which they did. They all lined up with the players, and they all touted what the players were doing, and they all said it was about “unity,” when it’s not. It’s about division. They lined up against their customers and with their employees, and I contend to you they did so for a number of reasons.</p>
<p>A, they rolled the dice. They’d much rather lose the fans (what they think is temporary) than have the players walk out. So the owners, they were scared. They had to side with the players on this. The league did, too. But in the process, they went the wrong way. They went down the wrong path, and all the polling data shows it. You can see now by the league trying to backtrack and all these teams announce there will be no sitting; we’re gonna stand.</p>
<p>Not all of them, but those who are are making a big deal of it. Now, the point in all of this is that I think a vastly incorrect picture of America is portrayed and painted by the media each and every day, and unwitting people (who otherwise are smart and intelligent in their own right) believe it, and it makes them make incorrect decisions. Climate change is another example of this. Climate change is not happening.</p>
<p>But if corporate America thinks that a significant percentage of America believes it’s happening, they’ll market to it. They’ll do whatever they can to separate people from their dollars. But it isn’t working. A majority of Americans do not believe America is destroying the planet, because in every one of these left-wing issues, guess who the culprit is? America. America’s racist. America’s unjust. America’s destroying the planet.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" />America is creating havoc around the world. America is this and that. America’s wrong. America’s evil. America’s mistaken. People have had it; they’re fed up with it. Because a majority of Americans don’t believe that, will not believe that, and don’t want to be made to believe it. And so they’re reacting now in numbers that look like they’re a surprise, because the media has made people believe that that is a very small percentage of our country, when what we’re learning is that it is a majority.</p>
<p>So it’s all good in this sense, but I’m still amazed at how easy it has been for people to make these powerful entities misjudge. Now, folks, look, it could well be, too, in some of these examples that the CEOs and the boards of directors are full-fledged libs, and they’re gonna be loyal to that no matter what and they’re gonna take it as far as they can until economics dictates they back off of it. I mean, there’s also that possibility too. Bottom line: The country is not what the media portrays it to be.</p>
<p>The country and its cultural values have not yet been erased and destroyed. The founding ideals — the founding principles, the traditions and institutions — are not yet the minority of thinking in this country. And yet so many entities seem to think that progressivism has become the majority of thinking and acting and behavior in the country, when it isn’t, largely because the media makes it look as though that’s hip and that’s cool and traditional American values are uncool and unhip and nerdy and what have you.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: Morning Consult <a href="http://dailycaller.com/2017/09/29/nfl-favorability-gets-nearly-cut-in-half-after-anthem-protests/" type="external">with polling data</a>on the National Football League. This is a major drop, by the way, in seven days. On September 21st, 25% of Trump supporters said they had a very favorable view of the NFL; 11% had a very unfavorable view. So September 21st, basically eight days ago, 25% Trump supporters favorable NFL, 11% unfavorable. Yesterday, the numbers have dramatically changed. Thirty-three percent of Trump supporters now say unfavorable view of the NFL, 16% favorable.</p>
<p>So the favorable has fallen nine points, and the unfavorable has gone from 11 to 33% in just a week. What’s happened in that week? The NFL has appeared on television and in the media to be defiant of the concerns of their fan base. They’ve been very vocal. They have been very defiant. They have continued to talk about their unity, which isn’t unity; it’s division.</p>
<p>And I think they probably would be shocked, maybe not now, because I think the NFL is starting to exhibit signs that they understand it. But in their view they’ve got a real balancing act because these players are off now on this. I mean, they’re into it. And the league is between a rock and a hard place. They can’t just replace. I mean, in some cases players are a dime a dozen, but star power isn’t. So we’ll see how this manifests itself.</p>
<p>Here’s a story that dovetails precisely with my observation that the Democrat Party and the left really are having trouble innovating. Don’t misunderstand me, by the way, folks. I’m not saying that they’re wilting away, fading away. They are still a powerful force led by the media, and they still have the ability to entirely misrepresent anything they want and have a lot of people believe it. Don’t misunderstand. I’m talking about opportunity here. You know me; I’m always looking at opportunity.</p>
<p>I’m always looking at things optimistically. Like I do hope that this NFL stuff can be erased. It may be the first time in any issue that we’ll be able to totally erase — if the NFL hopes to become what it was — and who knows, maybe they don’t. Maybe they’re run by a bunch of people that themselves are social justice warriors. I don’t know. Frankly, I have been stunned at how the NFL has chosen to respond to this concussion business. I have been shocked at how they’ve chosen to respond to that.</p>
<p>I mean, we’re watching a concerted effort to destroy this game take place, and the people running it seem to be strategically thinking they have to cooperate with it, and by virtue of that, they acknowledge some of the allegations and then claim they want to work with those attacking them. It never works out that way. You give an inch to the people that want a pound of flesh, they’re gonna keep asking, taking, demanding. I’m stunned at this. I really am.</p>
<p>I used to think that these people in these leadership positions were brighter than everybody else. I admittedly was younger and more naive. I used to think these people were really smart, that they were there because they were smarter than average and they were in these positions of power because they knew how to protect and grow their enterprises. But as more and more people have come under the — I call it the spell — the education of liberalism and the corrupting effect and impact that it has, I sometimes wonder, are there any adults left?</p>
<p>Are there any mature adults with the confidence to reject that which seeks to destroy who they are? Big Oil as gone through it. Big Pharma has gone through it. Every big corporate concern is under constant attack and has been. And watching them navigate it has been fascinating. Some of them have failed big time. And the NFL is one of these things that I hope gets its act together at some point.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: Luke in Charlotte, North Carolina. Luke, great to have you on the EIB Network. How are you?</p>
<p>CALLER: Hey, Rush, dittos. The reason I called you is last night was a terrible night. I sat there and I did not turn on — for the first time in 60 years of my fandom — the Bears-Packers game, and I used to play for the Little Bears in Chicago. I actually played at halftime during the Bears game at Wrigley Field. That’s how old I am. I got to shake Papa Halas’ hand, and I’ve been a die-hard Bears fan. If they’re losing people like me that are so upset, so angry, so frustrated, then I can’t imagine how many people are tuning out.</p>
<p>RUSH: Why…? Look, the answer may be obvious; I just want to hear you say it. Why’d you not watch?</p>
<p>CALLER: It just… You know, I’m a veteran, okay? That’s one thing. I’ve devoted my life to service in one way or the other, and to the country — and to see that disrespect. And this holding-arms thing? I was telling Bo, this holding-arms thing is not a compromise. That’s an act of defiance.</p>
<p>RUSH: Thank you.</p>
<p>CALLER: It says in the protocol for the American national anthem —</p>
<p>RUSH: Thank you.</p>
<p>CALLER: — you stand at attention, you place your hand over your heart and you show respect.</p>
<p>RUSH: The problem is —</p>
<p>CALLER: Locking arms as an act of defiance.</p>
<p>RUSH: That is exactly right. This linking arms thing, it did not work in Green Bay. The fans were shouting, “U! S! A! U! S! A!” They did not link arms. Their star quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, asks the players, asks the fans to join the players and link arms. That’s not how you honor the national anthem and the flag. That’s not how you do it. The league… (sigh) Folks, the NFL is 75% African-American. The players in the NFL, by any objective comparison, are wealthy.</p>
<p>They are stars, they are celebrities, and many of them are hero-worshiped. Many of these players are popular beyond their wildest dreams, respected beyond their wildest dreams. There is no oppression in the NFL. There is no racism in the NFL. It’s quite the opposite. So overt, in-your-face America bashing in front of America-loving, big-spending customers isn’t sustainable. The league simply cannot sustain itself if its players are going to engage in this kind of behavior.</p>
<p>Because they… I don’t care what they say. By doing all of this on the stage… The playing field is a stage. It is owned by the owners. In some cases, there’s public financing of stadiums, but you get my drift. If they’re gonna take the stage and engage in activity that makes it look like they have grievances, what are people gonna think their grievances are? They’re gonna think the grievances are the league. Why are they doing this? Why are they doing this to the NFL?</p>
<p>Why are they messing with this stuff on the sideline at NFL games? People don’t know Kaepernick. I mean, they do, but they’re not gonna sit there and put it together the players are in solidarity with Kaepernick. And, by the way, the players are now all backing off. “It’s not about the flag. We’re not protesting the flag. We’re not.” Well, then what are you protesting? It doesn’t matter what you say; we know that you align with Kaepernick, and we know what Kaepernick said. Kaepernick specifically said he was protesting the flag.</p>
<p>He cannot honor a country and its flag that treats people of color this way. There’s all so much revisionist history going on here. But just the picture of these players acting as aggrieved victims or malcontents, it doesn’t fly, because nobody has ever said the NFL discriminates against them. Nobody has ever said the NFL is a racist organization that needs to be changed. Nobody has ever said this, and yet that’s where these protests are taking place.</p>
<p>So the protests are actually harming the NFL, and it is my contention that that is the objective. People on the left — nameless, faceless people — have a desire to inflict great harm on the NFL for reasons I’ve detailed before. The players, I believe, are unwittingly… Some of them know what they’re doing, of course; there are exceptions to everything.</p>
<p>But the players are unwittingly being duped into this thinking that they’re engaged in activity promoting solidarity and unity and diversity. And that’s not how people are seeing this at all, and it’s patently obvious now. This isn’t sustainable. Overt, in-your-face bashing of America in front of big-spending customers? It isn’t gonna work. You can’t sustain this.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: Colin Kaepernick said he was protesting the flag and the anthem. He specifically cited them. Now a bunch of people are saying, “We’re not about the flag. We’re not protesting the flag!” Then what are you protesting? ‘Cause I’m telling you guys, it looks like you’re protesting the NFL and it looks like you’re protesting America, and people don’t understand it, and they’re reacting unfavorably to it.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: So CNN’s running a poll that they say says that most people think Trump is wrong to criticize NFL players. Then why are NFL ratings down? They’re down again last night. Now, they had a rain delay last, thunderstorm delay in Green Bay. The numbers are down like 11%. That may be the wrong number. I just glanced at ’em. But the Thursday night numbers are down a year ago, same game a year ago. If CNN thinks that most Americans think Trump is wrong to criticize players, then why is any of this happening?</p>
<p>Why are advertisers backing out and why are people not watching, and why is attendance down?</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: Here is Joanne is Deposit, New York. Welcome. Great to have you here. Open Line Friday.</p>
<p>CALLER: <a href="" type="internal">Great job last night</a>.</p>
<p>RUSH: Well, thank you. Thank you. I appreciate that. Thank you very much.</p>
<p>CALLER: You’re welcome. I enjoy watching you on TV. Love it.</p>
<p>RUSH: You know what somebody said to me today, Joanne?</p>
<p>CALLER: What?</p>
<p>RUSH: Not to talk about me. You’ve done that plenty. (laughing)</p>
<p>CALLER: I like talking about you. I like listening to what you have to say, even if it’s about yourself.</p>
<p>RUSH: It was the chef today. It was the chef. “You know what’s great, is watching you think out loud. People don’t get to watch you think on radio, but you’re obviously –” and then somebody else said, “You don’t even pause for a second to think about what you’re gonna say. You already know. You just launch with it.” And of course these are things I don’t even think about.</p>
<p>CALLER: It’s that great mind of yours. That’s what it is.</p>
<p>RUSH: Yeah, I guess so.</p>
<p>CALLER: I wish I had half your brain. Well, I have a question about the NFL.</p>
<p>RUSH: Okay.</p>
<p>CALLER: I know nothing about football. I probably know less than nothing, but from a business point of view, I’m looking at this, and I’m saying, “Aren’t these owners being bullied by their employees?” Because at my work, there’s no way I’m gonna tell my boss what I’m gonna do and what not to do. I’m expected to do a job, and if I have to sign a contract, I know ahead of time what’s expected of me. These are adult men that have watched football since they were little boys.</p>
<p>RUSH: Many of them have an eighth grade education, though.</p>
<p>CALLER: I’m sitting here going, “How come these owners aren’t banding together and saying, ‘Wait a minute, we work as a team.'”</p>
<p>RUSH: Let me explain this to you. This is actually, Joanne, a great, great question. You know, this is a great perspective. Somebody that doesn’t know the game, doesn’t watch the game, admits that she knows less than nothing about it, and so her question is pure. Her question is, “Why are the bosses letting the employees do this to the product?” Exactly! I addressed it, Joanne. The answer is the owners are scared to death.</p>
<p>They have two choices: Side with the employees who are doing what they’re doing and then maybe even look like they support it. Or side with the customers, the fans. If they side with the players as they’re doing, what’s happening? Fans are watching less, attendance is down, the image of the game is taking a huge hit. The owners make a calculation. If they side with the fans then that is going to infuriate the players as a sign of lack of support. They’re gonna say this confirms what we’re saying that we do not have equality and that we’re not treated fairly.</p>
<p>And if the players decide not to show up, then there’s no game. If the fans don’t show up, the game’s still played, and it’s still on TV, but if the players don’t show, and if they keep on not showing. So the owners make this calculation. They’re in, to a certain extent, a no-win situation. I think in most of these owners’ cases, they can’t afford not to express solidarity. That’s why more owners than you’ve ever seen are on the field during the pregame kneeling, linking. I have often believed — no, I should not say this. It’s perfectly totally true, but it’s so distracting, it might get me into trouble.</p>
<p>But let’s put it this way. When 75% of your employees are of a particular race, and that particular race is expressing grievances all over our country with things that are unjust and unfair. If 75% of your employees are joining that way of thinking and you want to keep your team together — and you want the players to think that management has their players’ backs — you have to join them. That’s their thinking. You have to join ’em, whether they agree with it or not.</p>
<p>Now, not all owners did. Not all owners issued a statement. Not all owners reacted to Trump. There’s a whole five or six of ’em who didn’t. And the media jumped right on ’em and asked why and started speculating, “They must be Trump supporters!” They were in the crosshairs. The media tried to do ’em great damage for not joining their players in this display of whatever it is. But the bottom line here is that the league is being harmed, and it is my contention that there are those who seek that very thing.</p>
<p>I’ve chronicled it since the first time I noticed, two or three years ago, when I detected the media was spending more time pointing out the flaws and the problems with the league than they were reporting on the actual games and the exploits of the athletes who play it. I issued a warning at that time that the very media covering this game — i.e., promoting it, creating interest about it — is helping harm it.</p>
<p>That has only continued with the making of movies. How about the news that a hundred out of 111 players in a random survey have irreversible brain damage because they played football? What you gonna…? I mean, they’ve created an aura, even among people watching the game, of nervousness and anxiety and it’s just not same. It just isn’t. This has all been manufactured and created because liberalism has found its way into the game. The tentacles are deep and they’re tangled, and its web is now interwoven deeply into the NFL.</p>
<p>When the left does this, they corrupt whatever they touch by politicizing it. And that’s what we are seeing. So now the damage is obvious that the owners and the management of the league, they sided as they had to, but it’s harming them. So now everybody’s trying to backtrack and now teams are announcing in advance, “We’re standing this Sunday! Notice us. We’re standing. We’re not gonna kneel. See us? See us? We’re gonna stand!” Other players are saying, “It’s not the flag. We’re not protesting the flag. We’re not protesting America.”</p>
<p>Yes, you are.</p>
<p>Whether you know it or not, that’s what you’re doing. If you’re supporting Kaepernick, that’s what he was doing. It’s a sad, sad situation. But this is not unique, Joanne. It is rare in professional sports that owners actually punish players for things like this. They side with players. The owners can’t do without them. Even though they’re a dime a dozen, it’s a unique situation here. If the players sit down, it doesn’t matter whether people show up or not. And if the players sit down, even more fans are not gonna show when they come back, especially about this. I appreciate the call.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: Let’s try Ed in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Ed, I’m glad you called. How you doing?</p>
<p>CALLER: I’m doing fantastic, Rush. How are you?</p>
<p>RUSH: Fine, dandy. Thank you, sir.</p>
<p>CALLER: You know, I find it very interesting that our unbiased media is so focused this week on something the president said about some football players, and yet we hear virtually nothing about a mass shooting at a church. You think it’s because the facts of this particular shooting — including the hero — don’t fit their narrative?</p>
<p>RUSH: Very likely. I think it’s much the same as the president talks about players in the NFL, and the media says, “How dare you! How dare you!” Meanwhile, thousands — over the course of a year — are dying in Chicago, and the media won’t talk a syllable about it because it’s race-on-race crime, and they won’t talk about it. It doesn’t further their agenda.</p>
<p>CALLER: Wouldn’t it be a good opportunity to them to talk about this so-called gun control they’re worried about?</p>
<p>RUSH: Well, they have to weigh everything here, and they’ve decided there’s no future in using any aspect of that issue. Let me ask you this, folks. Let me try something else on this. I promise we’re getting near the end of this. I don’t want to end up frustrating people that the NFL’s a big topic here, but I do love it, and I’m devastated by what is happening here. Let me ask this.</p>
<p>What if everything’s the same except instead of Colin it is a white player who refuses to support the anthem because he disagrees with American foreign policy? What do you think would happen to that player? Would the league and would other players join that player and would a cause have been created, and would the owners act afraid of it, and would the commissioner tolerate it?</p>
<p>If during player introductions — this is my favorite one — they introduced the players and they run on the field… Many teams now don’t like individual units introductions, the offense running on as they’re named within the whole teams comes out. What if a player came out waving the Confederate flag? Oh, it’s freedom of speech. Diversity, fairness, equality! What do you think would happen? Hmm?</p> | true | 0 | rush democrats trying connect trump ongoing socalled failure getting aid relief puerto rico thats gon na bomb know starting happen actually think happening left innovate democrat party let specify democrat party innovate dont innovators dont forward thinkers democrat party produced smartphone would still 30 years old thing would change numbers people call really dont innovate way theyre going trump puerto rico replay went bush katrina replay went george h w bush kuwait replay theyve gone reagan caring replay go playbook repeat things minds worked well try adapt modern era doesnt work falling apart thing nfl falling apart trump proven winner dont want admit nfl doesnt want admit course look number indicators number teams announcing advance hey standing sunday steelers standing sunday drew brees new orleans saints came said gon na gon na kneel gon na stand predict like said last night nfl making tactical error maybe even strategic think corporate america thing corporate america nfls world gets caught media see everything lens media people picture america media paints broadcasts portrays isnt accurate let give example hearken back time one best mike pence governor indiana passed religious freedom restoration bill indiana people prevented protested trouble expressing religious freedom granted first amendment us constitution governor pence indiana legislature pass state law basically reaffirmed found necessary enough people knew religious freedom guaranteed first amendment constitution abridged ongoing protests hassles visited upon christians indiana come religious restoration bill well immediately media tried portray state indiana homophobic racist bigoted remember media went state knocking doors businesses trying find business would admit would cater gay wedding pizzeria bakery photography studio took two weeks found little pizzeria small town indiana daughter owner 21 22 run shop cameras microphones ask gay wedding asked cater reception would said violation religious beliefs running found one example coverage whole incident indiana made look like indiana outlier rest america sees indiana way media portraying indiana backwards christian restrictionist exclusionary racist bigoted homophobic happen corporate ceo titan industry living montana living arizona living texas watch might forgiven believe media portrayal narrative right words think number people institutions corporate leaders mistakenly bought media narrative american culture believe american culture moving left certain spots im denying believe american culture united christian conservatives words people media portray enemies made look like everybody america thinks see look corporate marketing choose advertise sell products tell think audiences believe many cases theyre missing mark think nfl one corporate entities thats missing mark think people really believe sideline protests flag disrespect flag honoring colin kaepernick going improve image would otherwise would nfl purposely engage activity knew going harmful wait institutions espn continuing lose subscribers yet continuing take action implement policies guarantee continued erosion subscribers saying theyre political organization theyve gone left time know offending great majority audience see cancellations subscriptions cable tv online explains continue well explains cnn continuing stay tenth place doesnt cnn adapt cnn well part niche advertising pursuing niche audience trying another aspect guarantee cnn believes hip cnn believes majority thinking taking people admit cnns gon na loyal cause matter theyll go ship theyll go flag liberalism kills cnn cnn dies network theyll go ship theyre loyal cause nfl nfl devoted political ideology willingly allow product suffer stay loyal political ideology dont think already seeing league try backtrack big meeting yesterday know thing came meeting owners meeting players meeting nfl execs commissioner know big thing come meeting heard big thing come meeting agreed approach players nfl versus president trump got stop theyre losing didnt think gon na lose owners management promote thats thats sad thats despondent sunday monday owners league officials commissioner executive team tout public display antiamerican symbolism lined players touted players said unity division lined customers employees contend number reasons rolled dice theyd much rather lose fans think temporary players walk owners scared side players league process went wrong way went wrong path polling data shows see league trying backtrack teams announce sitting gon na stand making big deal point think vastly incorrect picture america portrayed painted media every day unwitting people otherwise smart intelligent right believe makes make incorrect decisions climate change another example climate change happening corporate america thinks significant percentage america believes happening theyll market theyll whatever separate people dollars isnt working majority americans believe america destroying planet every one leftwing issues guess culprit america americas racist americas unjust americas destroying planet america creating havoc around world america americas wrong americas evil americas mistaken people theyre fed majority americans dont believe believe dont want made believe theyre reacting numbers look like theyre surprise media made people believe small percentage country learning majority good sense im still amazed easy people make powerful entities misjudge folks look could well examples ceos boards directors fullfledged libs theyre gon na loyal matter theyre gon na take far economics dictates back mean theres also possibility bottom line country media portrays country cultural values yet erased destroyed founding ideals founding principles traditions institutions yet minority thinking country yet many entities seem think progressivism become majority thinking acting behavior country isnt largely media makes look though thats hip thats cool traditional american values uncool unhip nerdy break transcript rush morning consult polling dataon national football league major drop way seven days september 21st 25 trump supporters said favorable view nfl 11 unfavorable view september 21st basically eight days ago 25 trump supporters favorable nfl 11 unfavorable yesterday numbers dramatically changed thirtythree percent trump supporters say unfavorable view nfl 16 favorable favorable fallen nine points unfavorable gone 11 33 week whats happened week nfl appeared television media defiant concerns fan base theyve vocal defiant continued talk unity isnt unity division think probably would shocked maybe think nfl starting exhibit signs understand view theyve got real balancing act players mean theyre league rock hard place cant replace mean cases players dime dozen star power isnt well see manifests heres story dovetails precisely observation democrat party left really trouble innovating dont misunderstand way folks im saying theyre wilting away fading away still powerful force led media still ability entirely misrepresent anything want lot people believe dont misunderstand im talking opportunity know im always looking opportunity im always looking things optimistically like hope nfl stuff erased may first time issue well able totally erase nfl hopes become knows maybe dont maybe theyre run bunch people social justice warriors dont know frankly stunned nfl chosen respond concussion business shocked theyve chosen respond mean watching concerted effort destroy game take place people running seem strategically thinking cooperate virtue acknowledge allegations claim want work attacking never works way give inch people want pound flesh theyre gon na keep asking taking demanding im stunned really used think people leadership positions brighter everybody else admittedly younger naive used think people really smart smarter average positions power knew protect grow enterprises people come call spell education liberalism corrupting effect impact sometimes wonder adults left mature adults confidence reject seeks destroy big oil gone big pharma gone every big corporate concern constant attack watching navigate fascinating failed big time nfl one things hope gets act together point break transcript rush luke charlotte north carolina luke great eib network caller hey rush dittos reason called last night terrible night sat turn first time 60 years fandom bearspackers game used play little bears chicago actually played halftime bears game wrigley field thats old got shake papa halas hand ive diehard bears fan theyre losing people like upset angry frustrated cant imagine many people tuning rush look answer may obvious want hear say whyd watch caller know im veteran okay thats one thing ive devoted life service one way country see disrespect holdingarms thing telling bo holdingarms thing compromise thats act defiance rush thank caller says protocol american national anthem rush thank caller stand attention place hand heart show respect rush problem caller locking arms act defiance rush exactly right linking arms thing work green bay fans shouting u u link arms star quarterback aaron rodgers asks players asks fans join players link arms thats honor national anthem flag thats league sigh folks nfl 75 africanamerican players nfl objective comparison wealthy stars celebrities many heroworshiped many players popular beyond wildest dreams respected beyond wildest dreams oppression nfl racism nfl quite opposite overt inyourface america bashing front americaloving bigspending customers isnt sustainable league simply sustain players going engage kind behavior dont care say stage playing field stage owned owners cases theres public financing stadiums get drift theyre gon na take stage engage activity makes look like grievances people gon na think grievances theyre gon na think grievances league nfl messing stuff sideline nfl games people dont know kaepernick mean theyre gon na sit put together players solidarity kaepernick way players backing flag protesting flag well protesting doesnt matter say know align kaepernick know kaepernick said kaepernick specifically said protesting flag honor country flag treats people color way theres much revisionist history going picture players acting aggrieved victims malcontents doesnt fly nobody ever said nfl discriminates nobody ever said nfl racist organization needs changed nobody ever said yet thats protests taking place protests actually harming nfl contention objective people left nameless faceless people desire inflict great harm nfl reasons ive detailed players believe unwittingly know theyre course exceptions everything players unwittingly duped thinking theyre engaged activity promoting solidarity unity diversity thats people seeing patently obvious isnt sustainable overt inyourface bashing america front bigspending customers isnt gon na work cant sustain break transcript rush colin kaepernick said protesting flag anthem specifically cited bunch people saying flag protesting flag protesting cause im telling guys looks like youre protesting nfl looks like youre protesting america people dont understand theyre reacting unfavorably break transcript rush cnns running poll say says people think trump wrong criticize nfl players nfl ratings theyre last night rain delay last thunderstorm delay green bay numbers like 11 may wrong number glanced em thursday night numbers year ago game year ago cnn thinks americans think trump wrong criticize players happening advertisers backing people watching attendance break transcript rush joanne deposit new york welcome great open line friday caller great job last night rush well thank thank appreciate thank much caller youre welcome enjoy watching tv love rush know somebody said today joanne caller rush talk youve done plenty laughing caller like talking like listening say even rush chef today chef know whats great watching think loud people dont get watch think radio youre obviously somebody else said dont even pause second think youre gon na say already know launch course things dont even think caller great mind thats rush yeah guess caller wish half brain well question nfl rush okay caller know nothing football probably know less nothing business point view im looking im saying arent owners bullied employees work theres way im gon na tell boss im gon na im expected job sign contract know ahead time whats expected adult men watched football since little boys rush many eighth grade education though caller im sitting going come owners arent banding together saying wait minute work team rush let explain actually joanne great great question know great perspective somebody doesnt know game doesnt watch game admits knows less nothing question pure question bosses letting employees product exactly addressed joanne answer owners scared death two choices side employees theyre maybe even look like support side customers fans side players theyre whats happening fans watching less attendance image game taking huge hit owners make calculation side fans going infuriate players sign lack support theyre gon na say confirms saying equality treated fairly players decide show theres game fans dont show games still played still tv players dont show keep showing owners make calculation theyre certain extent nowin situation think owners cases cant afford express solidarity thats owners youve ever seen field pregame kneeling linking often believed say perfectly totally true distracting might get trouble lets put way 75 employees particular race particular race expressing grievances country things unjust unfair 75 employees joining way thinking want keep team together want players think management players backs join thats thinking join em whether agree owners owners issued statement owners reacted trump theres whole five six em didnt media jumped right em asked started speculating must trump supporters crosshairs media tried em great damage joining players display whatever bottom line league harmed contention seek thing ive chronicled since first time noticed two three years ago detected media spending time pointing flaws problems league reporting actual games exploits athletes play issued warning time media covering game ie promoting creating interest helping harm continued making movies news hundred 111 players random survey irreversible brain damage played football gon na mean theyve created aura even among people watching game nervousness anxiety isnt manufactured created liberalism found way game tentacles deep theyre tangled web interwoven deeply nfl left corrupt whatever touch politicizing thats seeing damage obvious owners management league sided harming everybodys trying backtrack teams announcing advance standing sunday notice us standing gon na kneel see us see us gon na stand players saying flag protesting flag protesting america yes whether know thats youre youre supporting kaepernick thats sad sad situation unique joanne rare professional sports owners actually punish players things like side players owners cant without even though theyre dime dozen unique situation players sit doesnt matter whether people show players sit even fans gon na show come back especially appreciate call break transcript rush lets try ed grand rapids michigan ed im glad called caller im fantastic rush rush fine dandy thank sir caller know find interesting unbiased media focused week something president said football players yet hear virtually nothing mass shooting church think facts particular shooting including hero dont fit narrative rush likely think much president talks players nfl media says dare dare meanwhile thousands course year dying chicago media wont talk syllable raceonrace crime wont talk doesnt agenda caller wouldnt good opportunity talk socalled gun control theyre worried rush well weigh everything theyve decided theres future using aspect issue let ask folks let try something else promise getting near end dont want end frustrating people nfls big topic love im devastated happening let ask everythings except instead colin white player refuses support anthem disagrees american foreign policy think would happen player would league would players join player would cause created would owners act afraid would commissioner tolerate player introductions favorite one introduced players run field many teams dont like individual units introductions offense running theyre named within whole teams comes player came waving confederate flag oh freedom speech diversity fairness equality think would happen hmm | 2,404 |
<p>In a move that is being hailed as cementing his conservation legacy, Obama has, with the stroke of his pen, expanded a national marine monument off the coast of Hawaii to over 582,578 square miles.&#160; This move will, however, destroy commercial fishing and potential drilling and mineral collection in a vast expanse of our waters.</p>
<p><a href="http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/293412-obama-to-create-worlds-largest-ocean-reserve-off-hawaiian-coast" type="external">The Hill reports</a>:</p>
<p>President Obama on Friday morning created a massive national monument off the coast of his native Hawaii, the world’s largest protected area.</p>
<p>The declaration expands more than threefold the size of the Papahānaumokuāke Marine National Monument, surrounding the outlying northwestern Hawaiian islands.</p>
<p>The move in Obama’s final months further cements his legacy of using unilateral executive authority to protect far more land and water as national monuments than any other president.</p>
<p />
<p>“The expansion provides critical protections for more than 7,000 marine species, including whales and sea turtles listed under the Endangered Species Act and the longest-living marine species in the world — black coral, which have been found to live longer than 4,500 years,” the White House said early Friday morning.</p>
<p>To give some perspective on the size of the newly expanded monument, <a href="http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/about/news-room/press-releases/2016/08/26/pew-applauds-expansion-of-papahanaumokuakea-marine-national-monument" type="external">Pew Charitable Trust explains</a> that the newly protected area is almost four times the size of California.</p>
<p>Some Hawaiian Democrats are thrilled with the move.</p>
<p>The Hill continues:</p>
<p>The announcement came two days after Obama created a massive new national monument in Maine’s north woods.</p>
<p>The boundaries for the protected area, along with rules allowing some recreational fishing, research and education there, were proposed by Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).</p>
<p>“This is one of the most important actions an American president has ever taken for the health of the oceans,” Schatz said in a statement. “Expanding Papahanaumokuakea will replenish stocks of ‘ahi, promote biodiversity, fight climate change, and give a greater voice to Native Hawaiians in managing this resource.”</p>
<p>Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) also praised Obama.</p>
<p>“President Obama’s efforts to enhance protections for our ocean ecosystem will help to combat climate change, preserve biodiversity, and honor cultural traditions,” she said. “As part of his announcement, I appreciate the President’s recognition of the importance of commercial fishing to Hawaii’s way of life and our shared goal of supporting Hawaii’s sustainable pelagic fisheries.”</p>
<p>The following video provides further information about the expanded marine preserve.</p>
<p />
<p>Touting the move as not only a means of protecting marine life, the White House explains that this will also provide scientists a place to study the “impact of climate change.”</p>
<p>Not everyone is thrilled, however, because this move will effectively end all commercial and limit recreational fishing in the vast expanse of ocean, as well as any mineral or oil, etc. collection or extraction.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/08/26/obama-creates-largest-ocean-reserve-takes-heat-for-new-federal-decrees.html" type="external">Fox News reports</a>:</p>
<p>“The expansion provides critical protections for more than 7,000 marine species … [and] will allow scientists to monitor and explore the impacts of climate change on these fragile ecosystems,” the White House said in a statement, citing the support of Sen. Brian Schatz and “prominent Native Hawaiian leaders.”</p>
<p>But the decision drew sharp criticism from the fishing industry and even fellow Democrats, as it will drastically expand the area where commercial fishing and drilling is banned.</p>
<p>Former Democratic Gov. George Ariyoshi said at a rally last month that it came down to the question of who actually owned the ocean.</p>
<p>“The ocean belongs to us,” Ariyoshi reportedly said. “We ought to be the ones who decide what kind of use to make of the ocean.”</p>
<p>Representatives from the fishing industry warn the move will increase prices and imports, The&#160;Honolulu Star Advertiser&#160;reported. All commercial extraction activities will be prohibited within the area, though non-commercial fishing is allowed by permit.</p>
<p>Regarding the many touting this as an important contribution to Obama’s legacy, the chairman of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council says it <a href="http://www.kmov.com/story/32846642/obama-creates-worlds-largest-marine-protected-area" type="external">serves Obama’s “political legacy”</a> rather than one based in conservation.</p>
<p>Fox News continues:</p>
<p>The regional council that manages U.S. waters in the Pacific Islands said the decision “serves a political legacy” rather than a conservation benefit.</p>
<p>“Closing 60 percent of Hawaii’s waters to commercial fishing, when science is telling us that it will not lead to more productive local fisheries, makes no sense,” said Edwin Ebiusi Jr., chairman of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council. “Today is a sad day in the history of Hawaii’s fisheries and a negative blow to our local food security.”</p>
<p>With this move, Fox News reports that Obama “will have created or expanded 26 national monuments. The administration said Obama has protected more acreage through national monument designations than any other president.”</p>
<p>As with the designation of “the world’s largest marine sanctuary,” Obama’s creation, two days earlier, of a massive monument in the Maine woods was met with resistance and concerns about American jobs and local economies.</p>
<p>Fox News continues:</p>
<p>The announcement came after Obama used his executive authority to create the National Park Service’s newest national monument at Katahdin Woods and Waters in&#160;Maine. The new monument was created as part of the 100th&#160;anniversary of the creation of the National Park Service.</p>
<p>The White House said the monument will protect 87,500 acres and will bolster the forest’s resilience against the impact of climate change.</p>
<p>The monument’s creation, though, was opposed by state lawmakers and critics who warn it will hinder efforts to rebuild a forest-based economy in the region.</p>
<p>“President Obama is once again taking unilateral action against the will of the people, this time the citizens of rural Maine,” Republican Gov. Paul LePage said. “The Legislature passed a resolution opposing a National Monument in the North Woods, members of Maine’s Congressional delegation opposed it and local citizens voted against it repeatedly.”</p>
<p>The move also was opposed by Sen. Susan Collins and Rep. Bruce Poliquin, both Republicans.</p>
<p>“Our local job creators—not Washington bureaucrats—know best how to use our working forests and provide proper access for industries to create more jobs including those in the outdoor recreation businesses, like snowmobiling, hunting, rafting, camping and so on,” Poliquin said in a statement.</p>
<p>Saving the planet and studying “climate change” by killing jobs and local economies.&#160; Some legacy.</p> | true | 0 | move hailed cementing conservation legacy obama stroke pen expanded national marine monument coast hawaii 582578 square miles160 move however destroy commercial fishing potential drilling mineral collection vast expanse waters hill reports president obama friday morning created massive national monument coast native hawaii worlds largest protected area declaration expands threefold size papahānaumokuāke marine national monument surrounding outlying northwestern hawaiian islands move obamas final months cements legacy using unilateral executive authority protect far land water national monuments president expansion provides critical protections 7000 marine species including whales sea turtles listed endangered species act longestliving marine species world black coral found live longer 4500 years white house said early friday morning give perspective size newly expanded monument pew charitable trust explains newly protected area almost four times size california hawaiian democrats thrilled move hill continues announcement came two days obama created massive new national monument maines north woods boundaries protected area along rules allowing recreational fishing research education proposed sen brian schatz dhawaii one important actions american president ever taken health oceans schatz said statement expanding papahanaumokuakea replenish stocks ahi promote biodiversity fight climate change give greater voice native hawaiians managing resource sen mazie hirono dhawaii also praised obama president obamas efforts enhance protections ocean ecosystem help combat climate change preserve biodiversity honor cultural traditions said part announcement appreciate presidents recognition importance commercial fishing hawaiis way life shared goal supporting hawaiis sustainable pelagic fisheries following video provides information expanded marine preserve touting move means protecting marine life white house explains also provide scientists place study impact climate change everyone thrilled however move effectively end commercial limit recreational fishing vast expanse ocean well mineral oil etc collection extraction fox news reports expansion provides critical protections 7000 marine species allow scientists monitor explore impacts climate change fragile ecosystems white house said statement citing support sen brian schatz prominent native hawaiian leaders decision drew sharp criticism fishing industry even fellow democrats drastically expand area commercial fishing drilling banned former democratic gov george ariyoshi said rally last month came question actually owned ocean ocean belongs us ariyoshi reportedly said ought ones decide kind use make ocean representatives fishing industry warn move increase prices imports the160honolulu star advertiser160reported commercial extraction activities prohibited within area though noncommercial fishing allowed permit regarding many touting important contribution obamas legacy chairman western pacific regional fishery management council says serves obamas political legacy rather one based conservation fox news continues regional council manages us waters pacific islands said decision serves political legacy rather conservation benefit closing 60 percent hawaiis waters commercial fishing science telling us lead productive local fisheries makes sense said edwin ebiusi jr chairman western pacific regional fishery management council today sad day history hawaiis fisheries negative blow local food security move fox news reports obama created expanded 26 national monuments administration said obama protected acreage national monument designations president designation worlds largest marine sanctuary obamas creation two days earlier massive monument maine woods met resistance concerns american jobs local economies fox news continues announcement came obama used executive authority create national park services newest national monument katahdin woods waters in160maine new monument created part 100th160anniversary creation national park service white house said monument protect 87500 acres bolster forests resilience impact climate change monuments creation though opposed state lawmakers critics warn hinder efforts rebuild forestbased economy region president obama taking unilateral action people time citizens rural maine republican gov paul lepage said legislature passed resolution opposing national monument north woods members maines congressional delegation opposed local citizens voted repeatedly move also opposed sen susan collins rep bruce poliquin republicans local job creatorsnot washington bureaucratsknow best use working forests provide proper access industries create jobs including outdoor recreation businesses like snowmobiling hunting rafting camping poliquin said statement saving planet studying climate change killing jobs local economies160 legacy | 625 |
<p />
<p>Image source: Nordson Corporation</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Nordson Corporation (NASDAQ: NDSN) released better-than-expected fiscal third-quarter 2016 results Monday after the market closed. And with shares up around 3% in after-hours trading as of this writing, the maker of adhesive dispensing equipment is rightly pleased with its performance as it continues to successfully weather today's sluggish macroeconomic environment.</p>
<p>Quarterly revenue rose 6% year over year, to $489.9 million, as a less than 1% negative impact from foreign currencies was more than offset by both organic volume growth of 4% and a 2% contribution from acquisitions over the past year. Meanwhile, operating margin expanded by 3 percentage points, to 25%, which translated to net income of $84 million, or $1.46 per diluted share, up 28% from earnings of $1.14 per share in last year's fiscal Q3.</p>
<p>By comparison, Nordson's <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/05/23/nordson-corporation-glues-together-a-solid-earning.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">guidance provided three months ago Opens a New Window.</a> called for quarterly revenue to increase a more modest 1% to 5%, with operating margin of 24% and earnings per diluted share in the range of $1.25 to $1.37.</p>
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<p>"Nordson delivered record revenue and profitability in the third quarter as our global team continued meeting customer needs across our diverse end markets and driving efficiency throughout our operations," added Nordson CEO Michael Hilton. "We generated very solid organic growth of 4% in the quarter, compared with a period of robust growth a year ago, outperforming the continuing low-growth global macroeconomic environment."</p>
<p>On a segment basis, organic volume at Nordson's adhesive dispensing systems business grew 4% year over year, driven by strength in the consumer non-durable and general product assembly markets, whilelast year's acquisition of WAFO contributed additional volume growth of 1%. Operating margin for the segment was 27% as reported, and 28% adjusting for non-recurring restructuring expenses.</p>
<p>Next, advanced technology systems (ATS) organic sales rose 6% year over year, helped by demand for automated and semi-automated dispense equipment in electronic end markets, as well as fluid management components in medical end markets. ATS operating margin expanded 7 percentage points year over year, to 31%, thanks to a combination of volume leverage, favorable product mix, and Nordson's ongoing margin enhancement initiatives.</p>
<p>Finally, industrial coating systems segment sales fell 3% year over year, which, similar to last quarter, came after an unusually strong performance for the segment in the the same year-ago period. Hilton elaborated that growth in powder and liquid coating product lines was more than offset by softness in Nordson's other industrial coating product lines. Operating margin for the segment was 17%, or 18% excluding the impact of restructuring charges.</p>
<p>Broken down by geography, revenue from the U.S.climbed4.5% year over year, to $135.1 million, or 27.6% of sales. Revenue from the rest of the Americas declined 12.6% (or down 7.1% excluding currencies), to $30.5 million, or 6.2% of total sales. Revenue from Europe grew 7.6%, to $128.6 million, or 26.2% of total sales. Revenue from Japan increased 30.3% (12.5% excluding currencies), to $34.7 million, or 6.8% of total revenue. And Asia-Pacific revenue grew 6.4% (8.7% excluding currencies), to $161 million, or 32.9% of sales.</p>
<p>Next, order rates for the 12-week period ending Aug. 14 grew 16% at constant currency, and backlog increased 22% year over year, to $333 million, including 20% organic growth and 2% from acquisitions.</p>
<p>As such, for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2016, Nordson expects revenue to climb 6% to 10% year over year, or to an approximate range of $473 million to $490.8 million. This assumes organic volume growth of 5% to 9%, and a 1% contribution from acquisitions. At the midpoint of that revenue range, operating margin for the quarter should be 22%, while diluted earnings per share should be in the range of $1.15 to $1.27.</p>
<p>For perspective -- and keeping in mind we normally don't pay much attention to Wall Street's quarterly demands -- analysts' consensus estimates predicted that Nordson's revenue in the current quarter would increase just 4.5% year over year, to $466.1 million, and translate to earnings per share at the low end of Nordson's new guidance range.</p>
<p>Further, Hilton noted that even at the low ends of its guidance ranges, Nordson is on track to achieve full-year company records for revenue, operating profit, and earnings per share.Given Nordson's relative outperformance -- and as I suggested in my <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/08/19/look-for-another-steady-quarter-from-nordson.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">earnings preview Opens a New Window.</a>a few days ago -- it should be no surprise that the company increased its quarterly dividend by 13%, to $0.24 per share, a little over a week ago. So even with shares up more than 20% in the three months preceding today's report, it's equally unsurprising to see investors bidding Nordson stock up further yet today.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSymington/info.aspx" type="external">Steve Symington Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Nordson. 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 nordson corporation continue reading nordson corporation nasdaq ndsn released betterthanexpected fiscal thirdquarter 2016 results monday market closed shares around 3 afterhours trading writing maker adhesive dispensing equipment rightly pleased performance continues successfully weather todays sluggish macroeconomic environment quarterly revenue rose 6 year year 4899 million less 1 negative impact foreign currencies offset organic volume growth 4 2 contribution acquisitions past year meanwhile operating margin expanded 3 percentage points 25 translated net income 84 million 146 per diluted share 28 earnings 114 per share last years fiscal q3 comparison nordsons guidance provided three months ago opens new window called quarterly revenue increase modest 1 5 operating margin 24 earnings per diluted share range 125 137 advertisement nordson delivered record revenue profitability third quarter global team continued meeting customer needs across diverse end markets driving efficiency throughout operations added nordson ceo michael hilton generated solid organic growth 4 quarter compared period robust growth year ago outperforming continuing lowgrowth global macroeconomic environment segment basis organic volume nordsons adhesive dispensing systems business grew 4 year year driven strength consumer nondurable general product assembly markets whilelast years acquisition wafo contributed additional volume growth 1 operating margin segment 27 reported 28 adjusting nonrecurring restructuring expenses next advanced technology systems ats organic sales rose 6 year year helped demand automated semiautomated dispense equipment electronic end markets well fluid management components medical end markets ats operating margin expanded 7 percentage points year year 31 thanks combination volume leverage favorable product mix nordsons ongoing margin enhancement initiatives finally industrial coating systems segment sales fell 3 year year similar last quarter came unusually strong performance segment yearago period hilton elaborated growth powder liquid coating product lines offset softness nordsons industrial coating product lines operating margin segment 17 18 excluding impact restructuring charges broken geography revenue usclimbed45 year year 1351 million 276 sales revenue rest americas declined 126 71 excluding currencies 305 million 62 total sales revenue europe grew 76 1286 million 262 total sales revenue japan increased 303 125 excluding currencies 347 million 68 total revenue asiapacific revenue grew 64 87 excluding currencies 161 million 329 sales next order rates 12week period ending aug 14 grew 16 constant currency backlog increased 22 year year 333 million including 20 organic growth 2 acquisitions fiscal fourth quarter 2016 nordson expects revenue climb 6 10 year year approximate range 473 million 4908 million assumes organic volume growth 5 9 1 contribution acquisitions midpoint revenue range operating margin quarter 22 diluted earnings per share range 115 127 perspective keeping mind normally dont pay much attention wall streets quarterly demands analysts consensus estimates predicted nordsons revenue current quarter would increase 45 year year 4661 million translate earnings per share low end nordsons new guidance range hilton noted even low ends guidance ranges nordson track achieve fullyear company records revenue operating profit earnings per sharegiven nordsons relative outperformance suggested earnings preview opens new windowa days ago surprise company increased quarterly dividend 13 024 per share little week ago even shares 20 three months preceding todays report equally unsurprising see investors bidding nordson stock yet today 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 steve symington opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares nordson 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 | 600 |
<p>BY: <a href="" type="internal">Andrew Stiles</a> June 27, 2012 5:00 am</p>
<p>National Security Adviser Tom Donilon collected more than $148,000 in pension payments from bailed out mortgage giant Fannie Mae in 2011, on top of his White House salary of $172,200, according to a Free Beacon analysis of White House personal <a href="" type="internal">financial disclosure forms</a>.</p>
<p>Donilon netted more than $320,000 in income in 2011 between the two taxpayer-funded sources, including monthly payments totaling $12,391 as part of Fannie Mae’s "Executive Pension" and "Qualified Benefit" plans, the documents show.</p>
<p>"Most taxpayers are struggling to make ends meet. Yet, Mr. Donilon is still profiting from his work during the Fannie Mae buildup of the housing bubble that led to a recession and massive taxpayer bailouts," said Sen. Jim DeMint (R., S.C.) in a statement to the Washington Free Beacon.</p>
<p>"We find it fairly unsurprising an Obama adviser is double-dipping the public coffers," said Mattie Duppler, government affairs manager at American for Tax Reform. "After all, after trillion-dollar deficits for four years running, what's a few hundred thousand?"</p>
<p>The optics of the arrangement were especially troubling, Duppler added, given that Donilon’s taxpayer-funded income is "three times what the average middle class taxpayer in making."</p>
<p>A spokesperson for the National Security Council did not respond to questions about whether Donilon is still receiving Fannie Mae pension payments as of this year, and whether Donilon has participated in any discussions about the transfer of federal funds to Fannie Mae.</p>
<p>Donilon, who some <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303734204577466910796158718.html" type="external">suspect to be the primary source</a> of <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/302912/vanity-leaks-rich-lowry" type="external">controversial leaks</a> of <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gOinHsdvoe5ht2WP8Mxqd4G3zo4w?docId=4c4d37e1978f4f20a7db680cc7a7e999" type="external">classified information</a> to reporters, <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/oct/13/obama-choice-helped-fannie-block-oversight/" type="external">worked as a registered lobbyist</a> for Fannie Mae from 1999 to 2005.</p>
<p>The firm played a significant role in the housing crisis of 2007, and the government-backed lender has since been bailed out with more than $120 billion in taxpayer funds. The total long-term costs of bailing out Fannie Mae and its affiliate entity Freddie Mac could range from about $400 billion to $1 trillion, according to independent estimates.</p>
<p>In November of 2011, as Donilon was continuing to collect pension payments from Fannie Mae, the lender <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/08/news/economy/fannie_mae/index.htm" type="external">requested</a> another $8 billion in bailout funds to sustain ongoing losses.</p>
<p>The Obama administration recently proposed a controversial <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/10/us-usa-housing-donovan-idUSBRE8491DW20120510" type="external">mortgage write-down plan</a> that could require more than <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/23/us-usa-housing-fhfa-idUSTRE80M2BW20120123" type="external">$100 billion in additional taxpayer funding</a> for the mortgage giants.</p>
<p>Donilon is one of the <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/285226/obama-s-one-percenters-andrew-stiles?pg=2" type="external">wealthiest members</a> of the Obama administration, with assets worth between $5.2 million and $32.5 million, according to personal financial disclosure forms.</p>
<p>The White House paid him a maximum salary of $172,200 in 2011—small potatoes compared with the $3.9 million he made in his <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/oct/13/obama-choice-helped-fannie-block-oversight/" type="external">previous position as a partner</a> at O’Melveny &amp; Myers LLP, where his clients included financial giants such as Citigroup and Goldman Sachs.</p>
<p>Donilon’s White House salary is also less than 10 percent of the $1.8 million in bonus packages he received from Fannie Mae before his departure in 2005.</p>
<p>Donilon’s role at Fannie as executive vice president for law and policy <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/oct/13/obama-choice-helped-fannie-block-oversight/" type="external">came under scrutiny</a> in a 2006 report by the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, which found that Fannie Mae lobbyists had sought to discredit federal regulators looking into the firm’s financial practices.</p>
<p>While Donilon was never accused of any wrongdoing, Fannie Mae was forced to pay a $400 million settlement to the federal government over charges the company inaccurately reported its earnings from 1998 to 2004.</p>
<p>A large portion of Donilon’s assets consists of municipal bond holdings worth between $3.6 million and $8.3 million.</p>
<p>Such investments are often exempt from federal and state taxes.</p>
<p>President Obama pledged, "Lobbyists won’t find a job in my White House" as a candidate in 2008—a claim the non-partisan watchdog website Politifact.com has rated a " <a href="http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/obameter/promise/240/tougher-rules-against-revolving-door-for-lobbyists/" type="external">promise broken</a>."</p>
<p>The president signed an executive order banning lobbyists from his administration, but the White House has approved a number of "waivers" to the rule. Donilon is one of <a href="http://washingtonexaminer.com/article/17581" type="external">at least 40 former lobbyists</a> hired by the Obama administration since 2009, and was also a member of the <a href="http://change.gov/learn/obama_biden_transition_agency_review_teams" type="external">Obama-Biden transition team</a>. His name, however, does not appear on the <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/EthicsPledgeWaiversReleasedbytheWhiteHouse" type="external">list of White House officials granted waivers</a> from the White House ethics pledge.</p>
<p>The controversy surrounding Donilon goes beyond his ties to Fannie Mae. Donilon has more experience in politics than he does in foreign policy, having worked on the presidential campaigns of Jimmy Carter, Walter Mondale, and Joe Biden, Politico <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1010/43348.html" type="external">noted</a> in 2010.</p>
<p>Donilon’s predecessor Jim Jones <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/08/tom-donilon-disaster-national-security-advisor_n_755708.html" type="external">once criticized</a> Donilon for having "no credibility with the military," according to Bob Woodward’s Obama’s Wars (2010). Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/08/tom-donilon-disaster-national-security-advisor_n_755708.html" type="external">reportedly said</a> Donilon would be a "disaster" as national security adviser.</p>
<p>Donilon has also come under increased scrutiny as a potential culprit in the leak of highly classified national security information to reporters. He is quoted often in New York Times reporter David Sanger’s book Confront and Conceal: Obama’s Secrets Wars and Surprising Use of American Power, which reveals previously classified information about President Obama’s handling of the global war on terror.</p>
<p>Sanger’s book also reveals that Gates rebuked Donilon for divulging details to the press regarding the Special Forces raid that killed Osama bin Laden, reportedly telling the National Security Adviser to " <a href="http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/gates-national-security-team-osama-raid-shut-f_646731.html" type="external">shut the fuck up</a>."</p>
<p>Top lawmakers have <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0612/77089.html" type="external">called for an investigation</a> into the leaks, which some say were meant to bolster the president’s foreign policy credentials in an election year. Democratic analyst&#160;Pat Caddell <a href="http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2012/06/pat-caddell-names-national-security-advisor-tom-donilon-as-source-for-top-security-leaks-video/" type="external">recently told&#160;</a>Fox News’ Sean Hannity&#160;he thought Donilon was the source of the leaks.</p>
<p>"We owe it to the American people to get to the bottom of this national security threat," said DeMint, who was one of 31 Senators to <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/defcon-hill/policy-and-strategy/234761-thirty-one-gop-senators-call-for-special-counsel-to-investigate-security-leaks" type="external">sign a letter</a> to Attorney General Eric Holder demanding a special counsel to investigate the leaks.</p>
<p>Tom Ricks of Foreign Policy magazine also <a href="http://ricks.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/06/18/the_tom_donilon_watch_how_long_before_the_national_security_advisor_goes" type="external">suggested</a> Donilon is in trouble, and could soon be ousted from his post. "If he's lucky, I think the national security adviser lasts until January," Ricks <a href="http://ricks.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/06/18/the_tom_donilon_watch_how_long_before_the_national_security_advisor_goes" type="external">wrote</a> last week.</p>
<p>Asked to comment on these allegations, National Security Council (NSC) spokesman Tommy Vietor referred the Free Beacon to President Obama’s <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/06/obama-leak-accusations-wrong-and-offensive/" type="external">remarks</a> at a June 8 press conference.</p>
<p>"My attitude has been zero tolerance for these kinds of leaks and speculation," the president told reporters. "If we can root out folks who have leaked, they will suffer consequences."</p>
<p>"The notion that my White House would purposefully release classified national security information is offensive," Obama added.</p>
<p>Vietor said characterizing Donilon as someone with an extensive history as a campaign operative and lobbyist and comparatively little foreign policy experience was "laughably inaccurate."</p> | true | 0 | andrew stiles june 27 2012 500 national security adviser tom donilon collected 148000 pension payments bailed mortgage giant fannie mae 2011 top white house salary 172200 according free beacon analysis white house personal financial disclosure forms donilon netted 320000 income 2011 two taxpayerfunded sources including monthly payments totaling 12391 part fannie maes executive pension qualified benefit plans documents show taxpayers struggling make ends meet yet mr donilon still profiting work fannie mae buildup housing bubble led recession massive taxpayer bailouts said sen jim demint r sc statement washington free beacon find fairly unsurprising obama adviser doubledipping public coffers said mattie duppler government affairs manager american tax reform trilliondollar deficits four years running whats hundred thousand optics arrangement especially troubling duppler added given donilons taxpayerfunded income three times average middle class taxpayer making spokesperson national security council respond questions whether donilon still receiving fannie mae pension payments year whether donilon participated discussions transfer federal funds fannie mae donilon suspect primary source controversial leaks classified information reporters worked registered lobbyist fannie mae 1999 2005 firm played significant role housing crisis 2007 governmentbacked lender since bailed 120 billion taxpayer funds total longterm costs bailing fannie mae affiliate entity freddie mac could range 400 billion 1 trillion according independent estimates november 2011 donilon continuing collect pension payments fannie mae lender requested another 8 billion bailout funds sustain ongoing losses obama administration recently proposed controversial mortgage writedown plan could require 100 billion additional taxpayer funding mortgage giants donilon one wealthiest members obama administration assets worth 52 million 325 million according personal financial disclosure forms white house paid maximum salary 172200 2011small potatoes compared 39 million made previous position partner omelveny amp myers llp clients included financial giants citigroup goldman sachs donilons white house salary also less 10 percent 18 million bonus packages received fannie mae departure 2005 donilons role fannie executive vice president law policy came scrutiny 2006 report office federal housing enterprise oversight found fannie mae lobbyists sought discredit federal regulators looking firms financial practices donilon never accused wrongdoing fannie mae forced pay 400 million settlement federal government charges company inaccurately reported earnings 1998 2004 large portion donilons assets consists municipal bond holdings worth 36 million 83 million investments often exempt federal state taxes president obama pledged lobbyists wont find job white house candidate 2008a claim nonpartisan watchdog website politifactcom rated promise broken president signed executive order banning lobbyists administration white house approved number waivers rule donilon one least 40 former lobbyists hired obama administration since 2009 also member obamabiden transition team name however appear list white house officials granted waivers white house ethics pledge controversy surrounding donilon goes beyond ties fannie mae donilon experience politics foreign policy worked presidential campaigns jimmy carter walter mondale joe biden politico noted 2010 donilons predecessor jim jones criticized donilon credibility military according bob woodwards obamas wars 2010 former defense secretary robert gates reportedly said donilon would disaster national security adviser donilon also come increased scrutiny potential culprit leak highly classified national security information reporters quoted often new york times reporter david sangers book confront conceal obamas secrets wars surprising use american power reveals previously classified information president obamas handling global war terror sangers book also reveals gates rebuked donilon divulging details press regarding special forces raid killed osama bin laden reportedly telling national security adviser shut fuck top lawmakers called investigation leaks say meant bolster presidents foreign policy credentials election year democratic analyst160pat caddell recently told160fox news sean hannity160he thought donilon source leaks owe american people get bottom national security threat said demint one 31 senators sign letter attorney general eric holder demanding special counsel investigate leaks tom ricks foreign policy magazine also suggested donilon trouble could soon ousted post hes lucky think national security adviser lasts january ricks wrote last week asked comment allegations national security council nsc spokesman tommy vietor referred free beacon president obamas remarks june 8 press conference attitude zero tolerance kinds leaks speculation president told reporters root folks leaked suffer consequences notion white house would purposefully release classified national security information offensive obama added vietor said characterizing donilon someone extensive history campaign operative lobbyist comparatively little foreign policy experience laughably inaccurate | 689 |
<p>Insurance has historically offered some of the best-performing stocks in the financial industry. Today, then, let's consider three insurance ETFs that offer diversified portfolios touching on every type of insurance company -- property and casualty, personal, commercial, life, reinsurance, and brokerages.</p>
<p>Here's how each of these three insurance ETFs work, along with the case for adding each one to your portfolio.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>If diversification is what you're looking for, the SPDR S&amp;P Insurance ETF has it. This ETF holds shares of 50 publicly traded insurance companies, which are equally weighted in the portfolio. Large or small, each company makes up 2% of the fund when it's rebalanced each quarter.</p>
<p>Equal-weighted funds tend to have a bias toward smaller companies, but a $2 billion minimum market capitalization helps keep the fund tilted toward mid-cap insurance stocks. At the time of writing, mid-cap insurance companies made up approximately 58% of the fund's asset value.</p>
<p>One perk of this ETF is that it invests in all things insurance, even insurance brokers, which generate the majority of their revenue and profit by marketing and selling policies, rather than taking on the risk of a policy. Depending on how you'd like to tackle investing in the insurance industry, this could be a pro or a con.</p>
<p>Given the fund's equal weighting, it's my view that this ETF is best for investors who want broad diversification and the opportunity to profit as the industry consolidates. Because fund holdings are equally weighted, it is more heavily invested in companies that would make bite-size acquisitions for larger industry participants. For that reason, this fund is likely to perform best when merger and acquisition activity picks up in the insurance industry. Notably, merger and acquisition activity in the insurance industry has picked up in recent years, as foreign insurers -- Japanese insurers, specifically -- look to the U.S. to find growth.</p>
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<p>The iShares U.S. Insurance ETF is a good fit for investors who want access to a portfolio of primarily large-cap insurance stocks. The iShares U.S. Insurance ETF is <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/market-capitalization.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=71424b90-70e9-11e7-8a54-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">market-cap Opens a New Window.</a> weighted and holds 62 different companies at the time of writing.</p>
<p>However, because the insurance industry has just a handful of publicly traded giants, the largest companies in the industry make up the majority of the fund's assets. At the time of writing, its 10 largest holdings made up 60% of the portfolio, thus making this a large cap-biased insurance ETF.</p>
<p>The ETF tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Select Insurance Index, which includes companies that are selected by committee. To enter the index, companies must have a minimum market cap of $500 million, and they must maintain a minimum cap of $250 million to remain. According to its methodology, the index includes "full-line insurance companies, property and casualty insurance companies, and life insurance companies."</p>
<p>While one might view its concentrated portfolio and large-cap focus as negatives, the truth is that this is the closest thing to a "true" insurance-sector ETF. The largest and most popular <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/etf/2017/06/21/sector-spdrs-what-you-need-to-know.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=71424b90-70e9-11e7-8a54-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">sector ETFs Opens a New Window.</a> are market-cap weighted and thus have similar biases to large-cap companies.</p>
<p>PowerShares KBW Property &amp; Casualty Insurance Portfolio is the ETF for investors who want to invest in property and casualty insurers exclusively. The ETF tracks the KBW Nasdaq Property &amp; Casualty Index, which is a modified market capitalization-weighted index currently consisting of 24 property and casualty insurance companies selected by a five-member committee.</p>
<p>To be included in the underlying index and ETF, companies must be "primarily engaged in property and casualty insurance activities"; trade on the NYSE, NYSE MKT, or Nasdaq; and have average daily trading volume of at least 100,000 shares, among other rules.</p>
<p>The index and ETF use a modified market-cap weighting so that no holding makes up more than 8% of assets, and so that no more than five holdings make up 8% each. All other positions are capped at 4% of the portfolio. As a result, the five largest holdings make up approximately 39.5% of the portfolio, and the 10 largest make up approximately 60%.</p>
<p>Property and casualty insurers have historically been some of the insurance industry's best performers, because they tend to write short-term insurance contracts such as auto, homeowners, and workers' compensation policies that are generally less risky than long-term life or long-term care insurance policies are. Property and casualty insurers tend to make <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/12/09/how-to-invest-in-property-and-casualty-insurance.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=71424b90-70e9-11e7-8a54-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">good investments Opens a New Window.</a> in rising rate environments, as short-term rates drive their earnings from their investment portfolios.</p>
<p>While these three ETFs do an excellent job providing low-cost exposure to different corners of the insurance world, they leave out what is arguably one of the market's largest and best-performing insurance companies of all time: Berkshire Hathaway.</p>
<p>While it's true that Warren Buffett's company isn't just an insurance company -- it also owns one of the largest railroads and utility businesses, among other companies -- Berkshire derives a <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/06/07/how-berkshire-hathaway-makes-most-of-its-money.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=71424b90-70e9-11e7-8a54-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">substantial portion Opens a New Window.</a> of its profit from its insurance businesses. (Curiously, the&#160;SPDR S&amp;P Insurance ETF holds shares of&#160;Fidelity National Financial, which is a title insurer that operates some restaurants on the side. It's hard to draw the lines on just how "pure" an insurer must be to be an insurance company.)</p>
<p>On one hand, excluding Berkshire is a testament to the fact that each ETF is designed to invest in pure-play insurance companies. On the other hand, those who buy one of the ETFs mentioned here may want to complement their holdings with a few shares of Berkshire Hathaway, given that it's the owner of the largest and most profitable property-and-casualty and reinsurance companies in the world. That's your call.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFValueMagnet/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=71424b90-70e9-11e7-8a54-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Jordan Wathen Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Berkshire Hathaway (B shares). The Motley Fool recommends Nasdaq. 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=71424b90-70e9-11e7-8a54-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | insurance historically offered bestperforming stocks financial industry today lets consider three insurance etfs offer diversified portfolios touching every type insurance company property casualty personal commercial life reinsurance brokerages heres three insurance etfs work along case adding one portfolio continue reading diversification youre looking spdr sampp insurance etf etf holds shares 50 publicly traded insurance companies equally weighted portfolio large small company makes 2 fund rebalanced quarter equalweighted funds tend bias toward smaller companies 2 billion minimum market capitalization helps keep fund tilted toward midcap insurance stocks time writing midcap insurance companies made 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largest companies industry make majority funds assets time writing 10 largest holdings made 60 portfolio thus making large capbiased insurance etf etf tracks dow jones us select insurance index includes companies selected committee enter index companies must minimum market cap 500 million must maintain minimum cap 250 million remain according methodology index includes fullline insurance companies property casualty insurance companies life insurance companies one might view concentrated portfolio largecap focus negatives truth closest thing true insurancesector etf largest popular sector etfs opens new window marketcap weighted thus similar biases largecap companies powershares kbw property amp casualty insurance portfolio etf investors want invest property casualty insurers exclusively etf tracks kbw nasdaq property amp casualty index modified market capitalizationweighted index currently consisting 24 property casualty insurance companies selected fivemember committee included underlying index etf companies must primarily engaged property casualty insurance activities trade nyse nyse mkt nasdaq average daily trading volume least 100000 shares among rules index etf use modified marketcap weighting holding makes 8 assets five holdings make 8 positions capped 4 portfolio result five largest holdings make approximately 395 portfolio 10 largest make approximately 60 property casualty insurers historically insurance industrys best performers tend write shortterm insurance contracts auto homeowners workers compensation policies generally less risky longterm life longterm care insurance policies property casualty insurers tend make good investments opens new window rising rate environments shortterm rates drive earnings investment portfolios three etfs excellent job providing lowcost exposure different corners insurance world leave arguably one markets largest bestperforming insurance companies time berkshire hathaway true warren buffetts company isnt insurance company also owns one largest railroads utility businesses among companies berkshire derives substantial portion opens new window profit insurance businesses curiously the160spdr sampp insurance etf holds shares of160fidelity national financial title insurer operates restaurants side hard draw lines pure insurer must insurance company one hand excluding berkshire testament fact etf designed invest pureplay insurance companies hand buy one etfs mentioned may want complement holdings shares berkshire hathaway given owner largest profitable propertyandcasualty reinsurance companies world thats call 10 stocks like better spdr kbw insurancewhen 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 spdr kbw insurance wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns july 6 2017 jordan wathen opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends berkshire hathaway b shares motley fool recommends nasdaq motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 649 |
<p>The subject of options is one of the most intimidating topics for many investors, new and seasoned alike. But there are really only a few basics to understand, and then a world of new investing opportunity can open up. In this clip, ourMotley Fool Options pro explains the ins and outs of some of the most common options investing strategies -- how they work, what they mean, and how investors can use them to their advantage.</p>
<p>A full transcript follows the video.</p>
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<p>10 stocks we like better than AppleWhen 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=5027436b-237b-4888-9fc8-b69fbafa7421&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 Apple 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>
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<p>This video was recorded on March 24, 2017.</p>
<p>Dylan Lewis: What are some of the other really common option moves that you guys use in Motley Fool Options?</p>
<p>JP Bennett: The two basics, put writing, we already touched on, and the other one that is normally a great strategy for beginners is covered calls. In a covered call, you already own the underlying stock. So, you own 100 shares of Apple(NASDAQ: AAPL), let's say. And you layer on top of that selling calls. So, Apple is trading around $140, you can potentially say, "Sell the $145 call." So, basically, what you're doing is increasing the income that you're going to generate from a given position. You're going to get the dividend from Apple, but in addition to that, you're also going to generate that option income. Now, the potential downfall of that is that you have to sell those shares at $145 if the stock ends above it and you don't do anything. Again, little side note, there are a bunch of different things you could do as you get close to the expiration if you don't want to sell shares. But that's the biggest risk of writing covered calls. So, one of the cornerstones of that is never write covered calls on stocks you don't want to sell, because eventually, you're going to end up in a position where the stock skyrockets, and you just sit there and you're like, "I should not have covered those shares." That extra $2 per share in income really doesn't offset the sting of a stock moving $15-$20 by the time expiration comes.</p>
<p>Lewis: Yeah. And one thing that I think is probably worth clarifying for listeners is when options get exercised. I think that might be something that's a little bit confusing. It might be that you write puts and I take the other side of it, and I pay a premium for that. But, if the strike price doesn't wind up being somewhere that's opportune for me to exercise it, it will just wind up expiring, and I'll eat that premium.</p>
<p>Bennett: Yeah. In most cases, the person that's taking the other side of the trade is a market maker. Think about Wall Street, he's one of those guys on Wall Street with his computer, he's basically hedging out a bunch of positions and doing stuff like that. In the vast majority of cases, you have to wait until you get really close to expiration for those options to be exercised, because an options premium is composed of two components. There is the intrinsic value, which is the discrepancy between the current stock price and the strike price. If you bought calls of Apple at $140 and it goes up to $145, you now have $5 of intrinsic value because you're essentially buying the stock at $5 below the current market price. The other component is the component that decays away over time, and that's what's referred to as time value. That is a function of some of the things we referred to in the past. That component kind of withers away. So, when you're selling options, that's the component you want to go away over time. If you have bought an option, it doesn't make sense to exercise it unless there really isn't all that much time value left.</p>
<p>Now, there are certain instances, like I said. For every general rule of thumb, there are those exceptions. There's something referred to as dividend poaching, and things like that. But for the vast majority of cases, unless there's no time value left on the option, those options won't be exercised. So, one of the great things, here at The Motley Fool, we're long-term investors, we like to think in the long term. Because options are instruments that have a small lifespan, maybe three or four months, especially when you're writing puts, that's a sweet spot for where we're targeting, they can [...] on value pretty significantly over that time. You sell the put option and the stock falls, the value may increased by a smaller percentage in terms of dollars -- so, the stock falls $1, maybe your puts only change by $0.50. But, in terms of percentages, the move is going to be a lot greater. So, you can see those fluctuating values and just think to yourself, "Oh my gosh, what did I get myself into?" But, you just have to sit pat and have that long-term, "Here's why I initially did the strategy, we're going to ride it out and wait and see and let that time out," because that time value component is going to fluctuate significantly. But over time, because, say you buy an option that expires in four months -- that's worth a lot more, because a lot more can happen in four months than if you bought an option that expires five days from now. The odds of the stock moving over the course of three or four months is a lot higher than over the course of five days. So, the time value, all things equal, ceteris paribus, the option that expires in three or four months from now is going to have a lot more time value than the one that expires in five days.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFlewis/info.aspx" type="external">Dylan Lewis Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Apple. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFYossarian/info.aspx" type="external">JP Bennett Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Apple. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFYossarian/info.aspx" type="external">JP Bennett</a> has the following options: short January 2018 $115 puts on Apple. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has the following options: long January 2018 $90 calls on Apple and short January 2018 $95 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;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | subject options one intimidating topics many investors new seasoned alike really basics understand world new investing opportunity open clip ourmotley fool options pro explains ins outs common options investing strategies work mean investors use advantage full transcript follows video continue reading 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 february 6 2017 advertisement video recorded march 24 2017 dylan lewis really common option moves guys use motley fool options jp bennett two basics put writing already touched one normally great strategy beginners covered calls covered call already underlying stock 100 shares applenasdaq aapl lets say layer top selling calls apple trading around 140 potentially say sell 145 call basically youre increasing income youre going generate given position youre going get dividend apple addition youre also going generate option income potential downfall sell shares 145 stock ends dont anything little side note bunch different things could get close expiration dont want sell shares thats biggest risk writing covered calls one cornerstones never write covered calls stocks dont want sell eventually youre going end position stock skyrockets sit youre like covered shares extra 2 per share income really doesnt offset sting stock moving 1520 time expiration comes lewis yeah one thing think probably worth clarifying listeners options get exercised think might something thats little bit confusing might write puts take side pay premium strike price doesnt wind somewhere thats opportune exercise wind expiring ill eat premium bennett yeah cases person thats taking side trade market maker think wall street hes one guys wall street computer hes basically hedging bunch positions stuff like vast majority cases wait get really close expiration options exercised options premium composed two components intrinsic value discrepancy current stock price strike price bought calls apple 140 goes 145 5 intrinsic value youre essentially buying stock 5 current market price component component decays away time thats whats referred time value function things referred past component kind withers away youre selling options thats component want go away time bought option doesnt make sense exercise unless really isnt much time value left certain instances like said every general rule thumb exceptions theres something referred dividend poaching things like vast majority cases unless theres time value left option options wont exercised one great things motley fool longterm investors like think long term options instruments small lifespan maybe three four months especially youre writing puts thats sweet spot targeting value pretty significantly time sell put option stock falls value may increased smaller percentage terms dollars stock falls 1 maybe puts change 050 terms percentages move going lot greater see fluctuating values think oh gosh get sit pat longterm heres initially strategy going ride wait see let time time value component going fluctuate significantly time say buy option expires four months thats worth lot lot happen four months bought option expires five days odds stock moving course three four months lot higher course five days time value things equal ceteris paribus option expires three four months going lot time value one expires five days dylan lewis opens new window owns shares apple jp bennett opens new window owns shares apple jp bennett following options short january 2018 115 puts apple motley fool owns shares recommends apple motley fool following options long january 2018 90 calls apple short january 2018 95 calls apple motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 602 |
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<p>FOX Business: The Power to Prosper</p>
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<p>The Dow added to its losses in choppy trading after the Fed unveiled plans to lengthen the maturity of it balance sheet, as was widely anticipated, but the Nasdaq fought to hold on to modest gains.</p>
<p>Today's Markets</p>
<p>As of 3:10 p.m. ET, the <a href="" type="internal">Dow Jones</a> Industrial Average fell 72 points, or 0.63%, to 11,338, the S&amp;P 500 slipped 9.4 points, or 0.78%, to 1,193 and the <a href="" type="internal">Nasdaq</a> Composite rose 5.6 points, or 0.22%, to 2,596.</p>
<p>The Federal Reserve said Wednesday it would purchase $400 billion in long-term Treasuries, lengthening the maturity of its balance sheet, as it seeks to fight stubbornly high unemployment and stalling economic expansion.&#160;The Fed also renewed its call to keep short-term interest rates at exception for until at least the middle of 2013.</p>
<p>The central bank has already exhausted its conventional tools, for example, short-term interest rates&#160;are already at essentially 0%, meaning it has had to make more unusual moves in a bid to spur employment and economic growth. The move is a more indirect stimulus, looking to push long-term interest rates lower.</p>
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<p>"The Fed has few options at its disposal, so this move is not surprising," David Joy, chief market strategist at Ameriprise Financial wrote in a note to clients. "How much of an effect somewhat lower rates will make is questionable. At the very least, it can’t hurt."</p>
<p>The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury fell markedly after the release, recently hitting 1.88% from it previous close of 1.944%, and 1.937% where it had been sitting before the announcement.</p>
<p>Moody's sliced the long-term credit rating of Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) and Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) and Citigroup's (NYSE:C) short-term rating on Wednesday as it sees a lower probability of government support for the banking sector going forward.&#160;Shares of Bank of America, a Dow component, were the hardest hit by the news, but the entire financial sector was pressured by the news as well.</p>
<p>Heavy-machinery maker Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT) was on of the worst-performing blue chips by a significant margin in a sign of the weakness in the industrial sector on the day. &#160;Materials companies like Freeport-McMoRan Copper &amp; Gold (NYSE:FCX) were also deep in the red.</p>
<p>The Nasdaq's losses, however, were tempered by technology stocks like Oracle (NASDAQ:ORCL) and Adobe (NASDAQ:ADBE) posted strong performance on the heels of better-than-expected earnings reports.</p>
<p>Also on the technology front, a report by Bloomberg that Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ) is considering ousting its chief executive as the company struggles to find its way in a quickly-changing technology market sent its shares soaring.</p>
<p>Existing home sales jumped 7.7% in August from July to a 5.03 million unit rate, topping the 1.4% gain economists had expected. &#160;The housing industry has struggled as individuals have still had trouble securing financing, uncertainty over whether prices have bottomed out, and high supply in many parts of the country.</p>
<p>While the number of home sales remains depressed, "the lack of further weakness does play into our general thesis that the worst of the housing market decline is certainly behind us and generally speaking, housing improvement, albeit it at a terribly slow pace, [lays] ahead," Daniel Greenhaus, chief global strategist at BTIG, wrote in a note to clients.</p>
<p>On the other side of the Atlantic, minutes from the <a href="" type="internal">Bank of England</a> released on Wednesday revealed policymakers believe the case for immediate resumption of so-called quantitative easing is strong in light of the economic malaise and ongoing sovereign debt crisis that has slammed Europe. There have been worries that English banks like Lloyds and Barclays (NYSE:BCS) may have exposure to debt of embattled euro zone countries like Greece.</p>
<p>The Greek situation, which has been a major focus on Wall Street for weeks, continues developing. &#160;Greek finance ministry officials said late Tuesday that progress had been made inspectors in securing the next roughly $11 billion tranche of much-needed rescue aid. European lenders have been pushing the country to take on deeper austerity measures to cut down on its enormous fiscal deficit, but the measures have been deeply unpopular among the public there. The Greek cabinet said it would cut pensions and put tens of thousands of public workers on notice late in Wednesday's session.</p>
<p>The worry for the financial markets has been that if Greece defaults, it could send shockwaves that may endanger other countries, like Italy, Europe's third-largest economy. &#160;Moreover, analysts have suggested, it could endanger the European banking system, which could even spillover into other global financial markets.</p>
<p>In currencies, the euro slid 0.1% against the U.S. dollar, while the greenback rose 0.31% against a basket of world currencies.</p>
<p>Energy markets were slightly higher following the Energy Department's weekly inventory report, but the fell with equity markets after the Fed statement. Oil inventories slipped 7.3 million barrels last week, compared to a forecast of a 700,000 barrel draw. &#160;Meanwhile, gasoline stocks climbed by 3.3 million barrels, a bigger build than the 1.2 million analysts anticipated.</p>
<p>Light, sweet crude dipped $1.00 cents, or 1.2%, to $85.92 a barrel. &#160;Wholesale RBOB gasoline ticked lower by 3 cents, or 1.3%, to $2.67 a gallon.</p>
<p>Gold fell $1.00, or 0.06%, to $1,808 a troy ounce.</p>
<p>Corporate News</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Oracle</a> (NASDAQ:ORCL) posted quarterly earnings of 48 cents a share after the bell on Tuesday, topping expectations of 46 cents.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Adobe</a> (NASDAQ:ADBE) posted quarterly profits that beat Wall Street's expectations after the closing bell on Tuesday, and said it expects to have a stronger fourth quarter than analysts anticipated, which sent the shares jumping.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Microsoft</a> (NASDAQ:MSFT) boosted its dividend by 25% to 20 cents a share late on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Foreign Markets</p>
<p>The English FTSE 100 dipped 2% to 5,288 and the German DAX sunk 1.4% to 5,288.</p>
<p>In Asia, the Japanese Nikkei 225 rose 0.23% to 8,741 and the Chinese Hang Seng fell 1% to 18,824.</p> | true | 0 | fox business power prosper continue reading dow added losses choppy trading fed unveiled plans lengthen maturity balance sheet widely anticipated nasdaq fought hold modest gains todays markets 310 pm et dow jones industrial average fell 72 points 063 11338 sampp 500 slipped 94 points 078 1193 nasdaq composite rose 56 points 022 2596 federal reserve said wednesday would purchase 400 billion longterm treasuries lengthening maturity balance sheet seeks fight stubbornly high unemployment stalling economic expansion160the fed also renewed call keep shortterm interest rates exception least middle 2013 central bank already exhausted conventional tools example shortterm interest rates160are already essentially 0 meaning make unusual moves bid spur employment economic growth move indirect stimulus looking push longterm interest rates lower advertisement fed options disposal move surprising david joy chief market strategist ameriprise financial wrote note clients much effect somewhat lower rates make questionable least cant hurt yield benchmark 10year treasury fell markedly release recently hitting 188 previous close 1944 1937 sitting announcement moodys sliced longterm credit rating bank america nysebac wells fargo nysewfc citigroups nysec shortterm rating wednesday sees lower probability government support banking sector going forward160shares bank america dow component hardest hit news entire financial sector pressured news well heavymachinery maker caterpillar nysecat worstperforming blue chips significant margin sign weakness industrial sector day 160materials companies like freeportmcmoran copper amp gold nysefcx also deep red nasdaqs losses however tempered technology stocks like oracle nasdaqorcl adobe nasdaqadbe posted strong performance heels betterthanexpected earnings reports also technology front report bloomberg hewlettpackard nysehpq considering ousting chief executive company struggles find way quicklychanging technology market sent shares soaring existing home sales jumped 77 august july 503 million unit rate topping 14 gain economists expected 160the housing industry struggled individuals still trouble securing financing uncertainty whether prices bottomed high supply many parts country number home sales remains depressed lack weakness play general thesis worst housing market decline certainly behind us generally speaking housing improvement albeit terribly slow pace lays ahead daniel greenhaus chief global strategist btig wrote note clients side atlantic minutes bank england released wednesday revealed policymakers believe case immediate resumption socalled quantitative easing strong light economic malaise ongoing sovereign debt crisis slammed europe worries english banks like lloyds barclays nysebcs may exposure debt embattled euro zone countries like greece greek situation major focus wall street weeks continues developing 160greek finance ministry officials said late tuesday progress made inspectors securing next roughly 11 billion tranche muchneeded rescue aid european lenders pushing country take deeper austerity measures cut enormous fiscal deficit measures deeply unpopular among public greek cabinet said would cut pensions put tens thousands public workers notice late wednesdays session worry financial markets greece defaults could send shockwaves may endanger countries like italy europes thirdlargest economy 160moreover analysts suggested could endanger european banking system could even spillover global financial markets currencies euro slid 01 us dollar greenback rose 031 basket world currencies energy markets slightly higher following energy departments weekly inventory report fell equity markets fed statement oil inventories slipped 73 million barrels last week compared forecast 700000 barrel draw 160meanwhile gasoline stocks climbed 33 million barrels bigger build 12 million analysts anticipated light sweet crude dipped 100 cents 12 8592 barrel 160wholesale rbob gasoline ticked lower 3 cents 13 267 gallon gold fell 100 006 1808 troy ounce corporate news oracle nasdaqorcl posted quarterly earnings 48 cents share bell tuesday topping expectations 46 cents adobe nasdaqadbe posted quarterly profits beat wall streets expectations closing bell tuesday said expects stronger fourth quarter analysts anticipated sent shares jumping microsoft nasdaqmsft boosted dividend 25 20 cents share late tuesday foreign markets english ftse 100 dipped 2 5288 german dax sunk 14 5288 asia japanese nikkei 225 rose 023 8741 chinese hang seng fell 1 18824 | 617 |
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<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Let’s talk about the meaning of a “god-complex”. Wikipedia defines a “god complex” as</p>
<p>“an unshakable belief characterized by consistently inflated feelings of personal&#160;ability,&#160;privilege, or&#160;infallibility. A person with a god complex may refuse to admit the possibility of their error or failure, even in the face of complex or intractable problems or difficult or impossible tasks, or may regard their personal opinions as unquestionably correct.”</p>
<p>Many parents can find a living, breathing example of a person suffering from a “god complex” as close as the family pediatrician’s office.</p>
<p>One such example is the anonymous pediatrician who wrote&#160; <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/01/30/the-real-reason-pediatricians-want-you-to-vaccinate-your-kids.html" type="external">this essay</a>, which was published by The Daily Beast.</p>
<p>I always ask if the children are vaccinated, or if the parents intend to vaccinate once the child is born. If the answer is no, I politely and respectfully tell them we won’t be the right fit. We don’t accept patients whose parents won’t vaccinate them.</p>
<p>When I read&#160; <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/01/30/the-real-reason-pediatricians-want-you-to-vaccinate-your-kids.html" type="external">t</a>he essay, I had to check to see if it was satire. Unfortunately, it’s legitimate. &#160;That a doctor that&#160;you are paying&#160;to care for your child feels so omnipotent is simply mindblowing. That a person who swore an oath to do no harm would feel so strongly about imposing his will on parents speaks volumes about his high opinion of himself, even though he says that isn’t the case:</p>
<p>The physician-patient relationship, like so many other human relationships, requires an element of trust. I certainly neither want nor expect a return to the paternalistic “doctor knows best” mindset of bygone years, but I do need to know that patient’s parents respect my training and expertise. Refusing an intervention I desperately want all children to receive makes that respect untenably dubious.</p>
<p>All over the country, doctors are now refusing to treat children who are unvaccinated. This, in my opinion, is just another bullying tactic to try to force a parent’s hand. &#160;It pushes them to worry about well-child visits, about what you’ll do if your child becomes ill and needs surgery, about how you would acquire needed antibiotics for a routine ear infection. And with Obamacare, you can be assured the push for standardization of care and for vaccines is going to become even more aggressive.</p>
<p>The pediatrician who wrote this, who is apparently sheepish enough about his views that he used a pseudonym for his essay, pushes the mainstream propaganda with this paragraph (links to his sources are embedded):</p>
<p>There are few questions I can think of that have been asked and answered more thoroughly than the one about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.</p>
<p>The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine&#160; <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?cmd=Search&amp;doptcmdl=Citation&amp;defaultField=Title+Word&amp;term=Taylor[author]+AND+Autism+and+measles,+mumps,+and+rubella+vaccine%3A+no+epidemiological+evidence+for+a+causal+association" type="external">does not cause autism</a>.</p>
<p>The&#160; <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6229a4.htm?s_cid=mm6229a4_w" type="external">HPV vaccine is safe</a>.</p>
<p>There is&#160; <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/Concerns/Thimerosal/neuropsychological_Outcomes.html" type="external">no threat to public health from thimerosal</a>.</p>
<p>In response to this, I supply my own links:</p>
<p>Finally, he wraps it up, and I have to say, I’d be thrilled to be kicked out of his office because I do think he is misguided. I sincerely think he believes what he is pushing, but I also think he has been brainwashed, not educated.</p>
<p>I often wonder why a parent who believes vaccines are harmful would want to bring their children to a medical doctor at all. After all, for immunizations to be as malign as their detractors claim, my colleagues and I would have to be staggeringly incompetent, negligent or malicious to keep administering them.</p>
<p>It’s not merely that I don’t want to have to worry that the two-week-old infant in my waiting room is getting exposed to a potentially-fatal case of pertussis if these parents bring their children in with a bad cough. It’s not just that I don’t want their kid to be the first case of epiglottitis I’ve ever seen in my career. Those are reasons enough, to be sure. But they’re not all.</p>
<p>What breaks the deal is that I would never truly believe that these parents trust me. Giving kids vaccines is the absolute, unambiguous standard of care, as easy an answer as I will ever be able to offer.</p>
<p>If they don’t trust me about that, how can I hope they would if the questions ever got harder?</p>
<p>I have personally had tense conversations during doctor’s visits when refusing <a href="" type="internal">vaccines</a> or certain medications for my children. I have been quizzed about <a href="" type="internal">vaccines</a> in the emergency room when I brought my daughter in for a broken wrist, which is clearly totally unrelated to her vaccination history. I’ve never had a doctor absolutely refuse to treat my child, but there have been some less-than-positive encounters.</p>
<p>It is my right as a parent to make the best choices possible for my children – choices that are based on my personal beliefs, my religious beliefs, and the research that I have diligently searched out. Medicine should not be a dictatorship, where you go in and submit your child to the doctor’s decisions. I want a doctor with whom I can partner in my child’s care, not an arrogant, all-knowing, inflexible authoritarian in a lab coat.</p>
<p>If you have a pediatrician who treats you condescendingly, who refuses to abide by your wishes for treatment for your children, or who refuses to consider your concerns as valid, maybe if that doctor refuses to treat your child, it is the best thing that could happen.</p>
<p>Dr. Joseph Mercola, a leading wellness expert, an osteopathic physician and a&#160;board-certified family medical doctor, sums it up:</p>
<p>It goes without saying that when you choose a physician, that physician is working&#160;for you. It is an oxymoron that a pediatrician is able to “fire” a patient; more accurately, you have a choice as to whom you trust to provide health care for you and your children.</p>
<p>So&#160;you&#160;can always FIRE your doctor. It is YOUR right and YOUR choice to take control of your health and your family’s health and you should NEVER allow any doctor to interfere with that right. That said, there are reports of pediatricians ostracizing patients that disagree with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) one-size-fits-all vaccination schedule. Some pediatricians will even resist answering your vaccination questions or concerns.</p>
<p>I find it interesting, though, that one of the most salient points raised in the&#160; <a href="http://healthland.time.com/2011/08/04/should-pediatricians-fire-patients-whose-parents-dont-vaccinate-them/?xid=rss-topstories&amp;utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+time%2Ftopstories+%28TIME%3A+Top+Stories%29" type="external">Time magazine article</a>&#160;came not from the author but from her 4-year-old daughter, who asked after receiving five vaccines:</p>
<p>“Why I got to get shots to make me healthy?”</p>
<p>And therein lies a very powerful question … ( <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/08/18/should-pediatricians-fire-patients-whose-parents-dont-vaccinate.aspx" type="external">source</a>)</p>
<p>Learn more about vaccines from these resources:</p>
<p><a href="http://vaxtruth.org/" type="external">VaxTruth.org</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.nvic.org/" type="external">National Vaccine Information Center</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vaccination-Voodoo-What-About-Vaccines/dp/1484923820/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top" type="external">Vaccination Voodoo: What YOU Don’t Know About Vaccines</a>&#160;(reviewed&#160; <a href="http://www.theorganicprepper.ca/book-review-vaccination-voodoo-its-a-must-read-02102014" type="external">HERE</a>)</p>
<p>Daisy Luther is a freelance writer and editor. &#160;Her website, <a href="http://www.theorganicprepper.ca/pediatrician-with-a-god-complex-refuses-to-treat-unvaccinated-children-02172014" type="external">The Organic Prepper</a>, offers information on healthy prepping, including premium nutritional choices, general wellness and non-tech solutions. You can follow Daisy on Facebook and Twitter, and you can email her at [email protected]</p>
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<p /> | true | 0 | 160 lets talk meaning godcomplex wikipedia defines god complex unshakable belief characterized consistently inflated feelings personal160ability160privilege or160infallibility person god complex may refuse admit possibility error failure even face complex intractable problems difficult impossible tasks may regard personal opinions unquestionably correct many parents find living breathing example person suffering god complex close family pediatricians office one example anonymous pediatrician wrote160 essay published daily beast always ask children vaccinated parents intend vaccinate child born answer politely respectfully tell wont right fit dont accept patients whose parents wont vaccinate read160 essay check see satire unfortunately legitimate 160that doctor that160you paying160to care child feels omnipotent simply mindblowing person swore oath harm would feel strongly imposing parents speaks volumes high opinion even though says isnt case physicianpatient relationship like many human relationships requires element trust certainly neither want expect return paternalistic doctor knows best mindset bygone years need know patients parents respect training expertise refusing intervention desperately want children receive makes respect untenably dubious country doctors refusing treat children unvaccinated opinion another bullying tactic try force parents hand 160it pushes worry wellchild visits youll child becomes ill needs surgery would acquire needed antibiotics routine ear infection obamacare assured push standardization care vaccines going become even aggressive pediatrician wrote apparently sheepish enough views used pseudonym essay pushes mainstream propaganda paragraph links sources embedded questions think asked answered thoroughly one safety effectiveness vaccines measlesmumpsrubella vaccine160 cause autism the160 hpv vaccine safe is160 threat public health thimerosal response supply links finally wraps say id thrilled kicked office think misguided sincerely think believes pushing also think brainwashed educated often wonder parent believes vaccines harmful would want bring children medical doctor immunizations malign detractors claim colleagues would staggeringly incompetent negligent malicious keep administering merely dont want worry twoweekold infant waiting room getting exposed potentiallyfatal case pertussis parents bring children bad cough dont want kid first case epiglottitis ive ever seen career reasons enough sure theyre breaks deal would never truly believe parents trust giving kids vaccines absolute unambiguous standard care easy answer ever able offer dont trust hope would questions ever got harder personally tense conversations doctors visits refusing vaccines certain medications children quizzed vaccines emergency room brought daughter broken wrist clearly totally unrelated vaccination history ive never doctor absolutely refuse treat child lessthanpositive encounters right parent make best choices possible children choices based personal beliefs religious beliefs research diligently searched medicine dictatorship go submit child doctors decisions want doctor partner childs care arrogant allknowing inflexible authoritarian lab coat pediatrician treats condescendingly refuses abide wishes treatment children refuses consider concerns valid maybe doctor refuses treat child best thing could happen dr joseph mercola leading wellness expert osteopathic physician a160boardcertified family medical doctor sums goes without saying choose physician physician working160for oxymoron pediatrician able fire patient accurately choice trust provide health care children so160you160can always fire doctor right choice take control health familys health never allow doctor interfere right said reports pediatricians ostracizing patients disagree us centers disease control preventions cdc onesizefitsall vaccination schedule pediatricians even resist answering vaccination questions concerns find interesting though one salient points raised the160 time magazine article160came author 4yearold daughter asked receiving five vaccines got get shots make healthy therein lies powerful question source learn vaccines resources vaxtruthorg national vaccine information center vaccination voodoo dont know vaccines160reviewed160 daisy luther freelance writer editor 160her website organic prepper offers information healthy prepping including premium nutritional choices general wellness nontech solutions follow daisy facebook twitter email daisytheorganicprepperca | 568 |
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<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>There are good reasons to love dividend stocks. The most obvious one is for the passive income streams they generate, or for those of you who reinvest your dividends, for the fact that they enable you to increase the number of stock shares you own. Moreover, studies have shown that in general, dividend payers outperform non-dividend payers over the long term.</p>
<p>If you're interested in relatively high-yielding dividend stocks that have outperformed the market over the long term and don't have tons of risk like many higher-yielders, you should exploreB&amp;G Foods, Inc.(NYSE: BGS)and Iron Mountain Incorporated(NYSE: IRM).B&amp;G is the better bet for investors most concerned with total capital appreciation, while Iron Mountain is the better choice for investors most concerned with current income. Both are suitable for investors with moderately high risk tolerances.</p>
<p>Data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p>
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<p>B&amp;G Foods produces and sells branded shelf-stable foods that it distributes via various channels in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. The Parsippany, NJ-based company's growth strategy largely involves acquiring nostalgic food brands that are expected to be immediately or very soon thereafter accretive to its earnings and cash flow.</p>
<p>"Ho, ho, ho, Green Giant." Image source: B&amp;G Foods.</p>
<p>Many of B&amp;G Foods' brands are well-known names, such as CreamofWheat (hot cereals),Maple Grove Farms (syrups), andOrtega (Mexican food). In November 2015, the company added the iconicGreen Giant brand along with the Le Suer brand to its portfolio via its largest acquisition to date. It bought these leading frozen and canned vegetables brands from General Mills for $765 million in cash plus an inventory adjustment at closing of approximately $58 million.Last November, B&amp;G made its second largest acquisition ever when it bought thespices and seasonings business ofACH Food Companies for$365 million, which brought it theSpice Islands, Tone's, and Durkee brands.</p>
<p>B&amp;G recently hiked its dividend, which is currently yielding 4.3%, by 10.3%.The company's cash dividend payout ratio (dividends paid divided by free cash flow) is 45.7%; while many factors are at play, a payout ratio of about 65% or less generally suggests that a company can comfortably afford its dividend and investors are likely to get future dividend hikes.The company has paid adividend each quarter since its 2007 IPO. While its overall dividend history is attractive, its dividend increases are more erratic than those of some companies.</p>
<p>Data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p>
<p>In the first nine months of 2016, B&amp;G's sales jumped 56.7%, thanks largely to its Green Giant acquisition, with this brand contributing 40% of total revenue.Earnings per share rose 49.5%, while adjusted EPS soared 61.3%.</p>
<p>Like most companies, B&amp;G is not without some challenges. They are relatively moderate and likely to be overcome, in my view, but investors need to monitor them. Sales in the company's "base business" (businesses owned for at least one year) declined2.3% in the first nine months of 2016. Rather than this being solely a case of its brands simply falling out of favor, there were two "explainable" reasons that, combined, accounted for 71% of the total decline.</p>
<p>A significant sales decline in B&amp;G's TrueNorth snack food brand accounted for nearly 40% of the total decline. The company raised prices of the products within this line that contain almonds because of the big spike in almond prices in 2015 caused by the California drought. These increases negatively impacted consumer demand. When it reported its Q3 results, the company had recently begun rolling back prices as almond prices had begun to return to historical norms, but consumer demand had not returned to prior levels. A drop in sales of the company's aggregate syrup brands accounted for about 31% of the total sales decline. This decline was primarily due to maple syrup price deflation due to the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar, which has resulted in increased competition in the maple syrup category.</p>
<p>B&amp;G is leveraged up -- its debt-to-equity ratio is 192%. This isn't overly concerning because of the company's strong cash flow history and the historically low interest rate environment. Even if the Federal Reserve hikes rates several more times this year, rates will still be near historic lows, assuming increases are modest. However, the high leverage is something investors need to be aware of.</p>
<p>B&amp;G Foods has good growth potential as it's still only a relatively small company, with a market cap of $2.9 billion, and there are plenty of potential acquisition candidates. Analysts expect B&amp;G to grow earnings per share 41.8% in 2016 (Q4 hasn't been reported yet) and an average of 17.9% over the next five years. The long-term growth projection could prove conservative, as B&amp;G regularly beats analysts' estimates.</p>
<p>Data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p>
<p>Iron Mountain's core business is providing storage -- primarily of records -- and information managementservices for companies and government organizations. It's also been expanding into what it terms "adjacent" (related) operations, including data centers. The Boston-based company, which is the leader in its industry, has a portfolio consisting of about 1,500 facilities spanning 45 countries. It has more than 220,000 customers, including about 94% of the Fortune 1000 companies.</p>
<p>Iron Mountain has been in business since 1951 and a publicly traded company since 1996.In 2014, the company converted to a real estate investment trust (REIT).REITS areamong the highest-yielding dividend stocks because companies organized as REITs are required to pay out at least 90% of their income as dividendsdue to their preferential tax treatment.</p>
<p>REIT stocks in general have had nice price run-ups in recent years, thanks largely to the historically low interest rate environment. In mid-2016, though, much of the group began pulling back -- some significantly -- because of the expected modest rise in interest rates. In addition to December's rate hike, the Federal Reserve is widely expected to raise rates several more times this year. This doesn't mean investors should abandon REITs, but it does mean investors should have a long-term investing horizon and should focus on high-quality, best-in-class REITs.</p>
<p>Image source: Iron Mountain.</p>
<p>Key attractive features of Iron Mountain's business include relatively low maintenance costs, customer diversification, and stability. No single customer accounts for more than 1% of its revenue. Oncecustomers store their initial records and/or other property with Iron Mountain, they tend to keep them with the company for the long haul. Moreover, at least the core storage portion of Iron Mountain's business is insulated from economic downturns.</p>
<p>Based on the continued demonstration of growth and durability of cash flows, Iron Mountain increased its quarterly dividend by 13% for the fourth quarter. The company has a rather brief history as an REIT, but it has solidly increased its dividend in this time period. Because Iron Mountain converted to an REIT in 2014, it was required to pay a lump-sum distribution at the end of that year. That payment skews the dividend history, so the following chart shows from 2015 on.</p>
<p>Data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p>
<p>For the first nine months of 2016, Iron Mountain's revenue increased 26.2% as reported and 27.4% in constant currency, driven by a large acquisition (Recall) in May.However, normalized funds from operations (FFO) per share -- a key metric for REITs, which is akin to earnings per share for this class of business -- declined 20%. This was largely related to the Recall acquisition. As this acquisition is further integrated, the company expects to realize increased synergies, so FFO should improve. There's no guarantee, of course, and investors should monitor this situation going forward.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than B and G Foods 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=7ff2d497-d132-4107-a3cb-c4e38d4e6891&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 B and G Foods 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=7ff2d497-d132-4107-a3cb-c4e38d4e6891&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/TMFMcKenna/info.aspx" type="external">Beth McKenna 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 | image source getty images continue reading good reasons love dividend stocks obvious one passive income streams generate reinvest dividends fact enable increase number stock shares moreover studies shown general dividend payers outperform nondividend payers long term youre interested relatively highyielding dividend stocks outperformed market long term dont tons risk like many higheryielders explorebampg foods incnyse bgsand iron mountain incorporatednyse irmbampg better bet investors concerned total capital appreciation iron mountain better choice investors concerned current income suitable investors moderately high risk tolerances data ycharts advertisement bampg foods produces sells branded shelfstable foods distributes via various channels us canada puerto rico parsippany njbased companys growth strategy largely involves acquiring nostalgic food brands expected immediately soon thereafter accretive earnings cash flow ho ho ho green giant image source bampg foods many bampg foods brands wellknown names creamofwheat hot cerealsmaple grove farms syrups andortega mexican food november 2015 company added iconicgreen giant brand along le suer brand portfolio via largest acquisition date bought leading frozen canned vegetables brands general mills 765 million cash plus inventory adjustment closing approximately 58 millionlast november bampg made second largest acquisition ever bought thespices seasonings business ofach food companies for365 million brought thespice islands tones durkee brands bampg recently hiked dividend currently yielding 43 103the companys cash dividend payout ratio dividends paid divided free cash flow 457 many factors play payout ratio 65 less generally suggests company comfortably afford dividend investors likely get future dividend hikesthe company paid adividend quarter since 2007 ipo overall dividend history attractive dividend increases erratic companies data ycharts first nine months 2016 bampgs sales jumped 567 thanks largely green giant acquisition brand contributing 40 total revenueearnings per share rose 495 adjusted eps soared 613 like companies bampg without challenges relatively moderate likely overcome view investors need monitor sales companys base business businesses owned least one year declined23 first nine months 2016 rather solely case brands simply falling favor two explainable reasons combined accounted 71 total decline significant sales decline bampgs truenorth snack food brand accounted nearly 40 total decline company raised prices products within line contain almonds big spike almond prices 2015 caused california drought increases negatively impacted consumer demand reported q3 results company recently begun rolling back prices almond prices begun return historical norms consumer demand returned prior levels drop sales companys aggregate syrup brands accounted 31 total sales decline decline primarily due maple syrup price deflation due strength us dollar relative canadian dollar resulted increased competition maple syrup category bampg leveraged debttoequity ratio 192 isnt overly concerning companys strong cash flow history historically low interest rate environment even federal reserve hikes rates several times year rates still near historic lows assuming increases modest however high leverage something investors need aware bampg foods good growth potential still relatively small company market cap 29 billion plenty potential acquisition candidates analysts expect bampg grow earnings per share 418 2016 q4 hasnt reported yet average 179 next five years longterm growth projection could prove conservative bampg regularly beats analysts estimates data ycharts iron mountains core business providing storage primarily records information managementservices companies government organizations also expanding terms adjacent related operations including data centers bostonbased company leader industry portfolio consisting 1500 facilities spanning 45 countries 220000 customers including 94 fortune 1000 companies iron mountain business since 1951 publicly traded company since 1996in 2014 company converted real estate investment trust reitreits areamong highestyielding dividend stocks companies organized reits required pay least 90 income dividendsdue preferential tax treatment reit stocks general nice price runups recent years thanks largely historically low interest rate environment mid2016 though much group began pulling back significantly expected modest rise interest rates addition decembers rate hike federal reserve widely expected raise rates several times year doesnt mean investors abandon reits mean investors longterm investing horizon focus highquality bestinclass reits image source iron mountain key attractive features iron mountains business include relatively low maintenance costs customer diversification stability single customer accounts 1 revenue oncecustomers store initial records andor property iron mountain tend keep company long haul moreover least core storage portion iron mountains business insulated economic downturns based continued demonstration growth durability cash flows iron mountain increased quarterly dividend 13 fourth quarter company rather brief history reit solidly increased dividend time period iron mountain converted reit 2014 required pay lumpsum distribution end year payment skews dividend history following chart shows 2015 data ycharts first nine months 2016 iron mountains revenue increased 262 reported 274 constant currency driven large acquisition recall mayhowever normalized funds operations ffo per share key metric reits akin earnings per share class business declined 20 largely related recall acquisition acquisition integrated company expects realize increased synergies ffo improve theres guarantee course investors monitor situation going forward 10 stocks like better b g foods 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 b g foods wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns january 4 2017 beth mckenna opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 858 |
<p>This episode of Fast Forward was recorded in the IBM Watson Experience Center here in New York City. My guest was Rob High, the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of IBM Watson.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,2806,2511440,00.asp" type="external">Opens a New Window.</a>High works across multiple teams within IBM, including engineering, development, and strategy. He is one of the most lucid thinkers in the space of artificial intelligence, and our conversation covered many of the way that technology is reshaping our jobs, our society and our lives. Read and watch our conversation below.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Dan Costa: What is the dominant misconception that people have about artificial intelligence?</p>
<p>Rob High: I think the most common problem that we're running into with people talking about AI is they still live in the world where I think Hollywood has amplified this idea that cognitive computing, AI, is about replicating the human mind, and it's really not. Things like the Turing test tend to reinforce that what we're measuring is the idea of AI being able to compete with fooling people into believing that what you're dealing with is another human being, but that's really not been where we have found the greatest utility.</p>
<p>This even goes back to, if you look at almost every other tool that has ever been created, our tools tend to be most valuable when they're amplifying us, when they're extending our reach, when they're increasing our strength, when they're allowing us to do things that we can't do by ourselves as human beings. That's really the way that we need to be thinking about AI as well, and to the extent that we actually call it augmented intelligence, not artificial intelligence.</p>
<p>Let's talk a little bit about that shift, because it's an entirely new type of computing. It's the evolution of computing from what we both grew up with, a programmatic computing where you would use computation to reach and answer using a very complex process, to cognitive computing, which operates a little differently. Can you explain that transition?</p>
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<p>Probably the biggest notable difference is that it's very probabilistic, whereas programmed computing is really about laying out all the conditional statements that define the things that you're paying attention to and how to respond to them. It's highly deterministic. It's highly mathematically precise. With a classic programmed computer, you can design a piece of software. Because you know what the mathematical model is that it represents, you can test it mathematically. You can prove its correctness.</p>
<p>Cognitive computing is much more probabilistic. It's largely about testing the signals of the spaces that we're focused on, whether that is vision or speech or language, and trying to find the patterns of meaning in those signals. Even then, there's never absolute certainty. Now, this is in part because that's the way it's computed, but also because that's the nature of human experience. If you think about everything that we say or see or hear, taste or touch or smell or anything that is part of our senses, we as human beings are always attempting to evaluate what that really is, and sometimes we don't get it right.</p>
<p>What's the probability that when I heard that sequence of sounds, it really meant this word? What's the probability that when I saw this sequence of words it meant this statement? What's the probability that when I see this shape and an image that I'm looking at that it is that object? Even for human beings, that's a probabilistic problem, and to that extent it's always the way that these cognitive systems work as well.</p>
<p>If somebody comes to you and they have a problem that they want to solve, they think that there is a cognitive computing solution to that, they come to Watson, they say, "Look, we're going to use Watson to try and solve this problem." Out of the box, Watson doesn't do very much. They need to teach it how to solve their problem. Can you talk about that onboarding process?</p>
<p>Actually, we should talk about two dimensions of this. One is that some time ago we realized that this thing called cognitive computing was really bigger than us, it was bigger than IBM, it was bigger than any one vendor in the industry, it was bigger than any of the one or two different solution areas that we were going to be focused on, and we had to open it up, which is when we shifted from focusing on solutions to really dealing with more of a platform of services, where each service really is individually focused on a different part of the problem space. It's a component that, in the case of speech, is focused strictly on the problem of trying to take your speech and recognize what words you've expressed in that speech, or take an image and try and identify what's in the image, or take language and attempt to understand what its meaning is, or take a conversation and participate in that.</p>
<p>First of all, what we're talking about now are a set of services, each of which do something very specific, each of which are trying to deal with a different part of our human experience, and with the idea that anybody building an application, anybody that wants to solve a social or consumer or business problem can do that by taking our services, then composing that into an application. That's point one.</p>
<p>Point two is the one that you started with, which is, all right, now that I've got the service, how do we get it to do the things we want it to do well? The technique really is one of teaching. The probabilistic nature of these systems is founded on the fact that they are based on machine learning or deep learning, and those algorithms have to be taught how to recognize the patterns that represent meaning within a set of signals, which you do by providing data, data that represents examples of that situation that you've had before where you've been able to label that as saying, "When I hear that combination of sounds, it means this word. When I see this combination of pixels, it means that object." When I had those examples, I can now bring you to the cognitive system, to these cognitive services, and teach them how to do a better job of recognizing whatever it is that we want it to do.</p>
<p>I think one of the examples that illustrates this really well is in the medical space, where Watson is helping doctors make decisions and parsing large quantities of data, but then ultimately working with them on a diagnosis in partnership. Can you talk a little bit about how that training takes place and then how the solution winds up delivering better outcomes?</p>
<p>The work that we've done in oncology is a good example of where really it's a composition of multiple different kinds of algorithms that, across the spectrum of work that needs to be performed, are used in different ways. We start with, for example, looking at the medical record, looking at your medical record and using the cognitive system to look over all the notes that the clinicians have taken over the years that they've been working with you and finding what we call pertinent clinical information. What is the information in those medical notes that are now relevant to the consultation that you're about to go into? Taking that, doing population similarity analytics, trying to find the other patients, the other cohorts that have a lot of similarity to you, because that's going to inform the doctor on how to think about different treatments and how those treatments might be appropriate for you and how you're going to react to those treatments.</p>
<p>Then we go into what we call the standard of care practices, which are relatively well-defined techniques that doctors share on how they're going to treat different patients for different kinds of diseases, recognizing that those are really designed for the average person. Then we lay on top of that what we call clinical expertise. Having been taught by the best doctors in different diseases what to look for and where the outliers are and how to reason about the different standard of care practices, which of those is most appropriate or how to take the different pathways through those different care practices and now apply them in the best way possible, but finally going in and looking at the clinical literature, all the hundreds of thousands, 600,000 articles in PubMed about the advances in science that have occurred in that field that are relevant to now making this treatment recommendation.</p>
<p>All those are different aspects of algorithms that we're applying at different phases of that process, all of which have been taught by putting some of the best doctors in the world in front of these systems and having them use the system and correct the system when they see something going wrong, and having the system learn essentially through that use on how to improve its own performance. We're using that specifically in the case of oncology to help inform doctors in the field about treatment options that they may not be familiar with, or even if they have some familiarity with it may not have had any real experience with and don't really understand how their patients are going to respond to it and how to get the most effective response from their patients.</p>
<p>What that basically has done is democratized the expertise. We can take the best doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering who had the benefit of seeing literally thousands of patients a year around the same disease from which they've developed this tremendous expertise, capture that in the cognitive system, bring that out to a community or regional clinic setting where those doctors may not have had as much time working with the same disease across a large number of different patients, giving them the opportunity to benefit from that expertise that's now been captured in the cognitive system.</p>
<p>I think that idea of distributing that expertise, first of all, capturing it is a non-trivial task, but then once you've done that, being able to distribute it really across the planet, you're going to have the expertise of the best doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering being able to be delivered in China, in India, in small clinics, and I think that's pretty extraordinary.</p>
<p>It has a tremendous social impact on our welfare, on our health, on the things that will benefit us as a society.</p>
<p>On the flip side, the thing that concerns people about artificial intelligence is that it's going to replace people, it's going to replace jobs. It's tied into the automation movement. The thing that strikes me is, staying in the medical space, radiologists. Radiologists look at hundreds and hundreds of slides a day. Watson or an AI-based system could replicate that same type of diagnosis and image analysis. Ten years from now, do you think there are going to be more or fewer human radiologists employed in the US? What's the impact on industries like that?</p>
<p>The impact is actually about helping people do a better job. It's really about ... take it in the case of the doctor. If the doctor can now make decisions that are more informed, that are based on real evidence, that are supported by the latest facts in science, that are more tailored and specific to the individual patient, it allows them to actually do their job better. For radiologists, it may allow them to see things in the image that they might otherwise miss or get overwhelmed by. It's not about replacing them. It's about helping them do their job better.</p>
<p>It does have some of the same dynamic that every tool that we've ever created in society. I like to say if you go back and look at the last 10,000 years of modern society since the advent of the agricultural revolution, we've been as a human society building tools, hammers, shovels, hydraulics, pulleys, levers, and a lot of these tools have been most durable when what they're really doing is amplifying human beings, amplifying our strength, amplifying our thinking, amplifying our reach.</p>
<p>That's really the way to think about this stuff, is that it will have its greatest utility when it is allowing us to do what we do better than we could by ourselves, when the combination of the human and the tool together are greater than either one of them would've been by theirselves. That's really the way we think about it. That's how we're evolving the technology. That's where the economic utility is going to be.</p>
<p>I completely agree, but I do think there's going to be industries that are obviated because of the efficiency introduced by these intelligent systems.</p>
<p>They're going to be transitioned. Yeah, they're going to be transitioned. I don't want to diminish that point by saying it this way, but I also want to be sure that we aren't thinking about this as the elimination of jobs. This is about transforming the jobs that people perform. I'll give you an example. A lot of discussion about how this may take away jobs in the call center. Well, guess what? There's a lot of work that call center agents do that they don't need to be doing, they don't like doing, that takes away from their ability to do things that are more interesting.</p>
<p>The churn that we see in call centers is largely driven by the fact that if you think about the job of being a call center agent, you're sitting at the end of telephone call listening to irate customers all day long asking the same question over and over again, and it's hard to go home at night feeling really good about what you did that day. It's hard to brag to your friends and family about this job that you have and how good you are at doing it when that's the situation you're in.</p>
<p>If we can get the cognitive system through a conversational agent to offload some percentage, let's say 30 percent of those calls coming in, and answering the customers' most common and pressing questions quickly, efficiently, and take care of that mundane work, then what's left after all that's been taken care of are the kinds of questions that people have that inherently require more of a human touch that then you're going to turn over to that call center agent. The problem that they're dealing with for that customer is more interesting, more challenging, requires them to have more intellectual effort put into it, but also they're dealing with a customer who's been satisfied. They're coming in a little bit happier. They're not coming in all irate about their problem.</p>
<p>For the call center agent, it actually has improve their job. It actually makes it possible for them to do their job better and be more fulfilled by that. In the meantime, for the customer, for the consumer, they got their most pressing issues solved quickly. They're not sitting on hold for 10 minutes. They're not waiting for the get routed to the right person with just the right knowledge. They're getting the information they need most readily and able to move on with their life with probably a better decision, certainly better information or at least more consistent information. It actually benefits both sides of that equation.</p>
<p>It's interesting. Some of the demos I saw today is that the call center applications can anticipate and detect the emotional state of the people that are calling in pretty effectively, so it's not just transactional. It can actually read the state of the person on the other end of the line pretty well.</p>
<p>Which is really essential if you think about [it]; a conversation has two elements to it. One is that what people say to begin with is generally not what they're really there for. If I say, "What's my balance?" well, that's not really my problem. Yeah, I need to know my account balance, I need to know how much money I have, but my problem is I'm trying to buy something, or I'm trying to figure out how to get money in the right position to pay my bills this month, or I'm trying to save up for my kids' education. My problem is bigger than that first question I asked, and a conversation should be about getting to that real problem.</p>
<p>The second common characteristic of a conversation is that typically it carries a sort of emotional arc to it. People come in in a certain emotional state, and part of the conversation is to move them through an emotional shift that oftentimes means moving them from being angry to now being satisfied. In some conversations, we might get into it. It might actually get a little heated. You see an emotional arc that starts out maybe calm and then moves to a more contentious discussion that eventually then gets resolved.</p>
<p>Being sensitive and aware of emotional state in the parties involved is an important part of being effective in that conversation.</p>
<p>What are some of the other applications that you think are really transformative that are available today?</p>
<p>I think that [with] any of them, what we're doing is engaging the user, the customer, in a way that results in inspiring them. For me, ultimately, and again going back to conversations as an example, typically when human beings get into a conversation, we come to the table with an idea. You have an idea. I have an idea. That starting idea is the beginning of the conversation, and over the course of the conversation we evolve those ideas. We blend them. We merge them. We maybe discount them or amplify them. We evolve to a point where coming out of the conversation we have a better idea, hopefully. Ideally.</p>
<p>To do that, there has to be not only the give and take, but an element of how do you inspire somebody? How do you cause people to activate their imagination? How do you cause them to think about something they hadn't thought about before or see something in a light they hadn't thought of before or to see another point of view that takes them down a path that they didn't even know to think about, to ask questions they're not thinking to ask? Those are the examples, those are the situations that I think are most promising and will have the greatest benefit for people.</p>
<p>Is that happening today, or is that something that needs to happen down the line as the technology evolves?</p>
<p>No, it's happening. We have examples of that happening now. In fact, going back to oncology as an exemplar, for the best doctors in the world, the treatment options that are being presented may be obvious to them for the most part. There may be one out of ten cases where they might say, "Well, wait a minute, that was an interesting idea." It won't be as often, but, like you said earlier, if we take that now out to community settings, regional settings, and in areas where there aren't that levels of expertise, the fact that the system can introduce new ideas, new treatment options, it's really about introducing new ideas. We're seeing that already.</p>
<p>Then, of course, moving beyond what I think has become the classic chatbot scenario that I think some of us are beginning to see in different examples to now a situation where if somebody gives a credit card fraud alert on their credit card and they go to a chatbot today, it might be just simply, "Was that transaction something that you did or not? If it is, then fine. If not, then we're going to do something about canceling the transaction," into now, "Okay, you need a new credit card. Where's the best place to get it to you? Should we mail it you? Should we not mail it to you? Oh, you're getting ready to go on this trip. Then clearly we're not going to be able to mail it to you. We've got to get it to you faster than that.</p>
<p>"Oh, you're going overseas. Maybe there's a credit card option here that you weren't exposed to before, didn't know about, where we handle currency exchanges in your favor better. Oh, you're using this for business. This is an overseas trip. You're using this for business expenses. Well, here's a credit card that has an interest rate that's more appropriate for that." These are all very simple examples, but each of them are opening up a new set of ideas that doesn't typically happen in your simple chatbot today and yet can really be very empowering for human beings.</p>
<p>The interesting point there is that as you're going through all of those options, in the past that would be a script. There would be a script with a couple of branches. It would be predefined in advance. It's a very different thing when a chatbot does it that's actually reacting to the information you give and the information you've already given and leading you down paths that have not been scripted. It knows that you're traveling, but you haven't necessarily told it. It found that information from your email history.</p>
<p>It can find things about you it discovered along the way.</p>
<p>We talked about oncology because it's a great example. We talked about chatbots because most people have had some interaction with them. But this is a technology that really scales across every industry. It's hard to think of an industry that won't have some kind of cognitive component to it. Are there any examples that are just way out there that people haven't thought about yet?</p>
<p>The thing that's amazing to me is how every single day somebody's coming up with another new idea. That's why I think we're in such a very interesting phase, because by having focused on decomposing what we have in terms of cognitive capabilities into building block services, it's really freeing up people to use their imagination and go pursue ideas that we've never really considered before, whether that is using visual recognition to survey the landscape.</p>
<p>In California, for example, a company there is using visual recognition to look at the topography and the topology and recognize in the image the difference between a concrete surface, an asphalt roof surface, a grass surface, trees and shrubs and these things, to estimate how much water is being consumed and where there may be water leaks and things that could be done to improve the efficient use of water, as an example.</p>
<p>Or, in the legal arena, using these things to go off and help lawyers read through with literally millions and millions of pages of background material that is like finding the needle in a haystack. Where's that one piece of paper that is really relevant to this particular case? Trying to sort through all that. The opportunities are just enormous.</p>
<p>I think that one of those qualifications is having large quantities of data that need to be parsed through. You talked about medical records and being able to scan the medical records for the relevant information. Those records over the course of your lifetime could be many of hundreds of pages long. That's the thing that, maybe your family doctor has an inkling of that, but they're not going to remember all of it, whereas the system never forgets.</p>
<p>Yeah. A doctor may have five, maybe ten minutes to look through that medical history before coming and consulting with you, and yet there's all kinds of very relevant information that may be in your history, your past, that under any other circumstances they would miss just because they don't have the time, that if they had that would make a difference.</p>
<p>Think about a situation where if a woman had told her doctor that her mother just died of breast cancer two years ago. Well, chances are that doctor will have noted that in that record, but at this moment, if this woman's coming in presenting a lump in her breast, and if that doctor doesn't see that, well, that's a very important piece of missing information. Now, maybe they'll rediscover that by talking to the patient, but maybe not. Do you really want to take the risk of not having known that when something like that is so germane?</p>
<p>The overarching characteristic for where this stuff tends to be useful is you mentioned where there's lots and lots of data. Yeah, but really it's when any of those aspects of who we are as human beings, where what our cognitive capability begins to reach its limit. We're good at reading. We can read something. We can assimilate it. We can adapt to the information and make use of that in very powerful ways as human beings. But we're not very good at reading lots of data. We can't read more than ... The idea of reading tens of thousands, hundred thousand, millions of pages of literature in a day is so far beyond our capacity.</p>
<p>The question becomes, as we grow into a world where the amount of information that's produced on a daily basis is growing exponentially, how much more of that information are we not making use of that has information in it, has that little tidbit of information that's absolutely critical to the decision we need to make are we not getting to? If it's not the amount of information we read, it's: How much do we assimilate? How much are we able to recall? Are we able to see the little patterns that are relevant in that information to our decisions?</p>
<p>There are lots of things that we as human beings are good at. There's also a lot of things that we're not very good, and that's I think where cognitive computing really starts to make a huge difference, is when it's able to bridge that distance to make up that gap.</p>
<p>It seems pretty clear this is the world that we're moving into. How prepared are we? What do you look at our education system, our economy, our political structures? How well prepared are we to live in a world with this type of cognitive computing as a component?</p>
<p>It's interesting. This draws on one of the key value points that we possess as human beings, which is our ability to adapt. If you look at it in purely discrete terms, where is this going, and if we were to leap forward 10 years and look at it and say, "Where will we be 10 years? Are we prepared for that?" the answer is going to probably be, no. There's a lot more that we have to do. But human beings have this remarkable ability to adapt on the fly and grow with the changes that are occurring around them.</p>
<p>Think back 10 years ago when the smartphone was really just starting to become available to us, let alone popular, and how much change we have gone through as a society over the last 10 years. Think about what your life is like on a daily basis with and without your smartphone. We can complain about how much it may be taking away from other experiences, and that may be true, but the point is, we didn't spend a lot of time 10 years ago fretting over, were we prepared as a society, even though in fact we've gone through a lot of changes over the last 10 years that we probably weren't fully aware of as we assimilated this change in technology and started making use of it in very effective ways.</p>
<p>There's a lot that we have to do. There's a lot that we're going to be doing over time, a lot of growth that we'll go through, a lot of education and politics and other things that we have to go through changes on, but we will.</p>
<p>We'll get to my last questions. What technological trend concerns you the most? Is there anything that keeps you up at night?</p>
<p>I think that the biggest concern I have right now is people do need to take responsibility. We as engineers and providers of technology, consumers of technology, people who have responsibility for regulating technology, really do need to be conscious and think through now what we want to do to protect ourselves and prepare ourselves for the changes that are occurring. It won't be because we won't adapt to it. We will. The problem is of course, in the process of adapting it, we also won't be conscious of what that is doing and how that's affecting us and where people may be exploiting that technology in ways that we don't prefer, that we aren't comfortable with, or in retrospect we won't necessarily want.</p>
<p>I do think that we need to be conscious and thinking about what we do and we don't want to have happen in our lives with this technology. Specifically, vendors in particular, we as the suppliers of this technology, and the people who are consuming these technology components and building applications out of it should at this moment presume responsibility for our ethical behavior or behaviors that are born from ethical values.</p>
<p>As an example, we strongly recommend to any of our application developers, any of the institutions that are creating applications using these technologies, that they be very transparent with their end users about the fact that this is a cognitive application, it's a computer, and not attempt to masquerade as a real human being, for example. Don't pretend. Don't let this thing pretend.</p>
<p>Don't imitate.</p>
<p>Don't imitate it and don't let your customers ever be mislead into believing that this thing is a real person. Ethically, it's wrong. I think it creates the risk of vulnerability. A human being who is interacting with a human being can make certain assumptions about our flaws, about our inability to actually retain a lot of information, where when dealing with a cognitive system, we need to be mindful that the people who are providing that cognitive solution have a responsibility to the privacy and protection of the information that we supply it. We shouldn't be ever forgetful of that fact.</p>
<p>In terms of technology on the upside, what technology do you use every day that just inspires wonder? What's changed your life?</p>
<p>I think the fact that I can now get access to information that, even if I could get it in the internet, we've had information available to us in the internet for a long time, but oftentimes we stop trying to get that information because it's overwhelming. I was out looking at some camera equipment, and just trying to make decisions about the trade-offs between different cameras-</p>
<p>I'll send you a link to our buyers guide.</p>
<p>There you go. It gets overwhelming, and yet you have to rely on other people to provide that advice for you and assume that they've done the research for you, but even then, they're doing so based on some assumptions they've made about what you need and what you care about. At some point you just simply give up and you say, "Okay, fine, just tell me what to do, I'll do it." Or you go to a whole bunch of websites and you see all these opinions and it just gets confusing and contradictory and so you say, "Well, the heck with all them. I'm just going to go with what feels good to me."</p>
<p>Now, because these systems can accumulate and assimilate and organize vast quantities of information, even for the people who are making recommendations, even for the advisors, it benefits them because it helps them do a better job. A way I like to say it is it doesn't do our thinking for us, it does our research for us so we can do our thinking better, and that's true of us as end users and it's true of advisors. It's true of anybody who's in that role of being an analyst.</p>
<p>I think of the application, because we're always trying to help people make buying decisions. We're not far from a system that could look at all the photos that you've taken over the last five years, see that you like to do wildlife photography or closeups of flowers, and then make a camera recommendation based on the pictures that you take.</p>
<p>That's right. Flamingos. I don't know why.</p>
<p>This is the best camera for taking pictures of flamingos.</p>
<p>Flamingos, right.</p>
<p>We're almost there. The technology exists, it just hasn't been programmed yet.</p>
<p>Yeah.</p>
<p>Or taught, as we do these days. Rob High, thanks so much for doing this.</p>
<p>Thank you very much.</p>
<p>For more Fast Forward with Dan Costa, subscribe to the podcast. On iOS, download <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/podcasts/id525463029?mt=8" type="external">Apple's Podcasts app Opens a New Window.</a>, search for "Fast Forward" and subscribe. On Android, download the <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stitcher.app&amp;hl=en" type="external">Stitcher Radio for Podcasts app Opens a New Window.</a> via Google Play.</p>
<p>This article <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article/355521/ibm-watson-cto-on-why-augmented-intelligence-beats-ai" type="external">originally appeared Opens a New Window.</a> on <a href="http://www.pcmag.com" type="external">PCMag.com Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | episode fast forward recorded ibm watson experience center new york city guest rob high vice president chief technology officer ibm watson opens new windowhigh works across multiple teams within ibm including engineering development strategy one lucid thinkers space artificial intelligence conversation covered many way technology reshaping jobs society lives read watch conversation continue reading dan costa dominant misconception people artificial intelligence rob high think common problem running people talking ai still live world think hollywood amplified idea cognitive computing ai replicating human mind really things like turing test tend reinforce measuring idea ai able compete fooling people believing youre dealing another human thats really found greatest utility even goes back look almost every tool ever created tools tend valuable theyre amplifying us theyre extending reach theyre increasing strength theyre allowing us things cant human beings thats really way need thinking ai well extent actually call augmented intelligence artificial intelligence lets talk little bit shift entirely new type computing evolution computing grew programmatic computing would use computation reach answer using complex process cognitive computing operates little differently explain transition advertisement probably biggest notable difference probabilistic whereas programmed computing really laying conditional statements define things youre paying attention respond highly deterministic highly mathematically precise classic programmed computer design piece software know mathematical model represents test mathematically prove correctness cognitive computing much probabilistic largely testing signals spaces focused whether vision speech language trying find patterns meaning signals even theres never absolute certainty part thats way computed also thats nature human experience think everything say see hear taste touch smell anything part senses human beings always attempting evaluate really sometimes dont get right whats probability heard sequence sounds really meant word whats probability saw sequence words meant statement whats probability see shape image im looking object even human beings thats probabilistic problem extent always way cognitive systems work well somebody comes problem want solve think cognitive computing solution come watson say look going use watson try solve problem box watson doesnt much need teach solve problem talk onboarding process actually talk two dimensions one time ago realized thing called cognitive computing really bigger us bigger ibm bigger one vendor industry bigger one two different solution areas going focused open shifted focusing solutions really dealing platform services service really individually focused different part problem space component case speech focused strictly problem trying take speech recognize words youve expressed speech take image try identify whats image take language attempt understand meaning take conversation participate first talking set services something specific trying deal different part human experience idea anybody building application anybody wants solve social consumer business problem taking services composing application thats point one point two one started right ive got service get things want well technique really one teaching probabilistic nature systems founded fact based machine learning deep learning algorithms taught recognize patterns represent meaning within set signals providing data data represents examples situation youve youve able label saying hear combination sounds means word see combination pixels means object examples bring cognitive system cognitive services teach better job recognizing whatever want think one examples illustrates really well medical space watson helping doctors make decisions parsing large quantities data ultimately working diagnosis partnership talk little bit training takes place solution winds delivering better outcomes work weve done oncology good example really composition multiple different kinds algorithms across spectrum work needs performed used different ways start example looking medical record looking medical record using cognitive system look notes clinicians taken years theyve working finding call pertinent clinical information information medical notes relevant consultation youre go taking population similarity analytics trying find patients cohorts lot similarity thats going inform doctor think different treatments treatments might appropriate youre going react treatments go call standard care practices relatively welldefined techniques doctors share theyre going treat different patients different kinds diseases recognizing really designed average person lay top call clinical expertise taught best doctors different diseases look outliers reason different standard care practices appropriate take different pathways different care practices apply best way possible finally going looking clinical literature hundreds thousands 600000 articles pubmed advances science occurred field relevant making treatment recommendation different aspects algorithms applying different phases process taught putting best doctors world front systems use system correct system see something going wrong system learn essentially use improve performance using specifically case oncology help inform doctors field treatment options may familiar even familiarity may real experience dont really understand patients going respond get effective response patients basically done democratized expertise take best doctors memorial sloan kettering benefit seeing literally thousands patients year around disease theyve developed tremendous expertise capture cognitive system bring community regional clinic setting doctors may much time working disease across large number different patients giving opportunity benefit expertise thats captured cognitive system think idea distributing expertise first capturing nontrivial task youve done able distribute really across planet youre going expertise best doctors memorial sloan kettering able delivered china india small clinics think thats pretty extraordinary tremendous social impact welfare health things benefit us society flip side thing concerns people artificial intelligence going replace people going replace jobs tied automation movement thing strikes staying medical space radiologists radiologists look hundreds hundreds slides day watson aibased system could replicate type diagnosis image analysis ten years think going fewer human radiologists employed us whats impact industries like impact actually helping people better job really take case doctor doctor make decisions informed based real evidence supported latest facts science tailored specific individual patient allows actually job better radiologists may allow see things image might otherwise miss get overwhelmed replacing helping job better dynamic every tool weve ever created society like say go back look last 10000 years modern society since advent agricultural revolution weve human society building tools hammers shovels hydraulics pulleys levers lot tools durable theyre really amplifying human beings amplifying strength amplifying thinking amplifying reach thats really way think stuff greatest utility allowing us better could combination human tool together greater either one wouldve theirselves thats really way think thats evolving technology thats economic utility going completely agree think theres going industries obviated efficiency introduced intelligent systems theyre going transitioned yeah theyre going transitioned dont want diminish point saying way also want sure arent thinking elimination jobs transforming jobs people perform ill give example lot discussion may take away jobs call center well guess theres lot work call center agents dont need dont like takes away ability things interesting churn see call centers largely driven fact think job call center agent youre sitting end telephone call listening irate customers day long asking question hard go home night feeling really good day hard brag friends family job good thats situation youre get cognitive system conversational agent offload percentage lets say 30 percent calls coming answering customers common pressing questions quickly efficiently take care mundane work whats left thats taken care kinds questions people inherently require human touch youre going turn call center agent problem theyre dealing customer interesting challenging requires intellectual effort put also theyre dealing customer whos satisfied theyre coming little bit happier theyre coming irate problem call center agent actually improve job actually makes possible job better fulfilled meantime customer consumer got pressing issues solved quickly theyre sitting hold 10 minutes theyre waiting get routed right person right knowledge theyre getting information need readily able move life probably better decision certainly better information least consistent information actually benefits sides equation interesting demos saw today call center applications anticipate detect emotional state people calling pretty effectively transactional actually read state person end line pretty well really essential think conversation two elements one people say begin generally theyre really say whats balance well thats really problem yeah need know account balance need know much money problem im trying buy something im trying figure get money right position pay bills month im trying save kids education problem bigger first question asked conversation getting real problem second common characteristic conversation typically carries sort emotional arc people come certain emotional state part conversation move emotional shift oftentimes means moving angry satisfied conversations might get might actually get little heated see emotional arc starts maybe calm moves contentious discussion eventually gets resolved sensitive aware emotional state parties involved important part effective conversation applications think really transformative available today think engaging user customer way results inspiring ultimately going back conversations example typically human beings get conversation come table idea idea idea starting idea beginning conversation course conversation evolve ideas blend merge maybe discount amplify evolve point coming conversation better idea hopefully ideally give take element inspire somebody cause people activate imagination cause think something hadnt thought see something light hadnt thought see another point view takes path didnt even know think ask questions theyre thinking ask examples situations think promising greatest benefit people happening today something needs happen line technology evolves happening examples happening fact going back oncology exemplar best doctors world treatment options presented may obvious part may one ten cases might say well wait minute interesting idea wont often like said earlier take community settings regional settings areas arent levels expertise fact system introduce new ideas new treatment options really introducing new ideas seeing already course moving beyond think become classic chatbot scenario think us beginning see different examples situation somebody gives credit card fraud alert credit card go chatbot today might simply transaction something fine going something canceling transaction okay need new credit card wheres best place get mail mail oh youre getting ready go trip clearly going able mail weve got get faster oh youre going overseas maybe theres credit card option werent exposed didnt know handle currency exchanges favor better oh youre using business overseas trip youre using business expenses well heres credit card interest rate thats appropriate simple examples opening new set ideas doesnt typically happen simple chatbot today yet really empowering human beings interesting point youre going options past would script would script couple branches would predefined advance different thing chatbot thats actually reacting information give information youve already given leading paths scripted knows youre traveling havent necessarily told found information email history find things discovered along way talked oncology great example talked chatbots people interaction technology really scales across every industry hard think industry wont kind cognitive component examples way people havent thought yet thing thats amazing every single day somebodys coming another new idea thats think interesting phase focused decomposing terms cognitive capabilities building block services really freeing people use imagination go pursue ideas weve never really considered whether using visual recognition survey landscape california example company using visual recognition look topography topology recognize image difference concrete surface asphalt roof surface grass surface trees shrubs things estimate much water consumed may water leaks things could done improve efficient use water example legal arena using things go help lawyers read literally millions millions pages background material like finding needle haystack wheres one piece paper really relevant particular case trying sort opportunities enormous think one qualifications large quantities data need parsed talked medical records able scan medical records relevant information records course lifetime could many hundreds pages long thats thing maybe family doctor inkling theyre going remember whereas system never forgets yeah doctor may five maybe ten minutes look medical history coming consulting yet theres kinds relevant information may history past circumstances would miss dont time would make difference think situation woman told doctor mother died breast cancer two years ago well chances doctor noted record moment womans coming presenting lump breast doctor doesnt see well thats important piece missing information maybe theyll rediscover talking patient maybe really want take risk known something like germane overarching characteristic stuff tends useful mentioned theres lots lots data yeah really aspects human beings cognitive capability begins reach limit good reading read something assimilate adapt information make use powerful ways human beings good reading lots data cant read idea reading tens thousands hundred thousand millions pages literature day far beyond capacity question becomes grow world amount information thats produced daily basis growing exponentially much information making use information little tidbit information thats absolutely critical decision need make getting amount information read much assimilate much able recall able see little patterns relevant information decisions lots things human beings good theres also lot things good thats think cognitive computing really starts make huge difference able bridge distance make gap seems pretty clear world moving prepared look education system economy political structures well prepared live world type cognitive computing component interesting draws one key value points possess human beings ability adapt look purely discrete terms going leap forward 10 years look say 10 years prepared answer going probably theres lot human beings remarkable ability adapt fly grow changes occurring around think back 10 years ago smartphone really starting become available us let alone popular much change gone society last 10 years think life like daily basis without smartphone complain much may taking away experiences may true point didnt spend lot time 10 years ago fretting prepared society even though fact weve gone lot changes last 10 years probably werent fully aware assimilated change technology started making use effective ways theres lot theres lot going time lot growth well go lot education politics things go changes well get last questions technological trend concerns anything keeps night think biggest concern right people need take responsibility engineers providers technology consumers technology people responsibility regulating technology really need conscious think want protect prepare changes occurring wont wont adapt problem course process adapting also wont conscious thats affecting us people may exploiting technology ways dont prefer arent comfortable retrospect wont necessarily want think need conscious thinking dont want happen lives technology specifically vendors particular suppliers technology people consuming technology components building applications moment presume responsibility ethical behavior behaviors born ethical values example strongly recommend application developers institutions creating applications using technologies transparent end users fact cognitive application computer attempt masquerade real human example dont pretend dont let thing pretend dont imitate dont imitate dont let customers ever mislead believing thing real person ethically wrong think creates risk vulnerability human interacting human make certain assumptions flaws inability actually retain lot information dealing cognitive system need mindful people providing cognitive solution responsibility privacy protection information supply shouldnt ever forgetful fact terms technology upside technology use every day inspires wonder whats changed life think fact get access information even could get internet weve information available us internet long time oftentimes stop trying get information overwhelming looking camera equipment trying make decisions tradeoffs different cameras ill send link buyers guide go gets overwhelming yet rely people provide advice assume theyve done research even theyre based assumptions theyve made need care point simply give say okay fine tell ill go whole bunch websites see opinions gets confusing contradictory say well heck im going go feels good systems accumulate assimilate organize vast quantities information even people making recommendations even advisors benefits helps better job way like say doesnt thinking us research us thinking better thats true us end users true advisors true anybody whos role analyst think application always trying help people make buying decisions far system could look photos youve taken last five years see like wildlife photography closeups flowers make camera recommendation based pictures take thats right flamingos dont know best camera taking pictures flamingos flamingos right almost technology exists hasnt programmed yet yeah taught days rob high thanks much thank much fast forward dan costa subscribe podcast ios download apples podcasts app opens new window search fast forward subscribe android download stitcher radio podcasts app opens new window via google play article originally appeared opens new window pcmagcom opens new window | 2,578 |
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<p>We're going to let you in on a little secret. Some of the best investment ideas are often hiding in plain sight. That's because investors tend to focus on the stocks everyone else is talking about, often overlooking great companies right next door. That certainly seems to be the case withHolly Energy Partners (NYSE: HEP), Core Labs (NYSE: CLB), and Concho Resources (NYSE: CXO), which we think are some of the best-kept secrets in the energy sector.</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>(Holly Energy Partners):When it comes to dividend investing, there are three things you want: high yield, long-term sustainability, and growth. Unfortunately, you normally have to only pick just two of those traits at the same time, because getting all three at the same time is a real rarity. However, one company that does rather well on checking all three of these boxes is Holly Energy Partners. Since the companywent public in 2004, it has grown its payout every quarter at an annualized rate of 8.5%. Today, Holly Energy Partners stock yields 6.8%.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>So, the growth and high yield part of the equation look attractive. What sets this company apart from its peers that also shoot for high yield and growth is that Holly Energy Partners' payout looks relatively sustainable over time. The companyis able to achieve payout sustainability through two key factors: a conservative approach to both its operations and capital allocation.</p>
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<p>Most master limited partnerships in the oil and refined product transportation business leave a small portion of their revenue exposed to capture some modest benefits when prices are strong. Holly Energy Partners eschews this approach and elects instead to sign contracts where 100% of its revenue comes from fixed fees and commitments for minimum service. In doing so, it ensures a much more consistent revenue and cash flow stream that make planning its payout much more predictable over time.</p>
<p>Similarly, Holly Energy Partner's management takes a slow but steady approach to capital allocation. Rather than trying to make big splash acquisitions or boast a huge backlog of projects, the company makes modest additions to its portfolio while maintaining an investment grade credit rating and not having to issue lots of equity to pay for projects. By keeping share counts more consistent, those per-share distribution increases are more achievable over time.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/HEP/average_shares_outs_diluted" type="external">HEP Average Diluted Shares Outstanding (Quarterly)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Holly Energy Partners doesn't get much attention because it is a $2 billion midstream company in an industry that rewards size and scale, but the companyhas carved out a niche that has shown to be very rewarding for shareholders over the long term.</p>
<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</a>(Core Laboratories N.V.): As many investors have learned very painfully over the past several years, the energy industry's cyclicality can shift companies from big profits to even bigger losses very quickly. This is a product of an asset-heavy industry, with big, fixed expenses that can take a lot of time to bring down.</p>
<p>This is what makes Core Laboratories a little bit different. Core Lab is the rare "asset-light" company in the energy business, and it doesn't make a living drilling holes, operating expensive machinery, distributing equipment, or otherwise doing the heavy lifting that moves energy from the field to the consumer. Instead, Core Lab's business is all about analysis of oilfield data and providing producers with information that leads to cheaper, more complete oil and gas recovery.</p>
<p>The combination of Core's value to producers and its low-cost business model has kept the company profitable even as revenue has fallen:</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/CLB/revenues_ttm" type="external">CLB Revenue (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p>
<p>And with the worst of the downturn looking like it's over -- Core Lab reported sequential revenue growth the past two quarters -- there's a very good chance Core will see its profits grow substantially, and potentially very quickly, from here.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFmd19/info.aspx" type="external">Matt DiLallo Opens a New Window.</a> (Concho Resources): The Permian Basin in western Texas is arguably the hottest oil play in the world right now. Thanks to its resource-rich rocks and low drilling costs, producers in the Basin can earn excellent returns in the current low oil price environment. Because of that, investors are pouring money into companies operating in the region. However, one stock investors seem to be overlooking is Concho Resources, which is a surprise given that this $20 billion oil stock is the largest pure-play on the Permian Basin.</p>
<p>Not only is Concho a large company in a red-hot oil play, but it'san excellent operator. It currently has the second lowest leverage ratio in its peer group, at just 1.2 times net debt-to-EBIDAX, well below the 2.4 times peer average. Meanwhile, it has delivered peer-leading compound annual average production growth over the past decade of 23% on a per-share basis versus just 6% on average from its peer group.</p>
<p>That said, Concho Resources' best days still lie ahead. Through a series of strategic acquisitions, it quietly built up a 600,000 net acre position in the Basin, which is one of the largest in the industry. Further, the company estimates that its position contains 8 billion barrels of net resource potential and 19,000 future drilling locations, which is also among the leaders. Those resources should fuel robust growth for years to come, with Concho anticipating that it can deliver 20% compound production growth through 2019 while living within cash flow at current oil prices. That's healthy growth for a company of its size.</p>
<p>However, for whatever reason, investors don't pay that much attention to Concho Resources despite the fact that it's an exceptionally run oil company with big-time growth potential. In my opinion, that powerful combination makes it one of the best-kept secrets in the oil patch.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Holly Energy 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-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=3b4475a8-67d9-4a1c-abfd-51238078cacd&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 Holly Energy 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-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=3b4475a8-67d9-4a1c-abfd-51238078cacd&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><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/elihpaudio/info.aspx" type="external">Jason Hall Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Core Laboratories. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFmd19/info.aspx" type="external">Matt DiLallo</a> owns shares of Core Laboratories. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFDirtyBird/info.aspx" type="external">Tyler Crowe</a> owns shares of Core Laboratories. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Core Laboratories. 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 | going let little secret best investment ideas often hiding plain sight thats investors tend focus stocks everyone else talking often overlooking great companies right next door certainly seems case withholly energy partners nyse hep core labs nyse clb concho resources nyse cxo think bestkept secrets energy sector continue reading tyler crowe opens new windowholly energy partnerswhen comes dividend investing three things want high yield longterm sustainability growth unfortunately normally pick two traits time getting three time real rarity however one company rather well checking three boxes holly energy partners since companywent public 2004 grown payout every quarter annualized rate 85 today holly energy partners stock yields 68 image source getty images growth high yield part equation look attractive sets company apart peers also shoot high yield growth holly energy partners payout looks relatively sustainable time companyis able achieve payout sustainability two key factors conservative approach operations capital allocation advertisement master limited partnerships oil refined product transportation business leave small portion revenue exposed capture modest benefits prices strong holly energy partners eschews approach elects instead sign contracts 100 revenue comes fixed fees commitments minimum service ensures much consistent revenue cash flow stream make planning payout much predictable time similarly holly energy partners management takes slow steady approach capital allocation rather trying make big splash acquisitions boast huge backlog projects company makes modest additions portfolio maintaining investment grade credit rating issue lots equity pay projects keeping share counts consistent pershare distribution increases achievable time hep average diluted shares outstanding quarterly data ycharts opens new window holly energy partners doesnt get much attention 2 billion midstream company industry rewards size scale companyhas carved niche shown rewarding shareholders long term jason opens new window hallcore laboratories nv many investors learned painfully past several years energy industrys cyclicality shift companies big profits even bigger losses quickly product assetheavy industry big fixed expenses take lot time bring makes core laboratories little bit different core lab rare assetlight company energy business doesnt make living drilling holes operating expensive machinery distributing equipment otherwise heavy lifting moves energy field consumer instead core labs business analysis oilfield data providing producers information leads cheaper complete oil gas recovery combination cores value producers lowcost business model kept company profitable even revenue fallen clb revenue ttm data ycharts worst downturn looking like core lab reported sequential revenue growth past two quarters theres good chance core see profits grow substantially potentially quickly matt dilallo opens new window concho resources permian basin western texas arguably hottest oil play world right thanks resourcerich rocks low drilling costs producers basin earn excellent returns current low oil price environment investors pouring money companies operating region however one stock investors seem overlooking concho resources surprise given 20 billion oil stock largest pureplay permian basin concho large company redhot oil play itsan excellent operator currently second lowest leverage ratio peer group 12 times net debttoebidax well 24 times peer average meanwhile delivered peerleading compound annual average production growth past decade 23 pershare basis versus 6 average peer group said concho resources best days still lie ahead series strategic acquisitions quietly built 600000 net acre position basin one largest industry company estimates position contains 8 billion barrels net resource potential 19000 future drilling locations also among leaders resources fuel robust growth years come concho anticipating deliver 20 compound production growth 2019 living within cash flow current oil prices thats healthy growth company size however whatever reason investors dont pay much attention concho resources despite fact exceptionally run oil company bigtime growth potential opinion powerful combination makes one bestkept secrets oil patch 10 stocks like better holly energy 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 nowand holly energy partners wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns april 3 2017 jason hall opens new window owns shares core laboratories matt dilallo owns shares core laboratories tyler crowe owns shares core laboratories motley fool owns shares recommends core laboratories motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 689 |
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<p>Home goods retailer Bed Bath &amp; Beyond thinks it can get customers to pay for the discounts they previously got for free, but it may not be quite as simple as the company believes. Image source: The Motley Fool.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>On the surface, Bed Bath &amp; Beyond's (NASDAQ: BBBY) new member loyalty program looks like a smart way to wean itself off those ubiquitous blue-and-white coupons that flood your mailbox seemingly every week. Instead of everyone getting 20% off on a single item, only loyalty club members would receive them, along with a few other perks, and it would cost $29 a year, a nice new revenue stream for the home goods retailer.</p>
<p>After another disappointing quarter, Wall Street has praised Bed Bath &amp; Beyond's plan. Net sales came in below $3 billion, largely unchanged from last year, but comparable-store sales were down 1.2% -- and it's the second straight quarter they were down, also by a much wider decline than the 0.5% drop in the first period.</p>
<p>CEO Steve Temares said the retailer's couponing efforts have been successful over the years, and the discount flyers are part of Bed Bath &amp; Beyond's identity, "But really, we need to be working -- and we are working -- on becoming a lot more intelligent about our marketing and making it much more personalized."</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>That, and the fact that the coupons continue to eat away at margins, are likely what spurred the retailer to make the change.</p>
<p>It's not an unheard-of practice. Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) has blazed the path in rewarding loyal customers with perks such as free shipping (among other benefits) through its Prime program and charging for membership,but there are some key differences between what Bed Bath &amp; Beyond wants to do and what the e-commerce leader has done that make the home goods retailer's plan dicey.</p>
<p>Here are four reasons why the new Beyond+ loyalty program might not be as successful as Prime.</p>
<p>As Temares says, the 20% off coupon is part of Bed Bath &amp; Beyond's DNA, so much so that customers largely won't shop at the store unless they have one or more coupons in hand. Although that's undermining profits, and margins fell across the board last quarter, getting consumers to change their shopping habits isn't an easy task.</p>
<p>When J.C. Penney (NYSE: JCP) sought to reimagine itself as a modern-day department store offering everyday low pricing instead of "fake" prices that supported planned sales, customers fled and almost bankrupted the retailer even though they would've been paying less money on a regular basis. Bed Bath &amp; Beyond risks alienating its customer base by requiring them to pay $29 for a benefit they previously got for free.</p>
<p>As noted, the retailer isn't getting rid of the problem that has plagued it, but rather shuffling it around and having people pay to get it. While that does provide Bed Bath &amp; Beyond with a stream of revenue that could offset the costs of the discounting, the retailer is still stuck with having to markdown potential profits, and it's applying the 20% off on both in-store and online purchases.</p>
<p>By providing free shipping for all orders placed by loyalty program members, Bed Bath &amp; Beyond will increase its costs. Yet as noted above, shoppers are also getting a discount on their purchases, so they're doubly benefiting while the retailer is eating the costs, only modestly offset by the $29 membership fee. That could pinch margins.</p>
<p>At just $29 a year, Bed Bath &amp; Beyond is pricing the program in keeping with the discount image, but it could just be too cheap for all the value it's giving customers. While that could be an enticement to get them to accept losing the previous barrage of free coupons, it still amounts to giving away the store.</p>
<p>The retailer might not be able to price it the same as Amazon did when it launched Prime at $79 a year, but it still seems low. Perhaps Bed Bath &amp; Beyond is thinking it will be able to raise the cost afterwards just like Amazon did when it increased the Prime annual fee to $99, but the e-commerce king's members get a lot of value for their money: In addition to free shipping, they get free music, free movies, and most recently free e-books. The home goods store doesn't have anything comparable and raising the price later might not be so easy.</p>
<p>In short, Bed Bath &amp; Beyond does need to move away from couponing, but simply charging customers $29 for the privilege, expanding it to cover both in-store and online purchases, and increasing its own costs at the same time with free shipping seems like a disaster waiting to happen.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFCop/info.aspx" type="external">Rich Duprey Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon.com. The Motley Fool recommends Bed Bath and Beyond. 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 | home goods retailer bed bath amp beyond thinks get customers pay discounts previously got free may quite simple company believes image source motley fool continue reading surface bed bath amp beyonds nasdaq bbby new member loyalty program looks like smart way wean ubiquitous blueandwhite coupons flood mailbox seemingly every week instead everyone getting 20 single item loyalty club members would receive along perks would cost 29 year nice new revenue stream home goods retailer another disappointing quarter wall street praised bed bath amp beyonds plan net sales came 3 billion largely unchanged last year comparablestore sales 12 second straight quarter also much wider decline 05 drop first period ceo steve temares said retailers couponing efforts successful years discount flyers part bed bath amp beyonds identity really need working working becoming lot intelligent marketing making much personalized advertisement fact coupons continue eat away margins likely spurred retailer make change unheardof practice amazoncom nasdaq amzn blazed path rewarding loyal customers perks free shipping among benefits prime program charging membershipbut key differences bed bath amp beyond wants ecommerce leader done make home goods retailers plan dicey four reasons new beyond loyalty program might successful prime temares says 20 coupon part bed bath amp beyonds dna much customers largely wont shop store unless one coupons hand although thats undermining profits margins fell across board last quarter getting consumers change shopping habits isnt easy task jc penney nyse jcp sought reimagine modernday department store offering everyday low pricing instead fake prices supported planned sales customers fled almost bankrupted retailer even though wouldve paying less money regular basis bed bath amp beyond risks alienating customer base requiring pay 29 benefit previously got free noted retailer isnt getting rid problem plagued rather shuffling around people pay get provide bed bath amp beyond stream revenue could offset costs discounting retailer still stuck markdown potential profits applying 20 instore online purchases providing free shipping orders placed loyalty program members bed bath amp beyond increase costs yet noted shoppers also getting discount purchases theyre doubly benefiting retailer eating costs modestly offset 29 membership fee could pinch margins 29 year bed bath amp beyond pricing program keeping discount image could cheap value giving customers could enticement get accept losing previous barrage free coupons still amounts giving away store retailer might able price amazon launched prime 79 year still seems low perhaps bed bath amp beyond thinking able raise cost afterwards like amazon increased prime annual fee 99 ecommerce kings members get lot value money addition free shipping get free music free movies recently free ebooks home goods store doesnt anything comparable raising price later might easy short bed bath amp beyond need move away couponing simply charging customers 29 privilege expanding cover instore online purchases increasing costs time free shipping seems like disaster waiting happen 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 rich duprey opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends amazoncom motley fool recommends bed bath beyond 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 | 560 |
<p><a href="//videos/37/48041" type="external" /></p>
<p>RUSH: I don’t know, folks. I don’t know. I’m just not sure that what we’re dealing with here is a “you’re gonna have a dead horse in your bed tomorrow morning” kind of threat. I don’t think that’s what we’re dealing with. I do think the White House is gonna take care of Woodward with a death panel down the road. That’s how they’re gonna deal with this. We’ll never know. Woodward’s gonna get sick and the death panel will come in there and that will be that.</p>
<p>(interruption)</p>
<p />
<p>No. No, no. There’s not gonna be a drone with his name on it. They’ll just do it with a death panel, just handle that with death panel. So, you know, you can go either way on this. And, by the way, I do not doubt that the White House has threatened reporters. I don’t doubt that. I think one of the most prescient things that Woodward said was in explaining — and he thinks he was threatened. And Lanny Davis is raising his hand (paraphrasing), “Hey, I was threatened, too, and I have ‘poof.’ I have ‘poof’ that I was threatened.” And then Robert B. Reichhhhhhhhhh is saying (paraphrasing), “If they were threatened, it’s outrageous.”</p>
<p>Now, what Woodward said was that he can take it, that he’s been around. He’s an old timer. He’s seen it all. He’s dealt with Nixon, and that’s, by the way, what I think he meant when he said “madness” that he hasn’t seen in a long time. I think he’s comparing Obama to Nixon, there’s no question about it. He said (paraphrasing), “Look, I can handle it. If they threaten me, I can handle it. It’s the young reporters who want access, somebody in the White House threatens ’em, can get ’em to snap right to.” And I totally believe that that’s happened. I’m just not sure that that’s what this was.</p>
<p>I’ve read Sperling’s e-mail. That’s the e-mail that contains the “you’ll regret this.” And the way I read it, Sperling is telling Woodward you’re gonna regret this ’cause you’re wrong. You’re gonna regret it as a journalist. But Woodward is taking it as a threat, so that’s how we’re gonna deal with it. Well, “you’ll regret this” in “Chicagospeak” means that you’re gonna have a dead horse bleeding in your bed tomorrow morning or some morning, that’s “Chicagospeak.” But Sperling… I don’t know. Look, the conventional wisdom is that it’s a threat. That’s what everybody’s going with. To me, here’s the story.</p>
<p />
<p />
<p>This is the story to me. Who is Woodward? Woodward is the reason that 99% of these so-called journalists got into the business. And they are throwing him overboard in favor of Obama. That’s the story. The guy who is the Walter Cronkite today. In the journalist circles, Woodward is it. Woodward, Bernstein are the reason people — Woodward primarily, are the reason people went into journalism. That and 60 Minutes. ‘Cause 60 Minutes you got to destroy people while on TV. But Woodward, he destroyed a president. That’s another reason to go into journalism. And they’re throwing him overboard.</p>
<p>I mean, for the most part, the Drive-Bys are siding with Obama. They’re siding with the White House. That, to me, is the big story out of all this. So that’s the umbrella. There’s a lot of stuff underneath that that we’ll get to on today’s program.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: Now keep in mind, I’m not sure that Woodward was actually threatened, but he thinks he was, and that’s what counts. If he was offended, that’s all that matters. We’ve learned that.</p>
<p>He thinks he was threatened, and that’s the key, and he’s telling everybody he was. Lanny Davis has proof that he was threatened. I don’t doubt the White House did it. I mean, that’s how this type of president and regime operates. I have no doubt they threaten reporters every day. Sharyl Attkisson, do you remember her? She was the CBS infobabe who really dug deep on Fast and Furious, and she did a report on the air on CBS about how they were yelling at her and screaming at her on the phone for what she was doing.</p>
<p />
<p>So there’s no doubt that the regime attempts to intimidate reporters, and there’s no doubt that they threaten ’em. They don’t have to, is the bottom line. They’re throwing Woodward overboard. The Drive-Bys are throwing him overboard. MSNBC is throwing him overboard. Media Matters for America is throwing Woodward overboard. That’s, I will admit, kind of… I was waiting for this. This is what was interesting to me about this since it happened.</p>
<p>On whose side will the Drive-Bys come down, Obama or Woodward? I actually thought that more people would defend Woodward than are, but they’re coming out of the woodwork and ripping him to shreds. Oh, and one other thing. Woodward, when he said it’s been “a long time” since he’s seen this kind of “madness,” there’s no question he’s talking about Nixon. That’s his formative experience. He destroyed the Nixon presidency. Nixon was mad.</p>
<p>I just wanted to say, I was on the cutting edge here, folks. I want to take you back August 21st, 2009. This is Obama’s first year, basically his seventh or eighth month in office, and I offered this comparison to those of you in this audience…</p>
<p>RUSH ARCHIVE: You know, to Obama the devil is anybody who doesn’t blindly follow him. I think Obama is coming off as two levels below Nixon even on Nixon’s best day.</p>
<p>RUSH: That’s right. It was I, El Rushbo, who first drew the comparison to Obama and Nixon. I think I even did it during the 2008 presidential campaign.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: I’m having a… Ah, what’s the word? There are two things that Woodward reported, and I can’t remember one of them. Two things here have caused the White House to get upset. One of them is, Woodward reported that Obama was the one who came up with the idea for the sequester. But that’s not the e-mail. That isn’t what Sperling wrote Woodward about.</p>
<p>Darn it, I’m having a mental block here on what it was that Sperling was chastising Woodward for. There was another aspect to Woodward’s reporting about this that was… Well, there was something about it. Woodward’s comment about madness was Obama’s refusing to deploy an aircraft carrier, for example, in the Middle East ’cause of a budget document, and he started comparing other presidents who would certainly not have failed to defend the country.</p>
<p>He said they would not have failed to do their presidential duty because of a budget document. But I’m having a mental block. There were two items. The thing that I think the White House is really ticked about (and this is not what Sperling’s e-mail was about) is that Obama did not come up with the idea. Obama’s trying to create the impression that the sequester was not his idea, that it was the Republicans’ idea.</p>
<p />
<p>The first thing that got this off and running was Woodward writing a column and going on television and reminding everybody the sequester was indeed Obama’s idea, and then the idea over who had control of what does get cut during the sequester. (That’s also Obama.) Woodward was pointing that out, too. I tried to find it during the break, and I just remembered it.</p>
<p>The reason I’m doing this, folks, is because a lot of people are disagreeing with me here that Woodward actually wasn’t threatened. It got me to thinking that the Sperling e-mail to Woodward saying, “You’ll regret reporting this” was not about Woodward accusing Obama of being the architect of the sequester. (It was his idea.) It was something else. It’s that that I can’t remember, and it’s that that makes me think that Sperling was not threatening.</p>
<p>But regardless, Woodward thinks he’s being threatened, and we know the regime does threaten. They’re entirely capable of it. It is how they operate. They do use intimidation. They do fearmonger. I mean, they try to scare the American people. The idea that they wouldn’t try to fearmonger reporters about access or anything else is ridiculous as well. So I’m gonna find out what I’m talking about here just to set the table. I don’t have these mental blocks very often. They really frustrate me.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: I found what I was looking for. Everybody, I think… Oh, I shouldn’t say “everybody.” I think a lot of people are laboring under a misunderstanding. I think that people think that the White House threatened Woodward because Woodward was writing that the sequester was Obama’s idea. That’s not what they were threatening him about. What they were threatening him for was Sperling said that Woodward was going to regret writing that the president was trying to “move the goalposts” by trying to replace the sequester with a mix of tax increases and spending cuts instead of solely spending cuts.</p>
<p>So Sperling said to Woodward, “You’re gonna regret writing that,” meaning, “You’re gonna regret saying that the president was trying to move the goalposts,” in other words: Change the deal so that no deal could be reached. And, by the way, Obama does do that. If you recall the fiscal cliff, Boehner, in a moment of frustration, gave Obama everything he wanted on the so-called revenue/tax increase-side, and Obama refused it. Because he didn’t want a deal.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1451651104?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=theofficiw0c2-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1451651104" type="external" /></p>
<p>There can’t be a deal, there can’t be any common ground, because that would require Obama putting his name to something. Obama can never be seen governing. None of this that happens can ever be seen to be happening because Obama did something or agreed to something. Everything must happen because somebody else is doing it, in this case the Republicans. That’s why I’ve always said there is no common ground. There is no way for the two sides to come together.</p>
<p>Bipartisanship is impossible, for two reasons: The two sides don’t agree on anything, but secondly Obama doesn’t want an agreement, and he didn’t want an agreement on the sequester. So Woodward is writing that Obama is moving the goalposts, essentially saying what I just said, that Obama doesn’t want a deal; he’s moving the goalposts. That’s what Sperling was reacting to, and that’s what Woodward thinks that he was threatened over.</p>
<p>But don’t forget also that it was Woodward who wrote and was on television saying that the sequester was Obama’s idea. So there are two things going on here. The White House “note suggested that Mr. Woodward would regret the observation he made regarding the sequester because that observation was inaccurate, nothing more. And Mr. Woodward responded to this aide’s email in a friendly manner,” and this is exactly what Obama did with the grand bargain during the fiscal cliff, which I just talked about.</p>
<p>Basically Boehner gives Obama everything he wants, and Obama says, “Nope, not enough,” and then asks for more, making a deal impossible. So there are two things that are working here. The bottom line of this is, whether I think the White House was threatening Woodward or not is irrelevant. He does. And they yelled at Woodward. There was a 30-minute shouting session before the e-mail was sent. Let’s go to the audiotape and let’s actually listen to Woodward on that.</p>
<p />
<p>This is last night on CNN’s the Situation Room. He’s on with Wolf Blitzer. Blitzer is conflicted. All these media guys are conflicted. They loved Woodward. Woodward is their god, Woodward is their idol, but Obama’s the Creator! Who do they side with? They can’t believe that Woodward is actually not helping Obama here. So Blitzer says, “You’re used to this kind of stuff,” being threatened by presidents, “but share with our viewers what’s going on between you and the White House.”</p>
<p>WOODWARD: Well, they’re not happy at all and some people kind of, you know, said, “Look, we don’t see eye-to-eye on this.” They never really said, though, afterwards they’ve said that this is factually wrong and they — and it was said to me in an e-mail by a top official —</p>
<p>BLITZER: What was said?</p>
<p>WOODWARD: It was said very clearly, “You will regret doing that.”</p>
<p>BLITZER: Who sent that e-mail to you?</p>
<p>WOODWARD: Well, I’m not gonna say.</p>
<p>BLITZER: Was it a senior person at the White House?</p>
<p>WOODWARD: A very senior person.</p>
<p>RUSH: We now know it was Gene Sperling, who’s an economic adviser. He’s been around with Clinton. He’s been around a long time now with Obama. It was Gene Sperling, and the e-mail said, “You are going to regret doing this.” Again, that is in reference Woodward reporting that Obama was moving the goalposts, thereby preventing a deal from being made. Blitzer’s next question was asking Woodward to expand on what he had just said.</p>
<p>WOODWARD: It makes me very uncomfortable to have the White House telling reporters you’re gonna regret doing something that you believe in, and even though we don’t look at it that way, you do look at it that way. I think if Barack Obama knew that was part of the communications strategy — let’s hope it’s not a strategy, that it’s a tactic that somebody’s employed — he’d say, “Look, we don’t go around trying to say to reporters, ‘If you, in an honest way, present something we don’t like,’ that, you know, ‘you’re gonna regret this.'” It’s Mickey Mouse.</p>
<p>RUSH: Well, you notice Woodward saying, “I think if Obama knew that this was going on…” So Woodward himself is throwing up a little cloak of defense there. He’s accusing the regime of threatening him, but not Obama. Obama doesn’t even know — and if Obama knew, I’m sure he wouldn’t appreciate this. That’s Woodward. I think that’s a tantamount admission Woodward’s scared. That’s why I think he thinks he feels threatened, ’cause he’s absolving Obama of any role in this. And, folks, I hope by now…</p>
<p />
<p>We’ve had all these questions, “How does a guy like Van Jones end up in that administration, Rush? How does Obama get fooled with a guy like that?” He’s not fooled. He picked Van Jones! I’m telling you: Obama knows everybody in this administration; he wants them doing what they’re doing. The idea that Obama doesn’t know…? The way to put this is: Obama issues the orders, Obama is the teacher, and Obama tells these people and shows them how to deal with these reporters.</p>
<p>The idea that in this man’s administration we have so many freelancers that are operating off the grid or outside the proper boundaries is ridiculous. We don’t have that. Obama’s not the kind of guy that’s gonna tolerate freelancers like this. He’s not gonna tolerate people off the reservation issuing their own threats. They’re just not gonna do it unless they know that he’s entirely comfortable with it. There’s no question he’s the head of the family, if you want to put it that way. Look, this administration is a reflection of Obama.</p>
<p>It’s not a bunch of renegades who are acting without Obama’s knowledge. He’s not one of these distant, unattached chief executives. Not when it comes to the media. I think what we have here is plausible deniability. You know, Richard Daley didn’t personally have to issue threats. His lackeys did it, but they all knew where it was coming from. I think… I don’t want to put words in Bob Woodward’s mouth, but I think this business of, “I think if Obama that this was part of the strategy, and let’s hope it’s not a strategy, it’s a tactic…”</p>
<p>See, Woodward later on expresses fear for how this would work on a younger reporter. Not him, you see? He been around a long time. Woodward, he’s seen it all. He’s dealt with these kinds of people, he said. But you get some young whippersnapper in there and they will be frightened of such threats from high-ranking regime officials, and they can be kept in line. The bottom line is, I don’t think they have to crack the whip. The fact that so many people on the left in the media and outside the media on the left are throwing Woodward overboard, is a tantamount admission.</p>
<p>And, by the way, Obama’s from Chicago. This is the Daley way. This is — as they said in the movie The Untouchables — “the Chicago way.” This is it. But the fact that Woodward acknowledged, “If Obama knew about this, I don’t think he would like this at all,” says a lot to me — and then Lanny Davis. This morning on our blowtorch affiliate in the nation’s capital, WMAL, the radio program Mornings On the Mall, they talked to Lanny Davis. He’s the lawyer that was on TV during the Clinton years defending him to the hilt during the Lewinsky scandal.</p>
<p />
<p />
<p>DAVIS: That exact thing happened to me. When I had my column in The Washington Times, the editor John Solomon received a phone call from a senior Obama White House official who didn’t like some of my columns. Even though I’m a supporter of Obama, I couldn’t imagine why this call was made. And he did threaten that if he continued to run my columns, he would lose, or his reporters would lose, their White House credentials.</p>
<p>RUSH: Well, that’s not unique. Other regimes have threatened reporters with the loss of credentials. What is of note here is, to the extent that any low-information people are paying attention, this has to come as a surprise to them. I don’t think they see Obama this way at all. And maybe I’m wrong. Maybe they do and they like it. Maybe the low-information voters look at Obama as a king, want him to act like a king, want him to be able to make anything happen with a signature. In fact, they probably do, many of the low-information people that voted for Obama. So Brian Wilson at WMAL said, “‘We’re going to take away your White House press credentials’? That threat was actually made?”</p>
<p>DAVIS: I called three senior people at the White House, and one from outside the White House who was close to the White House, and I said, “I want this person to be told this can never happen again, and it’s inappropriate.” I got a call back from someone within the White House saying it will never happen again. Firstly, you don’t threaten anyone. Secondly, you don’t threaten Bob Woodward. He’s one of the best reporters ever. He’s factual. You can disagree with facts that he reports, but he’s factual. Don’t mess with him about his facts. You can mess with him about the interpretation of his facts, but this is not a reporter you tangle with.</p>
<p>RUSH: See what I mean? He’s infallible. Woodward is infallible, and the reporters are throwing him overboard. You just heard Lanny Davis, “You can challenge his facts, but he’s factual.” All you can do is challenge the interpretation of his facts, but you don’t threaten Bob Woodward. Well, the White House did threaten Woodward, and the rest of the media is siding with the White House. Now, last night on CNN’s Erin Burnett OutFront, she spoke with the former Labor Secretary Robert B. Reichhhhhhhhhhhhh about all of this, and she said, “That’s impressive. ‘You’ll regret doing this’ from someone in the White House?”</p>
<p>REICH: Well, I think that’s pretty outrageous if that came from somebody in the White House.</p>
<p>RUSH: “That’s pretty outrageous,” says former Labor Secretary Reich. Pretty outrageous if that happens. Wow. It took me longer to pronounce his name than hear his sound bite. For those of you new to the program, I’m not making fun of the former labor secretary. He used to have commentary on the nightly MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour, and at the end of his commentary he would always sign off by saying, “I am Robert B. Reichhhh” as a signature way. So, I just, as all good impersonators do, exaggerate a signature item, and that’s why we pronounce it that way.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: David Plouffe, Obama campaign aide, tweeted the following about Woodward: “Watching Woodward last 2 days is like imagining my idol Mike Schmidt facing live pitching again. Perfection gained once is rarely repeated.” That’s the regime’s guy basically saying Woodward is old; he’s over the hill; he’s never gonna be great again. That’s a slice and dice.</p> | true | 0 | rush dont know folks dont know im sure dealing youre gon na dead horse bed tomorrow morning kind threat dont think thats dealing think white house gon na take care woodward death panel road thats theyre gon na deal well never know woodwards gon na get sick death panel come interruption theres gon na drone name theyll death panel handle death panel know go either way way doubt white house threatened reporters dont doubt think one prescient things woodward said explaining thinks threatened lanny davis raising hand paraphrasing hey threatened poof poof threatened robert b reichhhhhhhhhh saying paraphrasing threatened outrageous woodward said take hes around hes old timer hes seen hes dealt nixon thats way think meant said madness hasnt seen long time think hes comparing obama nixon theres question said paraphrasing look handle threaten handle young reporters want access somebody white house threatens em get em snap right totally believe thats happened im sure thats ive read sperlings email thats email contains youll regret way read sperling telling woodward youre gon na regret cause youre wrong youre gon na regret journalist woodward taking threat thats gon na deal well youll regret chicagospeak means youre gon na dead horse bleeding bed tomorrow morning morning thats chicagospeak sperling dont know look conventional wisdom threat thats everybodys going heres story story woodward woodward reason 99 socalled journalists got business throwing overboard favor obama thats story guy walter cronkite today journalist circles woodward woodward bernstein reason people woodward primarily reason people went journalism 60 minutes cause 60 minutes got destroy people tv woodward destroyed president thats another reason go journalism theyre throwing overboard mean part drivebys siding obama theyre siding white house big story thats umbrella theres lot stuff underneath well get todays program break transcript rush keep mind im sure woodward actually threatened thinks thats counts offended thats matters weve learned thinks threatened thats key hes telling everybody lanny davis proof threatened dont doubt white house mean thats type president regime operates doubt threaten reporters every day sharyl attkisson remember cbs infobabe really dug deep fast furious report air cbs yelling screaming phone theres doubt regime attempts intimidate reporters theres doubt threaten em dont bottom line theyre throwing woodward overboard drivebys throwing overboard msnbc throwing overboard media matters america throwing woodward overboard thats admit kind waiting interesting since happened whose side drivebys come obama woodward actually thought people would defend woodward theyre coming woodwork ripping shreds oh one thing woodward said long time since hes seen kind madness theres question hes talking nixon thats formative experience destroyed nixon presidency nixon mad wanted say cutting edge folks want take back august 21st 2009 obamas first year basically seventh eighth month office offered comparison audience rush archive know obama devil anybody doesnt blindly follow think obama coming two levels nixon even nixons best day rush thats right el rushbo first drew comparison obama nixon think even 2008 presidential campaign break transcript rush im ah whats word two things woodward reported cant remember one two things caused white house get upset one woodward reported obama one came idea sequester thats email isnt sperling wrote woodward darn im mental block sperling chastising woodward another aspect woodwards reporting well something woodwards comment madness obamas refusing deploy aircraft carrier example middle east cause budget document started comparing presidents would certainly failed defend country said would failed presidential duty budget document im mental block two items thing think white house really ticked sperlings email obama come idea obamas trying create impression sequester idea republicans idea first thing got running woodward writing column going television reminding everybody sequester indeed obamas idea idea control get cut sequester thats also obama woodward pointing tried find break remembered reason im folks lot people disagreeing woodward actually wasnt threatened got thinking sperling email woodward saying youll regret reporting woodward accusing obama architect sequester idea something else cant remember makes think sperling threatening regardless woodward thinks hes threatened know regime threaten theyre entirely capable operate use intimidation fearmonger mean try scare american people idea wouldnt try fearmonger reporters access anything else ridiculous well im gon na find im talking set table dont mental blocks often really frustrate break transcript rush found looking everybody think oh shouldnt say everybody think lot people laboring misunderstanding think people think white house threatened woodward woodward writing sequester obamas idea thats threatening threatening sperling said woodward going regret writing president trying move goalposts trying replace sequester mix tax increases spending cuts instead solely spending cuts sperling said woodward youre gon na regret writing meaning youre gon na regret saying president trying move goalposts words change deal deal could reached way obama recall fiscal cliff boehner moment frustration gave obama everything wanted socalled revenuetax increaseside obama refused didnt want deal cant deal cant common ground would require obama putting name something obama never seen governing none happens ever seen happening obama something agreed something everything must happen somebody else case republicans thats ive always said common ground way two sides come together bipartisanship impossible two reasons two sides dont agree anything secondly obama doesnt want agreement didnt want agreement sequester woodward writing obama moving goalposts essentially saying said obama doesnt want deal hes moving goalposts thats sperling reacting thats woodward thinks threatened dont forget also woodward wrote television saying sequester obamas idea two things going white house note suggested mr woodward would regret observation made regarding sequester observation inaccurate nothing mr woodward responded aides email friendly manner exactly obama grand bargain fiscal cliff talked basically boehner gives obama everything wants obama says nope enough asks making deal impossible two things working bottom line whether think white house threatening woodward irrelevant yelled woodward 30minute shouting session email sent lets go audiotape lets actually listen woodward last night cnns situation room hes wolf blitzer blitzer conflicted media guys conflicted loved woodward woodward god woodward idol obamas creator side cant believe woodward actually helping obama blitzer says youre used kind stuff threatened presidents share viewers whats going white house woodward well theyre happy people kind know said look dont see eyetoeye never really said though afterwards theyve said factually wrong said email top official blitzer said woodward said clearly regret blitzer sent email woodward well im gon na say blitzer senior person white house woodward senior person rush know gene sperling whos economic adviser hes around clinton hes around long time obama gene sperling email said going regret reference woodward reporting obama moving goalposts thereby preventing deal made blitzers next question asking woodward expand said woodward makes uncomfortable white house telling reporters youre gon na regret something believe even though dont look way look way think barack obama knew part communications strategy lets hope strategy tactic somebodys employed hed say look dont go around trying say reporters honest way present something dont like know youre gon na regret mickey mouse rush well notice woodward saying think obama knew going woodward throwing little cloak defense hes accusing regime threatening obama obama doesnt even know obama knew im sure wouldnt appreciate thats woodward think thats tantamount admission woodwards scared thats think thinks feels threatened cause hes absolving obama role folks hope weve questions guy like van jones end administration rush obama get fooled guy like hes fooled picked van jones im telling obama knows everybody administration wants theyre idea obama doesnt know way put obama issues orders obama teacher obama tells people shows deal reporters idea mans administration many freelancers operating grid outside proper boundaries ridiculous dont obamas kind guy thats gon na tolerate freelancers like hes gon na tolerate people reservation issuing threats theyre gon na unless know hes entirely comfortable theres question hes head family want put way look administration reflection obama bunch renegades acting without obamas knowledge hes one distant unattached chief executives comes media think plausible deniability know richard daley didnt personally issue threats lackeys knew coming think dont want put words bob woodwards mouth think business think obama part strategy lets hope strategy tactic see woodward later expresses fear would work younger reporter see around long time woodward hes seen hes dealt kinds people said get young whippersnapper frightened threats highranking regime officials kept line bottom line dont think crack whip fact many people left media outside media left throwing woodward overboard tantamount admission way obamas chicago daley way said movie untouchables chicago way fact woodward acknowledged obama knew dont think would like says lot lanny davis morning blowtorch affiliate nations capital wmal radio program mornings mall talked lanny davis hes lawyer tv clinton years defending hilt lewinsky scandal davis exact thing happened column washington times editor john solomon received phone call senior obama white house official didnt like columns even though im supporter obama couldnt imagine call made threaten continued run columns would lose reporters would lose white house credentials rush well thats unique regimes threatened reporters loss credentials note extent lowinformation people paying attention come surprise dont think see obama way maybe im wrong maybe like maybe lowinformation voters look obama king want act like king want able make anything happen signature fact probably many lowinformation people voted obama brian wilson wmal said going take away white house press credentials threat actually made davis called three senior people white house one outside white house close white house said want person told never happen inappropriate got call back someone within white house saying never happen firstly dont threaten anyone secondly dont threaten bob woodward hes one best reporters ever hes factual disagree facts reports hes factual dont mess facts mess interpretation facts reporter tangle rush see mean hes infallible woodward infallible reporters throwing overboard heard lanny davis challenge facts hes factual challenge interpretation facts dont threaten bob woodward well white house threaten woodward rest media siding white house last night cnns erin burnett outfront spoke former labor secretary robert b reichhhhhhhhhhhhh said thats impressive youll regret someone white house reich well think thats pretty outrageous came somebody white house rush thats pretty outrageous says former labor secretary reich pretty outrageous happens wow took longer pronounce name hear sound bite new program im making fun former labor secretary used commentary nightly macneillehrer newshour end commentary would always sign saying robert b reichhhh signature way good impersonators exaggerate signature item thats pronounce way break transcript rush david plouffe obama campaign aide tweeted following woodward watching woodward last 2 days like imagining idol mike schmidt facing live pitching perfection gained rarely repeated thats regimes guy basically saying woodward old hes hill hes never gon na great thats slice dice | 1,746 |
<p />
<p>The Blessed Hope "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Tts&amp;c=2" type="external">Titus 2:13-15</a></p>
<p>The Tri-fold power of having the Blessed Hope within us</p>
<p>Titus chapter 2 is an amazing chapter because it tells us that the pretribulation rapture of the church is our 'blessed hope', in which we are to do the following while we wait on His return:</p>
<p>So you see that the Blessed Hope is a means by which God uses it to prepare us and purify us as we wait. It is not simply a "get out of jail free card", it is a refining tool of the Lord to make us ready on a daily basis. After all, death is a reality for over 250,000 people a day every day around the world, with lots of them being bible believing Christians.</p>
<p />
<p>Don't you think that to be "ready at any moment" is a pretty good idea? Having the blessed hope in our lives pushes us towards readiness, and way from stagnation and slothfullness in our spiritual walk with the Lord Jesus.</p>
<p>Salvation is by grace through faith plus nothing strengthens the Blessed Hope</p>
<p>As bible believeing Christians in the age of Grace, we live in a period of time that people of no other dispensation were afforded. Salvation by grace through faith is a gift that we in this life will never understand the full measure of. We read about this in the second chapter of the book of Ephesians:</p>
<p>"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)</p>
<p>And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.</p>
<p>For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?t=KJV&amp;x=0&amp;y=0&amp;b=Eph&amp;c=2&amp;v=1" type="external">Ephesians 2: 4-10</a></p>
<p>We who are saved did nothing to save ourselves, and we do nothing to keep ourselves saved. It is all of the Lord Jesus, this is His great gift to us. We can't fall out, be pulled out, be pushed out, or be talked out of the eternal life He gives us at the moment we recieve this free gift. We can't even jump out! Paul addresses this in the eighth chapter of the book of Romans:</p>
<p>"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?t=KJV&amp;x=0&amp;y=0&amp;b=Rom&amp;c=8&amp;v=1" type="external">Romans 8:38,39</a></p>
<p>God knows that we are redeemed sinners who still have to live everyday in unredeemed bodies of flesh. He knows that we will still commit sin. So He gives us verses like Romans 8 to assure us and comfort us that we can never be separated from His love no matter where we wander. The Prodigal Son, while he lost his inheritance (a picture of loss of <a href="../doctrine/faith-works-and-the-judgment-seat-of-christ.htm" type="external">rewards at the Judgment Seat</a>), he never lost his sonship with the Father.</p>
<p>Of course, it is God's desire to see us not become like the Prodigal, and to strive to live our lives as He would have us to live them.</p>
<p>Beloved, the bible teaches us that Jesus will 'never leave us or forsake us' after we have been saved. That's a promise you can hang your eternal destiny on. His return for His church to take us our before the Tribulation is also another precious promise you may trust with all your heart.</p>
<p>He said He would come get us...and He will. Be ye always ready....this is our BLESSED HOPE.</p>
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<p>"WATCH" By Warren M. Smith.</p>
<p>Oh, the glory fast approaching, of Ascension's happy morn,� When the watchful servants quickly to His bosom shall be borne; When the dear ones left behind us, shall for us oft seek in vain,� But our spirits shall have risen to the Lamb for sinners slain. Caught up in the air to meet Him, oh! the heights and depths of joy, Lengths and breadths of love surpassing, purest bliss wi ' thout alloy;� Now we see with darkened vision, then we'll see Him face to face,� And we will, through countless ages, sing the glories of His grace. Two shall at a mill be grinding, one be taken, one be left,� Two shall in a bed be sleeping, one of these shall be bereft;� Oh, what wonder and amazement, shall the ones on earth, possess,� They shall pass through tribulation, pain, and sorrow and distress. We shall live with Him forever, in the sunshine of His love,� We shall meet to part, no never, with th' angelic host above;� There we'll hear our Father's welcome, as He calls us, one by one, Saying to each one in person, "Faithful servant, 'tis well done." Let us, then, our lamps keep burning, and our wedding garments on,� Ready to go forth to meet Him, when we hear Him say, "I come;� There will be no time to slumber, lest He come whil'st we're asleep And the door be shut between us; let us then our vigil keep.</p>
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<p /> The Blessed Hope the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ The Tri-fold power of having the Blessed Hope within us Looking for Jesus: Denying ungodliness: Speak, exhort and rebuke: Click here | true | 0 | blessed hope looking blessed hope glorious appearing great god saviour jesus christ gave us might redeem us iniquity purify unto peculiar people zealous good works things speak exhort rebuke authority let man despise thee titus 21315 trifold power blessed hope within us titus chapter 2 amazing chapter tells us pretribulation rapture church blessed hope following wait return see blessed hope means god uses prepare us purify us wait simply get jail free card refining tool lord make us ready daily basis death reality 250000 people day every day around world lots bible believing christians dont think ready moment pretty good idea blessed hope lives pushes us towards readiness way stagnation slothfullness spiritual walk lord jesus salvation grace faith plus nothing strengthens blessed hope bible believeing christians age grace live period time people dispensation afforded salvation grace faith gift life never understand full measure read second chapter book ephesians god rich mercy great love wherewith loved us even dead sins hath quickened us together christ grace ye saved hath raised us together made us sit together heavenly places christ jesus ages come might shew exceeding riches grace kindness toward us christ jesus grace ye saved faith gift god works lest man boast workmanship created christ jesus unto good works god hath ordained walk ephesians 2 410 saved nothing save nothing keep saved lord jesus great gift us cant fall pulled pushed talked eternal life gives us moment recieve free gift cant even jump paul addresses eighth chapter book romans persuaded neither death life angels principalities powers things present things come height depth creature shall able separate us love god christ jesus lord romans 83839 god knows redeemed sinners still live everyday unredeemed bodies flesh knows still commit sin gives us verses like romans 8 assure us comfort us never separated love matter wander prodigal son lost inheritance picture loss rewards judgment seat never lost sonship father course gods desire see us become like prodigal strive live lives would us live beloved bible teaches us jesus never leave us forsake us saved thats promise hang eternal destiny return church take us tribulation also another precious promise may trust heart said would come get usand ye always readythis blessed hope watch warren smith oh glory fast approaching ascensions happy morn watchful servants quickly bosom shall borne dear ones left behind us shall us oft seek vain spirits shall risen lamb sinners slain caught air meet oh heights depths joy lengths breadths love surpassing purest bliss wi thout alloy see darkened vision well see face face countless ages sing glories grace two shall mill grinding one taken one left two shall bed sleeping one shall bereft oh wonder amazement shall ones earth possess shall pass tribulation pain sorrow distress shall live forever sunshine love shall meet part never th angelic host well hear fathers welcome calls us one one saying one person faithful servant tis well done let us lamps keep burning wedding garments ready go forth meet hear say come time slumber lest come whilst asleep door shut us let us vigil keep 160 160 blessed hope glorious appearing great god saviour jesus christ trifold power blessed hope within us looking jesus denying ungodliness speak exhort rebuke click | 535 |
<p>President Donald Trump's threat to shut down the government if Congress doesn't approve funding for a Mexico border wall raised alarm among some Republican lawmakers, who say it could throw a wrench in their efforts to keep government open this fall.</p>
<p>Lawmakers returning to Washington in early September will have only a dozen days with both the House and Senate in session before the government's current funding expires on Oct. 1. Lawmakers from both parties had expected Congress to pass a stopgap two- or three-month spending bill, but Mr. Trump's remarks injected new volatility into an already uncertain political climate this fall.</p>
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<p>Mr. Trump said Tuesday night he was prepared to dig in over his request for $1.6 billion toward the border wall, one of his signature campaign promises.</p>
<p>"We're going to get our wall," Mr. Trump said at a rally in Phoenix. "If we have to close down our government, we're building that wall. "</p>
<p>Mr. Trump's push quickly hit resistance within his own party, including among some GOP lawmakers who attended his rally on Tuesday.</p>
<p>"A government shutdown hurts Republicans -- it's the last thing I want," said Rep. Trent Franks (R., Ariz.), a member of the House Freedom Caucus who was at the rally. "It is a political liability of profound significance to us."</p>
<p>Although some conservatives backed Mr. Trump's demand, a border wall is controversial among many Republicans, some of whom think it isn't the most effective way to tighten border security. And after this year's protracted and unsuccessful struggle to roll back and replace much of the Affordable Care Act, few senior Republicans are eager to shut down the government now that they control the White House and both chambers of Congress.</p>
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<p>"I don't think anyone's interested in having a shutdown," House Speaker Paul Ryan (R., Wis.) told reporters at a stop at an Intel Corp. facility in Oregon on Wednesday. Mr. Ryan said that while he agreed with Mr. Trump that a physical barrier was needed in places along the border, "I don't think a government shutdown is necessary, and I don't think most people want to see a government shutdown, ourselves included."</p>
<p>Mr. Ryan said he expected lawmakers would need to pass a short-term spending bill in September to give them more time to work out a broader budget agreement later this year.</p>
<p>Many GOP lawmakers worry a shutdown or a failure to raise the government's borrowing limit -- another deadline they are facing this fall -- could harm their chances of retaining the House majority in next year's midterm elections. Treasury officials have said Congress must raise the government's borrowing limit by around the end of September.</p>
<p>If Congress doesn't raise the debt ceiling to allow new borrowing, the U.S. could default on its debt or miss payments of benefits and salaries.</p>
<p>Fitch Ratings said Wednesday that a failure to raise the U.S. debt limit in a "timely manner" would prompt a review of the country's credit rating for possible downgrade. Fitch said a government shutdown would have no direct impact on its rating, but would "highlight how political divisions pose challenges" to the budget process.</p>
<p>"A government shutdown would be fatal for our majority and inappropriate for the country," Rep. Dennis Ross (R., Fla.), a member of the House GOP whip team, said this week. "We own those because we're in charge, and if we don't handle those, it's going to be very irresponsible," he said of the spending and debt limit deadlines.</p>
<p>Democrats, whose votes likely will be needed in both chambers, swiftly rejected Mr. Trump's demand Wednesday morning. Spending bills need 60 votes to pass the Senate, where Republicans hold 52 seats.</p>
<p>"If the president pursues this path, against the wishes of both Republicans and Democrats, as well as the majority of the American people, he will be heading towards a government shutdown, which nobody will like and which won't accomplish anything," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) said in a statement Wednesday morning.</p>
<p>Among Democrats, the border wall has become a potent symbol for what they view as Mr. Trump's hostility toward both legal and illegal immigrants. The president's response to the violence in Charlottesville, Va., earlier this month has also exacerbated tension between Democrats and Mr. Trump, making a compromise over the border wall more elusive.</p>
<p>"My best estimate is that there are no Democratic votes for the border wall," said Rep. John Yarmuth of Kentucky, the top Democrat on the House Budget Committee. Democrats are likely to remain firm "and let the Republicans shut the government down over it," he said. "I really see no give on that."</p>
<p>Mr. Trump had made a similar push for border wall funding in April, but backed off his demands when Republicans signaled they were not ready to shut the government down over the issue.</p>
<p>This time around, smarting from a stinging defeat over the health-care bill, Mr. Trump has telegraphed he won't retreat and some conservatives said they were on board with his push.</p>
<p>"If I had been standing in the crowd, I would have been leading the cheer," said Rep. Steve King (R., Iowa.). "If Congress says they refuse to fund a $1.6 billion appropriation to follow through on the lead mandate that voters delivered when they elected Donald Trump, then if all the functions of government shut down because Congress refused, then I think that would be on Congress instead of the president."</p>
<p>But many other Republicans, while generally supportive of the border wall, have little interest in allowing a shutdown now that they control all levers of government.</p>
<p>"Nobody is looking to do any kind of government shutdown. Our job is to be functional, to be effective," Rep. Mark Walker (R., N.C.), chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a group of more than 150 House Republicans, said in an interview Tuesday before Mr. Trump's rally.</p>
<p>For GOP leaders, the challenge is that many House Republicans often balk at spending bills, forcing them to rely on Democratic votes to clear the must-pass bills. Unless they can persuade roughly 218 House Republicans to support a spending bill, Democratic defections over the border wall would derail it.</p>
<p>"I don't think Republicans want to confront the consequences of either a government shutdown or a debt default on their watch," said Sen. Chris Coons (D., Del.).</p>
<p>-- Chris Dieterich contributed to this article</p>
<p>Write to Kristina Peterson at [email protected] and Siobhan Hughes at [email protected]</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>August 23, 2017 15:38 ET (19:38 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | president donald trumps threat shut government congress doesnt approve funding mexico border wall raised alarm among republican lawmakers say could throw wrench efforts keep government open fall lawmakers returning washington early september dozen days house senate session governments current funding expires oct 1 lawmakers parties expected congress pass stopgap two threemonth spending bill mr trumps remarks injected new volatility already uncertain political climate fall continue reading mr trump said tuesday night prepared dig request 16 billion toward border wall one signature campaign promises going get wall mr trump said rally phoenix close government building wall mr trumps push quickly hit resistance within party including among gop lawmakers attended rally tuesday government shutdown hurts republicans last thing want said rep trent franks r ariz member house freedom caucus rally political liability profound significance us although conservatives backed mr trumps demand border wall controversial among many republicans think isnt effective way tighten border security years protracted unsuccessful struggle roll back replace much affordable care act senior republicans eager shut government control white house chambers congress advertisement dont think anyones interested shutdown house speaker paul ryan r wis told reporters stop intel corp facility oregon wednesday mr ryan said agreed mr trump physical barrier needed places along border dont think government shutdown necessary dont think people want see government shutdown included mr ryan said expected lawmakers would need pass shortterm spending bill september give time work broader budget agreement later year many gop lawmakers worry shutdown failure raise governments borrowing limit another deadline facing fall could harm chances retaining house majority next years midterm elections treasury officials said congress must raise governments borrowing limit around end september congress doesnt raise debt ceiling allow new borrowing us could default debt miss payments benefits salaries fitch ratings said wednesday failure raise us debt limit timely manner would prompt review countrys credit rating possible downgrade fitch said government shutdown would direct impact rating would highlight political divisions pose challenges budget process government shutdown would fatal majority inappropriate country rep dennis ross r fla member house gop whip team said week charge dont handle going irresponsible said spending debt limit deadlines democrats whose votes likely needed chambers swiftly rejected mr trumps demand wednesday morning spending bills need 60 votes pass senate republicans hold 52 seats president pursues path wishes republicans democrats well majority american people heading towards government shutdown nobody like wont accomplish anything senate minority leader chuck schumer ny said statement wednesday morning among democrats border wall become potent symbol view mr trumps hostility toward legal illegal immigrants presidents response violence charlottesville va earlier month also exacerbated tension democrats mr trump making compromise border wall elusive best estimate democratic votes border wall said rep john yarmuth kentucky top democrat house budget committee democrats likely remain firm let republicans shut government said really see give mr trump made similar push border wall funding april backed demands republicans signaled ready shut government issue time around smarting stinging defeat healthcare bill mr trump telegraphed wont retreat conservatives said board push standing crowd would leading cheer said rep steve king r iowa congress says refuse fund 16 billion appropriation follow lead mandate voters delivered elected donald trump functions government shut congress refused think would congress instead president many republicans generally supportive border wall little interest allowing shutdown control levers government nobody looking kind government shutdown job functional effective rep mark walker r nc chairman republican study committee group 150 house republicans said interview tuesday mr trumps rally gop leaders challenge many house republicans often balk spending bills forcing rely democratic votes clear mustpass bills unless persuade roughly 218 house republicans support spending bill democratic defections border wall would derail dont think republicans want confront consequences either government shutdown debt default watch said sen chris coons del chris dieterich contributed article write kristina peterson kristinapetersonwsjcom siobhan hughes siobhanhugheswsjcom end dow jones newswires august 23 2017 1538 et 1938 gmt | 648 |
<p>After President Barack Obama's re-election, world leaders expressed hope for stronger cooperation with the United States on issues ranging from the struggle against Islamic extremism to international trade.</p>
<p>Here are some of the reactions:</p>
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<p>RUSSIA</p>
<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin said he hoped Obama's re-election would have a positive impact on relations with the United States, which have been strained by differences over issues ranging from missile defense to human rights and the conflict in Syria.</p>
<p>"We express hope that the positive beginnings in bilateral relations and in international cooperation between Russian and the United States, in the interest of international security, will develop and improve," Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told Interfax news agency.</p>
<p>Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who was Russia's president for much of Obama's current term, made clear he was glad about the continuity.</p>
<p>"For us, he (Obama) is an understandable and predictable partner. That is the most important thing in politics," Medvedev was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies during a visit to Vietnam.</p>
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<p>CHINA</p>
<p>China's official media said Obama's re-election offered the opportunity to put Sino-U.S. relations back on track after it said mutual trust had been "whittled down" during his first term.</p>
<p>"As the two countries have been ever more economically interwoven, a new U.S. government perhaps should start to learn how to build a more rational and constructive relationship with China," the official Xinhua news agency said.</p>
<p>Improving relations, especially in trade, would "not only provide U.S. investment with rich business opportunities, but also help to revive the sagging global economy."</p>
<p>On Thursday, China begins its own once-a-decade leadership handover as it opens its 18th Communist Party Congress. The new party chairman is virtually certain to be current Vice President Xi Jinping, who will take over as president in March.</p>
<p>ISRAEL</p>
<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to cooperate with Obama on security issues despite what has been seen as a testy personal relationship that clouded U.S.-Israel ties over the past four years.</p>
<p>"I will continue to work with President Obama to ensure the interests that are vital for the security of Israel's citizens," Netanyahu said in a short, congratulatory statement hailing what he called strong strategic relations with Washington.</p>
<p>But in remarks underscoring a rift with the United States over possible Israeli military action against Iran, Netanyahu said in an interview broadcast on Israel's Channel 2 this week: "If there is no other way to stop Iran, Israel is ready to act."</p>
<p>IRAN</p>
<p>The head of Iran's judiciary condemned the "crimes" of U.S. sanctions, imposed to pressure Tehran to curb its nuclear program, and indicated Obama should not expect rapid new negotiations with Tehran.</p>
<p>"After all this pressure and crimes against the people of Iran, relations with America cannot be possible overnight and Americans should not think they can hold our nation to ransom by coming to the negotiating table," Sadeq Larijani was quoted as saying by IRNA news agency.</p>
<p>PAKISTAN</p>
<p>President Asif Ali Zardari called Obama's re-election a clear reaffirmation of his leadership and expressed hope that U.S.-Pakistan ties, which have been strained, would prosper.</p>
<p>"The president said that he looked forward to working closely with President Obama towards the shared objective of peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region," an official statement said.</p>
<p>Washington and Islamabad have been at odds over U.S. drone strikes On militants, the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden on Pakistani territory and the war in neighboring Afghanistan.</p>
<p>The Pakistan Taliban, for its part, expressed surprise at the election outcome.</p>
<p>"We are amazed that Obama has been re-elected. But for us there is no difference between Obama and Romney; both are enemies. And we will keep up our jihad and fight alongside our Afghan brothers to get the Americans out of Afghanistan," said Pakistan Taliban spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan</p>
<p>AFGHANISTAN</p>
<p>Afghan President Hamid Karzai said he hoped Obama's re-election would allow U.S.-Afghan ties to further expand even as the United States plans to withdraw most combat troops by the end of 2014.</p>
<p>"American is a strong ally of Afghanistan and we congratulate Obama's victory as a new U.S. president. We hope he puts more effort in fighting against terrorists and their bases in Pakistan," said Karzai spokesman Siamak Herawi.</p>
<p>INDIA</p>
<p>Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Obama now had a historic opportunity to work for global peace and progress "at an admittedly difficult juncture."</p>
<p>"I have no doubt that there is much more we can do together to further strengthen the India-U.S. partnership," Singh said in a statement.</p>
<p>UNITED KINGDOM</p>
<p>British Prime Minister David Cameron said the United States and Britain should make solving the Syrian crisis a priority following Obama's re-election.</p>
<p>"One of the first things I want to talk to Barack about is how we must do more to try and solve this crisis," Cameron told journalists at a camp for Syrian refugees in Jordan, where he was on an official trip.</p>
<p>Cameron said he also looked forward to working with Obama to "kick start the world economy" and push for an EU-U.S. trade deal over the next four years.</p>
<p>JAPAN</p>
<p>Japanese government and business leaders welcomed Obama's re-election and said they hoped he would continue to focus on Asia during his second term. Obama has initiated a shift of U.S. international focus toward Asia.</p>
<p>"With the security environment in east Asia getting tougher, the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance is increasing. We are looking forward to working with President Obama to develop and deepen the alliance further," chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura told a regular news conference.</p>
<p>Hiromasa Yonekura, chairman of Japan's largest business lobby Keidanren, said the United States and Japan must ensure that their relationship is "further fortified" and that the United States would support Japan's hopes of joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a regional free trade agreement.</p>
<p>CANADA</p>
<p>Prime Minister Stephen Harper congratulated Obama and said he was looking forward to cooperating on initiatives to generate jobs and growth on both sides of the border.</p>
<p>"This includes putting in place the transportation and security infrastructure necessary to take bilateral commercial relations to new heights and reducing red tape so companies on both sides of the border can create more jobs," Harper said in a statement.</p> | true | 0 | president barack obamas reelection world leaders expressed hope stronger cooperation united states issues ranging struggle islamic extremism international trade reactions continue reading russia russian president vladimir putin said hoped obamas reelection would positive impact relations united states strained differences issues ranging missile defense human rights conflict syria express hope positive beginnings bilateral relations international cooperation russian united states interest international security develop improve putins spokesman dmitry peskov told interfax news agency prime minister dmitry medvedev russias president much obamas current term made clear glad continuity us obama understandable predictable partner important thing politics medvedev quoted saying russian news agencies visit vietnam advertisement china chinas official media said obamas reelection offered opportunity put sinous relations back track said mutual trust whittled first term two countries ever economically interwoven new us government perhaps start learn build rational constructive relationship china official xinhua news agency said improving relations especially trade would provide us investment rich business opportunities also help revive sagging global economy thursday china begins onceadecade leadership handover opens 18th communist party congress new party chairman virtually certain current vice president xi jinping take president march israel israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu pledged cooperate obama security issues despite seen testy personal relationship clouded usisrael ties past four years continue work president obama ensure interests vital security israels citizens netanyahu said short congratulatory statement hailing called strong strategic relations washington remarks underscoring rift united states possible israeli military action iran netanyahu said interview broadcast israels channel 2 week way stop iran israel ready act iran head irans judiciary condemned crimes us sanctions imposed pressure tehran curb nuclear program indicated obama expect rapid new negotiations tehran pressure crimes people iran relations america possible overnight americans think hold nation ransom coming negotiating table sadeq larijani quoted saying irna news agency pakistan president asif ali zardari called obamas reelection clear reaffirmation leadership expressed hope uspakistan ties strained would prosper president said looked forward working closely president obama towards shared objective peace security stability prosperity region official statement said washington islamabad odds us drone strikes militants killing al qaeda leader osama bin laden pakistani territory war neighboring afghanistan pakistan taliban part expressed surprise election outcome amazed obama reelected us difference obama romney enemies keep jihad fight alongside afghan brothers get americans afghanistan said pakistan taliban spokesman ehsanullah ehsan afghanistan afghan president hamid karzai said hoped obamas reelection would allow usafghan ties expand even united states plans withdraw combat troops end 2014 american strong ally afghanistan congratulate obamas victory new us president hope puts effort fighting terrorists bases pakistan said karzai spokesman siamak herawi india indian prime minister manmohan singh said obama historic opportunity work global peace progress admittedly difficult juncture doubt much together strengthen indiaus partnership singh said statement united kingdom british prime minister david cameron said united states britain make solving syrian crisis priority following obamas reelection one first things want talk barack must try solve crisis cameron told journalists camp syrian refugees jordan official trip cameron said also looked forward working obama kick start world economy push euus trade deal next four years japan japanese government business leaders welcomed obamas reelection said hoped would continue focus asia second term obama initiated shift us international focus toward asia security environment east asia getting tougher importance japanus alliance increasing looking forward working president obama develop deepen alliance chief cabinet secretary osamu fujimura told regular news conference hiromasa yonekura chairman japans largest business lobby keidanren said united states japan must ensure relationship fortified united states would support japans hopes joining transpacific partnership regional free trade agreement canada prime minister stephen harper congratulated obama said looking forward cooperating initiatives generate jobs growth sides border includes putting place transportation security infrastructure necessary take bilateral commercial relations new heights reducing red tape companies sides border create jobs harper said statement | 629 |
<p>General Electric Co. named activist investor Trian Fund Management's co-founder Ed Garden to its board, the latest move by new CEO John Flannery to change the direction of the struggling industrial giant.</p>
<p>The move comes a week after GE's longtime leader, Jeff Immelt, resigned from the company's board. Since taking over, Mr. Flannery has been moving aggressively to revamp the conglomerate, replacing its finance chief and two other senior leaders on Friday.</p>
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<p>The new GE chief is under pressure to share his plans to cut costs and boost profits at a company whose shares have fallen more than 20% so far this year, missing out on a broad stock market rally.</p>
<p>Trian first invested $2.5 billion in GE in 2015 in what was portrayed as a collaborative partnership. But the investor has been unhappy with GE's stock performance and cost-cutting efforts under Mr. Immelt, who stepped down as CEO on Aug. 1.</p>
<p>For Trian, getting on GE's board comes a day before the largest proxy battle in history as it wages a high-profile fight for its co-founder Nelson Peltz to take a board seat at Procter &amp; Gamble Co.</p>
<p>"Over the last 90 days, I've met with numerous investors and I value their input and views," Mr. Flannery said in a statement, adding that he looks forward to working with Mr. Garden.</p>
<p>Mr. Garden, who had worked closely with Mr. Immelt and former CFO Jeff Bornstein, is currently on the board of Bank of New York Mellon and Praxair PLC.</p>
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<p>"Like other GE shareholders, I am disappointed by the recent performance of GE's stock," Mr. Garden said in his own statement. "I continue to believe that GE represents an attractive long-term investment opportunity with significant upside."</p>
<p>Trian will now have access to GE's board deliberations and detailed financial results, just as the more-than-300,000-person company is conducting a strategic review of its business portfolio and deciding how to cut costs and spend its cash.</p>
<p>Some GE investors and analysts have questioned whether change was needed at the board that supported Mr. Immelt in his 16-year tenure. Some questioned whether the latest changes meant that GE's longstanding dividend could be altered to free up cash.</p>
<p>"The dividend remains a top priority," said GE spokeswoman Deirdre Latour. Mr. Flannery has said no change would come to the payout, which the company puts at the top of its capital allocation list.</p>
<p>Mr. Garden replaces former Deere &amp; Co. CEO Robert Lane, who is retiring from GE's board after 12 years. The board will have 18 members.</p>
<p>One person familiar with the situation drew distinctions between Trian's dealings with GE and P&amp;G, noting that P&amp;G has a turnaround plan in place while GE is still crafting one.</p>
<p>GE could ill afford the distraction of a proxy fight at a time that at new CEO is trying to develop a new strategy, this person said, and Mr. Garden could advise on the process since Trian has been actively involved for nearly two years.</p>
<p>When Trian seeks to work in tandem with boards, it often asks for years of background materials and board minutes in order to understand everything that has happened at the company. While GE has worked with Trian, there has been frustration that the company wasn't doing enough belt-tightening.</p>
<p>Earlier this year, GE pledged to cut $1 billion in annual costs from its industrial operations this year and next. Since being named to his new role, Mr. Flannery has been working closely with Mr. Garden in recent weeks, according to one person close to the situation.</p>
<p>Mr. Flannery likely recognized that "some of the things Trian was pushing are things that Flannery thinks he has to do," said a former GE executive.</p>
<p>At the same time, the ex-executive continued, GE's board also is heeding criticism that it bears some blame for its poor shareholder returns. Appointing Mr. Garden "takes a little bit of pressure off the board," the former executive said.</p>
<p>Mr. Flannery's early moves include cutting corporate staff, delaying part of its new Boston headquarters and moving to sell its fleet of corporate jets. The company is widely expected to cut its financial projections at a planned meeting in November.</p>
<p>GE was transformed under Mr. Immelt, moving from a sprawling conglomerate to focusing on its core business of building and servicing large machines like jet engines and MRI scanners. He exited struggling and lower-margin businesses, such as appliances, and navigated the financial crisis, but the stock lagged behind rivals and the strength of the broader market.</p>
<p>On Friday, GE said CFO Jeff Bornstein will depart at year's end as will veterans Beth Comstock, the head of marketing efforts, and John Rice, the company's top international executive. All three were top lieutenants to Mr. Immelt.</p>
<p>Cara Lombardi and Joann S. Lublin contributed to this article.</p>
<p>Write to Thomas Gryta at [email protected] and David Benoit at [email protected]</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>October 09, 2017 10:13 ET (14:13 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | general electric co named activist investor trian fund managements cofounder ed garden board latest move new ceo john flannery change direction struggling industrial giant move comes week ges longtime leader jeff immelt resigned companys board since taking mr flannery moving aggressively revamp conglomerate replacing finance chief two senior leaders friday continue reading new ge chief pressure share plans cut costs boost profits company whose shares fallen 20 far year missing broad stock market rally trian first invested 25 billion ge 2015 portrayed collaborative partnership investor unhappy ges stock performance costcutting efforts mr immelt stepped ceo aug 1 trian getting ges board comes day largest proxy battle history wages highprofile fight cofounder nelson peltz take board seat procter amp gamble co last 90 days ive met numerous investors value input views mr flannery said statement adding looks forward working mr garden mr garden worked closely mr immelt former cfo jeff bornstein currently board bank new york mellon praxair plc advertisement like ge shareholders disappointed recent performance ges stock mr garden said statement continue believe ge represents attractive longterm investment opportunity significant upside trian access ges board deliberations detailed financial results morethan300000person company conducting strategic review business portfolio deciding cut costs spend cash ge investors analysts questioned whether change needed board supported mr immelt 16year tenure questioned whether latest changes meant ges longstanding dividend could altered free cash dividend remains top priority said ge spokeswoman deirdre latour mr flannery said change would come payout company puts top capital allocation list mr garden replaces former deere amp co ceo robert lane retiring ges board 12 years board 18 members one person familiar situation drew distinctions trians dealings ge pampg noting pampg turnaround plan place ge still crafting one ge could ill afford distraction proxy fight time new ceo trying develop new strategy person said mr garden could advise process since trian actively involved nearly two years trian seeks work tandem boards often asks years background materials board minutes order understand everything happened company ge worked trian frustration company wasnt enough belttightening earlier year ge pledged cut 1 billion annual costs industrial operations year next since named new role mr flannery working closely mr garden recent weeks according one person close situation mr flannery likely recognized things trian pushing things flannery thinks said former ge executive time exexecutive continued ges board also heeding criticism bears blame poor shareholder returns appointing mr garden takes little bit pressure board former executive said mr flannerys early moves include cutting corporate staff delaying part new boston headquarters moving sell fleet corporate jets company widely expected cut financial projections planned meeting november ge transformed mr immelt moving sprawling conglomerate focusing core business building servicing large machines like jet engines mri scanners exited struggling lowermargin businesses appliances navigated financial crisis stock lagged behind rivals strength broader market friday ge said cfo jeff bornstein depart years end veterans beth comstock head marketing efforts john rice companys top international executive three top lieutenants mr immelt cara lombardi joann lublin contributed article write thomas gryta thomasgrytawsjcom david benoit davidbenoitwsjcom end dow jones newswires october 09 2017 1013 et 1413 gmt | 517 |
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<p>With college graduates each owing an estimated average of $26,000, the quest for affordable education rages on. But while tuitions get higher and interest on student loans pile up, there is help out there that many don’t know about -- and there are new initiatives in the pipeline trying to slow the surge in student debt that has left Americans owing more than $900 billion collectively.</p>
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<p>“There are some really great programs out there to help students who can’t afford their monthly student loans,” said lawyer and student loan expert Heather Jarvis. “But [these programs] are somewhat limited in their effect because they are overly complicated and student loan borrowers find it difficult to navigate the system.”</p>
<p>The programs Jarvis is referring to are Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and Income-Based Repayment (IBR). Aside from the more well-known loan-forgiveness programs that are available mostly to teachers, government employees, volunteers and others with service-based jobs, <a href="http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/understand/plans/pay-as-you-earn" type="external">PAYE Opens a New Window.</a> and <a href="http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/understand/plans/income-based" type="external">IBR Opens a New Window.</a> are both income-based and designed to help anyone without a lot of money pay down their student debt by capping monthly payments to make them more affordable.</p>
<p>In both repayment plans, which can be hard to decode, the government looks at a person’s debt-to-income ratio, and if what is owed is high in relation to what is earned, the government may assist in payments. Pay As You Earn, which is available only to new borrowers who took out federal direct loans caps monthly loan payments for former students at 10% of their discretionary income for 20 years. If any debt remains after that time period, it is forgiven. Income-Based Repayment is easier to qualify for, said Jarvis, but borrowers pay 15% of their discretionary income for a 25-year period.</p>
<p>Fewer than 7% of federal direct loan borrowers who are repaying their loans took advantage of the plans as of June 30, according to the Federal Student Aid website.</p>
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<p>In a <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/07/presidential-memorandum-improving-repayment-options-federal-student-loan" type="external">memorandum Opens a New Window.</a> in June 2012, President Obama acknowledged the need to streamline the process and ensure that people know about these programs.</p>
<p>“Too few borrowers are aware of the options available to them to help manage their student loan debt,” said Obama.</p>
<p>“Student loan borrowers are relying on loan services like Sallie Mae to get advice about their debt.... but people need to understand that they personally need to advocate for themselves independently.”</p>
<p>As of right now, however, the programs remain so little publicized that the Obama administration plans to email millions of borrowers over the next month in an effort to get more people enrolled.</p>
<p>“Right now, student loan borrowers are relying on loan services like Sallie Mae to get advice about their debt,” said Jarvis. “But you have to realize their interests are not aligned with borrowers so people need to understand that they personally need to advocate for themselves independently.”</p>
<p>A spokesperson for Sallie Mae strongly denied that allegation.</p>
<p>"In fact, our interest is aligned with the borrowers. We are only successful when our customers are successful," said a spokesperson for the loan service provider.</p>
<p>Deciding whether or not to take the plunge into student debt may appear not to be worth it. But if you look at the statistics, skipping out on school (and its expensive price tag) does not seem to pay off either.</p>
<p>According to <a href="http://www9.georgetown.edu/grad/gppi/hpi/cew/pdfs/fullreport.pdf" type="external">the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce Opens a New Window.</a>, by 2020, two-thirds of all jobs will require a post-secondary education, and the Bureau of Labor reports there is an undeniable correlation between higher earnings and a certain level of education.</p>
<p>“Higher education is necessary,” said Zakiya Smith, strategy director at the Lumina Foundation, a private foundation focused on accessible education. “Without a college degree, there is less opportunity -- and as time goes on, college attainment will continue to become more imperative."</p>
<p>As of right now, the price that a student pays for education makes it almost impossible not to accrue debt. But initiatives in a number of states are trying to make a dent in the problem for future generations.</p>
<p>In Oregon, <a href="http://oregonwfp.org/issues/debt-free-higher-education/" type="external">legislation has recently been passed Opens a New Window.</a> to explore a novel way to fund college in the future. The plan, called “Pay it Forward, Pay it Back,” gives students the option to pay 3% of their annual salaries for 24 years, instead of putting money down or taking out student loans.</p>
<p>“It’s outside of the box,” said John Burbank, the executive director of the <a href="http://www.eoionline.org/" type="external">Economic Opportunity Institute Opens a New Window.</a>, a non-profit organization where the idea originated. “Everyone has skin in the game. Everyone is contributing the same percent of their income.”</p>
<p>The concept has bi-partisan support with states including Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and California all showing interest in the idea, which focuses on borrowers having a long-term financial responsibility instead of having, in many instances, crippling debt.</p>
<p>“It’s a good thing that they are exploring it,” said Jarvis. “It helps to distribute cost in a way that's fair and I think people should embrace the idea because it could be an important part of the solution.”</p>
<p>Competency-based education is another concept that is gaining traction. This idea throws out the notion of curriculums based on credits and time spent, instead focusing on how much you know and could mean fewer years in school (and less tuition).</p>
<p>“It’s not based on how long you’ve been in school or where you learned the information -- but how competent you are,” explained Smith. “And with so much pressure from the general public to have education cost less, we think this could be very effective.”</p>
<p><a href="http://www.luminafoundation.org/" type="external">The Lumina Foundation Opens a New Window.</a> has been a big supporter of the approach, recently announcing a $1.2 million grant to support an evaluation of the University of Wisconsin’s competency-based program. And with an estimated 37 million Americans with some college experience but no degree, student loan experts like Jarvis are energized about the prospects.</p>
<p>“There is nothing magic about the credit hour, and it could save students money,” said Jarvis. ".... I think it would be naïve to think that successful institutions would rush to make any big changes, and change is always slow to work on campuses. But it’s certainly exciting. It has a lot of potential.”</p> | true | 0 | college graduates owing estimated average 26000 quest affordable education rages tuitions get higher interest student loans pile help many dont know new initiatives pipeline trying slow surge student debt left americans owing 900 billion collectively continue reading really great programs help students cant afford monthly student loans said lawyer student loan expert heather jarvis programs somewhat limited effect overly complicated student loan borrowers find difficult navigate system programs jarvis referring pay earn paye incomebased repayment ibr aside wellknown loanforgiveness programs available mostly teachers government employees volunteers others servicebased jobs paye opens new window ibr opens new window incomebased designed help anyone without lot money pay student debt capping monthly payments make affordable repayment plans hard decode government looks persons debttoincome ratio owed high relation earned government may assist payments pay earn available new borrowers took federal direct loans caps monthly loan payments former students 10 discretionary income 20 years debt remains time period forgiven incomebased repayment easier qualify said jarvis borrowers pay 15 discretionary income 25year period fewer 7 federal direct loan borrowers repaying loans took advantage plans june 30 according federal student aid website advertisement memorandum opens new window june 2012 president obama acknowledged need streamline process ensure people know programs borrowers aware options available help manage student loan debt said obama student loan borrowers relying loan services like sallie mae get advice debt people need understand personally need advocate independently right however programs remain little publicized obama administration plans email millions borrowers next month effort get people enrolled right student loan borrowers relying loan services like sallie mae get advice debt said jarvis realize interests aligned borrowers people need understand personally need advocate independently spokesperson sallie mae strongly denied allegation fact interest aligned borrowers successful customers successful said spokesperson loan service provider deciding whether take plunge student debt may appear worth look statistics skipping school expensive price tag seem pay either according georgetown center education workforce opens new window 2020 twothirds jobs require postsecondary education bureau labor reports undeniable correlation higher earnings certain level education higher education necessary said zakiya smith strategy director lumina foundation private foundation focused accessible education without college degree less opportunity time goes college attainment continue become imperative right price student pays education makes almost impossible accrue debt initiatives number states trying make dent problem future generations oregon legislation recently passed opens new window explore novel way fund college future plan called pay forward pay back gives students option pay 3 annual salaries 24 years instead putting money taking student loans outside box said john burbank executive director economic opportunity institute opens new window nonprofit organization idea originated everyone skin game everyone contributing percent income concept bipartisan support states including maine massachusetts maryland michigan pennsylvania new york new jersey california showing interest idea focuses borrowers longterm financial responsibility instead many instances crippling debt good thing exploring said jarvis helps distribute cost way thats fair think people embrace idea could important part solution competencybased education another concept gaining traction idea throws notion curriculums based credits time spent instead focusing much know could mean fewer years school less tuition based long youve school learned information competent explained smith much pressure general public education cost less think could effective lumina foundation opens new window big supporter approach recently announcing 12 million grant support evaluation university wisconsins competencybased program estimated 37 million americans college experience degree student loan experts like jarvis energized prospects nothing magic credit hour could save students money said jarvis think would naïve think successful institutions would rush make big changes change always slow work campuses certainly exciting lot potential | 595 |
<p>U.S. Bancorp said profit and revenue increased in the first quarter, as the company reported an increase in loans that comes amid a long-awaited rise in interest rates.</p>
<p>The Minneapolis-based bank, the seventh-largest in the U.S. by assets and the largest regional bank, posted net income of $1.47 billion, up 6.3% from $1.39 billion a year ago. On a per-share basis, earnings rose to 82 cents from 76 cents.</p>
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<p>Revenue, a combination of net interest income and fee-based income, rose 5.7% to $5.32 billion. Analysts, on average, anticipated per-share profit of 80 cents on $5.29 billion in revenue for the March quarter, according to Thomson Reuters.</p>
<p>The bank's net interest income increased 3.7% to $2.99 billion during the quarter from the prior quarter, which the bank said largely reflects loan growth, which comes as the Federal Reserved has been slowly raising its benchmark interest rate. Meanwhile, fee-based revenue grew 8.4%, helped by higher payment-services revenue, trust and investment management fees and mortgage banking revenue. The higher revenue was partially offset by higher spending on increased compensation, the bank said.</p>
<p>Average total loans grew 4.1% from last year as average total deposits rose 11%.</p>
<p>Net interest margin, an important measure of lending profitability, fell to 3.03% from 3.06% in the prior-year quarter, but rose from 2.98% in the previous quarter.</p>
<p>Write to Joshua Jamerson at [email protected]</p>
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<p>U.S. Bancorp said profit and revenue increased in the first quarter, but executives warned that demand for some loans was sluggish.</p>
<p>Average loans grew 4% from a year ago, but they were roughly flat compared to the previous quarter. Lending is an especially important metric at the moment. Analysts have been wondering if the euphoria around bank stocks that was caused by Donald Trump's election in November will materialize into more loan demand. Shares were up about 1% in morning trading, in line with the KBW Nasdaq index of bank stocks.</p>
<p>Andrew Cecere, U.S. Bank's chief executive, said that large corporate customers are telling the bank that "they are optimistic about the future but are awaiting more clarity" about taxes, regulations, infrastructure spending and trade policies before making borrowing decisions.</p>
<p>U.S. Bank executives said they thought loan demand would pick up in the second quarter but might not reach 2016 levels, offering a view slightly muted from what they predicted in January. They said that some corporate clients were choosing to borrow through capital markets instead of traditional loans, which also put a damper on lending.</p>
<p>Over all, the Minneapolis-based bank posted net income of $1.47 billion, up 6% from a year ago. On a per-share basis, earnings rose to 82 cents from 76 cents. Revenue also rose 6%. Both earnings and revenue beat the expectations of analysts, who had predicted per-share profit of 80 cents and $5.29 billion in revenue, according to Thomson Reuters.</p>
<p>The Trump-inspired rally in bank stocks has been based on the belief that the new president will loosen regulations on the banking industry. But in an interview Wednesday, U.S. Bank Chief Financial Officer Terry Dolan said he wasn't expecting any big changes in the short term. He said he'd like to see more coordination between the different bank regulators.</p>
<p>"A lot of very positive things can come out of that," Mr. Dolan said. "It doesn't need to be some major rehaul in Dodd-Frank."</p>
<p>Like other regional banks, U.S. Bank doesn't benefit from a large trading division that has powered results at bigger banks over the previous several quarters. U.S. Bank is the country's largest regional bank.</p>
<p>Other regional banks, including PNC Financial Services Group Inc., M&amp;T Bank Corp., and Regions Financial Corp., have posted earnings that beat expectations. But future loan demand remains a concern even at banks where lending has held steady. Regions said Tuesday that it expected average loans to be flat to slightly down for the year, which sent its stock lower.</p>
<p>Like other banks, U.S. Bank benefited from the Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates in March and December, which allows banks to charge more on some loans. The bank's net interest income was up about 4% from a year ago, though net interest margin, an important measure of lending profitability, fell slightly from a year ago. Deposits, which factor into the margin calculation, rose 11% from the first quarter of 2016.</p>
<p>Over all, analysts said that interest income helped offset weaker loan growth. "Returns remain solid as usual, and results were steady but not indicative of an inflection in revenue growth or profitability," David George, an analyst at Baird Equity Research, wrote in a note to clients.</p>
<p>Bank officials also said they feel good about credit quality, a nod to industrywide concerns about possible defaults in auto lending and commercial real estate. But Mr. Cecere said he didn't want to "fool ourselves into thinking we'll be able to predict when the churn in the business cycle will come."</p>
<p>This marked the first earnings call with Mr. Cecere at the bank's helm. A company veteran and longtime top lieutenant to predecessor Richard Davis, he became CEO this week, taking over after Mr. Davis' retirement. Mr. Davis is staying on as U.S. Bank's chairman, and Mr. Cecere said Wednesday to not expect any major changes in strategy.</p>
<p>Write to Christina Rexrode at [email protected] and Joshua Jamerson at [email protected]</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>April 19, 2017 11:58 ET (15:58 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | us bancorp said profit revenue increased first quarter company reported increase loans comes amid longawaited rise interest rates minneapolisbased bank seventhlargest us assets largest regional bank posted net income 147 billion 63 139 billion year ago pershare basis earnings rose 82 cents 76 cents continue reading revenue combination net interest income feebased income rose 57 532 billion analysts average anticipated pershare profit 80 cents 529 billion revenue march quarter according thomson reuters banks net interest income increased 37 299 billion quarter prior quarter bank said largely reflects loan growth comes federal reserved slowly raising benchmark interest rate meanwhile feebased revenue grew 84 helped higher paymentservices revenue trust investment management fees mortgage banking revenue higher revenue partially offset higher spending increased compensation bank said average total loans grew 41 last year average total deposits rose 11 net interest margin important measure lending profitability fell 303 306 prioryear quarter rose 298 previous quarter write joshua jamerson joshuajamersonwsjcom advertisement us bancorp said profit revenue increased first quarter executives warned demand loans sluggish average loans grew 4 year ago roughly flat compared previous quarter lending especially important metric moment analysts wondering euphoria around bank stocks caused donald trumps election november materialize loan demand shares 1 morning trading line kbw nasdaq index bank stocks andrew cecere us banks chief executive said large corporate customers telling bank optimistic future awaiting clarity taxes regulations infrastructure spending trade policies making borrowing decisions us bank executives said thought loan demand would pick second quarter might reach 2016 levels offering view slightly muted predicted january said corporate clients choosing borrow capital markets instead traditional loans also put damper lending minneapolisbased bank posted net income 147 billion 6 year ago pershare basis earnings rose 82 cents 76 cents revenue also rose 6 earnings revenue beat expectations analysts predicted pershare profit 80 cents 529 billion revenue according thomson reuters trumpinspired rally bank stocks based belief new president loosen regulations banking industry interview wednesday us bank chief financial officer terry dolan said wasnt expecting big changes short term said hed like see coordination different bank regulators lot positive things come mr dolan said doesnt need major rehaul doddfrank like regional banks us bank doesnt benefit large trading division powered results bigger banks previous several quarters us bank countrys largest regional bank regional banks including pnc financial services group inc mampt bank corp regions financial corp posted earnings beat expectations future loan demand remains concern even banks lending held steady regions said tuesday expected average loans flat slightly year sent stock lower like banks us bank benefited federal reserves decision raise interest rates march december allows banks charge loans banks net interest income 4 year ago though net interest margin important measure lending profitability fell slightly year ago deposits factor margin calculation rose 11 first quarter 2016 analysts said interest income helped offset weaker loan growth returns remain solid usual results steady indicative inflection revenue growth profitability david george analyst baird equity research wrote note clients bank officials also said feel good credit quality nod industrywide concerns possible defaults auto lending commercial real estate mr cecere said didnt want fool thinking well able predict churn business cycle come marked first earnings call mr cecere banks helm company veteran longtime top lieutenant predecessor richard davis became ceo week taking mr davis retirement mr davis staying us banks chairman mr cecere said wednesday expect major changes strategy write christina rexrode christinarexrodewsjcom joshua jamerson joshuajamersonwsjcom end dow jones newswires april 19 2017 1158 et 1558 gmt | 579 |
<p>Well, Connecticut Governor <a href="http://freedomoutpost.com/?s=dannel+malloy" type="external">Dannel Malloy</a> is back at the center of attention as he instructed Connecticut police officers on how to refuse to comply with the united States’ immigration laws and the orders given by President Donald Trump regarding enforcement of those laws by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.</p>
<p>According to a memo sent by Governor Malloy sent to state police and school district representatives, he said that there should be no attempt to detain anyone solely on the basis of their immigration status. Additionally, he advised them to not give ICE officers access to individuals in state or local jails.</p>
<p>“Law enforcement should not take action that is solely to enforce federal immigration law,” Malloy and two of his commissioners wrote. “The federal government cannot mandate states to investigate and enforce actions that have no nexus to the enforcement of Connecticut law or local ordinances.”</p>
<p>“Putting all opinions about this presidential executive order aside, its enforcement is going to have a local impact, especially given the constrained resources and financial impacts this will have on state and municipal budgets, which we already know are stretched to their limits, in addition to giving rise to serious concerns in affected communities,” Malloy <a href="http://portal.ct.gov/en/Office-of-the-Governor/Press-Room/Press-Releases/2017/02-2017/Malloy-Administration-Issues-Guidance-to-Law-Enforcement-and-School-Districts-Regarding-Immigration" type="external">said</a> in a statement. “Above all, we are obligated to protect the rights afforded to all our residents and ensure that students attend safe, welcoming schools. The best approach for local communities is to have a plan in place so that everyone in our state, including young students, are supported respectfully and fairly under the laws of our state and our nation.”</p>
<p>The Hill <a href="http://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/320715-connecticut-governor-to-cops-dont-follow-trump-immigration-orders" type="external">reported</a>:</p>
<p>Connecticut is one of a handful of states that call themselves sanctuaries for undocumented immigrants. A state law passed in 2013 requires law enforcement agencies to detain an individual for breaking immigration laws if they have been convicted of a felony, are a known gang member, are on a federal terrorism watch list or face criminal charges and have not posted bond.</p>
<p>In a <a href="http://www.trbas.com/media/media/acrobat/2017-02/70230951705300-22074645.pdf" type="external">memo to state school districts</a>, Malloy’s office urged education officials to develop a plan in the event that immigration agents show up at schools. Malloy said he expected the Trump administration to adhere to the same guidelines as the Obama administration, which put schools, courthouses and other “sensitive locations” off limits to immigration enforcement actions.</p>
<p>One provision of the new immigration guidelines, issued Tuesday, directs the Department of Homeland Security and immigration enforcement agencies to enlist local law enforcement agencies in efforts to enforce federal immigration law. There is no federal law requiring local agencies to adhere to those guidelines.</p>
<p>“The message is loud and clear, the state of Connecticut will not allow the Trump administration’s racist and xenophobic actions to destroy our community,” Ana Maria Rivera-Forastieri, director of advocacy at Junta for Progressive Action, <a href="http://www.courant.com/politics/hc-malloy-immigration-order-20170222-story.html" type="external">said</a> in a written statement.</p>
<p>Of course, this has nothing to do with racism or xenophobia. It has to do with the law, period.</p>
<p>“Regardless of whether your family settled in Connecticut 300 years ago or three days ago, you are welcome here,” Malloy said in his State of the State address in January.</p>
<p>Again, settling in the state is not the issue. Settling illegally is the issue.</p>
<p>The memo is purely a political move. It is a recommendation, not an order. Among other recommendations are the following:</p>
<p>These seem like common sense things to me.</p>
<p>Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, Hartford’s acting superintendent of schools, issued support for children who are in the state illegally.</p>
<p>“Hartford’s legal and moral obligation to educate all children will not be derailed by any of the language in recent presidential executive orders,” she said. “We want each and every student to be in school and ready to learn in safe environment.”</p>
<p>While I realize the issue of children being brought in illegally by illegal parents is a delicate issue, the fact of the matter is that these people want to talk about “legal and moral obligations,” but don’t want to follow the law.</p>
<p>CTPost reported on a mayor and a police chief’s criticism of Malloy’s memo:</p>
<p>Danbury Mayor <a href="http://www.ctpost.com/search/?action=search&amp;channel=local&amp;inlineLink=1&amp;searchindex=gsa&amp;query=%22Mark+Boughton%22" type="external">Mark Boughton</a> criticized Malloy’s action and said that the city stands ready to help ICE with Trump’s crackdown and mass deportation plans. He estimated that Danbury has approximately 5,000 undocumented residents.</p>
<p>For now, Boughton said nothing has changed in Danbury regardless of what federal or state officials have issued this week in memos and news releases. But that could change if formal action is taken by the feds.</p>
<p>“If any federal agency, including ICE, asks for our assistance, we’re going to provide it as we always have done,” he said. “We’ll work as a force multiplier.”</p>
<p>“The governor just wants to score political points by saying ‘we’re going to stand against the president,’” Boughton said.</p>
<p>City police will comply with the state’s TRUST Act, which limits local police coordination with federal immigration agents, Police Chief <a href="http://www.ctpost.com/search/?action=search&amp;channel=local&amp;inlineLink=1&amp;searchindex=gsa&amp;query=%22Patrick+Ridenhour%22" type="external">Patrick Ridenhour</a> said Wednesday.</p>
<p>“Right now we have the TRUST act,” Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour said. “If someone’s arrested on minor offenses, with no record, no detainers or warrants from ICE, we’re not calling them. The bulk of our work is enforcing local ordinances and state laws. We don’t make the first call to ICE, we don’t start something.”</p>
<p>Ridenhour said that circumstances could change with further guidance from the federal government.</p>
<p>“Until we get more clarification, we’re going to handle this the way we have,” he said. “Right now, we have the TRUST act, I’ve already reminded my staff of the TRUST act.”</p>
<p>Mayor Boughton also said, “ICE doesn’t do random stops. When they call, they’re looking for somebody.”</p>
<p>Random stops would be a clear violation of the 4th Amendment, much like the TSA engages in each and every time it detains, searches or seizes anything from an American citizen at the airport.</p>
<p>“If you’re in the country and your undocumented, it’s a problem,” Boughton said. “You can’t say it’s not a problem.”</p>
<p>Thank you Mayor Boughton. That is exactly the issue here! Connecticut, you should have elected <a href="http://freedomoutpost.com/?s=joe+visconti" type="external">Joe Visconti</a>!</p>
<p>Courtesy of <a href="http://freedomoutpost.com/ct-governor-tells-cops-they-dont-have-to-follow-trumps-immigration-orders/" type="external">Freedom Outpost</a></p>
<p>Tim Brown is an author and Editor at <a href="http://freedomoutpost.com/" type="external">FreedomOutpost.com</a>, <a href="http://sonsoflibertymedia.com/" type="external">SonsOfLibertyMedia.com</a>, <a href="http://gunsinthenews.com/" type="external">GunsInTheNews.com</a> and <a href="http://thewashingtonstandard.com/" type="external">TheWashingtonStandard.com</a>. He is husband to his “more precious than rubies” wife, father of 10 “mighty arrows”, jack of all trades, Christian and lover of liberty. He resides in the U.S. occupied Great State of South Carolina. Tim is also an affiliate for the <a href="http://freedomoutpost.com/ct-governor-tells-cops-they-dont-have-to-follow-trumps-immigration-orders/joshuamark5.com" type="external">Joshua Mark 5 AR/AK hybrid semi-automatic rifle</a>. Follow Tim on <a href="https://twitter.com/FPPTim" type="external">Twitter</a>.</p>
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<p /> | true | 0 | well connecticut governor dannel malloy back center attention instructed connecticut police officers refuse comply united states immigration laws orders given president donald trump regarding enforcement laws immigration customs enforcement ice agents according memo sent governor malloy sent state police school district representatives said attempt detain anyone solely basis immigration status additionally advised give ice officers access individuals state local jails law enforcement take action solely enforce federal immigration law malloy two commissioners wrote federal government mandate states investigate enforce actions nexus enforcement connecticut law local ordinances putting opinions presidential executive order aside enforcement going local impact especially given constrained resources financial impacts state municipal budgets already know stretched limits addition giving rise serious concerns affected communities malloy said statement obligated protect rights afforded residents ensure students attend safe welcoming schools best approach local communities plan place everyone state including young students supported respectfully fairly laws state nation hill reported connecticut one handful states call sanctuaries undocumented immigrants state law passed 2013 requires law enforcement agencies detain individual breaking immigration laws convicted felony known gang member federal terrorism watch list face criminal charges posted bond memo state school districts malloys office urged education officials develop plan event immigration agents show schools malloy said expected trump administration adhere guidelines obama administration put schools courthouses sensitive locations limits immigration enforcement actions one provision new immigration guidelines issued tuesday directs department homeland security immigration enforcement agencies enlist local law enforcement agencies efforts enforce federal immigration law federal law requiring local agencies adhere guidelines message loud clear state connecticut allow trump administrations racist xenophobic actions destroy community ana maria riveraforastieri director advocacy junta progressive action said written statement course nothing racism xenophobia law period regardless whether family settled connecticut 300 years ago three days ago welcome malloy said state state address january settling state issue settling illegally issue memo purely political move recommendation order among recommendations following seem like common sense things leslie torresrodriguez hartfords acting superintendent schools issued support children state illegally hartfords legal moral obligation educate children derailed language recent presidential executive orders said want every student school ready learn safe environment realize issue children brought illegally illegal parents delicate issue fact matter people want talk legal moral obligations dont want follow law ctpost reported mayor police chiefs criticism malloys memo danbury mayor mark boughton criticized malloys action said city stands ready help ice trumps crackdown mass deportation plans estimated danbury approximately 5000 undocumented residents boughton said nothing changed danbury regardless federal state officials issued week memos news releases could change formal action taken feds federal agency including ice asks assistance going provide always done said well work force multiplier governor wants score political points saying going stand president boughton said city police comply states trust act limits local police coordination federal immigration agents police chief patrick ridenhour said wednesday right trust act danbury police chief patrick ridenhour said someones arrested minor offenses record detainers warrants ice calling bulk work enforcing local ordinances state laws dont make first call ice dont start something ridenhour said circumstances could change guidance federal government get clarification going handle way said right trust act ive already reminded staff trust act mayor boughton also said ice doesnt random stops call theyre looking somebody random stops would clear violation 4th amendment much like tsa engages every time detains searches seizes anything american citizen airport youre country undocumented problem boughton said cant say problem thank mayor boughton exactly issue connecticut elected joe visconti courtesy freedom outpost tim brown author editor freedomoutpostcom sonsoflibertymediacom gunsinthenewscom thewashingtonstandardcom husband precious rubies wife father 10 mighty arrows jack trades christian lover liberty resides us occupied great state south carolina tim also affiliate joshua mark 5 arak hybrid semiautomatic rifle follow tim twitter | 617 |
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<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>With the broader markets at or near all-time highs, there are a lot of analysts who will bemoan that there aren't any cheap investments out there to be had. An even bigger complaint is that investors can't find decent yields from investments because of fed interest rates. To be honest, they are just being lazy There are some bargains out there among dividend-paying stocks. You just need to do a little digging, especially in industries like manufacturing, mining, and energy. Three dividend-paying companies that look particularly cheap today are Alcoa (NYSE: AA), Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT), and Emerson Electric (NYSE: EMR). Here's a quick look at what has Wall Street avoiding these stocks and why you might want to consider looking at buying shares.</p>
<p>Alcoa isn't exactly a high-yield dividend stock that will get investors excited to own, but if you are looking for a cheap dividend stock that has a strong catalyst coming, then Aloca is certainly worth a look. It's no secret that the company plans to separate into two distinct companies. On the one hand, you have the old-fashioned aluminum miner and producers. On the other hand, you have the new company, Arconics, that will focus on value-add manufacturing of aluminum-based products. The way these two companies are separating should provide a way for them to generate decent returns over the long term.</p>
<p>One thing that was a fear of the Aloca/Arconics split was how the company planned to divvy up the debt. This isn't too much of a concern because when Alcoa is split off, it will only take $236 million in debt with it and will have more than $350 million in cash on the balance sheet. This will give it a fresh start that will allow it to raise capital through debt if it needs it, and it will keep it from having to pay onerous interest payments that would have an impact on the bottom line.</p>
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<p>Arconics is also an opportunity to capture the higher-growth, higher-margin aluminum manufactured products. Three big industries that are turning more and more to aluminum parts are the aerospace and automotive sectors because of aluminum's lighter weight and strength, which allow these industries to shed weight. According to Alcoa's most recent earnings report, the company posted record volume shipments of rolled products to the automotive industry and its engineered product business -- things like engine parts -- recorded record after-tax profits.</p>
<p>With all of this in mind, it seems a bit shortsighted that shares of of Alcoa trade at a reasonable price to tangible book value of 1.8 times. This company looks to have a much better future ahead of it, and shares today are pretty cheap in comparison.</p>
<p>Caterpillar has been hit with the double whammy of the mining and the oil and gas industries taking a hard fall. As companies in these industries continue to do some severe belt tightening, they are forgoing purchases of heavy equipment to either replace older equipment or to expand their operations. Just to give you an idea of this big chance, Caterpillar's resource industries segment was responsible for 53% of operating income in 2011. Today, that segment is producing losses that the rest of the business needs to cover.Because of this, shares have taken a significant tumble since 2014 and are basically flat over the past five years.</p>
<p>There is a bright side to this story, though. One is that the company has cut operational costs considerably over this time to retain some level of profitability. Even after such a steep decline in profits from its resource industries segment, it is still generating a 6% EBIT margin and has generated more than enough free cash flow to cover its dividend and $1.5 billion in share repurchases over the past 12 months, so the situation isn't exactly dire.</p>
<p>It's hard to value shares of Caterpillar by traditional metrics today. Its depressed earnings assign a high multiple because it's in the bottom part of the industry cycle. Also, it has repurchased so much of its stock that it skews the company's tangible book value to the high side. So looking at these numbers in a vacuum makes them look high. The opportunity in Caterpillar's shares comes from the fact that it is in the bottom of the cycle. When the mining and energy industries pick back up again, chances are they will be buying Caterpillar equipment and it will help bring the company back. With a dividend yield of 3.8%, it could be worth the wait.</p>
<p>Like Caterpillar, Emerson Electric's business has been hit because of the industry cycles as well. Anemic growth internationally has hit the bottom line as earnings per share was down 12% compared to this time last year. This slow decline has been going on for a couple quarters now and is a large reason why the company's shares are down 26% from their highs in 2014.There is another reason Emerson is like Caterpillar, though. This decline seems to be a little overblown. Emerson remains solidly profitable with enough free cash flow to support its dividend as well as a very robust share repurchase program. It will take much sharper declines before Emerson's shareholders need to sweat.</p>
<p>Then, like Alcoa, Emerson has a pretty big catalyst in the wings. That catalyst is the massive market emerging for automation services that Emerson is looking to capture. According to management, this market has a potential of more than $100 billion and has several opportunities for big cash flow-generating elements like lifecycle service on that equipment. As Emerson reshuffles its business model to gear up for this particular market, there is a pretty attractive opportunity for investors to jump in now while Emerson's stock is a little out of favor. At today's price, you get a company that has raised its dividend for 59 years in a row and pays a yield of 3.7%.</p>
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<p>The Motley Fool recommends Emerson 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 getty images continue reading broader markets near alltime highs lot analysts bemoan arent cheap investments even bigger complaint investors cant find decent yields investments fed interest rates honest lazy bargains among dividendpaying stocks need little digging especially industries like manufacturing mining energy three dividendpaying companies look particularly cheap today alcoa nyse aa caterpillar nyse cat emerson electric nyse emr heres quick look wall street avoiding stocks might want consider looking buying shares alcoa isnt exactly highyield dividend stock get investors excited looking cheap dividend stock strong catalyst coming aloca certainly worth look secret company plans separate two distinct companies one hand oldfashioned aluminum miner producers hand new company arconics focus valueadd manufacturing aluminumbased products way two companies separating provide way generate decent returns long term one thing fear alocaarconics split company planned divvy debt isnt much concern alcoa split take 236 million debt 350 million cash balance sheet give fresh start allow raise capital debt needs keep pay onerous interest payments would impact bottom line advertisement arconics also opportunity capture highergrowth highermargin aluminum manufactured products three big industries turning aluminum parts aerospace automotive sectors aluminums lighter weight strength allow industries shed weight according alcoas recent earnings report company posted record volume shipments rolled products automotive industry engineered product business things like engine parts recorded record aftertax profits mind seems bit shortsighted shares alcoa trade reasonable price tangible book value 18 times company looks much better future ahead shares today pretty cheap comparison caterpillar hit double whammy mining oil gas industries taking hard fall companies industries continue severe belt tightening forgoing purchases heavy equipment either replace older equipment expand operations give idea big chance caterpillars resource industries segment responsible 53 operating income 2011 today segment producing losses rest business needs coverbecause shares taken significant tumble since 2014 basically flat past five years bright side story though one company cut operational costs considerably time retain level profitability even steep decline profits resource industries segment still generating 6 ebit margin generated enough free cash flow cover dividend 15 billion share repurchases past 12 months situation isnt exactly dire hard value shares caterpillar traditional metrics today depressed earnings assign high multiple bottom part industry cycle also repurchased much stock skews companys tangible book value high side looking numbers vacuum makes look high opportunity caterpillars shares comes fact bottom cycle mining energy industries pick back chances buying caterpillar equipment help bring company back dividend yield 38 could worth wait like caterpillar emerson electrics business hit industry cycles well anemic growth internationally hit bottom line earnings per share 12 compared time last year slow decline going couple quarters large reason companys shares 26 highs 2014there another reason emerson like caterpillar though decline seems little overblown emerson remains solidly profitable enough free cash flow support dividend well robust share repurchase program take much sharper declines emersons shareholders need sweat like alcoa emerson pretty big catalyst wings catalyst massive market emerging automation services emerson looking capture according management market potential 100 billion several opportunities big cash flowgenerating elements like lifecycle service equipment emerson reshuffles business model gear particular market pretty attractive opportunity investors jump emersons stock little favor todays price get company raised dividend 59 years row pays yield 37 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 tyler crowe opens new window position stocks mentionedyou follow foolcomor twitter tylercrowefool opens new window motley fool recommends emerson 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 | 630 |
<p>Obama Lied About Signing Gun Control Executive Orders</p>
<p>(Dr. Jerome R. Corsi) – Obama has played the American people for a fool once again, this time on his move to impinge on Second Amendment rights to own weapons.</p>
<p>Despite all the fanfare and hoopla we heard from the mainstream media that Obama signed “23 executive orders” imposing new gun control measures, the entire event – including high-fives to the underage children the White House exploited as background props for the nationally televised event – the entire show was nothing more than a public relations gimmick.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">FAX BLAST SPECIAL: Impeach Obama NOW! For sedition against the Constitution!</a></p>
<p>Remarkable as it may be, Obama signed no executive orders whatsoever last week on gun control. The truth is Obama and the White House lied.</p>
<p>You can prove it for yourself by going to the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/executive-orders" type="external">White House page</a> that lists Executive Orders signed by Obama and witnessing that the last Executive Order that <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/12/27/executive-order-adjustments-certain-rates-pay" type="external">Obama signed was on December 27, 2012</a>, adjusting various federal <a href="http://weaselzippers.us/2013/01/16/house-republicans-introduce-bill-to-reverse-obamas-pay-raise-to-biden-congress-federal-workers/" type="external">salary schedules</a> to give Vice President Biden and a host of other federal employees a pay raise amounting to $11 billion, just as the federal government is about to run out of money while hitting the debt ceiling yet once more.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/presidential-memoranda" type="external">What Obama truly signed</a> were 23 presidential memoranda and proclamations that have no binding effect of law whatsoever.</p>
<p>Last week, <a href="http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/01/obama-23-executive-orders-actions-gun-control.html" type="external">New York Magazine</a> pointed out just how meaningless were proclamations that accomplished nothing more than to:</p>
<p>1. Direct federal law enforcement to trace all guns taken in federal custody in the course of a criminal investigation;</p>
<p>2. Direct the Department of Justice to ensure all applicable information from federal agencies is made available for background checks; and</p>
<p>3. Direct the Department of Health to “conduct or sponsor research into the causes of gun violence and the ways to prevent it.”</p>
<p><a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2013/01/18/seven_reporters_who_falsely_claimed_that_obama_signed_23_executive_orders.html" type="external">Slate.com, typically a leftist source, pointed out</a> the long list of journalists that fell for the gimmick, reporting incorrectly that Obama signed executive orders, bypassing Congress to curb guns; the journalists who fell for the Obama public relations trap were Dana Perino on Fox, Neil Cavuto on Fox, Wolf Blitzer on CNN, CNN Anchor Carl Aruz, CNN’s Brooke Baldwin, and NPR’s Neil Conan.</p>
<p>With even Democratic members of Congress now hesitating to pass new gun restrictions, there is increasing doubt Congress will enact any new gun laws, despite Obama’s obvious zeal not to let a “good crisis” like the Newtown school shooting tragedy “go to waste,” as former White House chief of staff Rahm Emmanuel famously advised.</p>
<p>But the charade is likely to continue as Obama transforms his campaign organization into a 501(c)4 nonprofit group that will run a <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/277937-report-obama-campaign-to-relaunch-as-nonprofit-organization" type="external">permanent Obama public relations campaign to promote Obama policy positions</a>, under the direction of Jim Messina, Obama’s presidential campaign manager in 2008 and 2012, as reported last week by The Hill.</p>
<p>In the next few weeks, Obama is likely to resume his campaign barnstorming, traveling on public expense to give a series of addresses attacking Republicans, the NRA and the Gun Owners of America for causing future school massacres by refusing to all Obama and Congress to impinge Second Amendment rights in complete disregard of the Constitution.</p>
<p>Truthfully, the only research Obama wants is politically motivated research that reaffirms his pre-judged political persuasion that the American people should be disarmed because guns cause violence and kill children.</p>
<p>In pursing this political agenda, Obama will certainly neglect credible and important research demonstrating the psycho-active drugs being prescribed wholesale by psychiatrists in the nation’s public schools cause suicidal tendencies and violent behavior by the underage children who are forced to take these drugs.</p>
<p>Writing in <a href="http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/springer/ehss/2003/00000005/00000003/art00005" type="external">Ethical Human Sciences and Services</a>, a peer-reviewed scholarly journal, in 2003, Dr. Peter R. Breggin, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and former full-time consultant at the National Institute of Mental Health, concluded SSRI drugs (Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors) could relate in suicide, violence, and other forms of extreme abnormal behavior, as evidenced in case reports, controlled clinical trials, and epidemiological studies in children and adults.</p>
<p>Readers are invited to examine a long list of <a href="http://ssristories.com/index.php" type="external">school-related violent incidents</a> that are fully documented to be related to psychoactive medications that psychiatrists and other medical doctors have prescribed for children in schools.</p>
<p>The evidence that Dr. Breggin is right is overwhelming, even though the scientific research proving drugs cause violence is completely ignored in the politically motivated gun law debate the White House is pushing on the American people.</p>
<p>Obama and the Democrats will never consider that school shooters themselves are the victims of teacher union-imposed social control measures that depend on dispensing these drugs without any appreciation of the risk.</p>
<p>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p>1776Nation.com</p>
<p>Jerome R. Corsi, a Harvard Ph.D., is the founder of the 1776 Nation and chief writer for the Tea Party Research Team of <a href="" type="internal">TeaParty.org</a>. He has authored many books, including No. 1 N.Y. Times best-sellers “The Obama Nation” and “Unfit for Command.</p>
<p>&#160;</p> | true | 0 | obama lied signing gun control executive orders dr jerome r corsi obama played american people fool time move impinge second amendment rights weapons despite fanfare hoopla heard mainstream media obama signed 23 executive orders imposing new gun control measures entire event including highfives underage children white house exploited background props nationally televised event entire show nothing public relations gimmick fax blast special impeach obama sedition constitution remarkable may obama signed executive orders whatsoever last week gun control truth obama white house lied prove going white house page lists executive orders signed obama witnessing last executive order obama signed december 27 2012 adjusting various federal salary schedules give vice president biden host federal employees pay raise amounting 11 billion federal government run money hitting debt ceiling yet obama truly signed 23 presidential memoranda proclamations binding effect law whatsoever last week new york magazine pointed meaningless proclamations accomplished nothing 1 direct federal law enforcement trace guns taken federal custody course criminal investigation 2 direct department justice ensure applicable information federal agencies made available background checks 3 direct department health conduct sponsor research causes gun violence ways prevent slatecom typically leftist source pointed long list journalists fell gimmick reporting incorrectly obama signed executive orders bypassing congress curb guns journalists fell obama public relations trap dana perino fox neil cavuto fox wolf blitzer cnn cnn anchor carl aruz cnns brooke baldwin nprs neil conan even democratic members congress hesitating pass new gun restrictions increasing doubt congress enact new gun laws despite obamas obvious zeal let good crisis like newtown school shooting tragedy go waste former white house chief staff rahm emmanuel famously advised charade likely continue obama transforms campaign organization 501c4 nonprofit group run permanent obama public relations campaign promote obama policy positions direction jim messina obamas presidential campaign manager 2008 2012 reported last week hill next weeks obama likely resume campaign barnstorming traveling public expense give series addresses attacking republicans nra gun owners america causing future school massacres refusing obama congress impinge second amendment rights complete disregard constitution truthfully research obama wants politically motivated research reaffirms prejudged political persuasion american people disarmed guns cause violence kill children pursing political agenda obama certainly neglect credible important research demonstrating psychoactive drugs prescribed wholesale psychiatrists nations public schools cause suicidal tendencies violent behavior underage children forced take drugs writing ethical human sciences services peerreviewed scholarly journal 2003 dr peter r breggin harvardtrained psychiatrist former fulltime consultant national institute mental health concluded ssri drugs selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors could relate suicide violence forms extreme abnormal behavior evidenced case reports controlled clinical trials epidemiological studies children adults readers invited examine long list schoolrelated violent incidents fully documented related psychoactive medications psychiatrists medical doctors prescribed children schools evidence dr breggin right overwhelming even though scientific research proving drugs cause violence completely ignored politically motivated gun law debate white house pushing american people obama democrats never consider school shooters victims teacher unionimposed social control measures depend dispensing drugs without appreciation risk 1776nationcom jerome r corsi harvard phd founder 1776 nation chief writer tea party research team teapartyorg authored many books including 1 ny times bestsellers obama nation unfit command 160 | 520 |
<p>Eric Heinbockel had an ivy-league education but when he went looking for a finance job in 2008, not even top-notch schooling could get him in the door.</p>
<p>“It was tough. I had interviews on the days <a href="" type="internal">Lehman Brothers</a> and <a href="" type="internal">Bear Stearns</a> collapsed,” said 25-year-old Heinbockel.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>After a year of searching, he along with friends Fabian Kaempher and Nick LaCava, decided to turn their unemployment into an opportunity. In 2009, the trio started <a href="http://www.chocomize.com" type="external">Chocomize</a>, a high-end chocolate company that allows patrons to customize their sweets with add-ons like Junior Mints, Sour Patch Kids and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.</p>
<p>“Becoming an entrepreneur is really all about risk taking and weighing the pros and cons, and the cons were diminishing as it became more difficult to find a job,” said Heinbockel. “And I don’t think at any point we really doubted the concept would be popular, it was just a matter of fulfilling the need.”</p>
<p>With $70,000 in initial funding from friends and family, the Web-based company turned a profit in its first six months--a big feat for a small business. Within a year, the business raked in $400,000 in revenue and this year, Chocomize will at least double that.</p>
<p>“The idea is really supposed to just be a fun, chocolate product,” explained Kaempfer. “We realized there was nothing in the chocolate market that was an equivalent to what Ben and Jerry’s is to the ice cream market, so we wanted to do a high-end product that has a modern touch to it.”</p>
<p>Six Shooter with Eric Heinbockel and Fabian Kaempfer</p>
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<p>1. Who is your biggest source of inspiration?</p>
<p>Heinbockel: My biggest source of inspiration is other young entrepreneurs. Seeing and meeting other young entrepreneurs who are innovating and succeeding always re-invigorates me and pushes me to double my efforts.</p>
<p>Kaempfer: Hands down our customers. We get dozens of suggestions every day and most of them are really helpful. If you really listen to your customers and also implement their suggestions you know you are on the right track while building a loyal customer base.</p>
<p>2. What is your favorite quote and why?</p>
<p>Heinbockel: It is very difficult to count one quote as my favorite, but I recently read a description of John D. Rockefeller in Ron Chernow’s Titan that stuck with me as critical for young entrepreneurs. Chernow describes Rockefeller as “daring in design, cautious in execution.” I think this really sums up the basic qualities it takes to become a successful entrepreneur. One has to be willing to be a risk taker and think outside the box, yet business is too complex to be cavalier.</p>
<p>Kaempfer: “Pain is temporary, glory is forever.”</p>
<p>It just applies to what is going on in a startup and reminds you that the success and recognition are worth the temporary problems and frustrations.</p>
<p>3. What are you plans for expansion?</p>
<p>Heinbockel: We are currently working on moving to a new factory, which will help us keep up with the growing demand for our product. We are also beginning to diversify our product offerings to make our site more of a chocolate shop than just a custom chocolate bar building station. We also constantly receive requests to ship to other countries so perhaps we will continue to expand geographically.</p>
<p>Kaempfer: We will expand geographically as well as vertically. New products are already in the pipeline and we will continue to establish our brand nationally as well as internationally.</p>
<p>4. Where do you think your business will be in five years?</p>
<p>Heinbockel: In five years I think the idea of creating your own custom products online will be something that everyone is familiar with and uses. I think that Chocomize will continue to be a leader in the co-creation industry and will be a recognizable brand. I think that Chocomize’s product offerings will be diverse enough that the brand will be perceived as fun, innovative and premium much like Ben &amp; Jerry’s.</p>
<p>Kaempfer: I think in five &#160;years Chocomize will be a household name for high-end chocolate with a modern and fun twist. We will have strengthened our online store as well as opened a few physical retail stores where people can walk in and make their own chocolate bars.</p>
<p>5. What’s harder: Living up to your own expectations or living up to those others have for you?</p>
<p>Heinbockel: I would say it is harder to live up to my own expectations. Most people know that startups and small businesses fail more often than they succeed, so I think many people’s expectations are fairly low for entrepreneurs. I on the other hand, know the details of what we are working on and can see what is really possible and expect that we can achieve our various goals.</p>
<p>Kaempfer: Definitely living up to my own expectations. Everyone else is very impressed with our progress but I can never lean back and be happy with the status quo.</p>
<p>6. What are three words that describe you and why?</p>
<p>Heinbockel: Observant, calm and driven. I feel I am observant because I have been able to keep up with customer interests; I also place a great value on picking up nuances in people’s communication. I feel as though we have faced many unsettling crisis and I have always been able to work on a solution rather than lose my head. I feel as though anyone who has turned an idea into a reality, raised capital, written a business plan is driven.</p>
<p>Kaempfer: Determined, energetic, self-disciplined. Starting a business certainly influences your character and behavior. These characteristics didn’t necessarily hold true when I was in college because I was expected to study things that I really had no interest in. I am really passionate about Chocomize and now that I’m doing what I like best it is a lot easier for me to focus on my goals and do everything to get me there.</p>
<p>Recommend an entrepreneur you think we should cover by e-mailing us at <a href="" type="internal">[email protected]</a></p> | true | 0 | eric heinbockel ivyleague education went looking finance job 2008 even topnotch schooling could get door tough interviews days lehman brothers bear stearns collapsed said 25yearold heinbockel continue reading year searching along friends fabian kaempher nick lacava decided turn unemployment opportunity 2009 trio started chocomize highend chocolate company allows patrons customize sweets addons like junior mints sour patch kids cinnamon toast crunch becoming entrepreneur really risk taking weighing pros cons cons diminishing became difficult find job said heinbockel dont think point really doubted concept would popular matter fulfilling need 70000 initial funding friends family webbased company turned profit first six monthsa big feat small business within year business raked 400000 revenue year chocomize least double idea really supposed fun chocolate product explained kaempfer realized nothing chocolate market equivalent ben jerrys ice cream market wanted highend product modern touch six shooter eric heinbockel fabian kaempfer advertisement 1 biggest source inspiration heinbockel biggest source inspiration young entrepreneurs seeing meeting young entrepreneurs innovating succeeding always reinvigorates pushes double efforts kaempfer hands customers get dozens suggestions every day really helpful really listen customers also implement suggestions know right track building loyal customer base 2 favorite quote heinbockel difficult count one quote favorite recently read description john rockefeller ron chernows titan stuck critical young entrepreneurs chernow describes rockefeller daring design cautious execution think really sums basic qualities takes become successful entrepreneur one willing risk taker think outside box yet business complex cavalier kaempfer pain temporary glory forever applies going startup reminds success recognition worth temporary problems frustrations 3 plans expansion heinbockel currently working moving new factory help us keep growing demand product also beginning diversify product offerings make site chocolate shop custom chocolate bar building station also constantly receive requests ship countries perhaps continue expand geographically kaempfer expand geographically well vertically new products already pipeline continue establish brand nationally well internationally 4 think business five years heinbockel five years think idea creating custom products online something everyone familiar uses think chocomize continue leader cocreation industry recognizable brand think chocomizes product offerings diverse enough brand perceived fun innovative premium much like ben amp jerrys kaempfer think five 160years chocomize household name highend chocolate modern fun twist strengthened online store well opened physical retail stores people walk make chocolate bars 5 whats harder living expectations living others heinbockel would say harder live expectations people know startups small businesses fail often succeed think many peoples expectations fairly low entrepreneurs hand know details working see really possible expect achieve various goals kaempfer definitely living expectations everyone else impressed progress never lean back happy status quo 6 three words describe heinbockel observant calm driven feel observant able keep customer interests also place great value picking nuances peoples communication feel though faced many unsettling crisis always able work solution rather lose head feel though anyone turned idea reality raised capital written business plan driven kaempfer determined energetic selfdisciplined starting business certainly influences character behavior characteristics didnt necessarily hold true college expected study things really interest really passionate chocomize im like best lot easier focus goals everything get recommend entrepreneur think cover emailing us younggunsfoxbusinesscom | 512 |
<p />
<p>In early 2016, legacy carrier United Continental (NYSE: UAL) surprised investors by ordering 65 737-700 aircraft from Boeing (NYSE: BA). Industry analysts concluded that Boeing had offered United an extremely low price, perhaps as low as <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/scotthamilton5/2016/03/08/united-boeing-and-the-competitors/" type="external">$22 million per aircraft Opens a New Window.</a>, a 73% discount to the list price. (Discounts of around 50% are more typical.)</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>United Airlines ordered 65 Boeing 737-700s in the first quarter of 2016. Image source: The Motley Fool.</p>
<p>On Tuesday, United Continental shocked investors again. Management revealed that United no longer wants these Boeing 737s -- and that they weren't as cheap as most third-party observers had guessed, anyway.</p>
<p>United Continental ordered its 65 737-700s from Boeing in two separate transactions in January and March. CEO Oscar Munoz described the order as a necessary step to <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/01/24/boeing-lands-more-737-orders-at-home.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">replace capacity from 50-seat regional jets Opens a New Window.</a> that United will retire in the next few years.</p>
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<p>The 737-700 is the smallest commercial aircraft that Boeing produces today. Naturally, it has the highest unit costs. This made the deal somewhat suspect from day one, especially because United Continental didn't have a permanent CFO at the time. A low purchase price was critical to United's decision to go with Boeing for this deal.</p>
<p>United did hire a new CFO over the summer, Andrew Levy. Levy had spent most of his career at Allegiant Travel, an airline that has historically been much more careful about capital spending than United. Not surprisingly, he had a different take on United's recent aircraft order relative to the existing management team.</p>
<p>In conjunction with its investor day on Tuesday, United Continental announced that it no longer wants these 737-700s. It has converted four orders to the larger -- and much more cost-efficient -- 737-800. The other 61 orders will be deferred indefinitely and converted to the new 737 MAX.</p>
<p>According to United's new CFO, the company simply doesn't need these planes. First, it wants to fully utilize its "scope" authority to operate up to 255 two-class regional jets in the 70-to-76-seat range. To facilitate this, United is buying 24 76-seat E175 jets in 2017, which will be operated by Republic Airlines. Those new planes could theoretically replace about 36 50-seat jets.</p>
<p>United wants to get rid of most of its 50-seat jets in the next three years. Image source: The Motley Fool.</p>
<p>Second, United Airlines has a handful of used A319s arriving in late 2016 and 2017, and options to take more later in the decade. The A319 is similar in size to the 737-700, and United probably secured very favorable lease rates for these used planes.</p>
<p>Third, United is working to keep its current fleet flying longer. It is also investigating options to put more seats onto each aircraft and to increase utilization. These actions will help replace the lost capacity from retiring 50-seat regional jets without requiring big capital expenditures.</p>
<p>On Tuesday, United Continental also revealed -- indirectly -- that the 737-700s weren't going to be as cheap as the rumored bargain-basement price of $22 million.</p>
<p>The company stated that by indefinitely deferring 61 of the 65 orders, it will be able to reduce its 2017-2018 capital spending by $1.6 billion. This implies that United would have paid Boeing an average of a little more than $26 million per aircraft for those 737-700s over the next two years. Furthermore, that doesn't account for any deposits that United has already paid.</p>
<p>Thus, while these planes were heavily discounted, the average purchase price may have been close to $30 million. That also helps explain why United Continental is no longer eager to buy these planes.</p>
<p>Even if United would have paid close to $30 million for its 737-700s, Boeing was not going to make much money on this deal. In all likelihood, it offered the planes at a big discount in order to prevent any of its rivals from gaining a new foothold at one of Boeing's biggest customers.</p>
<p>Additionally, Boeing's management has repeatedly stressed that the company is "oversold" on the 737 for the next several years. In other words, Boeing has been relying on the fact that some airlines will be willing to defer their orders, as United just did. Even if there is now a small production gap in 2018, Boeing can probably fill it with new orders that would be at least equally profitable, if not better.</p>
<p>The key takeaway is that losing these orders won't hurt Boeing much, if at all. Still, investors should keep an eye on Boeing's 737 orders over the next month and a half. If more orders for current-generation 737s show up, it will provide some extra comfort that Boeing will be able to stick to its production growth plans.</p>
<p>Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than United Continental Holdings Donald Trump was just elected president, and volatility is up. But here's why you should ignore the election:</p>
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<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=b5284500-fd81-43d6-907e-c5ef5c27b145&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 United Continental Holdings wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</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 Boeing and United Continental Holdings. 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 | early 2016 legacy carrier united continental nyse ual surprised investors ordering 65 737700 aircraft boeing nyse ba industry analysts concluded boeing offered united extremely low price perhaps low 22 million per aircraft opens new window 73 discount list price discounts around 50 typical continue reading united airlines ordered 65 boeing 737700s first quarter 2016 image source motley fool tuesday united continental shocked investors management revealed united longer wants boeing 737s werent cheap thirdparty observers guessed anyway united continental ordered 65 737700s boeing two separate transactions january march ceo oscar munoz described order necessary step replace capacity 50seat regional jets opens new window united retire next years advertisement 737700 smallest commercial aircraft boeing produces today naturally highest unit costs made deal somewhat suspect day one especially united continental didnt permanent cfo time low purchase price critical uniteds decision go boeing deal united hire new cfo summer andrew levy levy spent career allegiant travel airline historically much careful capital spending united surprisingly different take uniteds recent aircraft order relative existing management team conjunction investor day tuesday united continental announced longer wants 737700s converted four orders larger much costefficient 737800 61 orders deferred indefinitely converted new 737 max according uniteds new cfo company simply doesnt need planes first wants fully utilize scope authority operate 255 twoclass regional jets 70to76seat range facilitate united buying 24 76seat e175 jets 2017 operated republic airlines new planes could theoretically replace 36 50seat jets united wants get rid 50seat jets next three years image source motley fool second united airlines handful used a319s arriving late 2016 2017 options take later decade a319 similar size 737700 united probably secured favorable lease rates used planes third united working keep current fleet flying longer also investigating options put seats onto aircraft increase utilization actions help replace lost capacity retiring 50seat regional jets without requiring big capital expenditures tuesday united continental also revealed indirectly 737700s werent going cheap rumored bargainbasement price 22 million company stated indefinitely deferring 61 65 orders able reduce 20172018 capital spending 16 billion implies united would paid boeing average little 26 million per aircraft 737700s next two years furthermore doesnt account deposits united already paid thus planes heavily discounted average purchase price may close 30 million also helps explain united continental longer eager buy planes even united would paid close 30 million 737700s boeing going make much money deal likelihood offered planes big discount order prevent rivals gaining new foothold one boeings biggest customers additionally boeings management repeatedly stressed company oversold 737 next several years words boeing relying fact airlines willing defer orders united even small production gap 2018 boeing probably fill new orders would least equally profitable better key takeaway losing orders wont hurt boeing much still investors keep eye boeings 737 orders next month half orders currentgeneration 737s show provide extra comfort boeing able stick production growth plans forget 2016 election 10 stocks like better united continental holdings 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 united continental holdings wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns november 7 2016 adam levineweinberg opens new window owns shares boeing united continental holdings 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 | 601 |
<p>Money, a subject on the <a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/09/10/do-you-suffer-from-money-related-stress.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=fa5fa1c2-b03e-11e7-892f-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">minds of many Americans Opens a New Window.</a>, is among the most taboo of all topics. In fact, 44% of Americans responding to a 2014 Wells Fargo study admitted to finding discussions of personal finances extremely challenging. This is a higher percentage of Americans than are reluctant to talk about their health, death, or politics.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, keeping mum about money isn't helpful to the 65% of Americans losing sleep over financial concerns.&#160; If you're one of them and you have questions, you need answers so you can take action.</p>
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<p>Fortunately, you don't have to ask your friends or family your money questions -- you can find answers to three questions that you may have been afraid to ask right here.</p>
<p>More than 6 in 10 Americans are worried about retirement savings. Americans have good reason to worry, with the median account balance for retirement savers at just $24,713 according to&#160;Vanguard's <a href="https://pressroom.vanguard.com/nonindexed/How-America-Saves-2017.pdf%C2%A0" type="external">2017 How America Saves Opens a New Window.</a> report.</p>
<p>So, what happens if you get to retirement without cash in the bank?&#160;It depends on age and work opportunities.&#160; Your best option is to keep working as long as possible, both to increase Social Security benefits -- which are <a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/10/02/3-reasons-to-delay-taking-social-security.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=fa5fa1c2-b03e-11e7-892f-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">higher if you wait Opens a New Window.</a> -- and to save&#160;more.&#160; Both a 401(k) and IRA allow catch-up contributions for workers over 50.&#160;If you start at 60 and max out contributions, you could put $24,000 into a 401(k) and $6,500 into an IRA annually as of 2017.&#160; If you work until 70 and earn a 7% return on investments, you'd end up with a nest egg of $421,401 from zero.</p>
<p>If you cannot work any longer, you have fewer options.&#160;You may need to consider <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/09/07/5-ways-for-retirees-to-slash-their-expenses.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=fa5fa1c2-b03e-11e7-892f-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">moving to a low cost of living area Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;and banking the equity in your home to provide retirement income; renting out a room in your home to bring in extra income; or using a <a href="https://www.fool.com/mortgages/2017/06/18/should-you-get-a-reverse-mortgage.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=fa5fa1c2-b03e-11e7-892f-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">reverse mortgage Opens a New Window.</a>.&#160;The important thing is to have money available when you're way too old to work, as <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/08/falling-for-this-myth-means-running-out-of-cash-du.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=fa5fa1c2-b03e-11e7-892f-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">retirement spending Opens a New Window.</a> tends to be the high during your most senior years when you get sick and incur significant healthcare expenditures.</p>
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<p>If your income is truly too low to survive on and you cannot work, you'll need to explore government benefits programs like <a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/2016/06/24/what-is-supplemental-security-income.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=fa5fa1c2-b03e-11e7-892f-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Supplemental Security Income Opens a New Window.</a> -- available to low income seniors over 65 -- and <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=motley+fool+medicaid&amp;oq=motley+fool+medicaid&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j69i65j69i60l2j35i39l2.1968j0j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" type="external">Medicaid Opens a New Window.</a> to cover healthcare needs.</p>
<p>Close to 60% of Americans have&#160;less than $500 saved for an emergency . If disaster strikes and you have nothing in the bank, what do you do?</p>
<p>Start with the lowest-cost options for coming up with cash first. If you can, sell items you don't need or pick up extra income by doing overtime or taking on a side gig. If you don't have the time or ability to earn the money, ask your employer if they have an employee assistance program that offers low-interest loans or even direct financial gifts in emergency situations. You can also ask friends or family for a loan-- but make a clear repayment plan to avoid damaging your relationships.</p>
<p>When your ingenuity or personal network won't provide cash you need, see if you have access to credit card checks. Some creditors allow you to cash a check, deposit the money in the bank, and treat the transaction as a balance transfer -- which means you'd likely pay a fee of around 3%-5% and pay 0% interest for around a year. Using credit card checks could cost less than standard card interest, but it's critically important to ensure you're actually taking a balance transfer, not a cash advance which has a&#160;much higher interest rate.&#160;.</p>
<p>A personal loan is also a lower-cost option than using credit cards, but it can take time to apply. Personal loans can be obtained from banks, credit unions, and even peer-to--peer lending networks like Lending Club.</p>
<p>A <a href="https://www.fool.com/mortgages/2017/05/09/5-things-to-know-about-home-equity-loans.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=fa5fa1c2-b03e-11e7-892f-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">home equity loan Opens a New Window.</a> or <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/05/16/is-your-home-equity-line-of-credit-heloc-a-trap.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=fa5fa1c2-b03e-11e7-892f-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">line of credit Opens a New Window.</a> are also options for homeowners, but they should be approached with caution because you put your home at risk. A <a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/08/09/4-reasons-you-should-never-ever-take-a-401k-loan.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=fa5fa1c2-b03e-11e7-892f-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">401(k) loan Opens a New Window.</a> is a last resort if you have exhausted all other options, but&#160;there are huge risks, including the potential for a big tax bill if you can't pay back the loan.</p>
<p>Almost 40% of all Americans worry they won't be able to pay healthcare bills.&#160; Unfortunately, even insured Americans often face <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/06/01/surviving-your-high-deductible-health-plan.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=fa5fa1c2-b03e-11e7-892f-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">high deductibles Opens a New Window.</a> that make affording care difficult. Planning ahead by investing in a <a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/general/2015/10/01/your-guide-to-the-health-savings-account.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=fa5fa1c2-b03e-11e7-892f-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">health savings account Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;makes it easier to pay medical expenses, but this doesn't help if you get sick without the cash to cover treatment costs.</p>
<p>If you have a medical problem and little money for care, your first step should be to look for low-cost or free clinics in your area.&#160; If none provide the services you need, contact providers to compare prices, ask for discounts for paying cash, or find out about payment plans. Many providers will work with you, and you can even enlist the help of your doctor to save.&#160; In close to half of all conversations where patients raised financial concerns with their doctors, the discussion led to a strategy to reduce out-of-pocket spending, according to <a href="https://www.fuqua.duke.edu/insights/ubel-conversations#.WSRzURP1DfY" type="external">Duke University Opens a New Window.</a> research.</p>
<p>When your bills are truly too high to pay, Medicaid could provide help. A total of 31 states and Washington D.C.&#160;expanded Medicaid to make benefits available to people with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty poverty level,&#160;and Medicaid also has a special Medically Needy program for higher-earners who wouldn't traditionally qualify for coverage but who incur substantial monthly medical bills.</p>
<p>When you have money worries, not talking about them often makes things worse because you can't find help. There are resources out there -- from government programs to nonprofit credit counselors to financial advisors-- who can help you get your finances on track.</p>
<p>Just don't be afraid to ask for the assistance you need, and you'll be surprised at the money challenges you can overcome.</p>
<p>The $16,122 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 $16,122 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.&#160; <a href="http://www.fool.com/mms/mark/ecap-foolcom-social-security?aid=8727&amp;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;uuid=fa5fa1c2-b03e-11e7-892f-0050569d4be0&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>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=fa5fa1c2-b03e-11e7-892f-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | money subject minds many americans opens new window among taboo topics fact 44 americans responding 2014 wells fargo study admitted finding discussions personal finances extremely challenging higher percentage americans reluctant talk health death politics unfortunately keeping mum money isnt helpful 65 americans losing sleep financial concerns160 youre one questions need answers take action continue reading fortunately dont ask friends family money questions find answers three questions may afraid ask right 6 10 americans worried retirement savings americans good reason worry median account balance retirement savers 24713 according to160vanguards 2017 america saves opens new window report happens get retirement without cash bank160it depends age work opportunities160 best option keep working long possible increase social security benefits higher wait opens new window save160more160 401k ira allow catchup contributions workers 50160if start 60 max contributions could put 24000 401k 6500 ira annually 2017160 work 70 earn 7 return investments youd end nest egg 421401 zero work longer fewer options160you may need consider moving low cost living area opens new window160and banking equity home provide retirement income renting room home bring extra income using reverse mortgage opens new window160the important thing money available youre way old work retirement spending opens new window tends high senior years get sick incur significant healthcare expenditures advertisement income truly low survive work youll need explore government benefits programs like supplemental security income opens new window available low income seniors 65 medicaid opens new window cover healthcare needs close 60 americans have160less 500 saved emergency disaster strikes nothing bank start lowestcost options coming cash first sell items dont need pick extra income overtime taking side gig dont time ability earn money ask employer employee assistance program offers lowinterest loans even direct financial gifts emergency situations also ask friends family loan make clear repayment plan avoid damaging relationships ingenuity personal network wont provide cash need see access credit card checks creditors allow cash check deposit money bank treat transaction balance transfer means youd likely pay fee around 35 pay 0 interest around year using credit card checks could cost less standard card interest critically important ensure youre actually taking balance transfer cash advance a160much higher interest rate160 personal loan also lowercost option using credit cards take time apply personal loans obtained banks credit unions even peertopeer lending networks like lending club home equity loan opens new window line credit opens new window also options homeowners approached caution put home risk 401k loan opens new window last resort exhausted options but160there huge risks including potential big tax bill cant pay back loan almost 40 americans worry wont able pay healthcare bills160 unfortunately even insured americans often face high deductibles opens new window make affording care difficult planning ahead investing health savings account opens new window160makes easier pay medical expenses doesnt help get sick without cash cover treatment costs medical problem little money care first step look lowcost free clinics area160 none provide services need contact providers compare prices ask discounts paying cash find payment plans many providers work even enlist help doctor save160 close half conversations patients raised financial concerns doctors discussion led strategy reduce outofpocket spending according duke university opens new window research bills truly high pay medicaid could provide help total 31 states washington dc160expanded medicaid make benefits available people incomes 138 federal poverty poverty level160and medicaid also special medically needy program higherearners wouldnt traditionally qualify coverage incur substantial monthly medical bills money worries talking often makes things worse cant find help resources government programs nonprofit credit counselors financial advisors help get finances track dont afraid ask assistance need youll surprised money challenges overcome 16122 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 16122 year learn maximize social security benefits think could retire confidently peace mind after160 simply click discover learn strategies opens new window motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 657 |
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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>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>As colleges across the country announce tuition increases for the 2011 school year, some current and prospective college students are scrambling to scrape enough together to cover costs.</p>
<p>If your financial picture has changed from the time you filed for student aid, or if it involves information that isn’t included in federal aid documents, you may be eligible for more assistance. The <a href="" type="internal">Higher Education</a> Act of 1965 allows financial aid administrators to use "professional judgment" on a case-by-case basis for students with “non-discretionary special circumstances.”</p>
<p>“I think [schools] are doing everything they can based on where they stand to offer money to people,” says Mark Maiewski, certified college planning specialist and founder of <a href="http://www.collegeplanningvirginia.com/" type="external">StopOverPayingForCollege.com Opens a New Window.</a>. “But here's the key behind it: Colleges don't have to give you money. There's nothing that says that they have to give you money.”</p>
<p>But there are steps students can take to secure more financing from a school. We talked to financial aid experts about “professional judgment adjustments” and what students and their families need to know about obtaining more money.</p>
<p>What Qualifies</p>
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<p>The experts explain that detailing specific reasons or unusual circumstances affecting income or status (such as job loss, death of an income earner, huge medical expenses) is the only way your appeal will be taken into consideration.</p>
<p>“There has to be a reason behind why you should be receiving the money; not because you didn't save in the past, you have too much debt now, you've got another [student] coming up next year,” says Maiewski. “Those aren’t reasons in order to get a financial aid office to take a look at this and say it's worth our time to do that.”</p>
<p>Start with the FAFSA</p>
<p>The experts say students should always start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly known as a <a href="http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/" type="external">FAFSA Opens a New Window.</a> &#160;form, to obtain maximum aid.</p>
<p>“It looks at last year's tax income and the current assets of the family,” says Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of <a href="http://www.finaid.org/" type="external">FinAid.org Opens a New Window.</a> and <a href="http://www.fastweb.com/" type="external">FastWeb.com Opens a New Window.</a>. “If last year's tax income is not reflective of ability to pay during the award year, then that's potentially a sign of an unusual circumstance.”</p>
<p>Fill out the form before the deadline to maximize your chances of getting the full amount of aid requested. Maiewski says a lot of families leave money on the table because they submit requests too late.</p>
<p>He points out that if you want to appeal for more aid but don’t have your taxes for the current year completed, use last year’s. “You could use 2009’s tax return information, file it initially, and then when you get your tax return done, you can update all of this information online.”</p>
<p>Ronald Johnson, director of the financial aid office at UCLA, says that all schools have a certain amount of funds allocated to them based on the need of that particular institution.</p>
<p>“If a student had a situation that was unforeseen or extenuating and they decided to wait until later on in the academic year, it is possible that the institution may not be able to respond affirmatively for their request because they have exhausted all resources,” he says.</p>
<p>Even though it’s a good idea to file as soon as possible, you won’t have to wait a whole year to receive more aid if a circumstance, such as a job loss, occurs in the middle of the year.</p>
<p>“Colleges maintain contingency funds for appeals, and it's not just during the regular financial aid cycle,” says Kantrowitz. “Those circumstances can occur at any time--they could occur in the middle of the year, not just in January or February or earlier when you submit the FAFSA.”</p>
<p>It’s All About Documentation</p>
<p>While each school may have their own forms and process for professional judgment adjustments, having all of the correct documents available for when you make your initial appeal is crucial.</p>
<p>“In all instances, the school is going to require the individual (the student or the parent), to provide the information in writing and provide the necessary and appropriate documentation to support or justify whatever request the student or family is making,” says Johnson.</p>
<p>Kantrowitz says it’s best to be prepared with all the documents, such as tax returns, to help expedite the process. “They're not going to take your word for it that you’re under financial distress. The entire process is driven by documentation.”</p>
<p>You might want to call the financial aid office to find out exactly what the procedure is for your school. Kantrowitz suggests including a short, one-page cover letter detailing your request.</p>
<p>“If you had a job loss, but there were other things affecting the family, you need to mention all of them.”</p>
<p>If Your Appeal is Denied</p>
<p>In the case that your appeal for more aid is denied by the school, ask the financial aid office what other options are available.</p>
<p>“The colleges might have emergency loan funds,” Kantrowitz says. “Ask the school what other options you have, because the school might be able to point you to local resources.”</p>
<p>Exhaust all federal student aid, grants, and scholarship opportunities as well. Maiewski suggests that students check out local scholarships that tend to have fewer applicants than national competitions.</p>
<p>Maieswski also points out that there is a tax credit available every year for parents that have over $4,000 in tuition expense, which also includes any student loans.</p>
<p>“If they follow through on the tax credit, they can get $2,500 back per year, per kid,” he says. “When that credit comes back in your tax return as a refund, you should be using that money to pay for next year’s or pay for part of next year's fees.”</p>
<p>Tell us!: What was the WORST job you had or still have in college? E-mail <a href="http://mailto:[email protected]" type="external">[email protected] Opens a New Window.</a> with the job you wish you could forget!</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 colleges across country announce tuition increases 2011 school year current prospective college students scrambling scrape enough together cover costs financial picture changed time filed student aid involves information isnt included federal aid documents may eligible assistance higher education act 1965 allows financial aid administrators use professional judgment casebycase basis students nondiscretionary special circumstances think schools everything based stand offer money people says mark maiewski certified college planning specialist founder stopoverpayingforcollegecom opens new window heres key behind colleges dont give money theres nothing says give money steps students take secure financing school talked financial aid experts professional judgment adjustments students families need know obtaining money qualifies advertisement experts explain detailing specific reasons unusual circumstances affecting income status job loss death income earner huge medical expenses way appeal taken consideration reason behind receiving money didnt save past much debt youve got another student coming next year says maiewski arent reasons order get financial aid office take look say worth time start fafsa experts say students always start free application federal student aid commonly known fafsa opens new window 160form obtain maximum aid looks last years tax income current assets family says mark kantrowitz publisher finaidorg opens new window fastwebcom opens new window last years tax income reflective ability pay award year thats potentially sign unusual circumstance fill form deadline maximize chances getting full amount aid requested maiewski says lot families leave money table submit requests late points want appeal aid dont taxes current year completed use last years could use 2009s tax return information file initially get tax return done update information online ronald johnson director financial aid office ucla says schools certain amount funds allocated based need particular institution student situation unforeseen extenuating decided wait later academic year possible institution may able respond affirmatively request exhausted resources says even though good idea file soon possible wont wait whole year receive aid circumstance job loss occurs middle year colleges maintain contingency funds appeals regular financial aid cycle says kantrowitz circumstances occur timethey could occur middle year january february earlier submit fafsa documentation school may forms process professional judgment adjustments correct documents available make initial appeal crucial instances school going require individual student parent provide information writing provide necessary appropriate documentation support justify whatever request student family making says johnson kantrowitz says best prepared documents tax returns help expedite process theyre going take word youre financial distress entire process driven documentation might want call financial aid office find exactly procedure school kantrowitz suggests including short onepage cover letter detailing request job loss things affecting family need mention appeal denied case appeal aid denied school ask financial aid office options available colleges might emergency loan funds kantrowitz says ask school options school might able point local resources exhaust federal student aid grants scholarship opportunities well maiewski suggests students check local scholarships tend fewer applicants national competitions maieswski also points tax credit available every year parents 4000 tuition expense also includes student loans follow tax credit get 2500 back per year per kid says credit comes back tax return refund using money pay next years pay part next years fees tell us worst job still college email foxbusinessmoney101gmailcom opens new window job wish could forget | 554 |
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<p>Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) is generally considered a slow growth income stock. Yet shares of the tobacco giant have rallied 25% since the beginning of the year to a historic high and crushed the S&amp;P 500's 6% gain.</p>
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<p>That big rally likely caused many investors to wonder if PMI is becoming overvalued relative to the market and its industry peers. Let's take a closer look at PMI's fundamentals, growth estimates, and potential catalysts to decide.</p>
<p>Philip Morris and Altria's iconic Marlboro brand. Image source: Pixabay.</p>
<p>A simple way to see if an income stock is overvalued is to check its P/E ratio and dividend yield. PMI currently trades at 25 times earnings, which is higher than the industry average of 21 for cigarette makers. Altria (NYSE: MO), which spun off its international business as PMI in 2008, trades at just 10 times earnings -- but that multiple was notably distorted by <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2016/11/23/what-altria-is-doing-with-its-53-billion-cash-hoar.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">a big windfall Opens a New Window.</a> from the sale of its stake in SABMiller to AB InBevlast year.</p>
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<p>PMI pays a trailing dividend yield of 3.6%, which is higher than the S&amp;P 500's average yield of 2% and Altria's 3.2% yield. But if we look at P/E ratio and dividend yield over the past five years, we'll notice that the former is at a historic high and the latter is at a multi-year low. This means that investors who buy PMI today are paying a premium for the stock while getting a much lower dividend yield than investors in previous years.</p>
<p>Source: <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a></p>
<p>Stocks generally trade at a premium if they're posting higher-than-expected growth. PMI's growth initially looks tepid, but it's rebounding from big declines in previous years. Its revenue rose 1.4% in 2016, compared to a 10% decline in 2015. Analysts expect its revenue to rise 6% this year and 7% in 2018 -- if the U.S. dollar weakens. The strong dollar has been a major headwind for PMI over the past few years, since PMI generates all of its revenue overseas but reports earnings in U.S. dollars.</p>
<p>PMI's adjusted earnings grew 1.4% in 2016, compared to a 12% decline in 2015. Analysts expect its earnings to rise another 8% this year and 11% next year. Like most tobacco companies, PMI offsets slower cigarette shipments with higher prices, job cuts, and investments in adjacent markets like e-cigarettes and other alternative tobacco products.</p>
<p>But unlike Altria, which relies heavily on buybacks to boost its earnings, PMI has stopped buying back stock in recent quarters due to the impact of the strong dollar. If that headwind fades, PMI will likely start buying back shares again.</p>
<p>PMI's top and bottom line recovery is encouraging, but the stock is also likely being lifted by low interest rates, making blue chip dividend stocks look better than bonds. However, that trend could reverse as the Fed gradually raises rates. Higher interest rates could also cause the U.S. dollar to strengthen -- which would be bad news for PMI.</p>
<p>The other potential catalyst for PMI is inorganic growth. Several analysts have speculated that PMI could buy Altria to recombine the two halves of the Philip Morris empire. Wells Fargo analyst Bonnie Herzog suggests that megamerger would counter the tougher competition brought on by British American Tobacco's <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/01/23/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-reynolds-american.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">recent decision Opens a New Window.</a> to buy Reynolds American.</p>
<p>Herzog also believes that purchase would mutually boost both companies' positions in non-cigarette products (with Altria's MarkTen e-cigs and PMI's iQOS "heated" tobacco sticks) while offsetting PMI's currency headwinds. But even if PMI decided to buy Altria, it could lift the latter's stock more than the former.</p>
<p>I've bought and sold PMI in the past at lower prices, but I don't think investors should chase the stock's recent rally. Its multiple is too high, its yield is too low, and there are too many uncertainties regarding currency fluctuations, competition, and potential megamergers on the horizon. Investors who are looking for better income plays should consider <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/02/11/3-high-yield-dividend-stocks-you-definitely-want-t.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">cheaper stocks Opens a New Window.</a> in other industries instead.</p>
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<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=68c49bf4-3b8d-4ff3-9a44-d79f086e46f7&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/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 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;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | philip morris international nyse pm generally considered slow growth income stock yet shares tobacco giant rallied 25 since beginning year historic high crushed sampp 500s 6 gain continue reading big rally likely caused many investors wonder pmi becoming overvalued relative market industry peers lets take closer look pmis fundamentals growth estimates potential catalysts decide philip morris altrias iconic marlboro brand image source pixabay simple way see income stock overvalued check pe ratio dividend yield pmi currently trades 25 times earnings higher industry average 21 cigarette makers altria nyse mo spun international business pmi 2008 trades 10 times earnings multiple notably distorted big windfall opens new window sale stake sabmiller ab inbevlast year advertisement pmi pays trailing dividend yield 36 higher sampp 500s average yield 2 altrias 32 yield look pe ratio dividend yield past five years well notice former historic high latter multiyear low means investors buy pmi today paying premium stock getting much lower dividend yield investors previous years source ycharts stocks generally trade premium theyre posting higherthanexpected growth pmis growth initially looks tepid rebounding big declines previous years revenue rose 14 2016 compared 10 decline 2015 analysts expect revenue rise 6 year 7 2018 us dollar weakens strong dollar major headwind pmi past years since pmi generates revenue overseas reports earnings us dollars pmis adjusted earnings grew 14 2016 compared 12 decline 2015 analysts expect earnings rise another 8 year 11 next year like tobacco companies pmi offsets slower cigarette shipments higher prices job cuts investments adjacent markets like ecigarettes alternative tobacco products unlike altria relies heavily buybacks boost earnings pmi stopped buying back stock recent quarters due impact strong dollar headwind fades pmi likely start buying back shares pmis top bottom line recovery encouraging stock also likely lifted low interest rates making blue chip dividend stocks look better bonds however trend could reverse fed gradually raises rates higher interest rates could also cause us dollar strengthen would bad news pmi potential catalyst pmi inorganic growth several analysts speculated pmi could buy altria recombine two halves philip morris empire wells fargo analyst bonnie herzog suggests megamerger would counter tougher competition brought british american tobaccos recent decision opens new window buy reynolds american herzog also believes purchase would mutually boost companies positions noncigarette products altrias markten ecigs pmis iqos heated tobacco sticks offsetting pmis currency headwinds even pmi decided buy altria could lift latters stock former ive bought sold pmi past lower prices dont think investors chase stocks recent rally multiple high yield low many uncertainties regarding currency fluctuations competition potential megamergers horizon investors looking better income plays consider cheaper stocks opens new window industries instead 10 stocks like better philip morris internationalwhen 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 philip morris international wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 leo sun opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends anheuserbusch inbev nv motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 523 |
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<p>Frontier Communications (NASDAQ: FTR) has seen its stock price decline steadily since it completed its $10.54 billion purchase of Verizon's former wireline business in California, Texas, and Florida.</p>
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<p>That deal, which closed on April 1, 2016 was supposed to catapult the regional internet, phone, and cable provider into the big leagues. The purchase gave Frontier approximately 3.3 million new voice connections, 2.1 million added broadband connections, and 1.2 million FiOS video subscribers. That was supposed to be enough to help the company gain cost-savings from operating at a larger scale, while also helping it compete against its much-bigger telecom rivals.</p>
<p>So far, only the cost-saving part has worked. CEO Daniel McCarthy explained just how much money the company has saved, in the company's <a href="http://investor.frontier.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=1014724" type="external">Q4 earnings release Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>That's good news for shareholders, but perhaps the only good news. Most of the rest of what McCarthy and his company reported was fairly bleak.</p>
<p>Frontier sells pay-television and broadband services. Image source: Getty Images.</p>
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<p>Since closing the Verizon deal, in each quarter's earnings report and call, McCarthy has explained the temporary reason numbers were down. In Q2 and Q3 the drops were attributed to a slowdown in marketing efforts during the switch-over of the customers it acquired from Verizon. In the Q4 call, the CEO blamed yet another drop on purging customers who have not paid their bills since the transition. In reality, that revelation meant that the losses actually should have been worse in the previous two quarters, since some people recorded as subscribers were not paying their bills.</p>
<p>In Q4, the company lost 144,000 more residential customers as well as 14,000 business customers. McCarthy, as he has for the past three quarters, told investors in his earnings release remarks that the non-paying customer issue in its California, Texas, and Florida (CTF) territories has nearly been solved.</p>
<p>"This process is almost complete, and we expect to return to a normalized trend by the start of the second quarter," he said. "I am pleased that underlying CTF customer trends improved in Q4 and continue to improve in Q1."</p>
<p>That's the CEO's optimistic view, but whether he can deliver on it grows more questionable considering that he made similar promises at the end of the previous two quarters.</p>
<p>While many of its larger rivals have launched skinny bundles or streaming services as a hedge against cord-cutting, Frontier has yet to create a similar product. Those services have only so far been mildly successful, but could someday be key to attracting younger customers looking for broadband who are unwilling to pay for a full cable package.</p>
<p>The existence of these services has also taken away what was once a marketing edge for Frontier. The company, which competes with more-established carriers in all its markets, used to be able to win customers by offering lower introductory prices that eventually turned into full-price deals. In many markets, Frontier was the only ground-based alternative to the entrenched carriers that could offer internet and pay-TV service.</p>
<p>Today, with multiple national streaming services across a wide set of price ranges, Frontier is no longer the only low-cost alternative in town when it comes to cable. And with some full-price carriers getting clever with their skinny bundles, it may not be the best package deal either. This is a problem Frontier could fix by negotiating with the various channel owners it buys content from to build its own skinny bundle, but its smaller size gives it less leverage than its rivals.</p>
<p>Image source: <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p>
<p>One of the major things that has kept some investors holding onto Frontier stock as its price has fallen is its dividend. The company paid its Q1 dividend at the end of March, but as its board seeks a reverse stock split, it's possible the chain will either lessen the payout, eliminate it, or keep it at the same number, but pay it on a per-share basis. Since the board is seeking a split ratio of between 1-for-10 and 1-for-25, that would greatly impact the return for shareholders.</p>
<p>CEO Daniel McCarthy tried to assuage the concerns during the company's Q4 earnings call, which was transcribed by <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/article/4050229-frontier-communications-ftr-ceo-dan-mccarthy-q4-2016-results-earnings-call-transcript?part=single" type="external">Seeking Alpha Opens a New Window.</a>(registration required). He noted that the board had discussed the issue, but if you look at his remarks carefully, they offer only short-term reassurances.</p>
<p>"They obviously look at the allocation of capital and resources for us," he said. "They reviewed the complete plan that we presented on 2017, as well as the cash flows and all the initiatives that we're undertaking right now and they were comfortable declaring the dividend. So there has been no change in our policy on that perspective and they will just continue to evaluate that going forward."</p>
<p>Basically, McCarthy left the door open for the company to make a change to its dividend if its financial situation does not improve. Frontier lost $80 million in Q4 and $373 million for the year, before paying the dividend. After the payments are factored in, the full-year loss jumps to $587 million.</p>
<p>Justifying that payout becomes increasingly hard if the losses andsubscriber drops continue. If Frontier can reverse them, or at least stabilize, shareholders can exhale, and the company's stock should begin to recover. It if it can't, then it's probably going to have to cut its dividend in order to preserve cash while it tries to find a buyer or strategic partner.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Frontier CommunicationsWhen 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=191c4fb6-3ebd-4378-bdae-1a2d6f9afe74&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 Frontier Communications 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/Dankline/info.aspx" type="external">Daniel Kline 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 | frontier communications nasdaq ftr seen stock price decline steadily since completed 1054 billion purchase verizons former wireline business california texas florida continue reading deal closed april 1 2016 supposed catapult regional internet phone cable provider big leagues purchase gave frontier approximately 33 million new voice connections 21 million added broadband connections 12 million fios video subscribers supposed enough help company gain costsavings operating larger scale also helping compete muchbigger telecom rivals far costsaving part worked ceo daniel mccarthy explained much money company saved companys q4 earnings release opens new window thats good news shareholders perhaps good news rest mccarthy company reported fairly bleak frontier sells paytelevision broadband services image source getty images advertisement since closing verizon deal quarters earnings report call mccarthy explained temporary reason numbers q2 q3 drops attributed slowdown marketing efforts switchover customers acquired verizon q4 call ceo blamed yet another drop purging customers paid bills since transition reality revelation meant losses actually worse previous two quarters since people recorded subscribers paying bills q4 company lost 144000 residential customers well 14000 business customers mccarthy past three quarters told investors earnings release remarks nonpaying customer issue california texas florida ctf territories nearly solved process almost complete expect return normalized trend start second quarter said pleased underlying ctf customer trends improved q4 continue improve q1 thats ceos optimistic view whether deliver grows questionable considering made similar promises end previous two quarters many larger rivals launched skinny bundles streaming services hedge cordcutting frontier yet create similar product services far mildly successful could someday key attracting younger customers looking broadband unwilling pay full cable package existence services also taken away marketing edge frontier company competes moreestablished carriers markets used able win customers offering lower introductory prices eventually turned fullprice deals many markets frontier groundbased alternative entrenched carriers could offer internet paytv service today multiple national streaming services across wide set price ranges frontier longer lowcost alternative town comes cable fullprice carriers getting clever skinny bundles may best package deal either problem frontier could fix negotiating various channel owners buys content build skinny bundle smaller size gives less leverage rivals image source ycharts one major things kept investors holding onto frontier stock price fallen dividend company paid q1 dividend end march board seeks reverse stock split possible chain either lessen payout eliminate keep number pay pershare basis since board seeking split ratio 1for10 1for25 would greatly impact return shareholders ceo daniel mccarthy tried assuage concerns companys q4 earnings call transcribed seeking alpha opens new windowregistration required noted board discussed issue look remarks carefully offer shortterm reassurances obviously look allocation capital resources us said reviewed complete plan presented 2017 well cash flows initiatives undertaking right comfortable declaring dividend change policy perspective continue evaluate going forward basically mccarthy left door open company make change dividend financial situation improve frontier lost 80 million q4 373 million year paying dividend payments factored fullyear loss jumps 587 million justifying payout becomes increasingly hard losses andsubscriber drops continue frontier reverse least stabilize shareholders exhale companys stock begin recover cant probably going cut dividend order preserve cash tries find buyer strategic partner 10 stocks like better frontier communicationswhen 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 frontier communications wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns april 3 2017 daniel kline opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 593 |
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<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
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<p>Copying a billionaire's investment ideas isn't a surefire path to success, but it's not hard to see why stocks held by Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway tend to attract some extra attention. Under Buffett's guidance, Berkshire stock has delivered an astounding 20.8% compound annual growth rate over the last 50 years -- a track record that makes a near irrefutable case for the Oracle of Omaha as one of the best investors in history.</p>
<p>With that incredible performance in mind, a panel of Motley Fool contributors has identified three stocks held by Berkshire Hathaway that deserve your attention this month. Read on to learn why Phillips 66(NYSE: PSX) , Southwest Airlines(NYSE: LUV), and IBM (NYSE: IBM) should be on your "Buy" list.</p>
<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>(Phillips 66): There are a handful of things that Buffett has regularly touted as being very important for a company to be a great long-term investment:</p>
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<p>Phillips 66 has all three of these in spades.</p>
<p>The company's biggest business is oil refining and marketing, and oil refineries are incredibly expensive to build and maintain. Factor in a relatively slow rate of growth in demand for refined products, and it has been decades since a new major oil refinery was built in the U.S.</p>
<p>The barrier to entry doesn't get much higher. But at the same time, the stable demand for gasoline, jet fuel, diesel, and other refined products makes for steady cash flows. And since Phillips 66 has some of the most advanced refineries in operation, the company can often buy cheaper crudes and widen its refining profits.</p>
<p>Management has done a great job putting those profits to work growing the company and returning value to investors. Since going public as a stand-alone company in 2012, it has invested tens of billions of dollars in growth projects in its petrochemicals and midstream segments, grown its dividend over 200%, and repurchased over 17% of shares outstanding.</p>
<p>Why now? Shares are down about 9% year to date, and represent another important Buffett trait: being fairly valued, at about 17 times next year's earnings. This is a great time to buy this excellent dividend growth stock that checks off all the "Buffett stock" boxes.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFGalagan/info.aspx" type="external">Dan Caplinger Opens a New Window.</a> (Southwest Airlines): Buffett just bought shares of Southwest Airlines during the fourth quarter of 2016, but he didn't waste any time building up a substantial position. As of Dec. 31, Buffett held more than 43.2 million shares of the company, which, at the time, was worth more than $2.15 billion, and has since climbed even higher.</p>
<p>What's remarkable about Buffett's position is that he has famously said in the past that the airline sector was essentially a money pit. Yet the industry has come a long way since he made his negative comments.</p>
<p>Consolidation has reduced the number of major U.S. players to just four, and Southwest still stands alone in many ways, including an aversion to having its flights listed on third-party online travel websites and its commitment not to charge baggage fees. Investors are increasingly confident that Southwest and its peers will maintain discipline, not just with fares, but also in keeping capacity relatively tight in order to keep planes full and profits high.</p>
<p>Recently, Southwest has expanded its reach internationally, looking southward toward Central America and the Caribbean. How far Southwest intends to grow isn't certain right now, but the airline has a strong reputation for customer friendliness and value, and that should help the airline stock stay ahead of its peers in the long run.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/keithnoonan/info.aspx" type="external">Keith Noonan Opens a New Window.</a>(IBM): IBM stock has lagged the market since Buffett and Berkshire initiated a position back in 2011, but it looks like the company is turning a corner, and I think investors still have an opportunity to win big with Big Blue.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/IBM" type="external">IBM</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Even with IBM's share price up more than 30% over the last year, the stock trades at just 13 times forward earnings estimates, and there's evidence to support the thesis that it can reinvent itself as a cloud and cognitive computing company.</p>
<p>Big Blue's "strategic imperatives" segment, which covers its cloud, artificial intelligence, security, mobile, and Internet-of-Things businesses, grew 14% on a constant-currency basis in fiscal 2016, and now accounts for more than 40% of the company's sales. Overall revenues have been in decline and contributed to soggy stock performance over the last five years. It's true that IBM's legacy hardware and software businesses will likely continue to erode, but the company is in a position to benefit from momentum in some of technology's biggest trends.</p>
<p>IBM's big bet on cognitive computing and the cloud is already paying off, and it looks like momentum will be sustainable, thanks to increasingly complex security, analytics, and networking demands. Thestock also scores points for its 3.1% dividend yield and a roughly 41% payout ratio. Combine that with 17 years of consecutive payout increases, and investors can expect continued payout growth.</p>
<p>With momentum in emerging technologies, a history of innovation, and a strong returned-income component, IBM looks to be a good company at a better-than-fair price.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than IBMWhen 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=3e5b609f-137c-4bee-bf1e-2b55bbc904e0&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 IBM 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=3e5b609f-137c-4bee-bf1e-2b55bbc904e0&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/TMFGalagan/info.aspx" type="external">Dan Caplinger</a> owns shares of Berkshire Hathaway (B shares). <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/elihpaudio/info.aspx" type="external">Jason Hall Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Berkshire Hathaway (B shares) and Phillips 66. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/keithnoonan/info.aspx" type="external">Keith Noonan</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. 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;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | image source getty images continue reading copying billionaires investment ideas isnt surefire path success hard see stocks held warren buffett berkshire hathaway tend attract extra attention buffetts guidance berkshire stock delivered astounding 208 compound annual growth rate last 50 years track record makes near irrefutable case oracle omaha one best investors history incredible performance mind panel motley fool contributors identified three stocks held berkshire hathaway deserve attention month read learn phillips 66nyse psx southwest airlinesnyse luv ibm nyse ibm buy list jason opens new window hall opens new windowphillips 66 handful things buffett regularly touted important company great longterm investment advertisement phillips 66 three spades companys biggest business oil refining marketing oil refineries incredibly expensive build maintain factor relatively slow rate growth demand refined products decades since new major oil refinery built us barrier entry doesnt get much higher time stable demand gasoline jet fuel diesel refined products makes steady cash flows since phillips 66 advanced refineries operation company often buy cheaper crudes widen refining profits management done great job putting profits work growing company returning value investors since going public standalone company 2012 invested tens billions dollars growth projects petrochemicals midstream segments grown dividend 200 repurchased 17 shares outstanding shares 9 year date represent another important buffett trait fairly valued 17 times next years earnings great time buy excellent dividend growth stock checks buffett stock boxes dan caplinger opens new window southwest airlines buffett bought shares southwest airlines fourth quarter 2016 didnt waste time building substantial position dec 31 buffett held 432 million shares company time worth 215 billion since climbed even higher whats remarkable buffetts position famously said past airline sector essentially money pit yet industry come long way since made negative comments consolidation reduced number major us players four southwest still stands alone many ways including aversion flights listed thirdparty online travel websites commitment charge baggage fees investors increasingly confident southwest peers maintain discipline fares also keeping capacity relatively tight order keep planes full profits high recently southwest expanded reach internationally looking southward toward central america caribbean far southwest intends grow isnt certain right airline strong reputation customer friendliness value help airline stock stay ahead peers long run keith noonan opens new windowibm ibm stock lagged market since buffett berkshire initiated position back 2011 looks like company turning corner think investors still opportunity win big big blue ibm data ycharts opens new window even ibms share price 30 last year stock trades 13 times forward earnings estimates theres evidence support thesis reinvent cloud cognitive computing company big blues strategic imperatives segment covers cloud artificial intelligence security mobile internetofthings businesses grew 14 constantcurrency basis fiscal 2016 accounts 40 companys sales overall revenues decline contributed soggy stock performance last five years true ibms legacy hardware software businesses likely continue erode company position benefit momentum technologys biggest trends ibms big bet cognitive computing cloud already paying looks like momentum sustainable thanks increasingly complex security analytics networking demands thestock also scores points 31 dividend yield roughly 41 payout ratio combine 17 years consecutive payout increases investors expect continued payout growth momentum emerging technologies history innovation strong returnedincome component ibm looks good company betterthanfair price 10 stocks like better ibmwhen 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 ibm wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 dan caplinger owns shares berkshire hathaway b shares jason hall opens new window owns shares berkshire hathaway b shares phillips 66 keith noonan position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends berkshire hathaway b shares motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 624 |
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<p>A mosquito emerging from water for the first time.Image source: Oxitec.</p>
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<p>I recently spoke with Oxitec CEO Hadyn Parry about the company's self-limiting insect platform, which was acquired by engineered biology conglomerate Intrexon in 2015. Aimed at controlling agricultural pests and mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue, malaria, and yellow fever, the little-known platform has been catapulted by the post-acquisition emergence of Zika virus to the front pages of publications across the globe.</p>
<p>Given the widespread coverage and fast pace of developments, Intrexon investors might be wondering how to size up the opportunity ahead. What's the timeline for deployment? What are regulatory bodies waiting for? Parry and I discussed these questions and more.</p>
<p>Oxitec developed a process for engineering insects to contain a self-limiting gene: The insects are released into the wild, they mate with local populations, and they create offspring that cannot survive to adulthood. By definition, the self-limiting genes cannot persist in the wild. And unlike insecticide spraying, the genes have no off-target effects; only one species is affected. It's a uniquely efficient and low-impact tool for controlling wild populations of insect pests.</p>
<p>In 2014 Brazil's National Biosafety Committee, or CTNBio, gave the green light to release the genetically engineered mosquitoes throughout the country, which has the highest incidence of dengue in the Western Hemisphere. The decision paved the way for a partnership between the company and the city of Piracicaba, Brazil. A pilot program released self-limiting mosquitoes over a small area, protecting about 5,000 people from mosquito-borne diseases.</p>
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<p>Parry highlighted the results, which were overwhelmingly positive after just the first year:"We were able to reduce mosquito larvae populations by 82%. The region of Piracicaba participating in the pilot reported just five cases of dengue during the program, compared to 130 in the previous year."</p>
<p>The success prompted the city and Intrexon to expand the project earlier this year to protect up to 60,000 people in Piracicaba, although the manufacturing facility under construction nearby will be capable of producing enough mosquitoes to protect the city's entire population of about 300,000 people.</p>
<p>Mosquitoes being released in Piracicaba.Image source: Oxitec.</p>
<p>How should investors think about the revenue potential for the platform?</p>
<p>Parry said the proper unit is "revenue per person," adding that the company is generating "roughly $8 to $10 per person" in Piracicaba. That will vary in each jurisdiction and change as the technology matures, but it extrapolates quite favorably for investors when you consider that tens of millions of people in Brazil and the United States are affected by mosquito-borne illnesses. It's also worth noting that Brazil (which, unlike the United States, has dealt with public health threats from mosquitoes for decades) allocated $330 million for mosquito-control measures in 2015 at the federal level, which doesn't include local budgets or emergency allocations.</p>
<p>Intrexon's self-limiting mosquitoes are unlikely to be used more broadly in 2016 for a couple of unsurprising reasons.</p>
<p>First, the technology isn't fully approved by regulators in Brazil or the United States, although Oxitec is working its way through processes in each country. Brazil had to create an entirely new regulatory pathway to ensure a thorough and proper review of the new product class, which Parry explained in comparison to insecticides:</p>
<p>Parry also explained the procedures for gaining approval in the United States, where the self-limiting mosquitoes are being regulated as an Investigational New Animal Drug. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a preliminary finding of "no significant impact" on the environment or human health from the engineered mosquitoes, which could become a final ruling after public comments are reviewed. That's only part of the process, however. If a planned trial in the Florida Keys demonstrates the claims made by Oxitec, then the technology could gain FDA approval -- which most states will likely adhere to, although some could ask for additional trials -- in time for mosquito season in 2017.</p>
<p>Of course, the FDA has been known to drag its feet before. It took nearly two decades for genetically engineered salmon (now,coincidentally, owned by Intrexon) to gain the institution's approval.</p>
<p>Parry said there is one way to deploy the technology today, but it requires a special emergency authorization by regulators and health officials. (It's important to note we were discussing all possible scenarios, and he wanted to be clear that emergency authorization is merely a hypothetical at this point.) That could be possible in Puerto Rico, Parry told me:</p>
<p>It's no joke. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 25% of the island's population -- over 875,000 people -- could contract Zika virus in the first year. The institution has placed Puerto Rico under a Level 2 Alert. A Level 3 Warning is the highest rating, which would instruct people to avoid nonessential travel to the tourism hot spot and likely have disastrous consequences for the local economy.CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden also <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/t0404-zika-summit.html" type="external">recently noted</a>: "Our birth defects specialists tell us a single child with birth defects can usually cost $10 million to care for or more."</p>
<p>Mosquito larvae in one of Oxitec's production facilities in Brazil.Image source: Oxitec.</p>
<p>The second reason not to expect rapid deployment in 2016 is that manufacturing capabilities take time to build out. While they are not very capital-intensive, relatively speaking, a certain level of regulatory certainty is needed before Intrexon starts erecting mosquito factories. Parry had a great analogy for how the platform could scale once regulatory approvals are granted:</p>
<p>Who knew rearing mosquitoes could be compared to bottling Coca-Cola?</p>
<p>I <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/08/intrexon-vs-mosquitomate-who-has-the-better-zika-t.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">recently compared</a> Oxitec's self-limiting mosquitoes to those of biotechnology start-up MosquitoMate, which spread bacterial infections through wild populations. Each platform usesonly males for mosquito-control tools. Parry says MosquitoMate's is an interesting approach with some notable limitations:</p>
<p>Additionally, he added that his company'spublic outreach program has worked nonstop to educate the public and answer questions. There appears to be little resistance to releasing genetically modified mosquitoes:</p>
<p>Intrexon's self-limiting mosquitoes could become the default tool used to combat mosquito-borne diseases -- and one of the biggest sources of revenue for the company. However, it will take time to clear the few remaining regulatory hurdles and make the necessary investments in manufacturing infrastructure. While investors should maintain realistic expectations, there won't be much else standing in the way.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/28/intrexon-and-zika-virus-an-interview-with-oxitecs.aspx" type="external">Intrexon and Zika Virus: An Interview With Oxitec's Hadyn Parry</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFBlacknGold/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Maxx Chatsko</a>has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="https://twitter.com/MaxxChatsko" type="external">Follow him on Twitter</a>to keep up with developments in the engineered biology field.The Motley Fool recommends Coca-Cola. 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 | mosquito emerging water first timeimage source oxitec continue reading recently spoke oxitec ceo hadyn parry companys selflimiting insect platform acquired engineered biology conglomerate intrexon 2015 aimed controlling agricultural pests mosquitoborne illnesses dengue malaria yellow fever littleknown platform catapulted postacquisition emergence zika virus front pages publications across globe given widespread coverage fast pace developments intrexon investors might wondering size opportunity ahead whats timeline deployment regulatory bodies waiting parry discussed questions oxitec developed process engineering insects contain selflimiting gene insects released wild mate local populations create offspring survive adulthood definition selflimiting genes persist wild unlike insecticide spraying genes offtarget effects one species affected uniquely efficient lowimpact tool controlling wild populations insect pests 2014 brazils national biosafety committee ctnbio gave green light release genetically engineered mosquitoes throughout country highest incidence dengue western hemisphere decision paved way partnership company city piracicaba brazil pilot program released selflimiting mosquitoes small area protecting 5000 people mosquitoborne diseases advertisement parry highlighted results overwhelmingly positive first yearwe able reduce mosquito larvae populations 82 region piracicaba participating pilot reported five cases dengue program compared 130 previous year success prompted city intrexon expand project earlier year protect 60000 people piracicaba although manufacturing facility construction nearby capable producing enough mosquitoes protect citys entire population 300000 people mosquitoes released piracicabaimage source oxitec investors think revenue potential platform parry said proper unit revenue per person adding company generating roughly 8 10 per person piracicaba vary jurisdiction change technology matures extrapolates quite favorably investors consider tens millions people brazil united states affected mosquitoborne illnesses also worth noting brazil unlike united states dealt public health threats mosquitoes decades allocated 330 million mosquitocontrol measures 2015 federal level doesnt include local budgets emergency allocations intrexons selflimiting mosquitoes unlikely used broadly 2016 couple unsurprising reasons first technology isnt fully approved regulators brazil united states although oxitec working way processes country brazil create entirely new regulatory pathway ensure thorough proper review new product class parry explained comparison insecticides parry also explained procedures gaining approval united states selflimiting mosquitoes regulated investigational new animal drug us food drug administration recently issued preliminary finding significant impact environment human health engineered mosquitoes could become final ruling public comments reviewed thats part process however planned trial florida keys demonstrates claims made oxitec technology could gain fda approval states likely adhere although could ask additional trials time mosquito season 2017 course fda known drag feet took nearly two decades genetically engineered salmon nowcoincidentally owned intrexon gain institutions approval parry said one way deploy technology today requires special emergency authorization regulators health officials important note discussing possible scenarios wanted clear emergency authorization merely hypothetical point could possible puerto rico parry told joke centers disease control estimates 25 islands population 875000 people could contract zika virus first year institution placed puerto rico level 2 alert level 3 warning highest rating would instruct people avoid nonessential travel tourism hot spot likely disastrous consequences local economycdc director dr tom frieden also recently noted birth defects specialists tell us single child birth defects usually cost 10 million care mosquito larvae one oxitecs production facilities brazilimage source oxitec second reason expect rapid deployment 2016 manufacturing capabilities take time build capitalintensive relatively speaking certain level regulatory certainty needed intrexon starts erecting mosquito factories parry great analogy platform could scale regulatory approvals granted knew rearing mosquitoes could compared bottling cocacola recently compared oxitecs selflimiting mosquitoes biotechnology startup mosquitomate spread bacterial infections wild populations platform usesonly males mosquitocontrol tools parry says mosquitomates interesting approach notable limitations additionally added companyspublic outreach program worked nonstop educate public answer questions appears little resistance releasing genetically modified mosquitoes intrexons selflimiting mosquitoes could become default tool used combat mosquitoborne diseases one biggest sources revenue company however take time clear remaining regulatory hurdles make necessary investments manufacturing infrastructure investors maintain realistic expectations wont much else standing way article intrexon zika virus interview oxitecs hadyn parry originally appeared foolcom maxx chatskohas position stocks mentioned follow twitterto keep developments engineered biology fieldthe motley fool recommends cocacola 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 | 689 |
<p>It cannot be emphasized enough that the European Union is not really a political project so much as a legal one.</p>
<p>Of course, the EU tries to find political solutions to its members states' common political problems. But those solutions have to comply with the EU's legal order, which is based on the EU treaties. Sometimes, the only solution is to change the treaties themselves -- but that process is complicated, and even then any changes need to be consistent with the rest of the legal order. That can sometimes make it impossible to find a political solution even when the solution may seem obvious or the consequences of failing to do so stark. Just ask David Cameron, whose failure to secure significant curbs on the free movement of EU citizens is blamed by some for Brexit.</p>
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<p>Now Mr. Cameron's successor is making her own demands for a political solution to the problems caused by Brexit. Prime Minister Theresa May wants a transition deal -- what she calls an "implementation period" -- to enable the U.K. to continue to trade with the EU "on current terms" for around two years after the U.K. quits the EU in March 2019 while the UK's new trading relationship with the EU is agreed to and arrangements put in place. The EU also needs time to prepare for the change. Yet devising a legally watertight way for the U.K. to continue to trade with the EU "on current terms" while no longer an EU member is likely to prove fiendishly difficult -- some would argue impossible. Both British and EU officials acknowledge that they are at an early stage of grappling with the complexities.</p>
<p>The first challenge is that to preserve frictionless trade, the transition deal will need to find a way to replicate the UK's existing commercial relationship with the EU in its entirety. That means that the U.K. will not only need to negotiate a temporary customs union with the EU that matches the existing customs union, but also a new regulatory relationship that allows full mutual recognition of testing and enforcement processes across all sectors, says Peter Holmes, reader in economics at the University of Sussex. The moment exceptions are introduced, there will need to be border checks, whether for customs or regulatory purposes. That could be tricky because there are some sectors where the U.K. may want to exempt itself from EU rules immediately. For example, environment minister Michael Gove says he wants to take back control of U.K. fisheries to avoid remaining subject to annual EU quotas set by Brussels. Yet if fisheries are excluded, "then every lorry will face random risk-based checks to see if there is a fish in it," says Mr. Holmes.</p>
<p>A second issue concerns the 40 free trade agreements the EU has with third countries. These also need to be replicated in their entirety to avoid new barriers to trade. (Again any divergence from the EU's commercial policy will lead to new trade barriers.) Yet rolling over these agreements, as the U.K. says it wants to do, isn't straightforward. The problem is that once the U.K. itself becomes a third country, British goods containing substantial EU components may no longer count as British under the complicated rules of origin that govern world trade -- and vice versa.</p>
<p>To change these rules to enable pan-European supply chains to remain in tact will require a three-way negotiation involving the U.K., EU and each of the countries with which the EU now has an free-trade agreement. As the U.K. is already discovering after running into opposition from the U.S., New Zealand and others over a deal reached with the EU at the World Trade Organization to divide up current EU agricultural quotas, other countries will robustly defend their interests.</p>
<p>A third issue is that whatever the EU offers to the U.K. by way of a temporary treaty also risks creating a precedent. In the British public debate, there is an assumption that the EU wants to punish the U.K. to deter others from leaving. But the EU is equally concerned that whatever it offers the U.K. doesn't lead to demands from other non-EU countries for similar terms. The EU-Korea trade agreement contains a most-favored-nation clause that obliges each side to offer each other the same terms on access to their services markets that they offer in future trade deals to other third countries. A transition deal that allowed the U.K. full access to its financial-services market could become the basis for a demand for similar treatment from Korea.</p>
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<p>The reality is that the only legally watertight transition deal that is guaranteed to enable trade to continue on "current terms" is an agreement to extend the Article 50 deadline. This can be done by unanimous decision of the member states. Of course, extending the UK's EU membership beyond 2019 would be politically fatal for the current government, though it's possible a majority would support it in parliament. It would also be politically toxic in the EU: There is a growing consensus that this is a bad marriage that just needs to end, says one senior EU diplomat. And extending Article 50 raises serious practical issues, including whether the U.K. would participate in EU parliamentary elections in 2019 and the next EU budget.</p>
<p>But those obstacles may yet prove easier to overcome than devising a way to replicate in full the EU customs union, the single market and 40 free-trade agreements from scratch in one year.</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>October 11, 2017 13:06 ET (17:06 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | emphasized enough european union really political project much legal one course eu tries find political solutions members states common political problems solutions comply eus legal order based eu treaties sometimes solution change treaties process complicated even changes need consistent rest legal order sometimes make impossible find political solution even solution may seem obvious consequences failing stark ask david cameron whose failure secure significant curbs free movement eu citizens blamed brexit continue reading mr camerons successor making demands political solution problems caused brexit prime minister theresa may wants transition deal calls implementation period enable uk continue trade eu current terms around two years uk quits eu march 2019 uks new trading relationship eu agreed arrangements put place eu also needs time prepare change yet devising legally watertight way uk continue trade eu current terms longer eu member likely prove fiendishly difficult would argue impossible british eu officials acknowledge early stage grappling complexities first challenge preserve frictionless trade transition deal need find way replicate uks existing commercial relationship eu entirety means uk need negotiate temporary customs union eu matches existing customs union also new regulatory relationship allows full mutual recognition testing enforcement processes across sectors says peter holmes reader economics university sussex moment exceptions introduced need border checks whether customs regulatory purposes could tricky sectors uk may want exempt eu rules immediately example environment minister michael gove says wants take back control uk fisheries avoid remaining subject annual eu quotas set brussels yet fisheries excluded every lorry face random riskbased checks see fish says mr holmes second issue concerns 40 free trade agreements eu third countries also need replicated entirety avoid new barriers trade divergence eus commercial policy lead new trade barriers yet rolling agreements uk says wants isnt straightforward problem uk becomes third country british goods containing substantial eu components may longer count british complicated rules origin govern world trade vice versa change rules enable paneuropean supply chains remain tact require threeway negotiation involving uk eu countries eu freetrade agreement uk already discovering running opposition us new zealand others deal reached eu world trade organization divide current eu agricultural quotas countries robustly defend interests third issue whatever eu offers uk way temporary treaty also risks creating precedent british public debate assumption eu wants punish uk deter others leaving eu equally concerned whatever offers uk doesnt lead demands noneu countries similar terms eukorea trade agreement contains mostfavorednation clause obliges side offer terms access services markets offer future trade deals third countries transition deal allowed uk full access financialservices market could become basis demand similar treatment korea advertisement reality legally watertight transition deal guaranteed enable trade continue current terms agreement extend article 50 deadline done unanimous decision member states course extending uks eu membership beyond 2019 would politically fatal current government though possible majority would support parliament would also politically toxic eu growing consensus bad marriage needs end says one senior eu diplomat extending article 50 raises serious practical issues including whether uk would participate eu parliamentary elections 2019 next eu budget obstacles may yet prove easier overcome devising way replicate full eu customs union single market 40 freetrade agreements scratch one year end dow jones newswires october 11 2017 1306 et 1706 gmt | 531 |
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<p>Image source: Tax Credits via Flickr.</p>
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<p>One of the ways that companies reward their long-term shareholders is by paying out a dividend. Some of the best companies out there not only do so on a regular basis but also increase their payout year after year, thereby turbocharging their shareholders' total return.</p>
<p>Wall Street has created a special name for any company that is able to increase its dividend for 25 years straight. These companies are known as "Dividend Aristocrats", and becoming a member of this elite group is rare, especially in today's ultra-competitive environment. Companies that are able to join this list tend to be some of the most stable and reliable long-term stocks out there.</p>
<p>But just because a stock has managed to become a Dividend Aristocrat doesn't mean it's automatically a great buy. For that reason, we asked our team of Motley Fool contributors to highlight a company from the Dividend Aristocrat list that they would never want to own. Read below to see which stocks they picked.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFJCar/activity.aspx" type="external">Jamal Carnette</a>: Before investing, it pays to take heed of the common warning: Past performance does not predict future success. That particular warning is apt in the case ofWal-MartStores . After declaring its first annual dividend of $0.05 in March1974, the company has increased its payout every year thereafter to its current total of $2.00 annually, providing income investors with annualized dividend growth of 9%. If you were one of the few prescient investors to buy the stock at its IPO price of $16.50 per share and had the foresight to hold the position through 11 2-for-1 stock splits, you'd be sitting on a gain of nearly8,500%.</p>
<p>During that time frame,its store count grew from 51 U.S.-based locations to 11,527 retail units with more than half being international. However, these locations are more likely to become liabilities rather than assets in the upcoming years. Recently, Wal-Mart was subject to negative press when the company announced <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/01/21/wal-mart-admits-failure-of-wal-mart-express.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">it would close 269 stores</a>, 154 in the United States alone, the majority of which were the smaller-format Walmart Express.</p>
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<p>Ironically, Wal-Mart now finds itself victim to the same forces it used to demolish mom-and-pop retailers on its rush to top retailer: superior logistics and a relentless focus on lower prices. While Wal-Mart was focused on keeping costs (including labor) low and building new storefronts, online retailerAmazonperfected the online shopping channel and shipping logistics.Forrester Researchestimates online shopping is increasing in scope and predicts 9.5% annualized growth through 2019 as more consumers shift to onlinechannels.</p>
<p>I'm not saying Wal-Mart's dividend is at risk, certainly not in the short term, but I think the company is going to continue to exhibit a slow-growth top line and perhaps continued year-over-year revenue decreases like FY2016. I do like Dividend Aristocrats, but I also want a company exhibiting some semblance of growth. Wal-Mart is currently failing that second test and I don't envision that to change in the immediate future.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fool.com/author/14471/index.aspx" type="external">Brian Feroldi</a>: For decades, fast-food operatorMcDonald's has been showering its investors with dividends, making it one of the most reliable income stocks to own. The company's huge scale and operational excellence allowed it to offer consumers convenient food at low prices, which was a strategy that worked like a charm for a long time.</p>
<p>However, I believe that the company's long-term strategy is no longer as viable as it once was, so it's unlikely that the McDonald's of the future will be anywhere near as successful.</p>
<p>What's changed? For one, consumers are shifting their diets toward healthier food offerings, with the all-important millennial generation leading the charge. Unlike baby boomers who sought out fast food base solely on price and convenience, millennials are willing to pay more to get better-tasting and healthier food. They also tend to be more concerned about how their food is raised and prepared, which is causing them to shy away from the offerings of McDonald's and toward healthier options like Chipotle or "better burger" restaurants such asShake Shack.</p>
<p>That trend has put McDonald's in a bind, as it's simply not set up to compete on quality. In response, the company has been forced to make a number of moves to help stem its traffic declines like offer breakfast foods all day and refresh the look of its stores, but I think those moves will only be temporary solutions to the company's long-term problem. For that reason, I think McDonald's sales are set up to stagnate or decline for the foreseeable future.</p>
<p>To be fair, McDonald's still generates a healthy cash flow and it owns a lot of valuable real estate, so its dividend is certainly not in any danger of being cut. But over the long term, I have a hard time seeing the company growing, so for that reason I can't see myself ever being a buyer of the stock.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fool.com/author/11900/index.aspx" type="external">Daniel B. Kline</a>: While people have been telling AT&amp;T shareholders that the company's best days were behind it since landlines began being supplanted by wireless phones, the day of reckoning may actually soon be at hand. Even though the company has a strong position in its core wireless, Internet service, and broadband markets, cataclysmic change could be coming to two of those business segments.</p>
<p>In cable, AT&amp;T, which also owns DirecTV, faces the same cord-cutting risks every player in the space deals with. It's unknown whether people will ever flee traditional cable, but there is clearly pressure to offer cheaper skinny bundles. That makes pay TV at best a shrinking business and, at worst, one that could collapse like newspapers or the music industry.</p>
<p>That alone would not be enough to get me to swear off AT&amp;T forever. But pairing the company's exposure in pay television with the risk it faces in wireless seals the deal.</p>
<p>In the wireless space, the company has operated as a high-priced bully. Instead of leveraging customer service or price, it has used the quality of its network as its hook. For years, that has been a real differentiator, at least from the low-cost carriers, but that advantage is rapidly deteriorating.</p>
<p>It's not that AT&amp;T's network has fallen in quality; it's that the company's cheaper rivals have improved theirs. It may take years for people to notice and trust this, but we're headed toward a world where all four major carriers are viable choices. In that market, AT&amp;T either has to cut price dramatically or watch an exodus of subscribers.</p>
<p>Really, it's not a question of whether AT&amp;T will lose customers; it's a question of how long it will take.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/01/3-dividend-aristocrats-we-will-never-buy.aspx" type="external">3 Dividend Aristocrats We Will Never Buy</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTypeoh/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Brian Feroldi</a> owns shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/Dankline/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Daniel Kline</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFJCar/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Jamal Carnette</a> owns shares of AT&amp;T. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Chipotle Mexican Grill. 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 tax credits via flickr continue reading one ways companies reward longterm shareholders paying dividend best companies regular basis also increase payout year year thereby turbocharging shareholders total return wall street created special name company able increase dividend 25 years straight companies known dividend aristocrats becoming member elite group rare especially todays ultracompetitive environment companies able join list tend stable reliable longterm stocks stock managed become dividend aristocrat doesnt mean automatically great buy reason asked team motley fool contributors highlight company dividend aristocrat list would never want read see stocks picked jamal carnette investing pays take heed common warning past performance predict future success particular warning apt case ofwalmartstores declaring first annual dividend 005 march1974 company increased payout every year thereafter current total 200 annually providing income investors annualized dividend growth 9 one prescient investors buy stock ipo price 1650 per share foresight hold position 11 2for1 stock splits youd sitting gain nearly8500 time frameits store count grew 51 usbased locations 11527 retail units half international however locations likely become liabilities rather assets upcoming years recently walmart subject negative press company announced would close 269 stores 154 united states alone majority smallerformat walmart express advertisement ironically walmart finds victim forces used demolish momandpop retailers rush top retailer superior logistics relentless focus lower prices walmart focused keeping costs including labor low building new storefronts online retaileramazonperfected online shopping channel shipping logisticsforrester researchestimates online shopping increasing scope predicts 95 annualized growth 2019 consumers shift onlinechannels im saying walmarts dividend risk certainly short term think company going continue exhibit slowgrowth top line perhaps continued yearoveryear revenue decreases like fy2016 like dividend aristocrats also want company exhibiting semblance growth walmart currently failing second test dont envision change immediate future brian feroldi decades fastfood operatormcdonalds showering investors dividends making one reliable income stocks companys huge scale operational excellence allowed offer consumers convenient food low prices strategy worked like charm long time however believe companys longterm strategy longer viable unlikely mcdonalds future anywhere near successful whats changed one consumers shifting diets toward healthier food offerings allimportant millennial generation leading charge unlike baby boomers sought fast food base solely price convenience millennials willing pay get bettertasting healthier food also tend concerned food raised prepared causing shy away offerings mcdonalds toward healthier options like chipotle better burger restaurants asshake shack trend put mcdonalds bind simply set compete quality response company forced make number moves help stem traffic declines like offer breakfast foods day refresh look stores think moves temporary solutions companys longterm problem reason think mcdonalds sales set stagnate decline foreseeable future fair mcdonalds still generates healthy cash flow owns lot valuable real estate dividend certainly danger cut long term hard time seeing company growing reason cant see ever buyer stock daniel b kline people telling atampt shareholders companys best days behind since landlines began supplanted wireless phones day reckoning may actually soon hand even though company strong position core wireless internet service broadband markets cataclysmic change could coming two business segments cable atampt also owns directv faces cordcutting risks every player space deals unknown whether people ever flee traditional cable clearly pressure offer cheaper skinny bundles makes pay tv best shrinking business worst one could collapse like newspapers music industry alone would enough get swear atampt forever pairing companys exposure pay television risk faces wireless seals deal wireless space company operated highpriced bully instead leveraging customer service price used quality network hook years real differentiator least lowcost carriers advantage rapidly deteriorating atampts network fallen quality companys cheaper rivals improved may take years people notice trust headed toward world four major carriers viable choices market atampt either cut price dramatically watch exodus subscribers really question whether atampt lose customers question long take article 3 dividend aristocrats never buy originally appeared foolcom brian feroldi owns shares chipotle mexican grill daniel kline position stocks mentioned jamal carnette owns shares atampt motley fool owns shares recommends chipotle mexican grill 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 | 685 |
<p>Barclays PLC Thursday announced an increase in third-quarter net profit, helped by a fall in conduct and operating costs.</p>
<p>The British bank said revenue in the quarter was down 5% to GBP5.17 billion ($6.9 billion) compared to a year ago, as bond trading revenues slumped. Net-profit rose to GBP583 million from GBP414 million a year ago.</p>
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<p>Like others in the industry, revenue from Barclays's investment bank was hit by low market volatility. The bank's markets business revenue slumped by 30% year-over-year. This was somewhat offset by the bank's U.K. retail and card business.</p>
<p>Barclays clarified its targets, saying it would have a return on equity of greater than 9% in 2019 and greater than 10% by 2020. Currently, the bank's return on equity is 5.1%.</p>
<p>Costs in 2019 will be between GBP13.6 billion and GBP13.9 billion, excluding litigation and conduct charges and other investments. But the bank didn't make clear when it would increase its dividend. That announcement will likely be made during the bank's full-year presentation early next year.</p>
<p>"We can now turn our full attention towards what matters most to our shareholders: improving Group returns," said Barclays Chief Executive Jes Staley.</p>
<p>After ditching billions of assets, cutting 60,000 staff and exiting over a dozen countries including most of Africa, the British bank is moving into the next stage of a plan to shed costs.</p>
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<p>But investors are still to be convinced. Year to date Barclays has the worst performing share price of any major European bank. A big question is whether Barclays is capitalized enough to meet new regulations and any potential settlement with U.S. authorities over its alleged role in the packaging of U.S. subprime mortgages.</p>
<p>Investors also fret about the amount of resources the bank will have to pour into its investment bank to make it competitive.</p>
<p>A cloud also hangs over Mr. Staley, who is being probed over his efforts to unmask a whistleblower who raised flags about a hire the U.S. banker made.</p>
<p>Write to Max Colchester at [email protected]</p>
<p>LONDON--Can Barclays PLC Chief Executive Jes Staley run a profitable investment bank on the cheap? Investors aren't yet convinced.</p>
<p>Shares in the British bank fell 5% in early trading Thursday as the bank reported its investment bank trading engine stuttered in the third quarter of the year.</p>
<p>Like others in the industry, Barclays's investment bank was hit by low market volatility pinching trading revenues. The bank's fixed income trading dropped 34% in the quarter, which was better than its European rival Deutsche Bank AG but still lagged behind several of its U.S. peers.</p>
<p>Overall the bank recorded a third-quarter profit, helped by a fall in conduct and operating costs. But the share drop reflects how investors are increasingly skeptical that Mr. Staley can build a competitive, and profitable, investment bank without pouring in huge resources.</p>
<p>Barclays is currently looking to sweat capital out of its corporate lending book and redeploy it into its investment bank. On Thursday, Mr. Staley laid out his plan to improve the markets business, which has included bumping up leverage and the recent hiring of around two dozen new bankers. Fixing the unit is priority, as around 60% of the group's capital is locked up in the business, according to Claire Kane, an analyst at Credit Suisse.</p>
<p>Unlike its major U.S. competitors, capital is tight at Barclays and there was still no sign on when it would increase its dividend. That announcement will likely be made during the bank's full-year presentation early next year. Mr. Staley said that the issue of capital at the bank "was off the table" and that shareholders are mainly worried about dividends.</p>
<p>Following gripes from investors that the group's strategy was too vague, Barclays on Thursday clarified its targets saying it would have a return on equity of greater than 9% in 2019 and greater than 10% by 2020. Currently, the bank's return on equity is 5.1%. Costs in 2019 will be between GBP13.6 billion and GBP13.9 billion (between $18 billion and $18.4 billion), but that excludes litigation and conduct charges and other investments.</p>
<p>The British bank said revenue in the quarter was down 5% to GBP5.17 billion compared to a year ago, as bond trading revenues slumped. Net profit rose to GBP583 million from GBP414 million a year ago, bolstered by the bank's U.K. retail operations offsetting the pain felt in the investment bank. Lower costs and conduct fines helped too.</p>
<p>After ditching billions of assets, cutting 60,000 staff and exiting over a dozen countries including most of Africa, the British bank is moving into the next stage of a plan to shed costs. Year to date Barclays shares are down 12%, among the worst performing share price of any major European bank.</p>
<p>Conduct issue continue to weigh on the bank. Tightening regulations and a potential settlement with U.S. authorities over its alleged role in the packaging of U.S. subprime mortgages, could all eat into capital levels. Meanwhile after a deluge of unsecured lending in the U.K. and the U.S., some analysts fear a spike in impairments which could hit Barclays hard.</p>
<p>A cloud sits over Mr. Staley himself. The banker is being probed over his efforts to unmask a whistleblower. But Barclays did put one legal matter behind it during the quarter: It said it had reached a $105 million agreement in principle with the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over the banks alleged role in manipulating electricity markets in the Western U.S.</p>
<p>Write to Max Colchester at [email protected]</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>October 26, 2017 04:37 ET (08:37 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | barclays plc thursday announced increase thirdquarter net profit helped fall conduct operating costs british bank said revenue quarter 5 gbp517 billion 69 billion compared year ago bond trading revenues slumped netprofit rose gbp583 million gbp414 million year ago continue reading like others industry revenue barclayss investment bank hit low market volatility banks markets business revenue slumped 30 yearoveryear somewhat offset banks uk retail card business barclays clarified targets saying would return equity greater 9 2019 greater 10 2020 currently banks return equity 51 costs 2019 gbp136 billion gbp139 billion excluding litigation conduct charges investments bank didnt make clear would increase dividend announcement likely made banks fullyear presentation early next year turn full attention towards matters shareholders improving group returns said barclays chief executive jes staley ditching billions assets cutting 60000 staff exiting dozen countries including africa british bank moving next stage plan shed costs advertisement investors still convinced year date barclays worst performing share price major european bank big question whether barclays capitalized enough meet new regulations potential settlement us authorities alleged role packaging us subprime mortgages investors also fret amount resources bank pour investment bank make competitive cloud also hangs mr staley probed efforts unmask whistleblower raised flags hire us banker made write max colchester maxcolchesterwsjcom londoncan barclays plc chief executive jes staley run profitable investment bank cheap investors arent yet convinced shares british bank fell 5 early trading thursday bank reported investment bank trading engine stuttered third quarter year like others industry barclayss investment bank hit low market volatility pinching trading revenues banks fixed income trading dropped 34 quarter better european rival deutsche bank ag still lagged behind several us peers overall bank recorded thirdquarter profit helped fall conduct operating costs share drop reflects investors increasingly skeptical mr staley build competitive profitable investment bank without pouring huge resources barclays currently looking sweat capital corporate lending book redeploy investment bank thursday mr staley laid plan improve markets business included bumping leverage recent hiring around two dozen new bankers fixing unit priority around 60 groups capital locked business according claire kane analyst credit suisse unlike major us competitors capital tight barclays still sign would increase dividend announcement likely made banks fullyear presentation early next year mr staley said issue capital bank table shareholders mainly worried dividends following gripes investors groups strategy vague barclays thursday clarified targets saying would return equity greater 9 2019 greater 10 2020 currently banks return equity 51 costs 2019 gbp136 billion gbp139 billion 18 billion 184 billion excludes litigation conduct charges investments british bank said revenue quarter 5 gbp517 billion compared year ago bond trading revenues slumped net profit rose gbp583 million gbp414 million year ago bolstered banks uk retail operations offsetting pain felt investment bank lower costs conduct fines helped ditching billions assets cutting 60000 staff exiting dozen countries including africa british bank moving next stage plan shed costs year date barclays shares 12 among worst performing share price major european bank conduct issue continue weigh bank tightening regulations potential settlement us authorities alleged role packaging us subprime mortgages could eat capital levels meanwhile deluge unsecured lending uk us analysts fear spike impairments could hit barclays hard cloud sits mr staley banker probed efforts unmask whistleblower barclays put one legal matter behind quarter said reached 105 million agreement principle us federal energy regulatory commission banks alleged role manipulating electricity markets western us write max colchester maxcolchesterwsjcom end dow jones newswires october 26 2017 0437 et 0837 gmt | 572 |
<p>The pound and gilt yields fell Thursday as investors rowed back expectations that the Bank of England will raise interest rates in the coming months, interrupting sterling's recent rally and renewing focus on Britain's currency and its effects on the economy.</p>
<p>The pound fell 0.7% to $1.3132 after reaching its highest level against the dollar since September during London morning trading. The decline pushed sterling to its lowest level against the euro since November at EUR1.1050.</p>
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<p>Britain's central bank lowered its growth forecasts for this and next year and held its benchmark interest rate steady at 0.25% on Thursday, a move that only two policy makers dissented against rather than the three some analysts expected. Investors were looking for a clearer sign that the BOE will join a growing chorus of global central bankers moving toward an end to the era of easy money. On Thursday, the Czech National Bank raised its key policy rate for the first time in nearly a decade, from 0.05% to 0.25%, sending the country's currency higher.</p>
<p>Higher interest rates tend to attract money looking for the higher yield, boosting the local currency.</p>
<p>"I think it's more steady-as-she-goes from the bank," said Alan Wilson, investment manager at State Street Global Advisors. "The market can see down the line that Brexit will result in economic weakness," he said.</p>
<p>Since Britain voted to leave the European Union in June last year, sterling has dropped around 12% against the U.S. dollar.</p>
<p>Adding to pressure on the pound, the BOE downgraded its forecasts for growth to 1.7% in 2017, a weaker pace than the 1.9% it forecast in May. It also cut its forecast for growth in 2018 to 1.6% from 1.7%.</p>
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<p>The U.K.'s FTSE 100 equity index, which is heavily made up of exporters, climbed 0.9% Thursday as the pound fell. The index generates just 33% of its revenues in the U.K., according to FactSet, and its companies tend to benefit as they translate earnings back into a weaker currency. The FTSE 250 index of more domestically focused companies rose 0.4%.</p>
<p>Yields on 10-year U.K. gilts closed at 1.154% from 1.240% ahead of the BOE decision, indicating a rise in prices.</p>
<p>These market moves came even as Bank of England Gov. Mark Carney signaled in a news conference that interest rates may rise at a faster pace than investors currently expect. Investors appeared to be unconvinced.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, derivatives called overnight index swaps suggested that investors expected the BOE's first interest-rate rise to happen in December next year. Following the BOE's meeting Thursday, those derivatives implied they now expect that to happen in May 2019.</p>
<p>Expectations had grown earlier in the summer that the BOE would raise interest rates in the coming months, after three officials broke ranks in June to argue for an immediate quarter-point increase to tame quickening inflation. But recent downbeat readings on consumer price inflation and signs of softer wage growth have kept the bank's hawks on the sidelines, investors said.</p>
<p>In their policy statement Thursday, BOE rate setters said sterling's depreciation, along with a stronger global economy, could still boost British exports.</p>
<p>But many economists are skeptical that Britain can count on an export boost from the weaker pound to shore up the economy as the country prepares to leave the EU.</p>
<p>After the pound's post-Brexit tumble, quarterly export volumes of goods rose by about GBP10 billion ($13.22 billion), but imports increased by roughly GBP12 billion, widening the U.K's trade deficit. Research by bodies such as the International Monetary Fund have found that weaker currencies don't help exporters as much as they once did, because goods sold abroad are increasingly produced using imports.</p>
<p>Those imports became more expensive when sterling plummeted, driving inflation to hit 2.9% in May, putting a squeeze on consumers.</p>
<p>Still, there may be early signs that could be turning round.</p>
<p>Surveys of purchasing managers said that foreign demand rose in July at the second-fastest pace in recorded history, beaten only by April of 2010. In a survey released Wednesday by the Confederation of British Industry, U.K. small and midsize firms reported the strongest export order growth in the three months to July since April 2011. Meanwhile, the effect of imports on prices seems to have mostly run its course, analysts say, with inflation easing back to 2.6% in June.</p>
<p>Since April, sterling has lost more than 6% of its value against the euro. This is more important than sterling's exchange rate against the dollar, because the U.K. exports 43% of its goods to the eurozone, its No. 1 market.</p>
<p>"Firms are clearly in an exporting sweet spot, able to exploit the competitiveness gains from a low exchange rate and a firm global backdrop," said CBI economist Alpesh Paleja.</p>
<p>Still, Mr. Paleja also believes that the boost from a lower exchange rate will fade over time.</p>
<p>--Jason Douglas and Paul Hannon contributed to this article.</p>
<p>Write to Riva Gold at [email protected] and Jon Sindreu at [email protected]</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>August 03, 2017 12:13 ET (16:13 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | pound gilt yields fell thursday investors rowed back expectations bank england raise interest rates coming months interrupting sterlings recent rally renewing focus britains currency effects economy pound fell 07 13132 reaching highest level dollar since september london morning trading decline pushed sterling lowest level euro since november eur11050 continue reading britains central bank lowered growth forecasts next year held benchmark interest rate steady 025 thursday move two policy makers dissented rather three analysts expected investors looking clearer sign boe join growing chorus global central bankers moving toward end era easy money thursday czech national bank raised key policy rate first time nearly decade 005 025 sending countrys currency higher higher interest rates tend attract money looking higher yield boosting local currency think steadyasshegoes bank said alan wilson investment manager state street global advisors market see line brexit result economic weakness said since britain voted leave european union june last year sterling dropped around 12 us dollar adding pressure pound boe downgraded forecasts growth 17 2017 weaker pace 19 forecast may also cut forecast growth 2018 16 17 advertisement uks ftse 100 equity index heavily made exporters climbed 09 thursday pound fell index generates 33 revenues uk according factset companies tend benefit translate earnings back weaker currency ftse 250 index domestically focused companies rose 04 yields 10year uk gilts closed 1154 1240 ahead boe decision indicating rise prices market moves came even bank england gov mark carney signaled news conference interest rates may rise faster pace investors currently expect investors appeared unconvinced wednesday derivatives called overnight index swaps suggested investors expected boes first interestrate rise happen december next year following boes meeting thursday derivatives implied expect happen may 2019 expectations grown earlier summer boe would raise interest rates coming months three officials broke ranks june argue immediate quarterpoint increase tame quickening inflation recent downbeat readings consumer price inflation signs softer wage growth kept banks hawks sidelines investors said policy statement thursday boe rate setters said sterlings depreciation along stronger global economy could still boost british exports many economists skeptical britain count export boost weaker pound shore economy country prepares leave eu pounds postbrexit tumble quarterly export volumes goods rose gbp10 billion 1322 billion imports increased roughly gbp12 billion widening uks trade deficit research bodies international monetary fund found weaker currencies dont help exporters much goods sold abroad increasingly produced using imports imports became expensive sterling plummeted driving inflation hit 29 may putting squeeze consumers still may early signs could turning round surveys purchasing managers said foreign demand rose july secondfastest pace recorded history beaten april 2010 survey released wednesday confederation british industry uk small midsize firms reported strongest export order growth three months july since april 2011 meanwhile effect imports prices seems mostly run course analysts say inflation easing back 26 june since april sterling lost 6 value euro important sterlings exchange rate dollar uk exports 43 goods eurozone 1 market firms clearly exporting sweet spot able exploit competitiveness gains low exchange rate firm global backdrop said cbi economist alpesh paleja still mr paleja also believes boost lower exchange rate fade time jason douglas paul hannon contributed article write riva gold rivagoldwsjcom jon sindreu jonsindreuwsjcom end dow jones newswires august 03 2017 1213 et 1613 gmt | 535 |
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<p>Warren Buffett is noted for saying, "It's far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price," to which we might add, it's even better to buy wonderful companies at wonderful prices.</p>
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<p>We've tasked three Motley Fool contributors to come up with just that: three great companies that are on sale, that you can buy today. Let's find out why Dollar General (NYSE: DG), Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: VRTX), and Under Armour (NYSE: UA)(NYSE: UAA) fit the bill.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fool.com/about/staff/RichDuprey/author.htm?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Rich Duprey Opens a New Window.</a> (Dollar General): While the deep-discount end of the retail market is competitive, the segment is also attractive because its low price points make it fairly impervious to the ups and downs of the economy. And among companies in the sector, Dollar General seems to be the most promising.</p>
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<p>Dollar General plans to open 1,000 stores this year and remodel another 900. That forms the basis for its assumption that it can grow square footage at 6% to 8% a year, helped along by same-store sales growth between 2% to 4% annually. The combination of the two ought to help Dollar General grow annual sales in the range of 7% to 10% and earnings-per-share growth in the range of 10% to 15%.</p>
<p>This is ambitious, but the dollar-store chain has a solid financial footing from which to accomplish its objectives. Moreover, it will also be able to buy back its stock and pay dividends to boot. Currently, Dollar General's payout of $1.04 per year yields 1.5%, which won't burn up any charts, but it will provide a consistent return to shareholders. With its stock trading nearly 30% below its 52-week high, Dollar General looks like a great opportunity at a great price.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p><a href="https://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFishBiz/info.aspx" type="external">Keith Speights Opens a New Window.</a>(Vertex Pharmaceuticals): Last year was something of a disappointment for Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Higher-than-expected patient discontinuation rates of cystic fibrosis drug Orkambi rattled investors, as did lower-than-expected patient compliance rates. In addition, the biotech had to cancel a late-stage clinical study after its experimental drug combo proved ineffective.</p>
<p>Vertex seems to have put the past behind it now, though. The biotech is enjoying a great year in 2017 so far, with shares soaring in the ballpark of 50%.</p>
<p>Much of the newfound excitement stems from Vertex's recent announcement of positive results for a combination of Kaledyco andtezacaftor in treating cystic fibrosis in two different late-stage studies. In both studies, patients taking the experimental drug combo experienced significantly improved lung function. The combination therapy was also generally well tolerated in both studies.</p>
<p>The aspect of the two studies that particularly pleased investors was that the patient discontinuation rates were low, and even similar to the discontinuation rates of the placebo groups. This is key for Vertex in light of the problems experienced thus far with relatively high discontinuation rates for Orkambi.Vertex plans to file for regulatory approval in the U.S. and Europe for the Kalydeco/tezacaftor combo.</p>
<p>Analysts expect the biotech should be able to grow earnings by nearly 70% annually over the next several years with Orkambi, Kalydeco, and the new combination therapy on the market. Although Vertex's stock currently trades at 35 times expected earnings, the sizzling growth the company should enjoy make this stock a bargain. But at the rate Vertex's shares are rising, it probably won't be a bargain for too much longer.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fool.com/about/staff/RichSmith/author.htm?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Rich Smith Opens a New Window.</a> <a type="external" href="">(Under Armour):</a>Today I'm going to break with a long tradition of bashing Under Armour (NYSE: UA) (NYSE: UAA) stock as <a type="external" href="">overpriced and overhyped</a>. Instead, I'll suggest that this stock, now selling for less than half of its retail price of just one year ago, may be on sale -- and that maybe it's time to consider buying it.</p>
<p>This reversal of opinion does not come easy to me. I'm a creature of habit, and just plain used to thinking of Under Armour as an overpriced stock not deserving of further attention. But consider the following facts.</p>
<p>Last April, Under Armour stock was selling for nearly $47 a share. Today, it costs just 42% of that price -- nearly a 60% discount off of the "rack" price. And yet, Under Armour remains a terrific growth story, having increased earnings in every year (but one) over the past 15 years. And even in that one year (2008, the year of the financial crisis), Under Armour grew its revenues, even if profits did not rise in tandem.</p>
<p>So, if that's true, why is Under Armour on sale today? Basically, because it committed the twin cardinal sins of (1) "missing" on earningslast quarter and (2) guiding investorsto less profit this year than they had been expecting. As a result of this, Under Armour stock now sells for just 32.5 times trailing earnings -- a level of valuation we have not seen since 2010.</p>
<p>Does Under Armour deserve to sell this cheaply? Does one year's (relatively) poor performance mean the stock will remain forever in the discount bin? Not necessarily. While 2017 growth looks tepid, CEO Kevin Plank has promised investors that he will return Under Armour to 20% growth in the future.</p>
<p>Now, I personally have never understood investors' willingness to pay P/Es far in excess of 20 times earnings for 20%-ish growth rates at Under Armour. But historically, investors have proven more than willing to pay exceedingly high prices when Under Armour delivers those kinds of growth rates. If you believe the CEO can deliver on his promise, then you have to believe that Under Armour stock is on sale today -- and that it will sell for much higher prices as soon as its sales growth returns.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Vertex PharmaceuticalsWhen 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=5261a12c-aa06-4fba-b770-65583400ad29&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 Vertex Pharmaceuticals 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=5261a12c-aa06-4fba-b770-65583400ad29&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><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFCop/info.aspx" type="external">Rich Duprey Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Under Armour (A and C shares). The Motley Fool recommends Vertex Pharmaceuticals. 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 | warren buffett noted saying far better buy wonderful company fair price fair company wonderful price might add even better buy wonderful companies wonderful prices continue reading weve tasked three motley fool contributors come three great companies sale buy today lets find dollar general nyse dg vertex pharmaceuticals nasdaq vrtx armour nyse uanyse uaa fit bill image source getty images rich duprey opens new window dollar general deepdiscount end retail market competitive segment also attractive low price points make fairly impervious ups downs economy among companies sector dollar general seems promising advertisement dollar general plans open 1000 stores year remodel another 900 forms basis assumption grow square footage 6 8 year helped along samestore sales growth 2 4 annually combination two ought help dollar general grow annual sales range 7 10 earningspershare growth range 10 15 ambitious dollarstore chain solid financial footing accomplish objectives moreover also able buy back stock pay dividends boot currently dollar generals payout 104 per year yields 15 wont burn charts provide consistent return shareholders stock trading nearly 30 52week high dollar general looks like great opportunity great price image source getty images keith speights opens new windowvertex pharmaceuticals last year something disappointment vertex pharmaceuticals higherthanexpected patient discontinuation rates cystic fibrosis drug orkambi rattled investors lowerthanexpected patient compliance rates addition biotech cancel latestage clinical study experimental drug combo proved ineffective vertex seems put past behind though biotech enjoying great year 2017 far shares soaring ballpark 50 much newfound excitement stems vertexs recent announcement positive results combination kaledyco andtezacaftor treating cystic fibrosis two different latestage studies studies patients taking experimental drug combo experienced significantly improved lung function combination therapy also generally well tolerated studies aspect two studies particularly pleased investors patient discontinuation rates low even similar discontinuation rates placebo groups key vertex light problems experienced thus far relatively high discontinuation rates orkambivertex plans file regulatory approval us europe kalydecotezacaftor combo analysts expect biotech able grow earnings nearly 70 annually next several years orkambi kalydeco new combination therapy market although vertexs stock currently trades 35 times expected earnings sizzling growth company enjoy make stock bargain rate vertexs shares rising probably wont bargain much longer image source getty images rich smith opens new window armourtoday im going break long tradition bashing armour nyse ua nyse uaa stock overpriced overhyped instead ill suggest stock selling less half retail price one year ago may sale maybe time consider buying reversal opinion come easy im creature habit plain used thinking armour overpriced stock deserving attention consider following facts last april armour stock selling nearly 47 share today costs 42 price nearly 60 discount rack price yet armour remains terrific growth story increased earnings every year one past 15 years even one year 2008 year financial crisis armour grew revenues even profits rise tandem thats true armour sale today basically committed twin cardinal sins 1 missing earningslast quarter 2 guiding investorsto less profit year expecting result armour stock sells 325 times trailing earnings level valuation seen since 2010 armour deserve sell cheaply one years relatively poor performance mean stock remain forever discount bin necessarily 2017 growth looks tepid ceo kevin plank promised investors return armour 20 growth future personally never understood investors willingness pay pes far excess 20 times earnings 20ish growth rates armour historically investors proven willing pay exceedingly high prices armour delivers kinds growth rates believe ceo deliver promise believe armour stock sale today sell much higher prices soon sales growth returns 10 stocks like better vertex pharmaceuticalswhen 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 vertex pharmaceuticals wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns april 3 2017 rich duprey opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends armour c shares motley fool recommends vertex pharmaceuticals motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 660 |
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<p>The Federal Open Market Committee met to set the federal funds rate, a key interest rate. Here are 10 takeaways about what Chairman Ben Bernanke said Wednesday at the Fed's press conference.</p>
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<p>Bernanke said because the Fed's monetary policy actually lowers the amount that <a href="http://www.bankrate.com/rates/safe-sound/bank-ratings-search.aspx" type="external">banks Opens a New Window.</a> can make by buying foolproof investments such as Treasuries, it pushes banks to look elsewhere for places to put their cash.</p>
<p>"Low rates should make it even more attractive to banks to look for borrowers and to earn the spread between the safer rate and what they can earn lending to households and businesses," he said.</p>
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<p>"Europe has had additional problems, and we've seen some of those effects in financial markets," he said.</p>
<p>But while reiterating some of the steps they had taken to help European banking authorities, including giving them the ability to freely swap euros for American dollars should the need arise, Bernanke stressed that European banks had to take the lead in resolving the crisis.</p>
<p>"We are hopeful that Europe will take additional steps," he said. "But we are prepared in case things get worse to protect the U.S. economy and the U.S. financial system."</p>
<p>The so-called fiscal cliff is a massive decrease in government spending brought on by the government's automatic spending cuts, coupled with a massive tax increase from the automatic January 2013 expiration of the tax cuts passed during the Bush administration and renewed in 2010.</p>
<p>Bernanke said that if Congress fails to act and the combination of tax increases and spending cuts goes into effect, it could have a big impact on the U.S. economy. In fact, the prospect already is casting a shadow on government contractors, who aren't sure whether some contracts will be renewed and are making employment decisions based on that.</p>
<p>"As we move forward in the year, we do anticipate that the uncertainty with the so-called fiscal cliff will have economic effects," he said. "Financial markets don't like uncertainty, particularly uncertainty of this magnitude, and that will be a negative."</p>
<p>Bernanke encouraged Congress to resolve the issue before the fiscal drop-off, and encouraged lawmakers to do more to fix the economy. "We welcome help and support from any other part of the government," he said.</p>
<p>"Housing often plays a very important role in economic recovery through both construction and related industries, but also because higher house prices increase consumer wealth and promote consumer spending," he said.</p>
<p>The problem is, while the housing market is getting better, it's still improving not fast enough, and that's contributed to the sluggishness of the economic recovery, he said.</p>
<p>"We're not getting the size of the boost that we would normally be getting," Bernanke said.</p>
<p>"The maturity extension program is a substantive step, and additional asset purchases will be considered if we need to take additional measures to strengthen the economy," Bernanke said in the press conference.</p>
<p>Then, he repeated himself later in the briefing. "Again we did take a substantive step by extending (the) maturity program. We're prepared to do more. We need more information about where the economy is going and what is happening in Europe," Bernanke said.</p>
<p>"Each program has costs and risks, with respect to market forces and (the) exit process, and should not be launched lightly," Bernanke said. "In terms of the costs, I would list briefly: large asset purchases increase (the) size of (the) balance sheet and make exiting an extended process."</p>
<p>As well, if the Fed holds overly large shares of one type of security, "it may affect market functioning," he said.</p>
<p>But there is more that the Fed can do -- and they will do it."We do have considerable scope to do more and will stand by to do more, and looking primarily at the labor market in this respect. If we're not seeing sustained improvement, it will require further actions," Bernanke said. "Maturity extension. We have taken that as far as we can. So (we) would have to take other steps to add stimulus to the economy."</p>
<p>"Compensation would not incentivize managers to take proprietary positions," Bernanke said. "The control and governance aspects of it might have potentially changed the outcome."</p>
<p>"Access to credit is a major issue. Mortgage access is much tighter than it has been, and credit card access is more restricted than it has been in the past, which mutes the effectiveness of the Fed's actions.</p>
<p>"But many Americans are able to take advantage of lower interest rates … There has been an impact through lower interest rates, but more broadly, there are indirect effects. If a firm has a low cost of capital, (it) can borrow, expand to add products and (is) more likely to hire. The extent to which payrolls have increased in the last few years is disappointing. There has been hiring and some comes from Federal Reserve policy on spending and investment. It promotes hiring and demand for products that people are producing," Bernanke said.</p>
<p>"Incoming data were somewhat disappointing, but it is not entirely clear how to read them. Europe has additional problems, and there is some case to be made for making additional judgments about where the economy is going," Bernanke said.</p>
<p>"Unemployment is still too high, but it is going down -- too slowly, but it is going down. Our sense is that people are finding jobs but not at the rate we would like to see. If we don't see continued improvement, we will be prepared to take additional steps," he said.</p>
<p>"Interest rates are quite low and are being pushed down by safe-haven flows and other factors, but we can lower interest rates more. Operation Twist and other asset purchases work through other channels. In particular, by acquiring securities in the market and bringing them onto the Fed balance sheet, we essentially induce investors to move into substantive securities," Bernanke said.</p>
<p>"For example, an investor who sells a security to the Fed may end up buying a corporate bond instead, and the effect will be to lower corporate bond rates and corporate spreads. Or, a bank having sold a Treasury security may decide to make a loan. It's not just the effect on long-term interest rates, but it feeds through other interest rates and other spreads," he said.</p> | true | 0 | federal open market committee met set federal funds rate key interest rate 10 takeaways chairman ben bernanke said wednesday feds press conference continue reading bernanke said feds monetary policy actually lowers amount banks opens new window make buying foolproof investments treasuries pushes banks look elsewhere places put cash low rates make even attractive banks look borrowers earn spread safer rate earn lending households businesses said advertisement europe additional problems weve seen effects financial markets said reiterating steps taken help european banking authorities including giving ability freely swap euros american dollars need arise bernanke stressed european banks take lead resolving crisis hopeful europe take additional steps said prepared case things get worse protect us economy us financial system socalled fiscal cliff massive decrease government spending brought governments automatic spending cuts coupled massive tax increase automatic january 2013 expiration tax cuts passed bush administration renewed 2010 bernanke said congress fails act combination tax increases spending cuts goes effect could big impact us economy fact prospect already casting shadow government contractors arent sure whether contracts renewed making employment decisions based move forward year anticipate uncertainty socalled fiscal cliff economic effects said financial markets dont like uncertainty particularly uncertainty magnitude negative bernanke encouraged congress resolve issue fiscal dropoff encouraged lawmakers fix economy welcome help support part government said housing often plays important role economic recovery construction related industries also higher house prices increase consumer wealth promote consumer spending said problem housing market getting better still improving fast enough thats contributed sluggishness economic recovery said getting size boost would normally getting bernanke said maturity extension program substantive step additional asset purchases considered need take additional measures strengthen economy bernanke said press conference repeated later briefing take substantive step extending maturity program prepared need information economy going happening europe bernanke said program costs risks respect market forces exit process launched lightly bernanke said terms costs would list briefly large asset purchases increase size balance sheet make exiting extended process well fed holds overly large shares one type security may affect market functioning said fed itwe considerable scope stand looking primarily labor market respect seeing sustained improvement require actions bernanke said maturity extension taken far would take steps add stimulus economy compensation would incentivize managers take proprietary positions bernanke said control governance aspects might potentially changed outcome access credit major issue mortgage access much tighter credit card access restricted past mutes effectiveness feds actions many americans able take advantage lower interest rates impact lower interest rates broadly indirect effects firm low cost capital borrow expand add products likely hire extent payrolls increased last years disappointing hiring comes federal reserve policy spending investment promotes hiring demand products people producing bernanke said incoming data somewhat disappointing entirely clear read europe additional problems case made making additional judgments economy going bernanke said unemployment still high going slowly going sense people finding jobs rate would like see dont see continued improvement prepared take additional steps said interest rates quite low pushed safehaven flows factors lower interest rates operation twist asset purchases work channels particular acquiring securities market bringing onto fed balance sheet essentially induce investors move substantive securities bernanke said example investor sells security fed may end buying corporate bond instead effect lower corporate bond rates corporate spreads bank sold treasury security may decide make loan effect longterm interest rates feeds interest rates spreads said | 554 |
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<p>Allergan Plc CEO Brent Saunders calls them "stepping stones" - small, bolt-on acquisitions, as opposed to the mega-deals common in the drug industry. And they're expected to boost dealmaking in sectors ranging from neurology to skin care.</p>
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<p>Allergan's agreement on Tuesday to acquire liver drug developer Tobira Therapeutics Inc for $1.7 billion may seem trivial compared to the proposed $160 billion deal Allergan crafted last year to sell itself to Pfizer Inc .</p>
<p>But that deal was torpedoed in April by the U.S. Treasury's latest curbs on tax inversions. Now the company, domiciled in Ireland, is taking a new tack, preparing to spend a war chest of more than $20 billion on stepping-stone deals.</p>
<p>The small deals are aimed at filling gaps in its core therapeutic areas, which range from the central nervous system and gastrointestinal diseases, to dermatology and eye care.</p>
<p>Allergan has added four other small companies to its portfolio this year, three of which sold for less than $100 million upfront, plus performance payments. Two, ForSight Vision and Retrosense Therapeutics, treat eye disorders. The others, Topokine Therapeutics and Vitae Pharmaceuticals Inc. , focus on dermatology.</p>
<p>Allergan agreed to acquire Vitae last week for $639 million.</p>
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<p>The fact that Allergan is paying top dollar for some of these companies - including a nearly 600 percent premium for Tobira, excluding performance payments - has investors and dealmakers speculating about the company's next stepping stone.</p>
<p>Logical acquisition targets for Allergan would include Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc , a maker of treatments for Parkinson���s disease; Intra-Cellular Therapies Inc , a developer of psychiatric medications; Neurocrine Biosciences Inc , which focuses on neurology and women���s health; and Dermira Inc , a dermatology company, according to investment bankers and industry investors.</p>
<p>In an interview with Reuters, Saunders declined to comment on any specific companies that Allergan may want to acquire next. But he said that stepping stones will play a key role in helping the company continue to meet its ambitious annual revenue growth target of 10 percent for years to come.</p>
<p>"I needed to do big deals to get where we are, but the strategic vision was always to get to a point where we could use stepping stones," Saunders said.</p>
<p>Allergan has relied heavily on M&amp;A because it views inventing its own drugs in-house as too risky. Saunders, 46, has attempted or executed mergers and acquisitions totaling more than $300 billion in the last three years.</p>
<p>Allergan now has the money to embark on a major acquisition spree thanks to the sale of its generic drug portfolio to Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd . Allergan received $33.4 billion in cash and $5.1 billion in Teva stock last month as a result of that deal.</p>
<p>While Allergan has pledged to spend some of those dollars on share buybacks, it will still have cash reserves of more than $20 billion it can spend on deals.</p>
<p>Allergan wants to build out its central nervous system franchise, which is one of the largest in the industry and treats diseases including Alzheimer's, depression, migraines and schizophrenia, Saunders said.</p>
<p>He added that he would like to branch out into other types of neurological treatments, including multiple sclerosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Parkinson's disease.</p>
<p>One of Allergan's successful endeavors in the central nervous system space, its Namenda Alzheimer's franchise, took a hit over the past year after one of its key drugs, Namenda IR, lost patent protection. Namenda IR generated more than $500 million in 2015.</p>
<p>Allergan is hoping that a ramp-up of its newly commercialized anti-psychotic drug, Vraylar, can help offset that decline.</p>
<p>BOTOX AS A GATEWAY DRUG</p>
<p>Saunders said he also is optimistic about opportunities in dermatology and eye care, adding that he would be open to a medium-sized deal to build out its opthalmic products.</p>
<p>In dermatology, Allergan has the world's biggest franchise by sales, largely due to its flagship drug, Botox, for wrinkle-smoothing.</p>
<p>Last year, in a stepping-stone acquisition, Allergan bought a publicly traded dermatology company called Kythera for $2.1 billion, and it has been ramping up sales of its key drug, Kybella, which treats double chins.</p>
<p>"There's definitely potential for more deals like that in dermatology," said Randall Stanicky, an analyst at RBC Capital Markets. "Botox is a gateway product into the entire world of aesthetics."</p>
<p>In the interview, Saunders left open the possibility of a transformative acquisition or merger for Allergan, which has a market capitalization of $95 billion.</p>
<p>He said a company with a cutting-edge treatment that reversed Alzheimer's was an example of the type of big deal Allergan would consider making.</p>
<p>Biogen Inc and Eli Lilly and Co both have late stage drugs that promise to reverse the effects of the degenerative neurological disease. Biogen and Eli Lilly have market capitalizations of $65 billion and $86 billion, respectively.</p>
<p>Reuters reported in August that Allergan had held informal conversations with some members of Biogen's board before deciding against any acquisition offer.</p>
<p>(Reporting by Carl O'Donnell in New York; Editing by Greg Roumeliotis and Brian Thevenot)</p> | true | 0 | allergan plc ceo brent saunders calls stepping stones small bolton acquisitions opposed megadeals common drug industry theyre expected boost dealmaking sectors ranging neurology skin care continue reading allergans agreement tuesday acquire liver drug developer tobira therapeutics inc 17 billion may seem trivial compared proposed 160 billion deal allergan crafted last year sell pfizer inc deal torpedoed april us treasurys latest curbs tax inversions company domiciled ireland taking new tack preparing spend war chest 20 billion steppingstone deals small deals aimed filling gaps core therapeutic areas range central nervous system gastrointestinal diseases dermatology eye care allergan added four small companies portfolio year three sold less 100 million upfront plus performance payments two forsight vision retrosense therapeutics treat eye disorders others topokine therapeutics vitae pharmaceuticals inc focus dermatology allergan agreed acquire vitae last week 639 million advertisement fact allergan paying top dollar companies including nearly 600 percent premium tobira excluding performance payments investors dealmakers speculating companys next stepping stone logical acquisition targets allergan would include acadia pharmaceuticals inc maker treatments parkinsons disease intracellular therapies inc developer psychiatric medications neurocrine biosciences inc focuses neurology womens health dermira inc dermatology company according investment bankers industry investors interview reuters saunders declined comment specific companies allergan may want acquire next said stepping stones play key role helping company continue meet ambitious annual revenue growth target 10 percent years come needed big deals get strategic vision always get point could use stepping stones saunders said allergan relied heavily mampa views inventing drugs inhouse risky saunders 46 attempted executed mergers acquisitions totaling 300 billion last three years allergan money embark major acquisition spree thanks sale generic drug portfolio teva pharmaceutical industries ltd allergan received 334 billion cash 51 billion teva stock last month result deal allergan pledged spend dollars share buybacks still cash reserves 20 billion spend deals allergan wants build central nervous system franchise one largest industry treats diseases including alzheimers depression migraines schizophrenia saunders said added would like branch types neurological treatments including multiple sclerosis attention deficit hyperactivity disorder parkinsons disease one allergans successful endeavors central nervous system space namenda alzheimers franchise took hit past year one key drugs namenda ir lost patent protection namenda ir generated 500 million 2015 allergan hoping rampup newly commercialized antipsychotic drug vraylar help offset decline botox gateway drug saunders said also optimistic opportunities dermatology eye care adding would open mediumsized deal build opthalmic products dermatology allergan worlds biggest franchise sales largely due flagship drug botox wrinklesmoothing last year steppingstone acquisition allergan bought publicly traded dermatology company called kythera 21 billion ramping sales key drug kybella treats double chins theres definitely potential deals like dermatology said randall stanicky analyst rbc capital markets botox gateway product entire world aesthetics interview saunders left open possibility transformative acquisition merger allergan market capitalization 95 billion said company cuttingedge treatment reversed alzheimers example type big deal allergan would consider making biogen inc eli lilly co late stage drugs promise reverse effects degenerative neurological disease biogen eli lilly market capitalizations 65 billion 86 billion respectively reuters reported august allergan held informal conversations members biogens board deciding acquisition offer reporting carl odonnell new york editing greg roumeliotis brian thevenot | 521 |
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<p>Even though large-cap dividend stocks can be downright boring to own at times, this group as a whole has produced far better returns on capital compared to their more exciting counterparts -- growth stocks -- in a historical context. The long and short of it is that dividends help to smooth out the rough times when the market decides to take an unexpected turn southward.</p>
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<p>Armed with this insight, we asked three of our contributors which dividend stocks they think epitomize the tried-and-true "boring is beautiful" investing strategy. They suggested Pfizer (NYSE: PFE),Enterprise Products Partners (NYSE: EPD), andMacy's (NYSE: M). Here's why.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p><a href="https://my.fool.com/profile/TMFGBudwell/info.aspx" type="external">George Budwell Opens a New Window.</a>(Pfizer): Over the past five years, Pfizer's shares have performed admirably, but have lagged well behind the high-flying biopharmaceutical industry as a whole.</p>
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<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/PFE" type="external">PFE</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Part of the problem has been the company's inability to churn out enough new blockbuster products like the breast cancer drug Ibrance to offset the parade of drugs that include former top sellers such as Celebrex and Lipitor that have been going off-patent in recent years. In addition, the drugmaker has arguably been a follower, and not a leader, in several emerging therapeutics areas such as immuno-oncology that have caused the valuations of many companies to swell of late.</p>
<p>Despite these headwinds, however, the company's remarkable history of paying a dividend for 313 consecutive quarters has still helped its shares outperform the broader markets in terms of total return on capital over this time period. In fact, Pfizer's total return on capital to shareholders over just the last quarter-century is close to a whopping 500% -- proving that its somewhat boring approach to creating value for shareholders is truly a thing of beauty.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/PFE/total_return_price" type="external">PFE Total Return Price</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p>
<p>The most intriguing part of Pfizer's story, though, is arguably yet to come. With a sizable war chest to execute game-changing deals and a political climate that may reinvigorate so-called "tax inversions,"this drugmaker is poised to continue to produce above-average gains for its shareholders for the long haul.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFmd19/info.aspx" type="external">Matt DiLallo Opens a New Window.</a>(Enterprise Products Partners):Pipeline and processing company Enterprise Products Partners isn't the most exciting company you'll ever come across. Its bread-and-butter business is operating pipelines that act like toll booths and processing plants that provide a fee for service. However, these assets generate very consistent cash flow, the bulk of which it distributes back to investors each quarter. Enterprise currently yields 6% and has increased the payout to investors 60 times since going public in 1998, including the past 51 consecutive quarters.</p>
<p>That streak isn't likely to end anytime soon. That's because the company has $8.4 billion of primarily fee-based growth projects under construction that should enter service through the end of the decade. That's up from $5.3 billion in projects at the start of the year thanks to several recent additions to the backlog. Meanwhile, it has more projects under development, which should keep it growing for the next several years.</p>
<p>In addition to clearly visible growth, Enterprise has a rock-solid financial foundation. Not only does the company generate very consistent cash flow since 92% comes from stable fees, but it retains a portion of it (usually around 20%) to finance growth projects. It combines that cash with a healthy balance of debt and equity to fund growth, which has kept its leverage ratio toward the low end of its peer group range. That's one reason why it has the highest credit rating among master limited partnerships.</p>
<p>Needless to say, Enterprise Products Partners isn't flashy, but the company has been a dividend growth machine over the years. Meanwhile, with a strong financial foundation and a clearly visible growth pipeline, it still has plenty left in the tank.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/tmfditty/info.aspx?source=iapsitlnk0000002" type="external">Rich Smith Opens a New Window.</a>(Macy's): Is there anything more boring than a department store? As a husband who's been dragged on his fair share of shopping trips to the mall, I'm inclined to answer "no." But here's the thing:As a head of household responsible for keeping track of the credit card bills and monitoring where my family's personal share of consumer spending flows into the American economy, I'm also beginning to wonder if Macy'sdepartment store is a stock that proves boring is beautiful.</p>
<p>Priced at just under $9 billion in market capitalization, Macy's is not a terribly expensive stock. Even factoring net debt of $5.6 billion into the equation, Macy's stock still sports an enterprise value under $15 billion. At the same time, Macy's generates annual free cash flow of $1.2 billion -- nearly twice its reported net income and enough cash to give the stock a temptingly low enterprise value-to-free cash flow ratio of just 12.2.</p>
<p>Examining Macy's stock from the perspective of a value investor, I believe that Macy's robust 5.1% dividend yield justifies nearly half the EV/FCF valuation on this stock. Meanwhile, analysts quoted on Yahoo! Finance and finviz.com both agree that Macy's is likely to grow its profits at an above average, 18% annual rate over the next five years. (Mind you, not all data aggregators agree on this point. In particular, I note that over on S&amp;P Global Market Intelligence, the growth estimate for Macy's is a disturbingly low 4%.)</p>
<p>That S&amp;P-posited growth rate, if it proves correct, would seriously dampen my enthusiasm for this stock. On the other hand, if the other sites prove right, and Macy's grows at 18% over the next five years (or indeed, anywhere near that fast), this stock could prove to be an incredible bargain -- and demonstrate for investors just how beautiful boring can be.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than PfizerWhen 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=a207383b-ea71-4689-9fa6-7581e3034f63&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 Pfizer wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/gbudwell/info.aspx" type="external">George Budwell Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Pfizer. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFmd19/info.aspx" type="external">Matt DiLallo</a> owns shares of Enterprise Products Partners. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFDitty/info.aspx" type="external">Rich Smith Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Enterprise Products 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 | even though largecap dividend stocks downright boring times group whole produced far better returns capital compared exciting counterparts growth stocks historical context long short dividends help smooth rough times market decides take unexpected turn southward continue reading armed insight asked three contributors dividend stocks think epitomize triedandtrue boring beautiful investing strategy suggested pfizer nyse pfeenterprise products partners nyse epd andmacys nyse heres image source getty images george budwell opens new windowpfizer past five years pfizers shares performed admirably lagged well behind highflying biopharmaceutical industry whole advertisement pfe data ycharts opens new window part problem companys inability churn enough new blockbuster products like breast cancer drug ibrance offset parade drugs include former top sellers celebrex lipitor going offpatent recent years addition drugmaker arguably follower leader several emerging therapeutics areas immunooncology caused valuations many companies swell late despite headwinds however companys remarkable history paying dividend 313 consecutive quarters still helped shares outperform broader markets terms total return capital time period fact pfizers total return capital shareholders last quartercentury close whopping 500 proving somewhat boring approach creating value shareholders truly thing beauty pfe total return price data ycharts intriguing part pfizers story though arguably yet come sizable war chest execute gamechanging deals political climate may reinvigorate socalled tax inversionsthis drugmaker poised continue produce aboveaverage gains shareholders long haul matt dilallo opens new windowenterprise products partnerspipeline processing company enterprise products partners isnt exciting company youll ever come across breadandbutter business operating pipelines act like toll booths processing plants provide fee service however assets generate consistent cash flow bulk distributes back investors quarter enterprise currently yields 6 increased payout investors 60 times since going public 1998 including past 51 consecutive quarters streak isnt likely end anytime soon thats company 84 billion primarily feebased growth projects construction enter service end decade thats 53 billion projects start year thanks several recent additions backlog meanwhile projects development keep growing next several years addition clearly visible growth enterprise rocksolid financial foundation company generate consistent cash flow since 92 comes stable fees retains portion usually around 20 finance growth projects combines cash healthy balance debt equity fund growth kept leverage ratio toward low end peer group range thats one reason highest credit rating among master limited partnerships needless say enterprise products partners isnt flashy company dividend growth machine years meanwhile strong financial foundation clearly visible growth pipeline still plenty left tank rich smith opens new windowmacys anything boring department store husband whos dragged fair share shopping trips mall im inclined answer heres thingas head household responsible keeping track credit card bills monitoring familys personal share consumer spending flows american economy im also beginning wonder macysdepartment store stock proves boring beautiful priced 9 billion market capitalization macys terribly expensive stock even factoring net debt 56 billion equation macys stock still sports enterprise value 15 billion time macys generates annual free cash flow 12 billion nearly twice reported net income enough cash give stock temptingly low enterprise valuetofree cash flow ratio 122 examining macys stock perspective value investor believe macys robust 51 dividend yield justifies nearly half evfcf valuation stock meanwhile analysts quoted yahoo finance finvizcom agree macys likely grow profits average 18 annual rate next five years mind data aggregators agree point particular note sampp global market intelligence growth estimate macys disturbingly low 4 samppposited growth rate proves correct would seriously dampen enthusiasm stock hand sites prove right macys grows 18 next five years indeed anywhere near fast stock could prove incredible bargain demonstrate investors beautiful boring 10 stocks like better pfizerwhen 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 pfizer wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns april 3 2017 george budwell opens new window owns shares pfizer matt dilallo owns shares enterprise products partners rich smith opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool recommends enterprise products partners motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 671 |
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<p>Thanks to the support of OPEC, oil prices were relatively stable in the low $50s for the first two months of the year. However, that changed last month, when crude slumped into the upper $40s on renewed oversupply concerns. That unexpected dive weighed on oil stocks, especially those that were relying on $50-plus oil to fuel their bullish drilling plans, which investors now fear might be tooaggressive. Among those stockshit the hardest were PDC Energy (NASDAQ: PDCE), Whiting Petroleum (NYSE: WLL), QEP Resources (NYSE: QEP), Carrizo Oil &amp; Gas (NASDAQ: CRZO), Sanchez Energy (NYSE: SN).</p>
<p>The plunging price of crude had the greatest impact on Sanchez Energy's stock, which slumped more than 20% last month. What spooked investors was that Sanchez recently spent more than $1 billion to bulk up on its Eagle Ford shale acreage. That deal positioned the company to achieve 10% compound annual production growth over the next three years, while also improving its financial metrics. However, Sanchez based those projections on higher oil prices, which might no longer be in the forecast. That had investors worrying that Sanchez might struggle if crude continued to slide.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
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<p>March was also a rough month for investors in Bakken Shale-focused Whiting Petroleum after the stock plunged nearly 17%. One factor weighing on the stock was that it unveiled a bold capex budget at the end of February, planning to double spending to drive a 23% increase in production by the end of the year. That said, the company based its budget on $55 oil, which appears to be overly optimistic. That's one reason analysts at UBS downgraded the stock last month from neutral to sell, citing the company's decision to outspend cash flow as a greater risk given that it has $1.5 billion in future debt maturities to address. These factors make it one of the most likely drillers to scale back its drilling plans if crude doesn't improve.</p>
<p>Carrizo Oil &amp; Gas is another shale driller that as an elevated leverage ratio, which puts its ambitious growth plan at risk should crude prices remain weak. Overall, the company is targeting 20% compound annual oil growth over the next three years. However, it needs higher oil prices to give it the cash flow to make that plan work. That said, analysts didn't share the market's worries last month as Williams Capital and Seaport Global both upgraded it to a buy, citing its recent sell-off as a buying opportunity. Both like its strong position in the Eagle Ford and see a potential catalyst in its Delaware Basin acreage, where Seaport believes it could make an acquisition to boost its growth prospects.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, analysts seemed to play a role in PDC Energy's slump last month. Both Tudor Pickering and UBS initiated coverage with a hold and neutral rating, respectively, while BMO Capital Markets reiterated its hold rating. Analysts seem concerned with the fact that PDC Energy plans to spend up to $775 million this year -- about $200 million more than projected cash flow -- on an aggressive plan to boost production by more than 40%. The concern is that if PDC Energy and its peers produce too much, it could cause oil prices to keep falling, which would lead to a larger outspend and weaken the company's credit metrics.</p>
<p>Analysts also weren't that enthusiastic about what lies ahead for QEP Resources. UBS, for example, initiated coverage at neutral, while Mizuho downgraded the stock from buy to neutral. Driving that downgrade was the view that the company's productivity in the Bakken was in decline, and that it had an uncertain outlook. In 2017, for example, the company will spend up to $1 billion in capital, allocating 60% of that budget to the Permian Basin, which will fuel 70% production growth in the region. That said, companywide output growth will only be about 5% at the mid-point, which is a much lower rate than rivals. Further, if crude remains low, QEP Resources might need to cut spending, which would affect growth.</p>
<p>The slump in oil prices last month sent shivers down the backs of investors and analysts alike. That's because a further deterioration in the oil market might force weaker shale drillers to scale back their ambitious growth plans so they don't cause more harm to their already-fragile balance sheets. It's a reminder that while these companies offer higher growth potential, they're also riskier because they need steadily improving oil prices to fuel their aggressive plans. Because of that, risk-adverse investors are better off looking elsewhere for shale-fueled growth.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Whiting PetroleumWhen 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=4362eca9-80c7-4be5-bba0-406424aa38c7&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 Whiting Petroleum 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/TMFmd19/info.aspx" type="external">Matt DiLallo 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 | continue reading thanks support opec oil prices relatively stable low 50s first two months year however changed last month crude slumped upper 40s renewed oversupply concerns unexpected dive weighed oil stocks especially relying 50plus oil fuel bullish drilling plans investors fear might tooaggressive among stockshit hardest pdc energy nasdaq pdce whiting petroleum nyse wll qep resources nyse qep carrizo oil amp gas nasdaq crzo sanchez energy nyse sn plunging price crude greatest impact sanchez energys stock slumped 20 last month spooked investors sanchez recently spent 1 billion bulk eagle ford shale acreage deal positioned company achieve 10 compound annual production growth next three years also improving financial metrics however sanchez based projections higher oil prices might longer forecast investors worrying sanchez might struggle crude continued slide image source getty images advertisement march also rough month investors bakken shalefocused whiting petroleum stock plunged nearly 17 one factor weighing stock unveiled bold capex budget end february planning double spending drive 23 increase production end year said company based budget 55 oil appears overly optimistic thats one reason analysts ubs downgraded stock last month neutral sell citing companys decision outspend cash flow greater risk given 15 billion future debt maturities address factors make one likely drillers scale back drilling plans crude doesnt improve carrizo oil amp gas another shale driller elevated leverage ratio puts ambitious growth plan risk crude prices remain weak overall company targeting 20 compound annual oil growth next three years however needs higher oil prices give cash flow make plan work said analysts didnt share markets worries last month williams capital seaport global upgraded buy citing recent selloff buying opportunity like strong position eagle ford see potential catalyst delaware basin acreage seaport believes could make acquisition boost growth prospects image source getty images meanwhile analysts seemed play role pdc energys slump last month tudor pickering ubs initiated coverage hold neutral rating respectively bmo capital markets reiterated hold rating analysts seem concerned fact pdc energy plans spend 775 million year 200 million projected cash flow aggressive plan boost production 40 concern pdc energy peers produce much could cause oil prices keep falling would lead larger outspend weaken companys credit metrics analysts also werent enthusiastic lies ahead qep resources ubs example initiated coverage neutral mizuho downgraded stock buy neutral driving downgrade view companys productivity bakken decline uncertain outlook 2017 example company spend 1 billion capital allocating 60 budget permian basin fuel 70 production growth region said companywide output growth 5 midpoint much lower rate rivals crude remains low qep resources might need cut spending would affect growth slump oil prices last month sent shivers backs investors analysts alike thats deterioration oil market might force weaker shale drillers scale back ambitious growth plans dont cause harm alreadyfragile balance sheets reminder companies offer higher growth potential theyre also riskier need steadily improving oil prices fuel aggressive plans riskadverse investors better looking elsewhere shalefueled growth 10 stocks like better whiting petroleumwhen 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 whiting petroleum wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns april 3 2017 matt dilallo opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 562 |
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<p>The number of homes listed for sale in the largest cities in the country has fallen 20% in the past year, according to a report released last week by Realtor.com. While the number of homes on the market has dropped around the country, the average number of days that listed homes have been on the market has remained the same: 107 days. 24/7 Wall St. has identified the 10 cities where homes are on the market for the longest time.</p>
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<p>When it comes to the housing crisis, <a href="" type="internal">foreclosures</a> and home prices often dominate the headlines. Other information, however, is just as important to a complete understanding of the crisis. Chief among these are the amount of time homes are on the market and whether the total inventory of available homes has changed. These are better indications of supply and demand than any other data.</p>
<p><a href="http://247wallst.com/2011/10/19/cities-where-homes-will-not-sell/" type="external">Read the story on 24/7 Wall St.&#160; Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>Wilmington, N.C., tops the list with houses remaining on the market for 164 days. That compares to a city in bad shape, like Detroit, where the number is only 65 days. Wilmington’s figure is not necessarily a bad sign. A city where listed homes have been on the market for a long period may be one where many home owners still believe there is a chance they can make a sale. Detroit’s figure is probably low because people are no longer listing their homes for sale due to a lengthy and depressed housing market.</p>
<p>The one figure that does, often, coincide closely with high number of days on market is foreclosures. In eight of the 10 cities where homes are on the market for the longest period, foreclosures were at or well above the national average. Clearly, people who must sell their homes keep them on the market as long as they can. Eventually, particularly in cities with many days on market, the ability of these home owners to pay their mortgage runs out.</p>
<p>Another reason that homes in many of these cities have been on the market for so long is that they are among those that had rapid population growth between 1990 and 2010. This caused a rapid expansion of inventory. The cities became overbuilt as the housing crisis began to drive up foreclosures, particularly among homes with subprime mortgages.</p>
<p>Notable among the cities that added large numbers of people are Tallahassee. The population of the Florida state capital rose over 20% from 1990 to 2000 and another 20% from 2000 to 2010, according to the Census Bureau. West Palm Beach grew even more rapidly over the same 20 years. Gainesville grew by 30% from 2000 to 2010. Florida, which has five cities on this list, has the second highest foreclosure rate of any state, trailing only Nevada, according to RealtyTrac. Florida’s population rose by approximately 30% each decade from 1970 through 2010.</p>
<p><a href="http://247wallst.com/2011/10/18/the-most-innovative-cities-in-america/" type="external">Read: The Most Innovative Cities in America Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>The most obvious sign that the housing market has begun to recover will be when prices begin to rise and foreclosures abate. There will be other signals. Days on market for homes may actually rise for some period nationwide. Home owners seeing a market recovery will put their homes on the market. As a consequence, inventory will rise. The real test of a recovery will be how quickly this increased inventory eventually will fall.</p>
<p>In order to identify the cities where homes stay on the market the longest, 24/7 looked at pricing and listing data provided by Realtor.com. For these cities, we identified whether the number of homes available increased or decreased, as well as how much prices have changed during that period. We also included most recent foreclosure rates provided by Realtytrac, and compared those to the national average.</p>
<p>These are the 10 U.S. cities where homes will not sell:</p>
<p>10. Tallahassee, Fla.&gt; Time on market: 137 days&gt; Change in # of listings: -20.32% (53rd largest)&gt; Median list price: $159,900 (104th highest)&gt; Foreclosure rate: 1 in every 747 homesThe number of homes on the market has decreased more than 20% in Tallahassee over the past year. Despite the drop in supply, home prices have only increased slightly, with the median list price increasing 3.5% in the same period. The city saw a huge spike in loan defaults recently. In August, defaults increased 81% from the month before. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, this is causing the foreclosure rate to increase.</p>
<p>9. West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Fla.&gt; Time on market: 138 days&gt; Change in # of listings: -26.47% (28th largest)&gt; Median list price: $209,500 (49th highest)&gt; Foreclosure rate: 1 in 238In September, the West Palm Beach region had more listings than all but a handful of major U.S. cities. However, that number is actually down more than 26% from a year ago. The median home listing price has shot up more than 10% since September 2010, the 11th greatest increase among the 146 cities reviewed in the report. According to Alex Ferreras of the Palm Beach Post, banks are cutting down significantly on the number of homes they foreclose in the region. In 2010, the foreclosure rate of 1 in 238 was one of the highest in the U.S.</p>
<p><a href="http://247wallst.com/2011/10/14/eight-brands-that-have-come-back-from-the-dead/" type="external">Read: Six Brands That Have Come Back From the Dead&#160; Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>8. Asheville, N.C.&gt; Time on market: 140 days&gt; Change in # of listings: -15.88% (77th largest)&gt; Median list price: $250,000 (29th highest)&gt; Foreclosure rate: 1 in every 3,907 homesAsheville is located in the Appalachian mountains and is regularly listed has a top vacation destination by travel magazines. The region has one of the highest median home list prices in the country, at $250,000. The Asheville region had an extremely low foreclosure rate of 1 in 3,907 last year compared to 1 in 605 in the U.S.</p>
<p>7. Punta Gorda, Fla.&gt; Time on market: 142 days&gt; Change in # of listings: -30.77% (17th largest)&gt; Median list price: $169,900 (87th highest)&gt; Foreclosure rate: 1 in every 366 homesPunta Gorda is one of several Florida cities where home values have fallen more than national average. According to housing experts, most of this is due to overbuilding before the housing market collapsed. Punta Gorda is located on Florida’s west coast between larger cities with significant housing problems — Tampa/St Petersburg and Naples. Home ownership in Punta Gorda is high, among the top ten cities in the U.S. This may be due to in part to the inability of people to sell their homes.</p>
<p>6. Savannah, Ga.&gt; Time on market: 147 days&gt; Change in # of listings: -35.66% (11th largest)&gt; Median list price: $199,900 (51st highest)&gt; Foreclosure rate: 1 in every 541 homesSavannah has seen one of the largest decreases in home listings in the country, with a drop of more than 35% in one year. Despite the drop in inventory, home prices declined by 5.19% over this same period. There are currently only 1,484 listings in the city. The median time on the market for these listings has fallen more than 50% in the past year. This is the greatest drop in the country.</p>
<p><a href="http://247wallst.com/2011/06/17/the-ten-states-that-restrict-personal-freedom-and-those-that-protect-it/" type="external">Read: The 10 States That Restrict Personal Freedom (And Those That Protect It) Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>5. Reading, Pa.&gt; Time on market: 147 days&gt; Change in # of listings: -11.95% (100th largest)&gt; Median list price: $184,900 (69th)&gt; Foreclosure rate: 1 in every 771 homesReading is in the old industrial section of Pennsylvania, which runs between Allentown and Harrisburg. The city has nearly 90,000 residents and is among the poorest cities in the U.S. median income for the city is only $28,098. Reading topped the list of cities with more than 65,000 people with the highest proportion of residents living in poverty, according to the <a href="" type="internal">New York Times</a>, a fact that will continue to hurt Reading’s housing market for the foreseeable future.</p>
<p>4. Gainesville, Fla.&gt; Time on market: 150 days&gt; Change in # of listings: -20.36% (53rd largest)&gt; Median list price: $164,900 (96th highest)&gt; Foreclosure rate: 1 in every 935 homesLike many cities in Florida, Gainesville has a large condo market. The Gainesville Sun reported that in August “condo sales were up 13 percent, with 51 sold in August.” That gain was almost certainly due to favorable prices. Condo median prices dropped 13% to $69,400 from $79,500, according to the paper. It may take years for the Gainseville real estate market to recover. It is inland from one of the hardest hit regions in the U.S. — Florida’s Atlantic coast, which includes cities where home prices are down more than the rest of the country.</p>
<p>3. Naples, Fla.&gt; Time on market: 156 days&gt; Change in # of listings: -37.83% (6th largest)&gt; Median list price: $369,000 (12th highest)&gt; Foreclosure rate: 1 in every 356 homesOne out of every 356 homes is foreclosed in Naples, Florida — nearly twice the national average. Last week, Republican Representative Kathleen Passidomo filed the Florida Fair Foreclosure Act. The bill is designed, she says, to streamline the foreclosure process. According to real estate attorney Kevin Jursinski, who was quoted on NBC-2, the problem with Naples foreclosures, is that “It’s the fact that we had an issue with so many foreclosures at one time that so swamped the system that it made it hard for the judges and it taxed the system quite a bit.” In the past year, the median home listing price has increased by more than 23%, the third biggest jump in the country.</p>
<p><a href="http://247wallst.com/2011/10/12/america%E2%80%99s-disappearing-restaurant-chains/" type="external">Read: America's Disappearing Restaurant Chains Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>2. Myrtle Beach, S.C.&gt; Time on market: 161 days&gt; Change in # of listings: -14.00% (91st largest)&gt; Median list price: $174,950 (82nd highest)&gt; Foreclosure rate: 1 in every 207 homesMyrtle Beach sits in Horry County, an area that has more than triple the number of houses for seasonal use than any other county in North Carolina, according to The Sun News. The areas with the highest vacancy rates are along the ocean, where there are many second homes. According to a Realtor quoted in the paper, foreclosures are more common in the oceanfront, vacation properties because homeowners who cannot afford the mortgage are more likely to give up a second home than their primary residence.</p>
<p>1. Wilmington, N.C.&gt; Time on market: 164 days&gt; Change in # of listings: -21.31% (48th largest)&gt; Median list price: $244,250 (36th highest)&gt; Foreclosure rate: 1 in every 4,504 homesDespite the fairly soft housing market, economists at University of North Carolina Wilmington predict that the local economy is set to recover. Three of Wilmington’s counties are forecast to grow 2.2% next year, ahead of the national forecast of 1.6%. As evidence, the median list price for a home in the city has increased 2.76% in the past year. Wilmington, like Asheville, has an exceptionally low foreclosure rate — just 1 in every 4,504 homes were foreclosed upon in September.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p> | true | 0 | number homes listed sale largest cities country fallen 20 past year according report released last week realtorcom number homes market dropped around country average number days listed homes market remained 107 days 247 wall st identified 10 cities homes market longest time continue reading comes housing crisis foreclosures home prices often dominate headlines information however important complete understanding crisis chief among amount time homes market whether total inventory available homes changed better indications supply demand data read story 247 wall st160 opens new window wilmington nc tops list houses remaining market 164 days compares city bad shape like detroit number 65 days wilmingtons figure necessarily bad sign city listed homes market long period may one many home owners still believe chance make sale detroits figure probably low people longer listing homes sale due lengthy depressed housing market one figure often coincide closely high number days market foreclosures eight 10 cities homes market longest period foreclosures well national average clearly people must sell homes keep market long eventually particularly cities many days market ability home owners pay mortgage runs another reason homes many cities market long among rapid population growth 1990 2010 caused rapid expansion inventory cities became overbuilt housing crisis began drive foreclosures particularly among homes subprime mortgages notable among cities added large numbers people tallahassee population florida state capital rose 20 1990 2000 another 20 2000 2010 according census bureau west palm beach grew even rapidly 20 years gainesville grew 30 2000 2010 florida five cities list second highest foreclosure rate state trailing nevada according realtytrac floridas population rose approximately 30 decade 1970 2010 read innovative cities america opens new window obvious sign housing market begun recover prices begin rise foreclosures abate signals days market homes may actually rise period nationwide home owners seeing market recovery put homes market consequence inventory rise real test recovery quickly increased inventory eventually fall order identify cities homes stay market longest 247 looked pricing listing data provided realtorcom cities identified whether number homes available increased decreased well much prices changed period also included recent foreclosure rates provided realtytrac compared national average 10 us cities homes sell 10 tallahassee flagt time market 137 daysgt change listings 2032 53rd largestgt median list price 159900 104th highestgt foreclosure rate 1 every 747 homesthe number homes market decreased 20 tallahassee past year despite drop supply home prices increased slightly median list price increasing 35 period city saw huge spike loan defaults recently august defaults increased 81 month according tallahassee democrat causing foreclosure rate increase 9 west palm beachboca raton flagt time market 138 daysgt change listings 2647 28th largestgt median list price 209500 49th highestgt foreclosure rate 1 238in september west palm beach region listings handful major us cities however number actually 26 year ago median home listing price shot 10 since september 2010 11th greatest increase among 146 cities reviewed report according alex ferreras palm beach post banks cutting significantly number homes foreclose region 2010 foreclosure rate 1 238 one highest us read six brands come back dead160 opens new window 8 asheville ncgt time market 140 daysgt change listings 1588 77th largestgt median list price 250000 29th highestgt foreclosure rate 1 every 3907 homesasheville located appalachian mountains regularly listed top vacation destination travel magazines region one highest median home list prices country 250000 asheville region extremely low foreclosure rate 1 3907 last year compared 1 605 us 7 punta gorda flagt time market 142 daysgt change listings 3077 17th largestgt median list price 169900 87th highestgt foreclosure rate 1 every 366 homespunta gorda one several florida cities home values fallen national average according housing experts due overbuilding housing market collapsed punta gorda located floridas west coast larger cities significant housing problems tampast petersburg naples home ownership punta gorda high among top ten cities us may due part inability people sell homes 6 savannah gagt time market 147 daysgt change listings 3566 11th largestgt median list price 199900 51st highestgt foreclosure rate 1 every 541 homessavannah seen one largest decreases home listings country drop 35 one year despite drop inventory home prices declined 519 period currently 1484 listings city median time market listings fallen 50 past year greatest drop country read 10 states restrict personal freedom protect opens new window 5 reading pagt time market 147 daysgt change listings 1195 100th largestgt median list price 184900 69thgt foreclosure rate 1 every 771 homesreading old industrial section pennsylvania runs allentown harrisburg city nearly 90000 residents among poorest cities us median income city 28098 reading topped list cities 65000 people highest proportion residents living poverty according new york times fact continue hurt readings housing market foreseeable future 4 gainesville flagt time market 150 daysgt change listings 2036 53rd largestgt median list price 164900 96th highestgt foreclosure rate 1 every 935 homeslike many cities florida gainesville large condo market gainesville sun reported august condo sales 13 percent 51 sold august gain almost certainly due favorable prices condo median prices dropped 13 69400 79500 according paper may take years gainseville real estate market recover inland one hardest hit regions us floridas atlantic coast includes cities home prices rest country 3 naples flagt time market 156 daysgt change listings 3783 6th largestgt median list price 369000 12th highestgt foreclosure rate 1 every 356 homesone every 356 homes foreclosed naples florida nearly twice national average last week republican representative kathleen passidomo filed florida fair foreclosure act bill designed says streamline foreclosure process according real estate attorney kevin jursinski quoted nbc2 problem naples foreclosures fact issue many foreclosures one time swamped system made hard judges taxed system quite bit past year median home listing price increased 23 third biggest jump country read americas disappearing restaurant chains opens new window 2 myrtle beach scgt time market 161 daysgt change listings 1400 91st largestgt median list price 174950 82nd highestgt foreclosure rate 1 every 207 homesmyrtle beach sits horry county area triple number houses seasonal use county north carolina according sun news areas highest vacancy rates along ocean many second homes according realtor quoted paper foreclosures common oceanfront vacation properties homeowners afford mortgage likely give second home primary residence 1 wilmington ncgt time market 164 daysgt change listings 2131 48th largestgt median list price 244250 36th highestgt foreclosure rate 1 every 4504 homesdespite fairly soft housing market economists university north carolina wilmington predict local economy set recover three wilmingtons counties forecast grow 22 next year ahead national forecast 16 evidence median list price home city increased 276 past year wilmington like asheville exceptionally low foreclosure rate 1 every 4504 homes foreclosed upon september advertisement | 1,089 |
<p>There are holes galore over the official narrative of the Las Vegas shooting; even police are starting to admit that a single gunman could not have been responsible for the plot. It’s way too sophisticated, far too many people died and were injured, while the motive hasn’t been determined thus far. Too much doesn’t add up. It seems like every day we are given more questions than answers as evidence begins to drip out. Now a cryptic note with numbers has been disclosed by authorities.</p>
<p>It has almost been a week since one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history but investigators, journalists, and armchair investigators are all left confused by what transpired in Las Vegas. There are so many theories, in fact, that YouTube has now tweaked its algorithm to protect you from questioning the official narrative, while regurgitating the mainstream media as an “authoritative source,” The Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/youtube-tweaks-its-search-results-after-rise-of-las-vegas-conspiracy-theories-1507219180" type="external">reported</a>.</p>
<p>“In response to criticism on social media of some search results this week, a person familiar with YouTube said the company is accelerating the rollout of planned changes to its search engine. On Wednesday night, the video service began promoting more authoritative sources in search results, especially pertaining to major news events, the person said. YouTube doesn’t disclose how it determines which sources are authoritative,” YouTube wrote in a statement.</p>
<p>The unthinkable, a shooting of a peaceful gathering for music interrupted by pelted gunfire which took the lives of 60 and injured hundreds of others. Perpetrated by the perfect criminal, a rich 64-year-old former accountant and real estate investor addicted to gambling who could afford 23 guns and <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4942856/Las-Vegas-gunman-SIXTEEN-guns-TEN-suitcases.html" type="external">thousands of rounds of ammunition</a> for all of those firearms.</p>
<p>The shooting reportedly lasted five to fifteen minutes, though estimates vary <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=4&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=0ahUKEwih8NeymNTWAhXK4SYKHRHIDP0QFgg4MAM&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonpost.com%2Fgraphics%2F2017%2Fnational%2Flas-vegas-shooting%2F&amp;usg=AOvVaw2vmjj5lD2DPCoTcUMgB_6i" type="external">according</a> to the Washington Post.</p>
<p>While that in itself raises questions such as if there are multiple guns why would authorities rule out a second, third or even possible fourth shooter before any formal investigation? Especially since earlier police audio indicated that there might be more than one shooter.</p>
<p />
<p>The story certainly doesn’t end there. Since the October 1st shooting new facts have emerged as the “official narrative” of the shooting takes shape that just leaves you scratching your head thinking wtf?</p>
<p>The gunman set up cameras throughout the hall, under the serving cart and in front of the door to watch for police, yet now MSM news outlets are reporting that he may have been planning to escape. If true, his car had homemade explosives in it; so was he planning on martyrdom?</p>
<p>Yesterday, the narrative took an even more blurry weird turn as investigators finally admitted that a note was found on the scene but the note was alleged to be just numbers, no letters, just cryptic code according to authorities.</p>
<p>Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Undersheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed the revelation in Friday’s press conference:</p>
<p>McMahill said Friday afternoon that police have yet to determine “what those numbers are or mean.”</p>
<p>“In the past, terror attacks or mass murder motive was made very clear by a note that was left, by a social media post, by a telephone call that was made, by investigators mining computer data,” Undersheriff McMahill said.</p>
<p>“Today, in our investigation, we don’t have any of that uncovered. I wish we did. We will and are continuing to investigate with great tenacity and hope to arrive at an answer,” he added.</p>
<p>While a Las Vegas K9 police officer Dave Newton has <a href="http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/las-vegas-gunman-stephen-paddock-calculated-where-to-shoot-to-kill-maximum-number-of-people/article/2636860" type="external">alleged</a> it was calculations about where the shooter needed to aim.</p>
<p>“I could see on it he had written the distance, the elevation he was on, the drop of what his bullet was gonna be for for the crowd,” Newton said. “So he had had that written down and figured out so he would know where to shoot to hit his targets from there.”</p>
<p>This explains the police secrecy behind this note, at first denying that any “suicide note” even existed, but was subsequently <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/stephen-paddock-photos-hotel-room-guns-corpse-body-images-leaked-a7982966.html" type="external">revealed</a> in leaked photos from the crime scene which forced police to acknowledge it. Also revealed in the leaked pictures were several anomalies of the crime scene. One example is the way the shooter died with a firearm perched over the killer’s leg and what looked like empty shells above his head in a pool of blood that had not a squirt somehow on the top of any of the bullets. In short, the scene was impossible, it was too perfect. Both the shell casing and gun looked planted. Maybe that is why the photos were leaked along with the existence of the note left on the table?</p>
<p><a href="https://i1.wp.com/www.activistpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/WTFgun.png?ssl=1" type="external" /></p>
<p>If someone shot themselves in the head and the bullet casing was there from firing hundreds of shots ejected from the gun, that scene would be impossible as there would be blood all over the shells, not just floating in a murky pool. In order for this scenario to happen the killer would have had to have been sitting down on the ground with a gun across his leg and when he blew his brains out there would be blood all behind him covering the empty shell casings in blood. Instead, what we see is a scene where the killer is bleeding out his skull drooling out blood while all of the visible bullets themselves remain virtually clean from any brain tissue residue.</p>
<p>It’s more likely that the crime scene was tampered with and someone left the rifle on his leg to prove it. Why? Because as the early reports stated by police, they “ <a href="http://www.ktsa.com/breaking-updates-las-vegas-mass-shooting/" type="external">neutralized</a> the killer.”</p>
<p><a href="https://i1.wp.com/www.activistpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/vegaskillerdead.jpg?ssl=1" type="external" /></p>
<p>After the situation settled down, the narrative was changed to death by suicide. In this writer’s opinion, by covering up simple facts like cause of death the police are only fueling the theory that the attack was a false flag. While they further refused until now to tell the public about the existence of the note and stated there was no motive that only furthers that divide.</p>
<p>Other things that don’t quite add up, Stephen Paddock’s girlfriend, Marilou Danley, is alleged to have worked at the hotel. Paddock used her key card to get around the place <a href="http://boston.cbslocal.com/2017/10/02/stephen-paddock-las-vegas-shooting-attack-marilou-danley-id/" type="external">according</a> to reports. Paddock’s car was held in a garage and security footage shows his vehicle leaving the facility, yet his key card was still used to get in the hotel when he was documented to have left the parking deck according to authorities. Then there is the recent discovery of a cell phone charger that didn’t match any of the cell phones used by the killer.</p>
<p />
<p>There is also the unconfirmed alleged <a href="http://www.insideedition.com/headlines/25831-room-service-receipt-of-vegas-gunman-from-days-before-shooting-reportedly-surfaces" type="external">room service receipt</a>which shows that Paddock paid for a meal for two, mere days before he decided to commit his mass massacre. If confirmed, since it’s been <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/las-vegas-shooting/las-vegas-gunman-scouted-locations-boston-chicago-officials-say-n808011" type="external">reported</a> he was scouting out several other festivals including Lalapalooza and a hotel in Chicago, it may mean he had help for his now-known premeditated murder spree.</p>
<p>Another fact barely getting any media coverage is that Paddock <a href="https://nypost.com/2017/10/03/las-vegas-gunman-set-up-camera-inside-his-hotel-room/" type="external">filmed himself</a> during the incident, something widely known to be done by jihadists who commit attacks in the allegiance of ISIS.</p>
<p>Former Trump campaign official James Brower expanded on the video stating:</p>
<p>“There is a video, this video will prove the motive. He had a secret digital profile that was uncovered in the last 24 hours,” Brower tweeted.</p>
<p>Brower then later tweeted “Motive will be pretty shocking, I won’t say much but it will definitely change a lot of things going forward.”</p>
<p />
<p />
<p>Brower revealed additional details to Infowars, “I’m being told the video basically speaks about a network, they wouldn’t tell me directly if it was ISIS but they threw little hints that it was,” he <a href="https://www.infowars.com/former-trump-campaign-official-claims-las-vegas-shooter-made-isis-tape/" type="external">said</a>. “The reason the video more than likely is never released is because they believe it will trigger the “cells” he speaks of.”</p>
<p>“There should be a statement on motive soon,” Brower added, “They believe he was inspired by ISIS.”</p>
<p>The FBI has <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lasvegas-shoooting-fbi/no-evidence-to-indicate-terrorism-in-las-vegas-shooting-fbi-idUSKBN1CA02S" type="external">denied</a> that ISIS was responsible, stating they have found no evidence he was connected to the radical group.</p>
<p>ISIS claimed responsibility, stating Paddock converted to Islam 6 months ago but did not provide proof for their claims.</p>
<p>While police continue to echo earlier claims <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/las-vegas-shooting/las-vegas-massacre-investigators-probing-whether-others-were-gunman-s-n808431?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_ma" type="external">stating</a> they are “confident … there was not another shooter in that room.” Albeit the facts above point to the potential that there was at least one other person involved in the tragedy.</p>
<p>However, Sheriff Joseph Lombardo has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/04/las-vegas-gunman-stephen-paddock-survive-police" type="external">stated</a> that you have to make the assumption he had some help at some point.</p>
<p>“Do you think this was all accomplished on his own?” Lombardo asked, noting the arsenal of weapons the shooter amassed, and the discovery of explosives in his car. He added: “You’ve got to make the assumption he had to have some help at some point.”</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the DOJ has just <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/terror-plot-new-york-concerts-subways-canadian-man-arrested-2017-10?r=US&amp;IR=T" type="external">released</a> a press release which states an indictment for three men who planned a similar plot to shoot up concerts in New York over the summer in the name of ISIL but were caught.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy, a 19-year-old citizen of Canada who pleaded guilty to terrorism charges, Talha Haroon, a 19-year-old U.S. citizen who lived in Pakistan and 37-year-old Russell Salic who is a citizen of the Philippines were all charged with terrorism-related charges.</p>
<p>The terror group released a propaganda video calling for attacks in May which specifically listed Las Vegas as an attack location, The Washington Times <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/oct/2/isis-had-threatened-las-vegas-may/" type="external">reported</a>.</p>
<p>That video purportedly showed an American fighter calling for attacks in the U.S with images of the Las Vegas strip and Times Square as well as other potential Western targets, such as New York and Washington, according to <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/isis-video-shows-new-weapons-american-urging-attacks-u-s-n761786" type="external">NBC News</a>.</p>
<p>The State Department issued a travel terror <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/worldwide-caution.html" type="external">warning</a> in mid-September of the threat ISIS poses to Americans mere weeks before the attack in Las Vegas.</p>
<p>“U.S. government facilities worldwide remain in a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate,” the warning read.</p>
<p>“Terrorist groups including ISIS, al-Qa’ida, their associates, and those inspired by such organizations, are intent on attacking U.S. citizens wherever they are. Extremists may use conventional or non-conventional weapons to target U.S. government and private interests. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack to more effectively target crowds, including the use of edged weapons, pistols, and vehicles as weapons.”</p>
<p>Of particular interest, the State Dept noted that extremists increasingly aim to assault “soft” targets, such as:</p>
<p>There are way more questions left to be answered besides these, but these are the newest. For an early rundown on the shooting check out my article on Steemit <a href="https://steemit.com/news/@an0nkn0wledge/the-questions-everyone-should-be-asking-about-the-las-vegas-shooting-what-the-fuck-happened" type="external">here</a> for a fair unbiased article exploring both sides of whether the shooting was a false flag or an ISIS attack. What we all know by now is this plot has too many elements to be the work of just one lone wolf who the media is now trying to push as <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/las-vegas-shooting/vegas-shooter-s-girlfriend-says-he-would-lie-bed-moaning-n808156" type="external">mentally insane</a> with health problems, but that would require dismissing the rest of the facts. None of this adds up.</p>
<p>Aaron Kesel writes for <a href="http://www.activistpost.com/" type="external">Activist Post</a> and is Director of Content for <a href="http://coinivore.com/" type="external">Coinivore</a>. Follow Aaron at <a href="https://twitter.com/an0nakn0wledge" type="external">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://steemit.com/@an0nkn0wledge/" type="external">Steemit</a>.</p>
<p>This article is Creative Commons and can be republished in full with attribution. Like Activist Post on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/activistpost" type="external">Facebook</a>, subscribe on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/activistpost" type="external">YouTube</a>, follow on <a href="https://twitter.com/ActivistPost" type="external">Twitter</a> and at <a href="https://steemit.com/@activistpost" type="external">Steemit</a>.</p>
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<p /> | true | 0 | holes galore official narrative las vegas shooting even police starting admit single gunman could responsible plot way sophisticated far many people died injured motive hasnt determined thus far much doesnt add seems like every day given questions answers evidence begins drip cryptic note numbers disclosed authorities almost week since one worst mass shootings us history investigators journalists armchair investigators left confused transpired las vegas many theories fact youtube tweaked algorithm protect questioning official narrative regurgitating mainstream media authoritative source wall street journal reported response criticism social media search results week person familiar youtube said company accelerating rollout planned changes search engine wednesday night video service began promoting authoritative sources search results especially pertaining major news events person said youtube doesnt disclose determines sources authoritative youtube wrote statement unthinkable shooting peaceful gathering music interrupted pelted gunfire took lives 60 injured hundreds others perpetrated perfect criminal rich 64yearold former accountant real estate investor addicted gambling could afford 23 guns thousands rounds ammunition firearms shooting reportedly lasted five fifteen minutes though estimates vary according washington post raises questions multiple guns would authorities rule second third even possible fourth shooter formal investigation especially since earlier police audio indicated might one shooter story certainly doesnt end since october 1st shooting new facts emerged official narrative shooting takes shape leaves scratching head thinking wtf gunman set cameras throughout hall serving cart front door watch police yet msm news outlets reporting may planning escape true car homemade explosives planning martyrdom yesterday narrative took even blurry weird turn investigators finally admitted note found scene note alleged numbers letters cryptic code according authorities las vegas metropolitan police department undersheriff kevin mcmahill confirmed revelation fridays press conference mcmahill said friday afternoon police yet determine numbers mean past terror attacks mass murder motive made clear note left social media post telephone call made investigators mining computer data undersheriff mcmahill said today investigation dont uncovered wish continuing investigate great tenacity hope arrive answer added las vegas k9 police officer dave newton alleged calculations shooter needed aim could see written distance elevation drop bullet gon na crowd newton said written figured would know shoot hit targets explains police secrecy behind note first denying suicide note even existed subsequently revealed leaked photos crime scene forced police acknowledge also revealed leaked pictures several anomalies crime scene one example way shooter died firearm perched killers leg looked like empty shells head pool blood squirt somehow top bullets short scene impossible perfect shell casing gun looked planted maybe photos leaked along existence note left table someone shot head bullet casing firing hundreds shots ejected gun scene would impossible would blood shells floating murky pool order scenario happen killer would sitting ground gun across leg blew brains would blood behind covering empty shell casings blood instead see scene killer bleeding skull drooling blood visible bullets remain virtually clean brain tissue residue likely crime scene tampered someone left rifle leg prove early reports stated police neutralized killer situation settled narrative changed death suicide writers opinion covering simple facts like cause death police fueling theory attack false flag refused tell public existence note stated motive furthers divide things dont quite add stephen paddocks girlfriend marilou danley alleged worked hotel paddock used key card get around place according reports paddocks car held garage security footage shows vehicle leaving facility yet key card still used get hotel documented left parking deck according authorities recent discovery cell phone charger didnt match cell phones used killer also unconfirmed alleged room service receiptwhich shows paddock paid meal two mere days decided commit mass massacre confirmed since reported scouting several festivals including lalapalooza hotel chicago may mean help nowknown premeditated murder spree another fact barely getting media coverage paddock filmed incident something widely known done jihadists commit attacks allegiance isis former trump campaign official james brower expanded video stating video video prove motive secret digital profile uncovered last 24 hours brower tweeted brower later tweeted motive pretty shocking wont say much definitely change lot things going forward brower revealed additional details infowars im told video basically speaks network wouldnt tell directly isis threw little hints said reason video likely never released believe trigger cells speaks statement motive soon brower added believe inspired isis fbi denied isis responsible stating found evidence connected radical group isis claimed responsibility stating paddock converted islam 6 months ago provide proof claims police continue echo earlier claims stating confident another shooter room albeit facts point potential least one person involved tragedy however sheriff joseph lombardo stated make assumption help point think accomplished lombardo asked noting arsenal weapons shooter amassed discovery explosives car added youve got make assumption help point meanwhile doj released press release states indictment three men planned similar plot shoot concerts new york summer name isil caught 160 abdulrahman el bahnasawy 19yearold citizen canada pleaded guilty terrorism charges talha haroon 19yearold us citizen lived pakistan 37yearold russell salic citizen philippines charged terrorismrelated charges terror group released propaganda video calling attacks may specifically listed las vegas attack location washington times reported video purportedly showed american fighter calling attacks us images las vegas strip times square well potential western targets new york washington according nbc news state department issued travel terror warning midseptember threat isis poses americans mere weeks attack las vegas us government facilities worldwide remain heightened state alert facilities may temporarily close periodically suspend public services assess security posture instances us embassies consulates make every effort provide emergency services us citizens us citizens abroad urged monitor local news maintain contact nearest us embassy consulate warning read terrorist groups including isis alqaida associates inspired organizations intent attacking us citizens wherever extremists may use conventional nonconventional weapons target us government private interests terrorists increasingly using less sophisticated methods attack effectively target crowds including use edged weapons pistols vehicles weapons particular interest state dept noted extremists increasingly aim assault soft targets way questions left answered besides newest early rundown shooting check article steemit fair unbiased article exploring sides whether shooting false flag isis attack know plot many elements work one lone wolf media trying push mentally insane health problems would require dismissing rest facts none adds aaron kesel writes activist post director content coinivore follow aaron twitter steemit article creative commons republished full attribution like activist post facebook subscribe youtube follow twitter steemit | 1,040 |
<p>No matter how much small business owners love their companies, they also have moments — maybe even weeks or months — when they hate what they're doing and feel ready to give up.</p>
<p>Teana McDonald had been in the social media marketing business for nine years when a company she'd long wanted to work for agreed to consider a contract proposal from her. McDonald and the staffers of her Fort Lauderdale-based company, 3E Connections, spent weeks creating the 40-page pitch, but came in second. It was a huge disappointment.</p>
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<p>"I asked myself, 'Why am I doing this? If I can't get this level of client, what am I doing wrong? Do I really want to do this?'" she says.</p>
<p>Many owners find a way to get through tough times is to get some support, either from family members, mentors or other business owners. They realize the go-it-alone mindset common among entrepreneurs have doesn't always work when products don't sell or associates let them down. And some realize they need a break to reconnect with the non-business parts of their lives.</p>
<p>McDonald decided to take a weekend off and go away with her family. That helped her realize that not getting her dream client shouldn't define her. And so when another company soon asked her for work, she says, "my head was in a better place to get that client."</p>
<p>EVERYTHING'S FINE, BUT ...</p>
<p>Uncertainty can kick in even when a company is doing well. Chris Post's website design business acquired a competitor in mid-2016, a sign that Post Modern Marketing was a success. But one consequence of the acquisition was that Post's role changed dramatically — instead of working on client projects, his focus was bringing in business.</p>
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<p>"It sent me into a slight depression around the holidays and early January," says Post, whose company is based in Sacramento, California. To get back on track, he took his family on a monthlong trip to Argentina and Chile, where he could "disconnect from work, relax, and have the space to see things clearly."</p>
<p>When he got back to work, he was ready to plunge into building his merged company.</p>
<p>ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES</p>
<p>In the three decades Jeff Hoffman has owned ACT Network Solutions, he's had to respond to tectonic shifts in the computer industry. His Cary, Illinois-based business began as a retailer selling computers and software to consumers, but was getting beaten by superstores with lower prices.</p>
<p>"I went to the office one day resigned to the fact that I was going to have to shutter the company," Hoffman says. But an order for 50 computers revived his spirits, and he has been able to shift his business model several times to keep pace with the industry. Now, ACT focuses on computer security and protecting customers' data.</p>
<p>That first blow didn't make Hoffman immune to despair: "Each event hits you like a baseball bat alongside the head, so you never really get used to it."</p>
<p>Hoffman's support system is his wife, Deborah. "She adds the air of sanity whenever I go off the deep end," he says.</p>
<p>RELYING ON FAITH</p>
<p>Prayer helped Adrienne Smith get through a crisis. A year ago, Smith, who owns Adrienne's Classic Desserts, had to find another company to produce her cakes after her baker unexpectedly went out of business.</p>
<p>"This was probably one of the lowest points of my business existence," says Smith, who lives in Deptford, New Jersey, and whose company supplies cakes to restaurants and retailers including Whole Foods. She was suddenly without the means to provide goods to her customers.</p>
<p>"I prayed and asked for guidance, I reviewed my business plan to remind myself of why I was in business, and then I began the search for a new contractor," she says. She found one, and was selling cakes again within four weeks.</p>
<p>TRIALS OF A ROOKIE SEASON</p>
<p>New owners can be particularly susceptible, and can feel crushed when inevitable setbacks occur. Chris Gronkowski hoped to get his water bottle, called Ice Shaker, into stores for the 2016 holiday season. But there was a problem with every prototype as he tried to make a bottle to keep drinks cold longer and not absorb odors from beverages. And Gronkowski, a former NFL fullback and the brother of New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, was used to the idea of "win or lose." He began having sleepless nights.</p>
<p>"I started asking, is it something that maybe they can't get right?" says Gronkowski, who lives in Colleyville, Texas. "You don't know if you should continue."</p>
<p>The bottles were finally ready the week of Christmas — too late to ship to stores. Gronkowski turned to his father, who'd had his own company for 26 years. He helped shore up Gronkowski's confidence, but also gave him some realistic advice.</p>
<p>"This is how business is. You can't expect everything to be on time. Nothing's going to be perfect," Gronkowski recalls his father saying.</p>
<p>TAKING ON A PARTNER</p>
<p>Ryan Hertel took it hard when his marketing company, Socialocca, lost a prospective customer to a competitor.</p>
<p>"It's hard to stay motivated when there are days you feel like you're about to hit the jackpot and the very next day you feel like a failure," says Hertel, whose year-old company is located in New York. Sometimes, the funk could linger for months.</p>
<p>Hertel's solution was to bring in a partner, someone he could brainstorm with and ask for help.</p>
<p>"That gave me significant peace of mind," he says.</p>
<p>FINDING A MENTOR</p>
<p>Rafael Romis' website design business just wasn't taking off; six months after starting Weberous in 2012, he had few clients and was barely covering his expenses.</p>
<p>"I started thinking, maybe I screwed up with this one. Maybe I should have gone and gotten a steady job," says Romis, who lives in Los Angeles. The disappointment even became a cloud over plans for his wedding.</p>
<p>Romis realized he needed help. He began following founders of other web design firms on social media, reading their posts about how they overcame obstacles in their companies. He contacted some near him, and took one out to lunch. The man became something of a mentor to Romis, telling him, "To be successful, you need to knock on doors."</p>
<p>Romis began reaching out to local businesses and convincing them they needed websites. When they hired him, he asked them to refer other businesses to him. That began to work.</p>
<p>"I closed my first referral deal just days before the wedding," Romis says.</p>
<p>_____</p>
<p>Follow Joyce Rosenberg at www.twitter.com/JoyceMRosenberg. Her work can be found here: https://apnews.com/search/joyce%20rosenberg</p> | true | 0 | matter much small business owners love companies also moments maybe even weeks months hate theyre feel ready give teana mcdonald social media marketing business nine years company shed long wanted work agreed consider contract proposal mcdonald staffers fort lauderdalebased company 3e connections spent weeks creating 40page pitch came second huge disappointment continue reading asked cant get level client wrong really want says many owners find way get tough times get support either family members mentors business owners realize goitalone mindset common among entrepreneurs doesnt always work products dont sell associates let realize need break reconnect nonbusiness parts lives mcdonald decided take weekend go away family helped realize getting dream client shouldnt define another company soon asked work says head better place get client everythings fine uncertainty kick even company well chris posts website design business acquired competitor mid2016 sign post modern marketing success one consequence acquisition posts role changed dramatically instead working client projects focus bringing business advertisement sent slight depression around holidays early january says post whose company based sacramento california get back track took family monthlong trip argentina chile could disconnect work relax space see things clearly got back work ready plunge building merged company rolling punches three decades jeff hoffman owned act network solutions hes respond tectonic shifts computer industry cary illinoisbased business began retailer selling computers software consumers getting beaten superstores lower prices went office one day resigned fact going shutter company hoffman says order 50 computers revived spirits able shift business model several times keep pace industry act focuses computer security protecting customers data first blow didnt make hoffman immune despair event hits like baseball bat alongside head never really get used hoffmans support system wife deborah adds air sanity whenever go deep end says relying faith prayer helped adrienne smith get crisis year ago smith owns adriennes classic desserts find another company produce cakes baker unexpectedly went business probably one lowest points business existence says smith lives deptford new jersey whose company supplies cakes restaurants retailers including whole foods suddenly without means provide goods customers prayed asked guidance reviewed business plan remind business began search new contractor says found one selling cakes within four weeks trials rookie season new owners particularly susceptible feel crushed inevitable setbacks occur chris gronkowski hoped get water bottle called ice shaker stores 2016 holiday season problem every prototype tried make bottle keep drinks cold longer absorb odors beverages gronkowski former nfl fullback brother new england patriots tight end rob gronkowski used idea win lose began sleepless nights started asking something maybe cant get right says gronkowski lives colleyville texas dont know continue bottles finally ready week christmas late ship stores gronkowski turned father whod company 26 years helped shore gronkowskis confidence also gave realistic advice business cant expect everything time nothings going perfect gronkowski recalls father saying taking partner ryan hertel took hard marketing company socialocca lost prospective customer competitor hard stay motivated days feel like youre hit jackpot next day feel like failure says hertel whose yearold company located new york sometimes funk could linger months hertels solution bring partner someone could brainstorm ask help gave significant peace mind says finding mentor rafael romis website design business wasnt taking six months starting weberous 2012 clients barely covering expenses started thinking maybe screwed one maybe gone gotten steady job says romis lives los angeles disappointment even became cloud plans wedding romis realized needed help began following founders web design firms social media reading posts overcame obstacles companies contacted near took one lunch man became something mentor romis telling successful need knock doors romis began reaching local businesses convincing needed websites hired asked refer businesses began work closed first referral deal days wedding romis says _____ follow joyce rosenberg wwwtwittercomjoycemrosenberg work found httpsapnewscomsearchjoyce20rosenberg | 623 |
<p />
<p>All three lower-risk stocks have beaten the market over the last 10 years (as well as one and five years). Data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Investing in stocks will always involve risk, but you can lessen the degree of risk by favoring certain types of stocks. Generally, stocks of companies that are leaders in their fields, operate in industries that have high barriers to entry, provide an indispensable product or service, and pay a dividend tend to be lower risk over the long term. Valuations naturally matter, as paying too much for a stock increases the potential for it to decline, though valuations matter less as your investing horizon expands.</p>
<p>Low risk doesn't have to equate to low performance, as the preceding chart shows. The following three relatively low-risk stocks have beaten the market over the long term, and there is no reason to believe this dynamic won't continue. So let's look more closely at NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE), Waste Management (NYSE: WM), and Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE: JNJ).</p>
<p>lmage source: Getty Images.</p>
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<p>NextEra Energy provides a product that's essential to all of us living in the developed world: electricity. Moreover, the company is a heavyweight in its industry, as one of its two principal subsidiaries, Florida Power and Light Company, is the third-largest electric utility in the United States, serving more than 4.8 million customers and more than 10 million people across nearly half of the state of Florida.</p>
<p>So we can check off that NextEra provides a basic-need product and that it's a leader in its industry. And, of course, utilities in general have high barriers to entry to keep potential new competitors at bay, since their core businesses are generally monopolies or at least have extremely high fixed start-up costs.</p>
<p>Moreover, the company has another even stronger leadership position -- its NextEra Energy Resources subsidiary, together with its affiliated entities, is the world's largest generator of wind and solar renewable energy. As the cost to provide alternative energy declines, the company's huge portfolio should provide it with a cost advantage over competitors.</p>
<p>NextEra isn't a stodgy slow-growing utility, with analysts estimating that the company will grow earnings per share at an average annual rate of 7.2% over the next five years. Put this growth potential together with an attractive dividend that's currently yielding 2.7%, and NextEra Energy is a stock that could electrify your portfolio over the long term, with few shocks along the way.</p>
<p>Image source: Waste Management.</p>
<p>Waste Management provides services that no civilized society can live without collecting treash, including recyclables, that residential, commercial, and industrial locations generate, and disposing of them in its landfills. The company, which operates in the the U.S. and Canada, has the largest network of recycling facilities, transfer stations, and landfills in the industry.</p>
<p>Waste Management is also a renewable-energy provider. It recovers the naturally occurring methane gas generated inside landfills to produce electricity, which is fed back into the grid. It has more than 130 such facilities across North America, providing a total of more than 650 megawatts of power capacity per year -- enough to power nearly half a million homes per year. Moreover, it has a facility that converts the landfill gas to liquefied natural gas, which it uses to fuel some of its trucks, helping it save on fuel costs.</p>
<p>This is a business with considerable barriers to entry that include high fixed start-up costs and regulatory hurdles with respect to the landfills, which makes it unattractive for potential new competitors to enter the business.</p>
<p>The company is a slow but steady grower with respect to revenue and net income, so this isn't a stock that's likely to ever outperform the market by much over longer periods. However, Waste Management is very shareholder-friendly and has long been committed to buying back shares, which continues to help boost earnings per share -- and, hence, the stock price.</p>
<p>Moreover, Waste Management's dividend is currently yielding an attractive 2.6%, with its payout ratios based on net income (61.4%) and free cash flow (54.3%) suggesting that there's room for future growth.</p>
<p>Image source: Johnson &amp; Johnson.</p>
<p>Johnson &amp;Johnsonis probably best known to consumers as the maker of such household staples as Band-Aid adhesives, Listerine mouthwash, and Advil over-the-counter painkillers. Besides its mighty consumer-products business, the company also owns the world's most complete medical-devices business and the fifth-largest pharmaceuticals business.</p>
<p>Like electricity and trash services, healthcare is a category of products and services that it would be almost impossible to live -- or at least live somewhat healthily -- without.Moreover, J&amp;J enjoys considerable barriers to entry across its businesses from regulatory hurdles and extensive industry partnerships in its medical-devices and pharmaceuticals businesses to dominant brand strength in its consumer-products business.</p>
<p>Johnson &amp; Johnson also sports healthy growth prospects, with analysts projecting it will grow EPS at an average annual rate of 6.5% over the next five years. The company's earnings should benefit from two demographic trends: the aging of the massive baby boom generation and waves of the world's population that continue to move into the middle class, placing healthcare products and services more within their financial reach.</p>
<p>Lastly, J&amp;J's dividend is just what the financial doctor ordered, as it's about as secure and dependable as it can get. The company is a "dividend aristocrat," one of only about 50 S&amp;P 500 constituency companies that have increased their dividend payouts for at least 25 consecutive years. Johnson &amp; Johnson's 6.7% dividend hike earlier this year marked its 54thconsecutive year of increasing its dividend.</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/TMFMcKenna/info.aspx" type="external">Beth McKenna Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Waste Management. 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 | three lowerrisk stocks beaten market last 10 years well one five years data ycharts continue reading investing stocks always involve risk lessen degree risk favoring certain types stocks generally stocks companies leaders fields operate industries high barriers entry provide indispensable product service pay dividend tend lower risk long term valuations naturally matter paying much stock increases potential decline though valuations matter less investing horizon expands low risk doesnt equate low performance preceding chart shows following three relatively lowrisk stocks beaten market long term reason believe dynamic wont continue lets look closely nextera energy nyse nee waste management nyse wm johnson amp johnson nyse jnj lmage source getty images advertisement nextera energy provides product thats essential us living developed world electricity moreover company heavyweight industry one two principal subsidiaries florida power light company thirdlargest electric utility united states serving 48 million customers 10 million people across nearly half state florida check nextera provides basicneed product leader industry course utilities general high barriers entry keep potential new competitors bay since core businesses generally monopolies least extremely high fixed startup costs moreover company another even stronger leadership position nextera energy resources subsidiary together affiliated entities worlds largest generator wind solar renewable energy cost provide alternative energy declines companys huge portfolio provide cost advantage competitors nextera isnt stodgy slowgrowing utility analysts estimating company grow earnings per share average annual rate 72 next five years put growth potential together attractive dividend thats currently yielding 27 nextera energy stock could electrify portfolio long term shocks along way image source waste management waste management provides services civilized society live without collecting treash including recyclables residential commercial industrial locations generate disposing landfills company operates us canada largest network recycling facilities transfer stations landfills industry waste management also renewableenergy provider recovers naturally occurring methane gas generated inside landfills produce electricity fed back grid 130 facilities across north america providing total 650 megawatts power capacity per year enough power nearly half million homes per year moreover facility converts landfill gas liquefied natural gas uses fuel trucks helping save fuel costs business considerable barriers entry include high fixed startup costs regulatory hurdles respect landfills makes unattractive potential new competitors enter business company slow steady grower respect revenue net income isnt stock thats likely ever outperform market much longer periods however waste management shareholderfriendly long committed buying back shares continues help boost earnings per share hence stock price moreover waste managements dividend currently yielding attractive 26 payout ratios based net income 614 free cash flow 543 suggesting theres room future growth image source johnson amp johnson johnson ampjohnsonis probably best known consumers maker household staples bandaid adhesives listerine mouthwash advil overthecounter painkillers besides mighty consumerproducts business company also owns worlds complete medicaldevices business fifthlargest pharmaceuticals business like electricity trash services healthcare category products services would almost impossible live least live somewhat healthily withoutmoreover jampj enjoys considerable barriers entry across businesses regulatory hurdles extensive industry partnerships medicaldevices pharmaceuticals businesses dominant brand strength consumerproducts business johnson amp johnson also sports healthy growth prospects analysts projecting grow eps average annual rate 65 next five years companys earnings benefit two demographic trends aging massive baby boom generation waves worlds population continue move middle class placing healthcare products services within financial reach lastly jampjs dividend financial doctor ordered secure dependable get company dividend aristocrat one 50 sampp 500 constituency companies increased dividend payouts least 25 consecutive years johnson amp johnsons 67 dividend hike earlier year marked 54thconsecutive year increasing dividend 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 beth mckenna opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares waste management 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 | 668 |
<p>Stocks are volatile. They can&#160;all&#160;see their value fall in the short-term, and sometimes for no reason related to the stock itself. The good news? Stocks can still make for wonderful investments, even for conservative investors looking for stability. You just have to approach them with the right understanding of what can happen, make sure you're willing to hold through market instability, and count on owning a high-quality business that investors will eventually come back to -- or even flock to -- when the market is uncertain.</p>
<p>We asked three of our contributing investors to tell us about a stock they like with characteristics that conservative investors looking for stability should consider. They gave us three companies with two important traits: They own assets that serve huge industries and are critically necessary, and generate steady, predictable cash flows. Keep reading to learn why energy-distribution giant&#160;Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.&#160;(NYSE: MMP), utility stalwart&#160;Consolidated Edison, Inc.&#160;(NYSE: ED), and diversified infrastructure asset owner&#160;Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P.&#160;(NYSE: BIP) are stable investments conservative investors should consider.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFVelvetHammer/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=9665e76c-b9e9-11e7-b2e6-0050569d32b9&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=9665e76c-b9e9-11e7-b2e6-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Hall Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;(Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P.): If you're going to own stocks, you need to accept this reality: Stock prices can fall by double digits in short order, and often for reasons unrelated to the company behind the ticker. But if you're willing to ride out the short-term risks -- particularly by owning high-quality companies you know are safe and stable -- then a company like Brookfield Infrastructure can make for a great, stable investment.</p>
<p>Brookfield Infrastructure's business is owning energy, utility, telecommunications, transportation, and other critically important infrastructure assets. Its assets give it several valuable moats around its business, including high financial and structural barriers to competitive entry, consistent, often inflation-resistant cash flows, and in most cases limited downside risk to economic recessions. The bottom line is the energy, data, water, and goods must continue to flow no matter the economic climate.</p>
<p>This focus on high-quality, very necessary assets has proved to make Brookfield Infrastructure a solid hedge for investors looking to limit their risk for permanent capital losses while also benefiting from the dividends paid by a high-quality business. That's not to say there's&#160;no&#160;risk here. Even a wonderful business can see its stock lose value. Brookfield Infrastructure stock fell 30% from mid-2015 through early 2016 but has bounced back in a big way since, with the share price up 40% from the pre-drop high, and up almost double&#160;from the low in early 2016.</p>
<p>The lesson? If you own a high-quality company with a solid dividend, it's easier to ride out the market's volatility. Brookfield Infrastructure is exactly the kind of business conservative investors should build their portfolio around. And trading for less than 10 times trailing <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/ffo.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=9665e76c-b9e9-11e7-b2e6-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">funds from operations Opens a New Window.</a>, it's also a good value today.</p>
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<p>One thing to note:&#160; <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/what-is-a-master-limited-partnership.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=9665e76c-b9e9-11e7-b2e6-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Master limited partnerships Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;like Brookfield Infrastructure (and Magellan below) <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/tax-issues-for-iras-with-mlps.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=9665e76c-b9e9-11e7-b2e6-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">don't belong in your IRA or 401(K) Opens a New Window.</a>, but they're great to hold in taxable accounts.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/ReubenGBrewer/activity.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=9665e76c-b9e9-11e7-b2e6-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Reuben Gregg Brewer Opens a New Window.</a> (Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.): There are few things in the investing world more comforting to me than a sizable dividend yield backed by a distribution that goes up every year. That's a key reason Magellan Midstream Partners is a great option for conservative investors looking for stability. Right now, this oil and natural gas midstream partnership offers a 5% distribution yield, more than twice the broader market's yield, backed by 17 consecutive annual increases. &#160; &#160;</p>
<p>Magellan's business is largely fee based, which means it can do well in good times and bad so long as demand for oil and gas remains strong. For example, it easily handled the oil price downturn that started in mid-2014 from which oil has yet to fully recover. In fact, distributable cash flow kept rising right through oil's pain. And the distribution never skipped a beat. <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/06/22/read-this-before-you-buy-big-oil-stocks.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=9665e76c-b9e9-11e7-b2e6-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">While many oil drillers were struggling to cover their dividends Opens a New Window.</a>, Magellan's well-covered distribution increased 33%. That's stability you can take to the bank.</p>
<p>To be fair, Magellan's unit price has been moving sideways for a few years. But there's nothing here to suggest fundamental problems. In fact, Magellan is <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/07/18/how-risky-is-magellan-midstream-partners-lp.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=9665e76c-b9e9-11e7-b2e6-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">one of the most conservatively financed pipeline partnerships Opens a New Window.</a> around. It also has $1.6 billion in growth spending on tap that should allow for 8% distribution increases in each of the next two years. And, if history is any guide, the unit price will eventually start to head higher along with the distribution over time.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/Nehams/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=9665e76c-b9e9-11e7-b2e6-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Neha Chamaria Opens a New Window.</a> (Consolidated Edison): A conservative investor typically invests in a stock with a high safety factor, or simply one that's least likely to erode capital during downturns. Not surprisingly, a utility like Consolidated Edison makes a good choice.</p>
<p>On a total return basis (capital appreciation + dividends), Con Ed shares have nearly tripled in the past decade. This year, too, the electric and gas utility stock is up nearly 15%, silencing critics who sounded the warning bell on utilities in the wake of rising interest rates. Spice it up with Con Ed's dividend yield of 3.3%, and the returns look even better.</p>
<p>Mind you, Con Ed isn't just any other dividend stock: It is among the handful of companies to have made it to the coveted <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/05/05/sp-dividend-aristocrats-which-stocks-make-the-list.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=9665e76c-b9e9-11e7-b2e6-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Dividend Aristocrat Opens a New Window.</a> group, having increased its dividends for 43 straight years now.</p>
<p>It's easy to understand why Con Ed can generate stable earnings and cash flows. Con Ed's a highly regulated business that sells electricity and gas at decoupled rates, which means its revenue is pre-determined by the regulatory commission regardless of sales volumes. As this policy eliminates fluctuations in its top line, Con Ed can steadily grow its profits and dividends.</p>
<p>Long story short, the defensive nature of Con Ed's business, combined with its strong dividend growth potential and yield, makes it a great stock to own for conservative investors.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Consolidated EdisonWhen 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=6e921806-b87e-4847-86b8-31be8b9fca41&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=9665e76c-b9e9-11e7-b2e6-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Consolidated Edison 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=6e921806-b87e-4847-86b8-31be8b9fca41&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=9665e76c-b9e9-11e7-b2e6-0050569d32b9&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/TMFVelvetHammer/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=9665e76c-b9e9-11e7-b2e6-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Jason Hall Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/Nehams/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=9665e76c-b9e9-11e7-b2e6-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Neha Chamaria Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFReubenGBrewer/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=9665e76c-b9e9-11e7-b2e6-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Reuben Gregg Brewer Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and Magellan Midstream 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=9665e76c-b9e9-11e7-b2e6-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | stocks volatile can160all160see value fall shortterm sometimes reason related stock good news stocks still make wonderful investments even conservative investors looking stability approach right understanding happen make sure youre willing hold market instability count owning highquality business investors eventually come back even flock market uncertain asked three contributing investors tell us stock like characteristics conservative investors looking stability consider gave us three companies two important traits assets serve huge industries critically necessary generate steady predictable cash flows keep reading learn energydistribution giant160magellan midstream partners lp160nyse mmp utility stalwart160consolidated edison inc160nyse ed diversified infrastructure asset owner160brookfield infrastructure partners lp160nyse bip stable investments conservative investors consider continue reading jason opens new window hall opens new window160brookfield infrastructure partners lp youre going stocks need accept reality stock prices fall double digits short order often reasons unrelated company behind ticker youre willing ride shortterm risks particularly owning highquality companies know safe stable company like brookfield infrastructure make great stable investment brookfield infrastructures business owning energy utility telecommunications transportation critically important infrastructure assets assets give several valuable moats around business including high financial structural barriers competitive entry consistent often inflationresistant cash flows cases limited downside risk economic recessions bottom line energy data water goods must continue flow matter economic climate focus highquality necessary assets proved make brookfield infrastructure solid hedge investors looking limit risk permanent capital losses also benefiting dividends paid highquality business thats say theres160no160risk even wonderful business see stock lose value brookfield infrastructure stock fell 30 mid2015 early 2016 bounced back big way since share price 40 predrop high almost double160from low early 2016 lesson highquality company solid dividend easier ride markets volatility brookfield infrastructure exactly kind business conservative investors build portfolio around trading less 10 times trailing funds operations opens new window also good value today advertisement one thing note160 master limited partnerships opens new window160like brookfield infrastructure magellan dont belong ira 401k opens new window theyre great hold taxable accounts reuben gregg brewer opens new window magellan midstream partners lp things investing world comforting sizable dividend yield backed distribution goes every year thats key reason magellan midstream partners great option conservative investors looking stability right oil natural gas midstream partnership offers 5 distribution yield twice broader markets yield backed 17 consecutive annual increases 160 160 magellans business largely fee based means well good times bad long demand oil gas remains strong example easily handled oil price downturn started mid2014 oil yet fully recover fact distributable cash flow kept rising right oils pain distribution never skipped beat many oil drillers struggling cover dividends opens new window magellans wellcovered distribution increased 33 thats stability take bank fair magellans unit price moving sideways years theres nothing suggest fundamental problems fact magellan one conservatively financed pipeline partnerships opens new window around also 16 billion growth spending tap allow 8 distribution increases next two years history guide unit price eventually start head higher along distribution time neha chamaria opens new window consolidated edison conservative investor typically invests stock high safety factor simply one thats least likely erode capital downturns surprisingly utility like consolidated edison makes good choice total return basis capital appreciation dividends con ed shares nearly tripled past decade year electric gas utility stock nearly 15 silencing critics sounded warning bell utilities wake rising interest rates spice con eds dividend yield 33 returns look even better mind con ed isnt dividend stock among handful companies made coveted dividend aristocrat opens new window group increased dividends 43 straight years easy understand con ed generate stable earnings cash flows con eds highly regulated business sells electricity gas decoupled rates means revenue predetermined regulatory commission regardless sales volumes policy eliminates fluctuations top line con ed steadily grow profits dividends long story short defensive nature con eds business combined strong dividend growth potential yield makes great stock conservative investors 10 stocks like better consolidated edisonwhen 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 consolidated edison wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns october 9 2017 jason hall opens new window owns shares brookfield infrastructure partners neha chamaria opens new window position stocks mentioned reuben gregg brewer opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool recommends brookfield infrastructure partners magellan midstream partners motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 734 |
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<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Setting up an online brokerage account may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Most online brokerage applications are easy to understand, but if you need help with the process, The Motley Fool's got your back. We've put together a series of how-to articles for setting up an online brokerage accounts.</p>
<p>This article is a step-by-step guide for setting up a TradeStation account, but if you're interested in comparing other brokers, then check out our <a href="http://www.fool.com/how-to-invest/broker/index.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">broker comparison page Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
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<p>TradeStation charges a range of prices per trade, depending on how many trades you make per month. The lowest you'll pay in your equities account is $4.99 per trade (if you make 200 or more trades per month), and the most you'll pay is $8.99 per trade (for 49 or fewer trades per month). You can also pay per share, which can end up being cheaper if you're trading a large block of shares.TradeStation has a minimum $5,000 deposit when opening an individual brokerage account (you can find out more about the company's pricing <a href="https://www.tradestation.com/pricing#" type="external">here Opens a New Window.</a>).</p>
<p>If you need help setting up the account, the company lists its customer service phone numbers for both U.S. and international customers on each page.</p>
<p>To set up and account, just <a href="https://getstarted.tradestation.com/newaccount/getstarted.aspx?utm_source=TSCOM&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_content=Right+Side+Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Trade+free+for+60+days&amp;offer=3066AEDB" type="external">go here Opens a New Window.</a> and start answering the basic information questions on the page. If you're a current customer, click the customer login link and enter your information. For this article, we'll fill out all the information as if we're a new customer.</p>
<p>The first question asks the name of a TradeStation sales representative, if you've spoken with one. We're selecting "none" here, as we didn't speak with anyone at TradeStation. Then enter your name, country, phone number, and email address on this page.</p>
<p>Image source: author screen shot of TradeStation <a href="https://getstarted.tradestation.com/newaccount/getstarted.aspx?utm_source=TSCOM&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_content=Right+Side+Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Trade+free+for+60+days&amp;offer=3066AEDB" type="external">site Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>On the next page, you'll create your login (username and password) for the account and set up several security questions and answers.</p>
<p>Once you enter that information, you'll be taken to another page that asks what you'll be trading (choose "equities") and the type of account you want (choose "individual").</p>
<p>When you select "equities," you'll see a new question appear asking which commission/fee plan you want. You can select a per-trade commission or per-share commission. You can learn about each option <a href="https://www.tradestation.com/pricing#" type="external">here Opens a New Window.</a> and <a href="https://www.tradestation.com/pricing#lb2" type="external">here Opens a New Window.</a>.For this how-to, we're going to select the per-trade price.</p>
<p>You'll also be asked if you want to add margin to your account. This feature is typically used by advanced investors, and it isn't for beginners. If you want to find out more about trading on margin, <a href="http://www.fool.com/how-to-invest/broker/2015/06/24/buying-on-margin-the-pros-and-cons.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">go here Opens a New Window.</a>.The last question is whether or not you have a promotional code. If you have one, just enter it and then click "continue."</p>
<p>Image source: author screen shot of TradeStationsite.</p>
<p>On the next page you'll see a list of requirements that you need to meet to engage in pattern day trading. Don't worry if you don't meet these requirements; TradeStation says you may still be able to open an account. (And in any case, you probably <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/10/09/why-day-trading-stocks-is-not-the-way-to-invest.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">shouldn't be day trading anyway Opens a New Window.</a>.)</p>
<p>We already covered what you'll need to get started with the account at the beginning of this article, so just click the "continue" button to go on to the next section.</p>
<p>Image source: author screen shot of TradeStationsite.</p>
<p>On the next page you'll be asked how you heard about TradeStation, and then you'll fill out more personal information (Social Security number, date of birth, citizenship, drivers license, and your permanent address).</p>
<p>You'll also be asked for your phone number, your marital status, and the number of dependents you have.Once you've entered all of the information, head on to the next section.</p>
<p>Image source: author screen shot of TradeStationsite.</p>
<p>On this page you'll enter your employment information and answer a few financial regulatory questions.</p>
<p>Specifically, you'll be asked whether you areassociated with or employed by the NYSE, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), or aregistered brokerage firm. You'll also be asked if you'rea director, 10% shareholder, or policymaking officer of a publicly owned company. The last question in this section will ask ifyou are deemed a professional subscriber by the exchanges and therefore required to pay higher exchange fees. You'll probably answer "no" to all of these questions.</p>
<p>After answering all of those exciting questions, you'll also enter your employer information (address, title, how many years you've been there, and so on) if applicable.</p>
<p>Image source: author screen shot of TradeStationsite.</p>
<p>The next section is a series of questions about how many years you've been trading in stocks, mutual funds, options, and futures.</p>
<p>You'll also be asked how many stocks you plan to trade per month (as well as futures, mutual funds, and options). You can just answer the questions that pertain to stocks and mark the other selections as "none."</p>
<p>TradeStation will also ask you to rate your trading activity as "limited, moderate, or extensive." Just select the option that best applies to you.</p>
<p>You'll also be asked what your annual income is, your nearest marginal tax bracket, your approximate total net worth, your approximate liquid net worth, and what your primary source of income is, as well as the source of assets you'll use to deposit in the account.</p>
<p>Just answer those questions, and you're on to the next step.</p>
<p>Image source: author screen shot of TradeStationsite.</p>
<p>On the next page, TradeStation will ask you if you want the ability to trade options with the account. As with margin trading, this feature is typically for more experienced investors. We're going to select "no" to this question, but you can find out more about options <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/options/options-a-foolish-introduction.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>In this section you'll be given the option of adding a third-party trading authority on the account (someone else who can trade on the account), and you'll answer some questions about setting up other TradeStation platforms. Since we're only setting up an individual brokerage account, we'll answer "no" to these questions.</p>
<p>Image source: author screen shot of TradeStationsite.</p>
<p>The next page is simply an application summary of all the information you've filled out. Just review your answers to ensure that they're correct and go on to the next page.</p>
<p>Once you do that, you'll see a page with lots of official agreements and policies for you to read through. Each document link has a box next to it that you'll need to check indicating that you've read it. Once you've gone through all of the documents, enter your name at the bottom of the page (which is an electronic signature) and click "I agree."</p>
<p>Image source: author screen shot of TradeStationsite.</p>
<p>And that's it! You've set up your TradeStation account. The next page will tell you that the account is under review, and when it's approved you'll receive an email with your TradeStation account number and a link to how to fund the account.</p>
<p>Remember to check out some <a href="http://www.fool.com/how-to-invest/broker/?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">special broker offers here Opens a New Window.</a>, and if you need some tips on how to get started investing, check out these articles:</p>
<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>
<p>David and Tomjust revealed what they believe are the <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">ten best stocks Opens a New Window.</a>for investors to buy right now... and Wal-Mart wasn't one of them! That's right -- theythink these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
<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>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 setting online brokerage account may seem like daunting task doesnt online brokerage applications easy understand need help process motley fools got back weve put together series howto articles setting online brokerage accounts article stepbystep guide setting tradestation account youre interested comparing brokers check broker comparison page opens new window advertisement tradestation charges range prices per trade depending many trades make per month lowest youll pay equities account 499 per trade make 200 trades per month youll pay 899 per trade 49 fewer trades per month also pay per share end cheaper youre trading large block sharestradestation minimum 5000 deposit opening individual brokerage account find companys pricing opens new window need help setting account company lists customer service phone numbers us international customers page set account go opens new window start answering basic information questions page youre current customer click customer login link enter information article well fill information new customer first question asks name tradestation sales representative youve spoken one selecting none didnt speak anyone tradestation enter name country phone number email address page image source author screen shot tradestation site opens new window next page youll create login username password account set several security questions answers enter information youll taken another page asks youll trading choose equities type account want choose individual select equities youll see new question appear asking commissionfee plan want select pertrade commission pershare commission learn option opens new window opens new windowfor howto going select pertrade price youll also asked want add margin account feature typically used advanced investors isnt beginners want find trading margin go opens new windowthe last question whether promotional code one enter click continue image source author screen shot tradestationsite next page youll see list requirements need meet engage pattern day trading dont worry dont meet requirements tradestation says may still able open account case probably shouldnt day trading anyway opens new window already covered youll need get started account beginning article click continue button go next section image source author screen shot tradestationsite next page youll asked heard tradestation youll fill personal information social security number date birth citizenship drivers license permanent address youll also asked phone number marital status number dependents haveonce youve entered information head next section image source author screen shot tradestationsite page youll enter employment information answer financial regulatory questions specifically youll asked whether areassociated employed nyse financial industry regulatory authority finra aregistered brokerage firm youll also asked yourea director 10 shareholder policymaking officer publicly owned company last question section ask ifyou deemed professional subscriber exchanges therefore required pay higher exchange fees youll probably answer questions answering exciting questions youll also enter employer information address title many years youve applicable image source author screen shot tradestationsite next section series questions many years youve trading stocks mutual funds options futures youll also asked many stocks plan trade per month well futures mutual funds options answer questions pertain stocks mark selections none tradestation also ask rate trading activity limited moderate extensive select option best applies youll also asked annual income nearest marginal tax bracket approximate total net worth approximate liquid net worth primary source income well source assets youll use deposit account answer questions youre next step image source author screen shot tradestationsite next page tradestation ask want ability trade options account margin trading feature typically experienced investors going select question find options opens new window section youll given option adding thirdparty trading authority account someone else trade account youll answer questions setting tradestation platforms since setting individual brokerage account well answer questions image source author screen shot tradestationsite next page simply application summary information youve filled review answers ensure theyre correct go next page youll see page lots official agreements policies read document link box next youll need check indicating youve read youve gone documents enter name bottom page electronic signature click agree image source author screen shot tradestationsite thats youve set tradestation account next page tell account review approved youll receive email tradestation account number link fund account remember check special broker offers opens new window need tips get started investing check articles 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 motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 753 |
<p><a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/06/20/are-movie-theater-stocks-a-buy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=4b19020a-ba4b-11e7-8241-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Summer is a pivotal time for the movie industry Opens a New Window.</a>, and big-screen theater specialist IMAX (NYSE: IMAX) often sees its fortunes rise and fall depending on the health of Hollywood. Although domestic box office figures still play a major role in IMAX's results, those who follow the stock have increasingly seen the influence that foreign markets have had on the growth trajectory for the theater operator. Even as <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/15/after-a-bad-summer-can-movie-theater-stocks-reboun.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=4b19020a-ba4b-11e7-8241-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">conventional theater operators have struggled Opens a New Window.</a> with competition from home-viewing options, IMAX has sought to set itself apart by offering more immersive theater experiences.</p>
<p>Coming into Thursday' third-quarter financial report, IMAX investors expected that what they saw as a slow summer would be evident in the company's numbers. Yet IMAX reported its best third-quarter global box office figures in its history, defying the slump in the U.S. and getting and big boost from its international presence. Let's take a closer look at IMAX's latest results and what they say about its future.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>IMAX's third-quarter results blew expectations out of the water. Revenue soared 14% to $98.8 million, crushing the consensus forecast among investors for just $85.9 million. Extraordinary items like exit costs and restructuring-related charges sent IMAX to a net loss for the quarter, but even though adjusted net income was down 7% to $9.2 million, adjusted earnings attributable to shareholders of $0.08 per share dramatically exceeded the $0.01 that most of those following the stock were resigned to seeing.</p>
<p>The big news from IMAX was its record box office performance. Global box office jumped 17% to $219 million, marking the highest-ever third-quarter figure for the company. Domestic box office figures were up 18% even though IMAX said that overall total results throughout the movie industry saw North American box office receipts down 14% from the previous summer. Overseas, box office performance in China was relatively slow at 8%, but the other international segment saw box office receipts soar by a quarter. Per-screen box office figures weren't quite as favorable, falling by about $3,600 to $181,100 per screen, but strength in the domestic and other international segments helped offset substantial per-screen declines in China.</p>
<p>IMAX also continued to build out its global network of theater locations. The company installed 51 theaters during the quarter, 49 of which were new and two of which were upgrades of existing locations. That pulled the total network size above the 1,300 mark. New signings slowed considerably, with contracts covering just 17 new theaters. Yet a quarter of the backlog of 545 locations that IMAX has coming on line in the near future are outside the U.S. and China, making clear the emphasis that the company has put on building up a truly worldwide presence.</p>
<p>Performance from IMAX's business segments was fairly consistent across the board, reflecting the box office success. Digital remastering revenue jumped by more than a fifth, and lower costs helped complement higher box-office receipts to send segment gross margin up by more than 11 percentage points to 69.7%. Joint revenue-sharing arrangements brought in about 10% more money than they did in the year-ago period. The theater business posted a small revenue gain.</p>
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<p>CEO Richard Gelfond was ecstatic about the results. "The IMAX consumer value proposition was on full display last quarter," Gelfond said. "Despite overall cinema industry challenges, it was our strongest third quarter ever, underpinned by our outperformance on blockbuster titles such as Dunkirk." The CEO also noted that IMAX's international business outside of China now exceeds its U.S. business, and he sees global performance playing an increasingly important role ahead.</p>
<p>IMAX is also optimistic about its efforts to spur greater revenue while cutting back on costs. The company hasn't fully implemented its initiatives in those areas, but the progress that it has seen so far has executives confident about the future trajectory for the theater specialist.</p>
<p>IMAX shareholders were pleased with the results, and the stock climbed 6% in pre-market trading following the announcement.&#160;Long-term investors hope that the news will help the stock regain even more of its losses from earlier in 2017, and if fundamental performance remains this strong, IMAX should keep boosting its importance in the movie theater industry in the years to come.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than IMAXWhen 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=35c19983-82bb-47ba-864d-62a1bfadce26&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=4b19020a-ba4b-11e7-8241-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and IMAX 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=35c19983-82bb-47ba-864d-62a1bfadce26&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=4b19020a-ba4b-11e7-8241-0050569d32b9&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/TMFGalagan/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=4b19020a-ba4b-11e7-8241-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Dan Caplinger Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends IMAX. 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=4b19020a-ba4b-11e7-8241-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | summer pivotal time movie industry opens new window bigscreen theater specialist imax nyse imax often sees fortunes rise fall depending health hollywood although domestic box office figures still play major role imaxs results follow stock increasingly seen influence foreign markets growth trajectory theater operator even conventional theater operators struggled opens new window competition homeviewing options imax sought set apart offering immersive theater experiences coming thursday thirdquarter financial report imax investors expected saw slow summer would evident companys numbers yet imax reported best thirdquarter global box office figures history defying slump us getting big boost international presence lets take closer look imaxs latest results say future continue reading imaxs thirdquarter results blew expectations water revenue soared 14 988 million crushing consensus forecast among investors 859 million extraordinary items like exit costs restructuringrelated charges sent imax net loss quarter even though adjusted net income 7 92 million adjusted earnings attributable shareholders 008 per share dramatically exceeded 001 following stock resigned seeing big news imax record box office performance global box office jumped 17 219 million marking highestever thirdquarter figure company domestic box office figures 18 even though imax said overall total results throughout movie industry saw north american box office receipts 14 previous summer overseas box office performance china relatively slow 8 international segment saw box office receipts soar quarter perscreen box office figures werent quite favorable falling 3600 181100 per screen strength domestic international segments helped offset substantial perscreen declines china imax also continued build global network theater locations company installed 51 theaters quarter 49 new two upgrades existing locations pulled total network size 1300 mark new signings slowed considerably contracts covering 17 new theaters yet quarter backlog 545 locations imax coming line near future outside us china making clear emphasis company put building truly worldwide presence performance imaxs business segments fairly consistent across board reflecting box office success digital remastering revenue jumped fifth lower costs helped complement higher boxoffice receipts send segment gross margin 11 percentage points 697 joint revenuesharing arrangements brought 10 money yearago period theater business posted small revenue gain advertisement ceo richard gelfond ecstatic results imax consumer value proposition full display last quarter gelfond said despite overall cinema industry challenges strongest third quarter ever underpinned outperformance blockbuster titles dunkirk ceo also noted imaxs international business outside china exceeds us business sees global performance playing increasingly important role ahead imax also optimistic efforts spur greater revenue cutting back costs company hasnt fully implemented initiatives areas progress seen far executives confident future trajectory theater specialist imax shareholders pleased results stock climbed 6 premarket trading following announcement160longterm investors hope news help stock regain even losses earlier 2017 fundamental performance remains strong imax keep boosting importance movie theater industry years come 10 stocks like better imaxwhen 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 imax wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns october 9 2017 dan caplinger opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends imax motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 530 |
<p>Wisconsin's $3 billion bid this summer to land Foxconn Technology Group's first major U.S. factory looked smaller than that of a neighboring state's, but included an increasingly popular feature that likely made the difference: cash.</p>
<p>Cash incentives are likely to come up as Amazon.com Inc. weighs dozens of offers that were due this week from cities eager to house its second headquarters, experts say. It could also be a factor for cities looking to land a possible second Foxconn plant.</p>
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<p>Amazon declined to comment, but its request for proposals asked that state and local government bidders indicate whether tax credits offered in exchange for investment and job creation will include cash refunds.</p>
<p>Michigan tried to lure Foxconn, a Taiwanese technology giant, with an incentives package totaling $3.8 billion, or 27% more than Wisconsin's record-breaking package, according to documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. Michigan's offer also would have required fewer jobs to be created than the final offer from its neighbor.</p>
<p>But Michigan's plan relied heavily on credits that would reduce Foxconn's tax bills, an approach that has fallen out of favor as large companies increasingly gravitate toward offers like Wisconsin's that come with cash.</p>
<p>"It's a very shiny component and it's easy to quantify," said Paul Gevertzman, a tax partner at Anchin, Block and Anchin LLP, who specializes in economic development. "Regardless of your situation, even if you have no tax to pay, even if you have a loss, you get a check back."</p>
<p>Ten years ago, few states' primary economic development tools were refundable, a feature that allows businesses to receive cash payments for unused tax credits and incentives, said Jay Biggins, executive managing director at consulting firm Biggins Lacy Shapiro &amp; Co.</p>
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<p>Today at least 19 states, including Wisconsin, have such programs, according to research by Mr. Biggins's firm. Michigan doesn't.</p>
<p>"These programs are powerful," said Mark Sweeney, a senior principal at McCallum Sweeney Consulting, whose firm helps negotiate deals for companies including Northrop Grumman Corp. "They impacted the Foxconn decision and they will impact the next Foxconn decision."</p>
<p>Traditional tax credits are valuable only to the extent that a company has a tax liability. Other credits can be sold, but usually at a discount. With refundable benefits, though, states promise cash payments for unused tax credits, making them useful to companies in a wider range of circumstances, including those that show little income or are already eliminating taxes owed through other tax breaks.</p>
<p>Refundable credits, sometimes described as paying for jobs, can be a hard political sell.</p>
<p>Wisconsin's 15-year deal, which could cost taxpayers roughly $15,000 for each Foxconn employee each year, drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers as well as the conservative group Americans for Prosperity, all of whom said that the cost was too high. And a state analysis found taxpayers wouldn't recoup their investment through increased tax revenues until the fiscal year ending 2043.</p>
<p>Wisconsin State Sen. Jon Erpenbach, a Democrat, said taxpayers may never be fully reimbursed if Foxconn automates jobs in the future.</p>
<p>He cautioned other states against rushing into similar deals.</p>
<p>"You might as well start writing checks and hope that those jobs come in the end," Mr. Erpenbach said. "If they don't, you're going to be out a lot of money to build a really nice facility for robots to work in."</p>
<p>A spokesman for Gov. Scott Walker defended the deal, describing it as "pay-as-you-grow," meaning the state will pay incentives as Foxconn builds facilities and creates jobs.</p>
<p>Foxconn in a statement said many factors guide its decisions about where to do business, and investments made by state and local governments are certainly considered.</p>
<p>Michigan's final offer for Foxconn's flat-screen factory assumed the company would spend $6.1 billion and create 8,800 jobs, compared with the 13,000 jobs Wisconsin negotiated, according to a June 25 letter from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation obtained by the Journal in an open records request.</p>
<p>Michigan officials proposed building the project in Marshall, a small community about 100 miles west of Detroit. The bulk of the offer's value came from tax credits, some of which are already written into state law, the records noted. Several of the cash incentives, which totaled $723 million, would have required legislative approval, the records showed.</p>
<p>Wisconsin's final offer promises Foxconn as much as $2.85 billion in cash refunds over the next 15 years to offset portions of its payroll and building costs. Because Wisconsin already waives many taxes for manufacturers, Foxconn is guaranteed cash payments. Only a small portion of the offer, a $150 million sales tax exemption, wouldn't be paid in cash.</p>
<p>A spokesman for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation declined to comment on the negotiations or say the how large of a role the cash payments played.</p>
<p>"Wisconsin's offer was in the ballpark with other states," he said.</p>
<p>At least one state, North Carolina, had a substantially smaller offer for the project, proposing $570 million in state incentives, records from that state show.</p>
<p>Several states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, also prepared bids for a potential second Foxconn project, according to documents reviewed by the Journal. The location of that project hasn't been announced.</p>
<p>Wisconsin, meanwhile, this week delayed a vote to finalize the project planned for Racine County after an issue surfaced concerning the contract's requirements of Foxconn. Gov. Walker has said he is confident the two sides will reach an agreement.</p>
<p>Competition is fierce among cities across the country for Amazon's second headquarters, estimated to bring up to 50,000 new jobs. As New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie unveiled an offer Tuesday that included $5 billion in state tax incentives for the company to come to Newark, N.J., the Republican dared other states to top it.</p>
<p>New Jersey doesn't currently have a refundable incentive program. Officials with the governor's office and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority declined to say whether the offer assumed a state legislature would enact one.</p>
<p>--Coulter Jones contributed to this article.</p>
<p>Write to Cara Lombardo at [email protected]</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>October 20, 2017 14:05 ET (18:05 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | wisconsins 3 billion bid summer land foxconn technology groups first major us factory looked smaller neighboring states included increasingly popular feature likely made difference cash cash incentives likely come amazoncom inc weighs dozens offers due week cities eager house second headquarters experts say could also factor cities looking land possible second foxconn plant continue reading amazon declined comment request proposals asked state local government bidders indicate whether tax credits offered exchange investment job creation include cash refunds michigan tried lure foxconn taiwanese technology giant incentives package totaling 38 billion 27 wisconsins recordbreaking package according documents reviewed wall street journal michigans offer also would required fewer jobs created final offer neighbor michigans plan relied heavily credits would reduce foxconns tax bills approach fallen favor large companies increasingly gravitate toward offers like wisconsins come cash shiny component easy quantify said paul gevertzman tax partner anchin block anchin llp specializes economic development regardless situation even tax pay even loss get check back ten years ago states primary economic development tools refundable feature allows businesses receive cash payments unused tax credits incentives said jay biggins executive managing director consulting firm biggins lacy shapiro amp co advertisement today least 19 states including wisconsin programs according research mr bigginss firm michigan doesnt programs powerful said mark sweeney senior principal mccallum sweeney consulting whose firm helps negotiate deals companies including northrop grumman corp impacted foxconn decision impact next foxconn decision traditional tax credits valuable extent company tax liability credits sold usually discount refundable benefits though states promise cash payments unused tax credits making useful companies wider range circumstances including show little income already eliminating taxes owed tax breaks refundable credits sometimes described paying jobs hard political sell wisconsins 15year deal could cost taxpayers roughly 15000 foxconn employee year drew criticism democratic lawmakers well conservative group americans prosperity said cost high state analysis found taxpayers wouldnt recoup investment increased tax revenues fiscal year ending 2043 wisconsin state sen jon erpenbach democrat said taxpayers may never fully reimbursed foxconn automates jobs future cautioned states rushing similar deals might well start writing checks hope jobs come end mr erpenbach said dont youre going lot money build really nice facility robots work spokesman gov scott walker defended deal describing payasyougrow meaning state pay incentives foxconn builds facilities creates jobs foxconn statement said many factors guide decisions business investments made state local governments certainly considered michigans final offer foxconns flatscreen factory assumed company would spend 61 billion create 8800 jobs compared 13000 jobs wisconsin negotiated according june 25 letter michigan economic development corporation obtained journal open records request michigan officials proposed building project marshall small community 100 miles west detroit bulk offers value came tax credits already written state law records noted several cash incentives totaled 723 million would required legislative approval records showed wisconsins final offer promises foxconn much 285 billion cash refunds next 15 years offset portions payroll building costs wisconsin already waives many taxes manufacturers foxconn guaranteed cash payments small portion offer 150 million sales tax exemption wouldnt paid cash spokesman wisconsin economic development corporation declined comment negotiations say large role cash payments played wisconsins offer ballpark states said least one state north carolina substantially smaller offer project proposing 570 million state incentives records state show several states including wisconsin michigan north carolina pennsylvania also prepared bids potential second foxconn project according documents reviewed journal location project hasnt announced wisconsin meanwhile week delayed vote finalize project planned racine county issue surfaced concerning contracts requirements foxconn gov walker said confident two sides reach agreement competition fierce among cities across country amazons second headquarters estimated bring 50000 new jobs new jersey gov chris christie unveiled offer tuesday included 5 billion state tax incentives company come newark nj republican dared states top new jersey doesnt currently refundable incentive program officials governors office new jersey economic development authority declined say whether offer assumed state legislature would enact one coulter jones contributed article write cara lombardo caralombardowsjcom end dow jones newswires october 20 2017 1405 et 1805 gmt | 664 |
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<p>Image source: Pixabay.</p>
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<p>The past couple of weeks have delivered a nice sigh of relief to investors who've endured the worst start to a new year in recorded history. At one point the broad-based indexes were bordering on double-digit percentage losses over the course of just a few weeks.</p>
<p>Yet even with this latest rebound, the increase in volatility and economic uncertainty has left investors scrambling for ways to shore up their portfolios and keep them on track for long-term gains. Over the past couple of weeks we've analyzed a number of ways investors can protect their assets, while retaining the opportunity for share price appreciation. We've looked at companies boasting <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/03/07/these-5-companies-collectively-have-521-billion-in.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">boatloads of cash Opens a New Window.</a>, paying out <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/02/22/6-brand-name-stocks-that-could-deliver-a-cumulativ.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">hefty dividends Opens a New Window.</a>, and cranking out the <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/02/12/these-7-single-digit-pe-stocks-could-collectively.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">cash flow Opens a New Window.</a>-- companiesthat were on track to generate <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/02/29/these-5-companies-could-collectively-generate-almo.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">juicy profits Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>One of the common themes of these lists is that these companies are typically large-caps or megacaps (arbitrarily defined as a market valuation of $100 billion or higher). Big companies typically have solid foundations that can withstand a downturn in the U.S. economy and stock market. They also tend to have healthy cash flow, diversified business models, and juicy profits.</p>
<p>Megacap stocks with juicy EPS growth rates What you don't often find with the largest publicly traded companies is rapid growth prospects. Big companies are often mature when it comes to top- and bottom-line growth. However, that's not the case for three megacap stocks. Based on Wall Street's projections, the following three business giants are on pace to grow their EPS by more than 20% over the next five years.</p>
<p>Image source: Facebook.</p>
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<p>1. Facebook Probably no surprises here that social media giant Facebook is one of the fastest growing megacap stocks you'll find. Wall Street projections suggest that the company's $2.28 in reported full-year EPS in 2015 could grow to north of $7 by 2019. Revenue is also expected to surge from $17.9 billion to $52.1 billion over the same time span.</p>
<p>These growth figures are phenomenal, but they only matter if we understand the dynamics of what's driving them. In the case of Facebook, it's a superior social media platform and multiple channels to generate revenue and cash flow.</p>
<p>Facebook's latest quarterly report tells you everything you need to know about its dominance among social media networks. It had 1.04 billion daily active users as of December, of which 934 million were daily mobile active users. It also claimed another 550 million people were monthly active users. It's using these impressions to entice small- and medium-sized businesses to jump on board its advertising platform -- and the results have been phenomenal. Advertising revenue rose 57% year-over-year in Q4, and operating margin spiked 15% to 44%. Facebook doesn't have to do nearly as much from an operating perspective since its all-encompassing network is selling itself.</p>
<p>Facebook also has growth channels through subsidiaries like Instagram, an opportunity to expand its advertising margins through an increased use of video (which you've probably already seen on your own Facebook feeds), and the ability to monetize its platform for payments. We've already witnessed the introduction of free friend-to-friend payments through Messenger.</p>
<p>In short, Facebook's ability to monetize its platform is still in its infancy, and the competition has been left in the dust.</p>
<p>2. Amazon.comNext up we have Amazon.com , the king of all e-commerce retailers. Amazon typically gets a lot of flak for its focus on expansion over profits, but Wall Street sees this changing in a big way in the coming years. Following a $1.25 full-year profit in 2015, Wall Street expects $21.75 in full-year EPS by 2019. Sales are also expected to practically double from the $107 billion reported in 2015 to an estimated $212 billion in 2019.</p>
<p>Amazon's retail operations are an absolute monster, and it's the clear trendsetter in e-commerce. The scary thing is that e-commerce as a whole still accounts for just 7.4% of total retail sales, yet Amazon accounted for about half of all U.S. retail growth in the fourth quarter based on estimates from Wells Fargo. The company's Prime membership serves to keep consumers loyal, and more importantly it helps remove one of the biggest gripes of shopping online: shipping costs. Prime members enjoy free two-day shipping on qualifying orders. It also doesn't hurt that Amazon's prices can undercut those of most of its competition.</p>
<p>Like Facebook, Amazon also has numerous channels where it can boost its profitability beyond just retail. It's building one heck of a digital library that consumers can access to stream movies or TV shows directly into their homes. Also, Amazon's Web Services, or AWS, is a rapidly growing cloud-based platform for businesses and even the Internet of Things, one that grew by 70% in fiscal 2015 and now accounts for more than 7% of Amazon's total annual revenue.</p>
<p>There seems to be no stopping Amazon's dominance, and as e-commerce use spreads, Amazon's platform should become even more important to the consumer.</p>
<p>3. Bristol-Myers Squibb Finally, we have drug developer Bristol-Myers Squibb which Wall Street believes can more than double its full-year EPS from $2.01 in 2015 to $4.33 by 2019. Additionally, analysts expect Bristol-Myers' revenue to grow from a reported $16.6 billion in 2015 to $23.6 billion in 2019.</p>
<p>Image source: Bristol-Myers Squibb.</p>
<p>The great secret for Bristol-Myers Squibb is no secret at all -- it's one big part innovation and a side helping of inorganic growth.</p>
<p>In terms of innovation, a lot will be riding on cancer immunotherapy Opdivo. Cancer immunotherapies are a relatively new treatment designed to kick your immune system into high gear, while simultaneously blocking the immunosuppressant quality of cancer cells. Thus far, Opdivo has been approved as a treatment for metastatic melanoma, second-line advanced renal cell carcinoma, and second-line non-small cell lung cancer. In each instance it's demonstrated substantial improvements in response rates and progression-free survival (as well as overall survival in select instances), especially in patients whose tumors express PD-L1. Opdivo's best bet is as a combination therapy, which leaves it open to dozens upon dozens of combinations and therapeutic indications.</p>
<p>Image source: Bristol-Myers Squibb.</p>
<p>But don't discount blood-thinner Eliquis, which was co-developed with megacap Pfizer . In a prior head-to-head study against warfarin, a longtime go-to anticoagulant, patients taking Eliquis exhibited fewer strokes, less major bleeding, fewer hemorrhagic strokes, and fewer deaths. Its expansion is dependent on how many new indications it can garner, but Pfizer and Bristol-Myers are likely looking at a multi-billion dollar drug if the clinical data keeps going their way.</p>
<p>Lastly, Bristol-Myers' management team believes in adding value through acquisitions. Among its latest is the purchase of privately held Cardioxyl for up to $2.1 billion. The move allows Bristol-Myers Squibb to get its hands on Cardioxyl's lead clinical cardiovascular product, CXL-1427, for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure.</p>
<p>A deep pipeline tells a tale of strong growth to come at Bristol-Myers Squibb.</p>
<p>Let growth be your guideWhat this diverse group of megacap stocks offers an investor is a possible mix of market-topping growth and better-than-average stability in the face of a stock market and/or economic downturn. Understandably, EPS growth rate is just one consideration that should be made when examining a stock -- but these three businesses could be well-suited for an investor looking to nab a bargain growth stock following the rough start to the year.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/03/14/3-megacap-stocks-with-5-year-projected-earnings-gr.aspx" type="external">3 Megacap Stocks With 5-Year Projected Earnings Growth Rates Above 20% 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>, track every pick he makes under the screen name <a href="http://caps.fool.com/player/trackultralong.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">TrackUltraLong 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 Amazon.com, Facebook, and Wells Fargo. It also has the following options: short March 2016 $52 puts on 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 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>
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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 pixabay continue reading past couple weeks delivered nice sigh relief investors whove endured worst start new year recorded history one point broadbased indexes bordering doubledigit percentage losses course weeks yet even latest rebound increase volatility economic uncertainty left investors scrambling ways shore portfolios keep track longterm gains past couple weeks weve analyzed number ways investors protect assets retaining opportunity share price appreciation weve looked companies boasting boatloads cash opens new window paying hefty dividends opens new window cranking cash flow opens new window companiesthat track generate juicy profits opens new window one common themes lists companies typically largecaps megacaps arbitrarily defined market valuation 100 billion higher big companies typically solid foundations withstand downturn us economy stock market also tend healthy cash flow diversified business models juicy profits megacap stocks juicy eps growth rates dont often find largest publicly traded companies rapid growth prospects big companies often mature comes top bottomline growth however thats case three megacap stocks based wall streets projections following three business giants pace grow eps 20 next five years image source facebook advertisement 1 facebook probably surprises social media giant facebook one fastest growing megacap stocks youll find wall street projections suggest companys 228 reported fullyear eps 2015 could grow north 7 2019 revenue also expected surge 179 billion 521 billion time span growth figures phenomenal matter understand dynamics whats driving case facebook superior social media platform multiple channels generate revenue cash flow facebooks latest quarterly report tells everything need know dominance among social media networks 104 billion daily active users december 934 million daily mobile active users also claimed another 550 million people monthly active users using impressions entice small mediumsized businesses jump board advertising platform results phenomenal advertising revenue rose 57 yearoveryear q4 operating margin spiked 15 44 facebook doesnt nearly much operating perspective since allencompassing network selling facebook also growth channels subsidiaries like instagram opportunity expand advertising margins increased use video youve probably already seen facebook feeds ability monetize platform payments weve already witnessed introduction free friendtofriend payments messenger short facebooks ability monetize platform still infancy competition left dust 2 amazoncomnext amazoncom king ecommerce retailers amazon typically gets lot flak focus expansion profits wall street sees changing big way coming years following 125 fullyear profit 2015 wall street expects 2175 fullyear eps 2019 sales also expected practically double 107 billion reported 2015 estimated 212 billion 2019 amazons retail operations absolute monster clear trendsetter ecommerce scary thing ecommerce whole still accounts 74 total retail sales yet amazon accounted half us retail growth fourth quarter based estimates wells fargo companys prime membership serves keep consumers loyal importantly helps remove one biggest gripes shopping online shipping costs prime members enjoy free twoday shipping qualifying orders also doesnt hurt amazons prices undercut competition like facebook amazon also numerous channels boost profitability beyond retail building one heck digital library consumers access stream movies tv shows directly homes also amazons web services aws rapidly growing cloudbased platform businesses even internet things one grew 70 fiscal 2015 accounts 7 amazons total annual revenue seems stopping amazons dominance ecommerce use spreads amazons platform become even important consumer 3 bristolmyers squibb finally drug developer bristolmyers squibb wall street believes double fullyear eps 201 2015 433 2019 additionally analysts expect bristolmyers revenue grow reported 166 billion 2015 236 billion 2019 image source bristolmyers squibb great secret bristolmyers squibb secret one big part innovation side helping inorganic growth terms innovation lot riding cancer immunotherapy opdivo cancer immunotherapies relatively new treatment designed kick immune system high gear simultaneously blocking immunosuppressant quality cancer cells thus far opdivo approved treatment metastatic melanoma secondline advanced renal cell carcinoma secondline nonsmall cell lung cancer instance demonstrated substantial improvements response rates progressionfree survival well overall survival select instances especially patients whose tumors express pdl1 opdivos best bet combination therapy leaves open dozens upon dozens combinations therapeutic indications image source bristolmyers squibb dont discount bloodthinner eliquis codeveloped megacap pfizer prior headtohead study warfarin longtime goto anticoagulant patients taking eliquis exhibited fewer strokes less major bleeding fewer hemorrhagic strokes fewer deaths expansion dependent many new indications garner pfizer bristolmyers likely looking multibillion dollar drug clinical data keeps going way lastly bristolmyers management team believes adding value acquisitions among latest purchase privately held cardioxyl 21 billion move allows bristolmyers squibb get hands cardioxyls lead clinical cardiovascular product cxl1427 treatment acute decompensated heart failure deep pipeline tells tale strong growth come bristolmyers squibb let growth guidewhat diverse group megacap stocks offers investor possible mix markettopping growth betterthanaverage stability face stock market andor economic downturn understandably eps growth rate one consideration made examining stock three businesses could wellsuited investor looking nab bargain growth stock following rough start year article 3 megacap stocks 5year projected earnings growth rates 20 opens new window originally appeared foolcom sean williams opens new windowhas material interest companies mentioned article follow caps screen name tmfultralong opens new window track every pick makes screen name trackultralong opens new window check twitter goes handle tmfultralong opens new windowthe motley fool owns shares recommends amazoncom facebook wells fargo also following options short march 2016 52 puts wells fargo 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 | 893 |
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<p>If you thought saving for retirement is tough, just wait until it comes time to live off your nest egg.</p>
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<p>“People want to make good decisions about money and many believe they’re on the right track with their finances,” says Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz (daughter of Chuck Schwab), certified financial planner and senior vice president at Charles Schwab &amp; Co. “But often they just don’t know what they don’t know. These blind spots can lead to missteps that can undermine the best-laid plans.”</p>
<p>When it comes to retirement, everyone’s savings paths will differ, but we will all need diligence and discipline.</p>
<p>A recent survey from Charles Schwab &amp; Co reveals that many of us are operating under money misconceptions, which means we might be jeopardizing our hard-earned money.</p>
<p>To help dispel some of the rumors and money myths, I spoke with Schwab-Pomerantz on how boomers can keep their finances and retirement plans on track. Here’s what she had to say:</p>
<p>Boomer: The survey revealed 52% of respondents identified themselves as “very” or “extremely savvy” about personal finance, how does this indicate a possible gap in their financial knowledge?</p>
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<p>Schwab-Pomerantz: Self-described ‘financially savvy’ people were more likely to agree with common misconceptions about Social Security, Medicare, insurance, marital status and retirement accounts than those who identified themselves as less financially savvy, which indicated overconfidence in their financial knowledge.</p>
<p>For example, 37% of ‘financially savvy’ people incorrectly agreed that if you need cash while you’re still working, a 401(k) is a good place to turn for a loan or withdrawal, compared to 29%of the less ‘financially savvy’ people who agreed with this. Similarly, 37% of ‘financially savvy’ individuals mistakenly agreed that marital status doesn’t affect your Social Security benefits – versus the 27% of less financially savvy individuals who agreed with this misconception.</p>
<p>Boomer: Why is it important for both adults in a household to be involved in money management decisions?</p>
<p>Schwab-Pomerantz: Money management is a basic life skill, like knowing how to swim. Over the last 50 years, the financial world has changed dramatically. Increased life expectancy, the continued demise of the pension plan and the prospect of rising healthcare costs require Americans to work longer and save more. Yet, despite this more challenging retirement landscape, nearly one in three of those surveyed indicated that they do not seek input from anyone when making financial decisions.</p>
<p>Similarly, 43% believe that it’s better for one adult in a household to have primary responsibility for the family’s financial planning and decision-making, as opposed to sharing the responsibility across the household. The reality is that it’s critically important for both adults in a household be involved in the money management decisions.&#160; In far too many partnerships or marriages, one spouse shoulders the primary responsibility and the other has minimal involvement. In the event of death or divorce, the ramifications of this can be devastating.</p>
<p>Boomer: With 3 out of 4 Americans believing it is harder to plan for retirement now than it was for their parents’ generation, how does this make them overly optimistic about their financial options in the future?</p>
<p>Schwab-Pomerantz: Despite the fact that Americans believe it is harder to plan for retirement today, their expectations and assumptions about their financial future may be unrealistic. For example, 39% of those still in the workforce expect to get income from a part-time job in retirement, but only 4% of current retirees actually get income this way.</p>
<p>Additionally, respondents (retired and non-retired) indicated that the median “nest egg” savings needed to retire is $500,000, yet among retirees, the actual median amount saved was $150,000. For contextual perspective, Schwab’s rule of thumb is that in order to generate retirement income of $40,000 a year (in addition to Social Security), you would need to have saved 25 times that amount. That means that you’d need $1 million saved.*</p>
<p>Boomer: What are some of the common myths/money misconceptions many Americans operate under related to retirement and financial planning?</p>
<p>Schwab-Pomerantz: Ninety-one percent of respondents agreed that a will is the best way to ensure that your property will be distributed the way you want. Here’s the reality: Although a will is essential, it may not be sufficient. If there is a discrepancy between the beneficiaries named on your financial accounts with those named in your will, the beneficiary designations on your financial accounts will prevail. So it’s very important to make sure your beneficiary designations are up to date.</p>
<p>Eighty-eight percent of respondents agreed that it’s important to eliminate all debt by the time you retire. That’s not necessarily the case. There’s “good debt” (like deductible, low-interest debt) and “bad debt” (like credit cards and other high-interest, non-deductible loans). It really depends on your own personal situation as to whether it makes sense to eliminate the “good” debt as well as the bad.</p>
<p>Seventy-nine percent of respondents agreed that after you retire, you can always get another job if you need more money. However, competition in the job market as well as health reasons may make this more challenging than expected. According to the MetLife Mature Market Institute, 32% of boomers retire earlier than expected due to health reasons alone.</p>
<p>Seventy-eight percent of respondents agreed that every adult should have life insurance, but in reality, life insurance isn’t for everyone. Among those who need it: people with minor children or other dependents, and small business owners. Otherwise it may be a waste of money. In fact, for many people, that money could be better put to work in closing the retirement savings gap.</p>
<p>Other myths include:</p>
<p>Myth: You should start taking Social Security the moment you’re eligible. Reality: Most people leave money on the table because they file too early.</p>
<p>Myth:You should purchase long-term-care insurance when you’re in your 40s or younger.Reality: The optimal time to consider long-term care insurance is between ages 50-65.</p>
<p>Myth: Retirees shouldn’t have their money in the stock market. Reality: Stocks provide the best protection against inflation.</p>
<p>Myth: By the time you’re 50 it’s too late to make a difference in your financial future. Reality: You can have 15-20+ years of saving ahead, and catch-up provisions in the tax code can help.</p>
<p>* This is based on a “4% annual withdrawal guideline,” which assumes that 20% to 60% percent of your portfolio is invested in a diversified mix of stocks. It provides for annual increases for inflation and a 90% probability that your money will last for 30 years.</p> | true | 0 | thought saving retirement tough wait comes time live nest egg continue reading people want make good decisions money many believe theyre right track finances says carrie schwabpomerantz daughter chuck schwab certified financial planner senior vice president charles schwab amp co often dont know dont know blind spots lead missteps undermine bestlaid plans comes retirement everyones savings paths differ need diligence discipline recent survey charles schwab amp co reveals many us operating money misconceptions means might jeopardizing hardearned money help dispel rumors money myths spoke schwabpomerantz boomers keep finances retirement plans track heres say boomer survey revealed 52 respondents identified extremely savvy personal finance indicate possible gap financial knowledge advertisement schwabpomerantz selfdescribed financially savvy people likely agree common misconceptions social security medicare insurance marital status retirement accounts identified less financially savvy indicated overconfidence financial knowledge example 37 financially savvy people incorrectly agreed need cash youre still working 401k good place turn loan withdrawal compared 29of less financially savvy people agreed similarly 37 financially savvy individuals mistakenly agreed marital status doesnt affect social security benefits versus 27 less financially savvy individuals agreed misconception boomer important adults household involved money management decisions schwabpomerantz money management basic life skill like knowing swim last 50 years financial world changed dramatically increased life expectancy continued demise pension plan prospect rising healthcare costs require americans work longer save yet despite challenging retirement landscape nearly one three surveyed indicated seek input anyone making financial decisions similarly 43 believe better one adult household primary responsibility familys financial planning decisionmaking opposed sharing responsibility across household reality critically important adults household involved money management decisions160 far many partnerships marriages one spouse shoulders primary responsibility minimal involvement event death divorce ramifications devastating boomer 3 4 americans believing harder plan retirement parents generation make overly optimistic financial options future schwabpomerantz despite fact americans believe harder plan retirement today expectations assumptions financial future may unrealistic example 39 still workforce expect get income parttime job retirement 4 current retirees actually get income way additionally respondents retired nonretired indicated median nest egg savings needed retire 500000 yet among retirees actual median amount saved 150000 contextual perspective schwabs rule thumb order generate retirement income 40000 year addition social security would need saved 25 times amount means youd need 1 million saved boomer common mythsmoney misconceptions many americans operate related retirement financial planning schwabpomerantz ninetyone percent respondents agreed best way ensure property distributed way want heres reality although essential may sufficient discrepancy beneficiaries named financial accounts named beneficiary designations financial accounts prevail important make sure beneficiary designations date eightyeight percent respondents agreed important eliminate debt time retire thats necessarily case theres good debt like deductible lowinterest debt bad debt like credit cards highinterest nondeductible loans really depends personal situation whether makes sense eliminate good debt well bad seventynine percent respondents agreed retire always get another job need money however competition job market well health reasons may make challenging expected according metlife mature market institute 32 boomers retire earlier expected due health reasons alone seventyeight percent respondents agreed every adult life insurance reality life insurance isnt everyone among need people minor children dependents small business owners otherwise may waste money fact many people money could better put work closing retirement savings gap myths include myth start taking social security moment youre eligible reality people leave money table file early mythyou purchase longtermcare insurance youre 40s youngerreality optimal time consider longterm care insurance ages 5065 myth retirees shouldnt money stock market reality stocks provide best protection inflation myth time youre 50 late make difference financial future reality 1520 years saving ahead catchup provisions tax code help based 4 annual withdrawal guideline assumes 20 60 percent portfolio invested diversified mix stocks provides annual increases inflation 90 probability money last 30 years | 620 |
<p>In December 2015, the Federal Reserve announced a shift that the U.S. economy and stock market hadn't seen since 2006.&#160;For the first time in practically a decade, the Fed raised its federal funds target rate by a quarter of a point. The move wound up pushing its target rate from an all-time record low of 0%-0.25%, where it sat for seven full years, to 0.25%-0.5%. Since then, the Fed has enacted three additional quarter-point hikes.</p>
<p>Monetary tightening usually comes with a push-pull for the U.S. economy and stocks. Higher interest rates often provide a cooling mechanism for inflation and growth, since it becomes costlier to borrow money. This reduces the incentive for businesses to borrow in order to expand, reinvest, or perhaps acquire new businesses. Yet, at the same time, monetary tightening is needed because the economy is growing at a steady pace. There are two sides to this coin.</p>
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<p>However, for the mortgage-based real estate investment trust (mREIT) industry, higher rates are supposed to mean one thing: bad news. Mortgage REITs make money on the difference between the rate at which they borrow and the rate at which they lend (mREITs typically buy mortgage-backed securities that pay a yield -- this is the aforementioned "lend" rate). This borrowing is often done utilizing short-term rates, and the lending is done at long-term rates. Thus, when interest rates rise, the short-term rate is most directly impacted, narrowing the all-important net interest margin that fuels net operating profits for mREITs.</p>
<p>But here's the kicker: We've witnessed the exact opposite impact since the Fed began raising rates. Since the Dec. 16, 2015, rate hike, shares of Annaly Capital Management (NYSE: NLY) and AGNC Investment Corp. (NASDAQ: AGNC) are up a respective 61% and 53%, inclusive of dividends.</p>
<p>Why the surge in the share prices of mREITs? It probably boils down to two factors.</p>
<p>The first is that Wall Street appears to have vastly <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/08/03/3-high-yield-dividend-stocks-for-daring-investors.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=81878b9a-aebb-11e7-afe9-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">overestimated how quickly the Fed would raise rates Opens a New Window.</a>. Despite raising rates three times over the trailing 12 months, the Fed has passed on opportunities to increase the pace at which it's lifting its federal funds target rate. Chairperson Janet Yellen continues to walk on eggshells, as inflation data has been below the long-term target rate of 2%, and U.S. GDP growth has vacillated between low and moderate growth rates for some time. If rates don't rise rapidly, it should give mREITs a chance to adjust their mortgage-backed security portfolios and leverage to more optimally benefit when rates do rise.</p>
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<p>Second, Wall Street may have underestimated the leadership at Annaly Capital Management and AGNC Investment Corp., which have both seen this rodeo play out before. Annaly has been in the mREIT space for two decades, while AGNC, which was founded in 2008, is headed by CEO and CIO Gary Kain, who has most than two decades of knowledge in the mortgage industry.</p>
<p>What makes mREITs so attractive is their dividends. In exchange for returning 90% or more of their profits to shareholders in the form of a dividend, REITs aren't taxed at the normal corporate rate. For years, this has allowed investors to capture a 10% to 20% annual yield (yes, annual!) on mREITs like Annaly and AGNC. Wall Street's worries over higher rates led to the expectation of a sizable reduction in net interest margin and dividends for both companies, but we just haven't seen that materialize to the extent that the Street expected. Both Annaly and AGNC are still yielding very close to 10%. Assuming their stock prices and dividends stayed pat, you could double your money in seven years on that payout alone!</p>
<p>While additional interest rate hikes are expected (possibly this December, and a few projected in 2018), which could weigh on the net interest margin of mREITs, those that specifically target agency-only mortgage-backed securities (MBS) should be in the best shape. Annaly and AGNC deal predominantly with agency-only MBSs, meaning their assets are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae in the event of a default. This doesn't make agency-only mREITs impervious to an economic downturn, but it puts them in <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/04/05/5-top-dividend-stocks-in-mortgage-reits.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=81878b9a-aebb-11e7-afe9-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considerably better shape Opens a New Window.</a> than their more aggressive peers that deal with non-agency assets.</p>
<p>For instance, Annaly's second-quarter results showed it had $88.4 billion in agency assets on its books, compared to $2.6 billion in residential credit, $2 billion in commercial real estate, and $0.8 billion in middle-market lending.&#160;Meanwhile, AGNC's balance sheet at the end of the second quarter showed $63.8 billion in assets, including $46 billion in agency MBSs and just $0.6 billion non-agency securities.&#160;Eventually, the economy will contract or enter a recession again, pushing loan default rates higher. When that does happen, these agency-only portfolios are going to be in much better shape than their peers.</p>
<p>If you have a long-term mindset, these overlooked high-yield mREIT names may be worth adding to your portfolio.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Annaly Capital ManagementWhen 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 October 9, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFUltraLong/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=81878b9a-aebb-11e7-afe9-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Sean Williams Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the 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;uuid=81878b9a-aebb-11e7-afe9-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | december 2015 federal reserve announced shift us economy stock market hadnt seen since 2006160for first time practically decade fed raised federal funds target rate quarter point move wound pushing target rate alltime record low 0025 sat seven full years 02505 since fed enacted three additional quarterpoint hikes monetary tightening usually comes pushpull us economy stocks higher interest rates often provide cooling mechanism inflation growth since becomes costlier borrow money reduces incentive businesses borrow order expand reinvest perhaps acquire new businesses yet time monetary tightening needed economy growing steady pace two sides coin continue reading however mortgagebased real estate investment trust mreit industry higher rates supposed mean one thing bad news mortgage reits make money difference rate borrow rate lend mreits typically buy mortgagebacked securities pay yield aforementioned lend rate borrowing often done utilizing shortterm rates lending done longterm rates thus interest rates rise shortterm rate directly impacted narrowing allimportant net interest margin fuels net operating profits mreits heres kicker weve witnessed exact opposite impact since fed began raising rates since dec 16 2015 rate hike shares annaly capital management nyse nly agnc investment corp nasdaq agnc respective 61 53 inclusive dividends surge share prices mreits probably boils two factors first wall street appears vastly overestimated quickly fed would raise rates opens new window despite raising rates three times trailing 12 months fed passed opportunities increase pace lifting federal funds target rate chairperson janet yellen continues walk eggshells inflation data longterm target rate 2 us gdp growth vacillated low moderate growth rates time rates dont rise rapidly give mreits chance adjust mortgagebacked security portfolios leverage optimally benefit rates rise advertisement second wall street may underestimated leadership annaly capital management agnc investment corp seen rodeo play annaly mreit space two decades agnc founded 2008 headed ceo cio gary kain two decades knowledge mortgage industry makes mreits attractive dividends exchange returning 90 profits shareholders form dividend reits arent taxed normal corporate rate years allowed investors capture 10 20 annual yield yes annual mreits like annaly agnc wall streets worries higher rates led expectation sizable reduction net interest margin dividends companies havent seen materialize extent street expected annaly agnc still yielding close 10 assuming stock prices dividends stayed pat could double money seven years payout alone additional interest rate hikes expected possibly december projected 2018 could weigh net interest margin mreits specifically target agencyonly mortgagebacked securities mbs best shape annaly agnc deal predominantly agencyonly mbss meaning assets guaranteed fannie mae freddie mac ginnie mae event default doesnt make agencyonly mreits impervious economic downturn puts considerably better shape opens new window aggressive peers deal nonagency assets instance annalys secondquarter results showed 884 billion agency assets books compared 26 billion residential credit 2 billion commercial real estate 08 billion middlemarket lending160meanwhile agncs balance sheet end second quarter showed 638 billion assets including 46 billion agency mbss 06 billion nonagency securities160eventually economy contract enter recession pushing loan default rates higher happen agencyonly portfolios going much better shape peers longterm mindset overlooked highyield mreit names may worth adding portfolio 10 stocks like better annaly capital managementwhen 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 annaly capital management wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns october 9 2017 sean williams opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 585 |
<p>Disneyland in California -- the company's first park. Image Source: Disney</p>
<p>Walt Disney(NYSE: DIS)opened the Shanghai Disney Resort over the summer,adding to its family of theme parks around the world. While the resort is expected to generate significant sales, Disney actually owns less than half of this new property and will only keep part of its revenue. The same is true for all of Disney'sinternational parks.Still, its international theme parks are a great growth opportunity, adding to why the theme park segment is a highlight of the company's long-term earnings potential.</p>
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<p>Disneyland opened its doors in California in 1955 as Walt Disney's grand vision of a magical getaway for families. In 1971, the company opened its second theme park, Walt Disney World, in Florida. The company fully owns these two resorts. In the years since, Disney has opened various international locations as joint ventures with local companies, keeping only partial ownership.</p>
<p>In 1983, Disney opened its first international park near Tokyo, Japan. Now called Tokyo Disney Resort (which includes Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea), the theme park is actually owned 100% by Disney's local partners. Disney collects licensing fees from ticket sales and in-park purchases such as merchandise.</p>
<p>A water fountain display at Tokyo Disney Resort. Image Source: Disney</p>
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<p>Disneyland Paris (formerly Euro Disneyland) opened next in 1992. Disney and its partners created a localpublicly traded company in which Disney owned about 40% of the shares. However, after more than two decades of slow growth at the resort, Disney added over 1 billion euros to its investment in 2015 to now own over 80% of the park's umbrella company.</p>
<p>Hong Kong Disneyland debuted in 2005 as a joint venture with the local government. Similar to Disneyland Paris, Disney and the government of Hong Kong started a local umbrella company in which Disney owns 48%. While technically in China, Hong Kong Disneylandstill didn't fill the needs of a growing middle class in mainland China.</p>
<p>Hong Kong Disneyland. Image Source: Disney</p>
<p>After years of development and a $5.5 billion total investment from Disney, Shanghai Disney Resort finally opened in June. Disney again partnered with state-owned entities that own the majority of the park, while Disney owns 43%. Disney alsoowns70% of the joint venture company that manages the park, another source of revenue from the project.</p>
<p>In total, Disney operates or licenses six parks on three continents, which together served nearly 140 million guests in 2015. That's more than double the 66 million that visited the second largest theme park company, Merlin Entertainments.</p>
<p>International park revenue does not include Shanghai Disney resort. Data Source: Disney 2015 annual report, Themed Entertainment Associations's <a href="http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_160_611852_160525.pdf" type="external">2015 Index Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>Disney doesn't break down its revenue per individual park, but it does break down revenue by domestic and international properties. In fiscal year 2015, Disney generated just $2.6 billion in revenue from its international parks, less than one-fifth of the $13.6 billion from its domestic, fully-owned parks.</p>
<p>Even though domestic park revenue dwarfsthe international segment, Disney's operations abroad still hold huge potential. Analysts at Piper Jaffray predict that Disney's international theme park revenue could grow more than 40% in the next two years, driven largely by the new Shanghai Disney Resort, which has no revenue included in the table above.</p>
<p>Over the long-term, Disney is likely to continue expanding its theme parks globally. With less upfront investment and a local partner to help navigate regulations and taxes, Disney will be able to continue its expansion at a faster rate than by going it alone, which helps to boost that international theme park revenue even further. New park openings should have the added benefit of helping Disney increase its global brand reach, helping to drive more sales for its movies and merchandise in these foreign markets as well.</p>
<p>During fiscal 2015, Disney's theme park segment revenue grew7% year-over-year to$16.2 billion, nearly a third of the company's $52.5 billion top line. If current parks continue to post similar growth as in the last two years -- and with added revenue from Shanghai Disney Resort -- that theme park segment revenue could grow 20% by fiscal year 2017. With the success of domestic parks and growth in international locations -- even those only partially owned by Disney --the theme park business continues to be a highlight of why Disney looks like a solid long-term investment.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/BSMcNew/info.aspx" type="external">Seth McNew Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Walt Disney. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Walt Disney. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048" 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" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | disneyland california companys first park image source disney walt disneynyse disopened shanghai disney resort summeradding family theme parks around world resort expected generate significant sales disney actually owns less half new property keep part revenue true disneysinternational parksstill international theme parks great growth opportunity adding theme park segment highlight companys longterm earnings potential continue reading disneyland opened doors california 1955 walt disneys grand vision magical getaway families 1971 company opened second theme park walt disney world florida company fully owns two resorts years since disney opened various international locations joint ventures local companies keeping partial ownership 1983 disney opened first international park near tokyo japan called tokyo disney resort includes tokyo disneyland tokyo disneysea theme park actually owned 100 disneys local partners disney collects licensing fees ticket sales inpark purchases merchandise water fountain display tokyo disney resort image source disney advertisement disneyland paris formerly euro disneyland opened next 1992 disney partners created localpublicly traded company disney owned 40 shares however two decades slow growth resort disney added 1 billion euros investment 2015 80 parks umbrella company hong kong disneyland debuted 2005 joint venture local government similar disneyland paris disney government hong kong started local umbrella company disney owns 48 technically china hong kong disneylandstill didnt fill needs growing middle class mainland china hong kong disneyland image source disney years development 55 billion total investment disney shanghai disney resort finally opened june disney partnered stateowned entities majority park disney owns 43 disney alsoowns70 joint venture company manages park another source revenue project total disney operates licenses six parks three continents together served nearly 140 million guests 2015 thats double 66 million visited second largest theme park company merlin entertainments international park revenue include shanghai disney resort data source disney 2015 annual report themed entertainment associationss 2015 index opens new window disney doesnt break revenue per individual park break revenue domestic international properties fiscal year 2015 disney generated 26 billion revenue international parks less onefifth 136 billion domestic fullyowned parks even though domestic park revenue dwarfsthe international segment disneys operations abroad still hold huge potential analysts piper jaffray predict disneys international theme park revenue could grow 40 next two years driven largely new shanghai disney resort revenue included table longterm disney likely continue expanding theme parks globally less upfront investment local partner help navigate regulations taxes disney able continue expansion faster rate going alone helps boost international theme park revenue even new park openings added benefit helping disney increase global brand reach helping drive sales movies merchandise foreign markets well fiscal 2015 disneys theme park segment revenue grew7 yearoveryear to162 billion nearly third companys 525 billion top line current parks continue post similar growth last two years added revenue shanghai disney resort theme park segment revenue could grow 20 fiscal year 2017 success domestic parks growth international locations even partially owned disney theme park business continues highlight disney looks like solid longterm investment 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 seth mcnew opens new window owns shares walt disney motley fool owns shares recommends 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 | 573 |
<p>(Dr. Jerome Corsi) – A witness at a congressional hearing today on IRS targeting of conservative organizations claims he has proof the agency illegally leaked confidential information.</p>
<p>“I would call the disclosure of our donor lists by the IRS a felony,” charged John Eastman, chairman of the National Organization for Marriage, or NOM, in Washington, D.C., in emotionally charged testimony Tuesday before the House Ways and Means Committee.</p>
<p><a href="https://payments.paysimple.com/buyer/checkoutformpay/R6utr7z1Pam9XjKUD-Tda-s-gtU-" type="external">FAX BLAST SPECIAL: Audit The I.R.S</a></p>
<p>Eastman testified that the organization’s IRS Form 990 tax return, which lists its donors, was published on the website of the Human Rights Campaign, a “gay-rights” advocacy group.</p>
<p>He claimed to have proof the IRS leaked his organization’s confidential donor list under questioning by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis.</p>
<p>Eastman said “forensic” specialists within his organization had stripped layers from the document posted on the HRC website to identify “meta-data,” or unseen embedded code, that identified the document as having originated from within the IRS.</p>
<p>Eastman testified the “internal IRS stamps” in the meta-data of the NOM donor list provide &#160;“proof” the document originated from within the IRS and was leaked to HRC to embarrass and “chill” NOM donors opposed to same-sex marriage.</p>
<p>“You can imagine our shock and disgust over this disclosure,” Eastman told the panel. “We jealously guard our donors.”</p>
<p>Eastman alleged the IRS leak of his organization’s non-public donor list was “a deliberate act” undertaken in a manner to avoid detection, a charge he said he was prepared to substantiate with evidence.</p>
<p>“This just smells and I hope this committee gets to the bottom of it,” he concluded.</p>
<p><a href="http://dailycaller.com/2012/04/12/pro-marriage-group-thinks-irs-employee-leaked-mitt-romneys-donor-info-to-human-rights-campaign/" type="external">According to the Daily Caller</a>, NOM has forwarded allegations to the Treasury inspector general for tax administration, demanding to know whether or not the IRS was responsible for leaking to the HRC confidential donor information regarding a $10,000 contribution Mitt Romney made to NOM in 2008.</p>
<p>Rep. Dave Camp, R-Mich., chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, called the hearing to have six conservative groups detail the IRS bias they allegedly experienced in their application for tax-exempt status.</p>
<p>“They are Americans who did what we ask people to do every day, add their voice to the dialogue that defines our country,” Camp said.</p>
<p>“And for pursuing that passion, for simply exercising their First Amendment rights , the freedoms of association, expression and religion , the IRS singled them out,” he added.</p>
<p>Ryan added to his earlier fireworks when he objected to a statement by Rep. Jim McDermott, D–Wash., that the IRS delays could be explained by administrative errors and that there would have been no allegations that First Amendment rights had been compromised by the IRS had the groups not chosen to apply for tax-exempt status.</p>
<p>“The charge here is that these groups were targeted for the political beliefs,” Ryan stated for the record, directly countering McDermott’s statement.</p>
<p>Witnesses vividly described abuse at the hands of their own government.</p>
<p>“It was frightening to have the IRS inquire about the details of our protests in front of Planned Parenthood offices,” testified Sue Martinek of the <a href="http://lifeiowa.org/" type="external">Coalition for Life of Iowa</a> of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.</p>
<p>“As Christians, we know we needed to pray for better solutions for unplanned pregnancies,” she said.</p>
<p>A particularly poignant moment came when Becky Gerritson, president of the <a href="http://www.wetumpkateaparty.com/" type="external">Wetumpka Tea Party</a> in Alabama, was unable to hold back tears and told lawmakers, “I’m a born-free American woman.”</p>
<p>Her voice cracking but firm, she continued, “I’m telling my government, you’ve forgotten your place.”</p>
<p>Dianne Belsom, president of the <a href="" type="internal">Laurens County Tea Party</a> in South Carolina described the long delays her group endured.</p>
<p>“Nearly three years in waiting for an answer is totally unacceptable,” she said.</p>
<p>“I’d like to note that our group is a small-time operation with very little money and this represents a complete waste of time by the IRS in terms of any money they would collect if we were not tax-exempt,” said Belsom.</p>
<p>Among the other allegations made by the witnesses in their opening statements were that IRS questionnaires asked to self-report details of prayer meetings,&#160;required them to disclose the political activities of family members of the group founders, probed the political beliefs of the organizations’ founders, requested membership and donor lists, asked to see copies of internal communications and demanded detailed statements of the groups’ advocacy goals and political objectives.</p>
<p>“We have found a cancer in the office of the IRS in Cincinnati,” admitted Charles Rangel, D–N.Y., noting the investigation could lead to a grand jury examining criminal charges.</p>
<p>“What is intolerable is to have one set of rules for one political organization and another set of rules for another,” Eastman responded, rejecting the suggestion by Democrats on the committee that release of the NOM donor list could be explained by the inadvertent acts of a few rogue agents in the IRS Cincinnati office.</p>
<p>“We must protect the confidentiality that the law provides donors in order to prevent a chilling effect to their political participation,” he said.</p>
<p>The committee’s top Democrat, Rep. Sander Levin, said it was time to correct the IRS’s problems.</p>
<p>“You are owed an apology,” he told the witnesses in his opening statement.</p>
<p>“We say to you that each of us is committed to doing our part to ensure this does not happen again,” Levin promised.</p>
<p>However, he went on to advance a common Democratic Party theme, insisting the IRS scandal was being resolved now that acting IRS commissioner Steve Miller has been replaced by Obama administration appointee Dan Werfel and Treasury Secretary Lew has ordered a 30-day review to implement the recommendations in the inspector general’s report.</p>
<p>Counting the suggestion the IRS scandal would be resolved by these measures, several Republican members of the committee asked witnesses for the names of IRS agents who handled their applications for tax-exempt status. The intent is to call the IRS agents to Washington to testify before the committee.</p>
<p>House Ways and Means is one of three congressional committees investigating the IRS targeting of conservative groups. The Justice Department has begun a criminal investigation.</p>
<p>An audit by the inspector general of the Treasury Department found IRS agents in Cincinnati improperly targeted and gave extra scrutiny to conservative groups applying for tax-exempt status between 2010 and 2012.</p>
<p>As <a href="http://www.wnd.com/2013/05/democrats-turn-on-irs-there-will-be-hell-to-pay/#GTHQBu7q3J85FXYp.99" type="external">WND has reported</a>, the targeting actually happened at IRS offices in a number of cities with guidance coming from Washington. And <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/article/349066/it-didn%E2%80%99t-end-ian-tuttle" type="external">National Review has reported</a> the IRS is still targeting conservative groups.</p>
<p>Jerome R. Corsi has a Ph.D. from Harvard in political science and serves as senior staff reporter for online news giant WND. He is the author of two No. 1 New York Times nonfiction bestsellers, “Unfit for Command: Swift Boat Veterans Speak Out Against John Kerry” (with co-author John O’Neill) and “The Obama Nation: Leftist Politics and the Cult of Personality.”</p> | true | 0 | dr jerome corsi witness congressional hearing today irs targeting conservative organizations claims proof agency illegally leaked confidential information would call disclosure donor lists irs felony charged john eastman chairman national organization marriage nom washington dc emotionally charged testimony tuesday house ways means committee fax blast special audit irs eastman testified organizations irs form 990 tax return lists donors published website human rights campaign gayrights advocacy group claimed proof irs leaked organizations confidential donor list questioning rep paul ryan rwis eastman said forensic specialists within organization stripped layers document posted hrc website identify metadata unseen embedded code identified document originated within irs eastman testified internal irs stamps metadata nom donor list provide 160proof document originated within irs leaked hrc embarrass chill nom donors opposed samesex marriage imagine shock disgust disclosure eastman told panel jealously guard donors eastman alleged irs leak organizations nonpublic donor list deliberate act undertaken manner avoid detection charge said prepared substantiate evidence smells hope committee gets bottom concluded according daily caller nom forwarded allegations treasury inspector general tax administration demanding know whether irs responsible leaking hrc confidential donor information regarding 10000 contribution mitt romney made nom 2008 rep dave camp rmich chairman house ways means committee called hearing six conservative groups detail irs bias allegedly experienced application taxexempt status americans ask people every day add voice dialogue defines country camp said pursuing passion simply exercising first amendment rights freedoms association expression religion irs singled added ryan added earlier fireworks objected statement rep jim mcdermott dwash irs delays could explained administrative errors would allegations first amendment rights compromised irs groups chosen apply taxexempt status charge groups targeted political beliefs ryan stated record directly countering mcdermotts statement witnesses vividly described abuse hands government frightening irs inquire details protests front planned parenthood offices testified sue martinek coalition life iowa cedar rapids iowa christians know needed pray better solutions unplanned pregnancies said particularly poignant moment came becky gerritson president wetumpka tea party alabama unable hold back tears told lawmakers im bornfree american woman voice cracking firm continued im telling government youve forgotten place dianne belsom president laurens county tea party south carolina described long delays group endured nearly three years waiting answer totally unacceptable said id like note group smalltime operation little money represents complete waste time irs terms money would collect taxexempt said belsom among allegations made witnesses opening statements irs questionnaires asked selfreport details prayer meetings160required disclose political activities family members group founders probed political beliefs organizations founders requested membership donor lists asked see copies internal communications demanded detailed statements groups advocacy goals political objectives found cancer office irs cincinnati admitted charles rangel dny noting investigation could lead grand jury examining criminal charges intolerable one set rules one political organization another set rules another eastman responded rejecting suggestion democrats committee release nom donor list could explained inadvertent acts rogue agents irs cincinnati office must protect confidentiality law provides donors order prevent chilling effect political participation said committees top democrat rep sander levin said time correct irss problems owed apology told witnesses opening statement say us committed part ensure happen levin promised however went advance common democratic party theme insisting irs scandal resolved acting irs commissioner steve miller replaced obama administration appointee dan werfel treasury secretary lew ordered 30day review implement recommendations inspector generals report counting suggestion irs scandal would resolved measures several republican members committee asked witnesses names irs agents handled applications taxexempt status intent call irs agents washington testify committee house ways means one three congressional committees investigating irs targeting conservative groups justice department begun criminal investigation audit inspector general treasury department found irs agents cincinnati improperly targeted gave extra scrutiny conservative groups applying taxexempt status 2010 2012 wnd reported targeting actually happened irs offices number cities guidance coming washington national review reported irs still targeting conservative groups jerome r corsi phd harvard political science serves senior staff reporter online news giant wnd author two 1 new york times nonfiction bestsellers unfit command swift boat veterans speak john kerry coauthor john oneill obama nation leftist politics cult personality | 669 |
<p />
<p>Santa Claus is juicing up his sled to bring nice big lumps of coal to all the chief executives who’ve been naughty this year, and you know what that means. It’s time for my annual worst CEOs list.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Before we take that deep dive into the dark depths of dysfunctional executives, plunging share prices and bloody red ink, I wanted to say a few words about a couple of CEOs that didn’t quite make the list this year, although there’s always 2015.</p>
<p>First, I’m not too pleased with Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) founder Reed Hastings. This is becoming a regular thing (he narrowly missed the list last year, as well). Besides continuing to fool investors into believing subscriptions matter but fundamentals don’t, he fanned <a href="" type="internal">net neutrality</a> flames which may result in the Internet being regulated by the FCC. Tisk, tisk.</p>
<p>Meanwhile Santa caught &#160;Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) <a href="" type="internal">CEO Muhtar Kent</a> drinking copious amounts of his own Kool-Aid. While Coke and Diet Coke continue to fizzle amid declining global demand for carbonated drinks, Kent is doubling down on Coke instead of diversifying like rival PepsiCo. And his board pushed an excessive executive pay package in spite of lackluster performance. Neither move was very bright, if you ask me.</p>
<p>Without further ado, here’s this year’s list, counting down from …</p>
<p>#7 Jeff Bezos, Chairman and CEO, Amazon.com</p>
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<p>For all his glory as a dot-com era survivor, for all his e-book Kindle clout, for all his fascination with delivery drones, the colonization of space, and the Washington Post, the cracks in the Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) founder’s billion dollar armor are finally starting to show. Even after coming up with original content, squeezing Hachette and other publishers to their squealing point, and launching Fire TV and Fire Phone, Amazon is officially in the red, the stock is down 23% and investors are looking to jump ship to Alibaba.</p>
<p>#6 Dick Costolo, CEO, Twitter</p>
<p>The public markets are no place for a company struggling to figure out its product strategy and business model, but that decision rests squarely on Costolo’s shoulders. The former comedian has turned over most of his management team and floated one strategy after another trying to make Twitter (NYSE:TWTR) <a href="" type="internal">more engaging</a> to a broader audience and prop up its slowing user growth, to no avail. Mobile ad revenues are on the rise but Google and Facebook continue to dominate. The stock is down about 40% this year.</p>
<p>#5 Paul Ricci, Chairman and CEO, Nuance Communications</p>
<p>Despite having acquired all his competitors and now having an effective monopoly on the voice recognition technology used in smartphone, healthcare, customer service, and a broad array of other applications, Nuance’s (NASDAQ:NUAN) long-time CEO still can’t seem to figure out how to make money or organically grow the business. The stock is trading near five-year lows and this is Ricci’s second consecutive year on the list.</p>
<p>#4 Eddie Lampert, Chairman and CEO, Sears Holdings</p>
<p>Another repeat offender, the man who engineered Kmart’s disastrous merger with Sears continues to demonstrate why hedge-fund managers should never run companies: it’s a lot easier to second guess them than it is to actually be in the hot seat. Sears (NASDAQ:SHLD) closed another 200 stores this year amid chronic multi-year sales declines and mounting losses. The stock is down 25% this year.</p>
<p>#3 Dov Charney, former CEO, American Apparel&#160;</p>
<p>If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it’s probably a duck. After a decade of self-destructive behavior, sexual harassment suits, and discrimination claims that finally began to affect the company’s results, the board actually grew a pair and terminated American Apparel’s (NYSEMKT:APP) now infamous founder. It really should not have taken that long.</p>
<p>#2 Kazuo Hirai, CEO, Sony Corp.</p>
<p>Despite vows to finally shake things up and turn around the flailing entertainment company, Hirai seems to be far more consumed with micromanaging scenes of controversial action-comedy films than doing anything transformative with Sony (NYSE:SNE). The former consumer electronics giant is relegated to making PlayStations, kowtowing to <a href="" type="internal">North Korean hackers</a>, and still losing plenty of yen.</p>
<p>#1 Mary Barra, CEO, General Motors</p>
<p>Barra’s first year as chief executive of the nation’s top automaker has been a disaster. She may not have been CEO when the deadly <a href="" type="internal">ignition switch defect</a> scandal occurred, but as executive VP of product development and supply chain, her hands are anything but clean in one of the most corrupt corporate cover-ups I’ve ever seen.</p>
<p>Meanwhile telling Congress that GM’s (NYSE:GM) culture has changed was ludicrous. Had it not been for a lawsuit involving a woman who died in a 2009 Chevy Cobalt accident, the fatal safety flaw might never have come to light. GM was essentially dragged kicking and screaming into recalling millions of vehicles. Shares of GM are down 19% year-to-date.</p>
<p>I hope Barra has an enormous stocking hanging from her fireplace; I just saw Santa load a gargantuan lump of coal onto his sled … with her name on it.</p> | true | 0 | santa claus juicing sled bring nice big lumps coal chief executives whove naughty year know means time annual worst ceos list continue reading take deep dive dark depths dysfunctional executives plunging share prices bloody red ink wanted say words couple ceos didnt quite make list year although theres always 2015 first im pleased netflix nasdaqnflx founder reed hastings becoming regular thing narrowly missed list last year well besides continuing fool investors believing subscriptions matter fundamentals dont fanned net neutrality flames may result internet regulated fcc tisk tisk meanwhile santa caught 160cocacola nyseko ceo muhtar kent drinking copious amounts koolaid coke diet coke continue fizzle amid declining global demand carbonated drinks kent doubling coke instead diversifying like rival pepsico board pushed excessive executive pay package spite lackluster performance neither move bright ask without ado heres years list counting 7 jeff bezos chairman ceo amazoncom advertisement glory dotcom era survivor ebook kindle clout fascination delivery drones colonization space washington post cracks amazoncom nasdaqamzn founders billion dollar armor finally starting show even coming original content squeezing hachette publishers squealing point launching fire tv fire phone amazon officially red stock 23 investors looking jump ship alibaba 6 dick costolo ceo twitter public markets place company struggling figure product strategy business model decision rests squarely costolos shoulders former comedian turned management team floated one strategy another trying make twitter nysetwtr engaging broader audience prop slowing user growth avail mobile ad revenues rise google facebook continue dominate stock 40 year 5 paul ricci chairman ceo nuance communications despite acquired competitors effective monopoly voice recognition technology used smartphone healthcare customer service broad array applications nuances nasdaqnuan longtime ceo still cant seem figure make money organically grow business stock trading near fiveyear lows riccis second consecutive year list 4 eddie lampert chairman ceo sears holdings another repeat offender man engineered kmarts disastrous merger sears continues demonstrate hedgefund managers never run companies lot easier second guess actually hot seat sears nasdaqshld closed another 200 stores year amid chronic multiyear sales declines mounting losses stock 25 year 3 dov charney former ceo american apparel160 looks like duck walks like duck quacks like duck probably duck decade selfdestructive behavior sexual harassment suits discrimination claims finally began affect companys results board actually grew pair terminated american apparels nysemktapp infamous founder really taken long 2 kazuo hirai ceo sony corp despite vows finally shake things turn around flailing entertainment company hirai seems far consumed micromanaging scenes controversial actioncomedy films anything transformative sony nysesne former consumer electronics giant relegated making playstations kowtowing north korean hackers still losing plenty yen 1 mary barra ceo general motors barras first year chief executive nations top automaker disaster may ceo deadly ignition switch defect scandal occurred executive vp product development supply chain hands anything clean one corrupt corporate coverups ive ever seen meanwhile telling congress gms nysegm culture changed ludicrous lawsuit involving woman died 2009 chevy cobalt accident fatal safety flaw might never come light gm essentially dragged kicking screaming recalling millions vehicles shares gm 19 yeartodate hope barra enormous stocking hanging fireplace saw santa load gargantuan lump coal onto sled name | 514 |
<p />
<p>You've made a budget. You've paid down your debt. Investing for the future is the natural next step in your financial progression. When you're ready to start investing, you'll need to open a <a href="http://www.fool.com/how-to-invest/broker/index.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">brokerage account Opens a New Window.</a> to make your trades. Fidelity and TradeStation, two well-known brokerage companies, make it easy and inexpensive to make investments. Here's how they stack up for investors who want to invest for the long haul.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Online discount brokers make buying stocks, funds, and other investments as easy as doing your grocery shopping online.Even better -- they make investing cheaper. Here are the commissions that Fidelity and TradeStation customers pay to complete their trades.</p>
<p>Data sources: Company websites.</p>
<p>Importantly, some volume discounts will result in savings for certain investors. TradeStation caters to active traders with lower commissions when you complete more than 50 trades in any given month. Similarly, <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 IRA accounts Opens a New Window.</a> can effectively reduce the total transaction costs you pay.</p>
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<p>Fund investors may find that there is a pretty big difference between the two brokerages. Fidelity has more than 3,000 commission-free ETFs and no-transaction-fee (NTF) mutual funds which customers can buy or sell without paying a transaction fee.</p>
<p>Data sources: Company websites.</p>
<p>Notably, funds not on a broker's NTF list will incur a fee. For those mutual funds, TradeStation's standard commission of $14.95 is lower than Fidelity's commission rate of $49.95. Thus, the number of NTF funds isn't necessarily as important as which funds are classified as no-transaction-fee at any given broker. Depending on your needs, you can make the case that either broker is a better choice for fund investors.</p>
<p>It takes money to make money, as Fidelity and TradeStation both have minimum deposit requirements for new accounts. Fidelity requires that its clients deposit at least $2,500 to open a brokerage account. TradeStation's minimum account size is higher -- $5,000 for taxable accounts and $5,500 for Individual Retirement Accounts.</p>
<p>Low-volume traders will need to keep a higher balance at TradeStation to avoid minimum monthly fees. TradeStation customers who do not trade at least 10 round-turn futures contracts, 50 options contracts, or 5,000 shares will pay a $99.95 monthly fee if they do not have a balance of at least $100,000.</p>
<p>At The Motley Fool, we believe in long-term, buy-and-hold investing. Therefore, we aren't traders, and we don't think the features of a trading platform are that important. In fact, you're unlikely to find us staring at charts -- we think in terms of years, rather than days or weeks.</p>
<p>Because we trade so infrequently, we find that virtually any trading platform will suit us fine. After all, a fancy trading platform doesn't add much to a strategy that emphasizes doing nothing -- holding stocks -- for years at a time. For this reason, we'll leave the trading platform debate up to you. In either case, Fidelity or TradeStation customers can complete trades with just a few clicks, which should satisfy the requirements of long-term investors.</p>
<p>Fidelity and TradeStation users give high ratings to their brokers' mobile apps. Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Want to take your portfolio international? Fidelity offers its clients the ability to trade <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/04/26/what-is-an-adr-you-need-to-know-before-buying-fore.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">American depositary receipts (ADRs) Opens a New Window.</a> listed in the U.S., in addition to direct access to markets in 25 countries. Note, though, that trades on international stock markets are assessed a higher commission, which varies depending on the market.</p>
<p>TradeStation customers can trade ADRs, but it does not offer access to trade directly on international exchanges. If foreign stocks are a key part of your investing strategy, the differences between TradeStation and Fidelity may be very important to you.</p>
<p>Online discount brokers offer a number of research tools to help you learn more about your investments. Fidelity customers can tap into analyst recommendations from more than 100 firms, read third-party research from S&amp;P and Morningstar, and get their news straight from the leading newswires, just to name a few advantages. For its part, TradeStation offers market briefs, screeners, and weekly stocks and ETFs reports to its customers. In addition, both brokers offer online learning resources on their websites as a free resource.</p>
<p>Fidelity and TradeStation customers generally love their mobile apps. Here's how each brokers' users and clients rated their mobile capabilities on iOS and Android (as of Dec. 5, 2016).</p>
<p>Data sources: Relevant app stores.</p>
<p>Boiling it all down, Fidelity and TradeStation both offer reasonable commission prices, access to research, and well-reviewed mobile applications for investors who want to trade on the go.</p>
<p>Frequent traders may prefer TradeStation's flexible commission schedule, whereas international investors will find more choices at Fidelity. Ultimately, depending on your needs, either broker could be right for you. To be clear: The Motley Fool does not endorse any particular broker. Visit <a href="http://www.fool.com/how-to-invest/broker/index.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Fool.com's Broker Center Opens a New Window.</a> for a comparison of several discount brokers on key criteria including commissions, account minimums, and current special offers for new accounts.</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=irbeditxt0000138&amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable&amp;ftm_pit=6450&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 | youve made budget youve paid debt investing future natural next step financial progression youre ready start investing youll need open brokerage account opens new window make trades fidelity tradestation two wellknown brokerage companies make easy inexpensive make investments heres stack investors want invest long haul continue reading online discount brokers make buying stocks funds investments easy grocery shopping onlineeven better make investing cheaper commissions fidelity tradestation customers pay complete trades data sources company websites importantly volume discounts result savings certain investors tradestation caters active traders lower commissions complete 50 trades given month similarly special offers ira accounts opens new window effectively reduce total transaction costs pay advertisement fund investors may find pretty big difference two brokerages fidelity 3000 commissionfree etfs notransactionfee ntf mutual funds customers buy sell without paying transaction fee data sources company websites notably funds brokers ntf list incur fee mutual funds tradestations standard commission 1495 lower fidelitys commission rate 4995 thus number ntf funds isnt necessarily important funds classified notransactionfee given broker depending needs make case either broker better choice fund investors takes money make money fidelity tradestation minimum deposit requirements new accounts fidelity requires clients deposit least 2500 open brokerage account tradestations minimum account size higher 5000 taxable accounts 5500 individual retirement accounts lowvolume traders need keep higher balance tradestation avoid minimum monthly fees tradestation customers trade least 10 roundturn futures contracts 50 options contracts 5000 shares pay 9995 monthly fee balance least 100000 motley fool believe longterm buyandhold investing therefore arent traders dont think features trading platform important fact youre unlikely find us staring charts think terms years rather days weeks trade infrequently find virtually trading platform suit us fine fancy trading platform doesnt add much strategy emphasizes nothing holding stocks years time reason well leave trading platform debate either case fidelity tradestation customers complete trades clicks satisfy requirements longterm investors fidelity tradestation users give high ratings brokers mobile apps image source getty images want take portfolio international fidelity offers clients ability trade american depositary receipts adrs opens new window listed us addition direct access markets 25 countries note though trades international stock markets assessed higher commission varies depending market tradestation customers trade adrs offer access trade directly international exchanges foreign stocks key part investing strategy differences tradestation fidelity may important online discount brokers offer number research tools help learn investments fidelity customers tap analyst recommendations 100 firms read thirdparty research sampp morningstar get news straight leading newswires name advantages part tradestation offers market briefs screeners weekly stocks etfs reports customers addition brokers offer online learning resources websites free resource fidelity tradestation customers generally love mobile apps heres brokers users clients rated mobile capabilities ios android dec 5 2016 data sources relevant app stores boiling fidelity tradestation offer reasonable commission prices access research wellreviewed mobile applications investors want trade go frequent traders may prefer tradestations flexible commission schedule whereas international investors find choices fidelity ultimately depending needs either broker could right clear motley fool endorse particular broker visit foolcoms broker center opens new window comparison several discount brokers key criteria including commissions account minimums current special offers new accounts 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 | 603 |
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<p>Image source: NVIDIA.</p>
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<p>Over the past three years, graphics-chip company NVIDIA has been a share-buyback machine. From fiscal 2014 through fiscal 2016, which ended in January, the company spent a total of $2.29 billion repurchasing its own shares, knocking its diluted share count down by about 9%. NVIDIA's mountain of excess cash, as well as consistent free cash flow generation, fueled the company's capital return policy.</p>
<p>At the beginning of this period, NVIDIA's stock was in the doldrums. At the start of fiscal 2014, shares of NVIDIA traded for just 7 times earnings after backing out the company's net cash. In other words, NVIDIA was able to buy its own shares for a song. Shares of NVIDIA steadily rose over the following two years and then spiked higher during the second half of 2015. When it was all said and done, <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/08/why-i-sold-nvidia-corp.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">the stock had nearly tripled Opens a New Window.</a> in a little over three years.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/NVDA" type="external">NVDA</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>A few weeks ago, NVIDIA announced that it was entering into an accelerated share repurchase agreement as part of its plan to return $1 billion to shareholders in fiscal 2017. NVIDIA is paying $500 million to receive about 12.1 million shares, with additional shares set to be delivered at settlement, depending on the daily average price of NVIDIA stock. <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/02/22/this-is-one-of-the-most-misleading-terms-in-financ.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Here's a great explanation Opens a New Window.</a> of how these accelerated share repurchase agreements really work.</p>
<p>A $500 million buyback may sound like a great idea, considering how much cash NVIDIA has sitting on its balance sheet. But because the stock price has increased by so much, share buybacks are the last thing NVIDIA should be doing right now.</p>
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<p>A tale of two buybacksPrice matters when it comes to share buybacks. At the beginning of fiscal 2014, NVIDIA's stock was so cheap, even assuming no growth whatsoever, that buybacks were an excellent use of capital. Today, NVIDIA's stock is so expensive that buybacks are an awful idea.</p>
<p>Warren Buffett, in his 1999 letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, laid out his philosophy on when share buybacks make sense: "There is only one combination of facts that makes it advisable for a company to repurchase its shares: First, the company has available funds -- cash plus sensible borrowing capacity -- beyond the near-term needs of the business and, second, finds its stock selling in the market below its intrinsic value, conservatively calculated."</p>
<p>On the first point, NVIDIA passes with flying colors. At the end of fiscal 2016, the company had $5.04 billion of cash and just $1.42 billion of debt, leaving a net cash position of about $3.62 billion. The second point, though, is no longer true. NVIDIA is far from inexpensive, even under optimistic assumptions. At a stock price of $36, and after backing out the net cash, NVIDIA trades for about 27.8 times GAAP earnings. That's a far cry from the cash-adjusted P/E ratio of 7 the stock sported a few years ago.</p>
<p>Let's look at it another way. At the beginning of fiscal 2014, a $500 million buyback, if it could be done all at once, would have boosted EPS by 6.9%. Today, the same buyback would boost EPS by only 2.5%, thanks to the higher stock price. What if that $500 million were invested back into the business? Using NVIDIA's fiscal 2016 tax rate, what pre-tax rate of return would be necessary to achieve the same EPS increase?</p>
<p>Source: author's calculations.</p>
<p>At the beginning of fiscal 2014, NVIDIA would have needed to generate a pre-tax return of 9.44% on that $500 million to match the EPS boost of a share buyback. In other words, share buybacks looked like a fairly attractive option at the time, effectively generating a return of nearly 10% guaranteed.</p>
<p>Today, NVIDIA would only need to achieve a 3.72% return to match the effects of a share buyback. That's a fairly dismal result. If, instead of a buyback program, NVIDIA had announced that it was investing $500 million in a new project, and that it expected a 3.72% return on investment, some eyebrows would have certainly been raised. But the end result, in terms of EPS, would have been exactly the same.</p>
<p>Share buybacks made sense when NVIDIA's stock was cheap. Today, the stock trades at a hefty premium, and while one could argue that the company's growth prospects may justify the price tag, NVIDIA's new $500 million share buyback program is more likely to destroy shareholder value than create it.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/12/nvidia-is-making-a-500-million-mistake.aspx" type="external">NVIDIA Is Making a $500 Million Mistake Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFBargainBin/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Timothy Green Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool recommends Nvidia. 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 nvidia continue reading past three years graphicschip company nvidia sharebuyback machine fiscal 2014 fiscal 2016 ended january company spent total 229 billion repurchasing shares knocking diluted share count 9 nvidias mountain excess cash well consistent free cash flow generation fueled companys capital return policy beginning period nvidias stock doldrums start fiscal 2014 shares nvidia traded 7 times earnings backing companys net cash words nvidia able buy shares song shares nvidia steadily rose following two years spiked higher second half 2015 said done stock nearly tripled opens new window little three years nvda data ycharts opens new window weeks ago nvidia announced entering accelerated share repurchase agreement part plan return 1 billion shareholders fiscal 2017 nvidia paying 500 million receive 121 million shares additional shares set delivered settlement depending daily average price nvidia stock heres great explanation opens new window accelerated share repurchase agreements really work 500 million buyback may sound like great idea considering much cash nvidia sitting balance sheet stock price increased much share buybacks last thing nvidia right advertisement tale two buybacksprice matters comes share buybacks beginning fiscal 2014 nvidias stock cheap even assuming growth whatsoever buybacks excellent use capital today nvidias stock expensive buybacks awful idea warren buffett 1999 letter berkshire hathaway shareholders laid philosophy share buybacks make sense one combination facts makes advisable company repurchase shares first company available funds cash plus sensible borrowing capacity beyond nearterm needs business second finds stock selling market intrinsic value conservatively calculated first point nvidia passes flying colors end fiscal 2016 company 504 billion cash 142 billion debt leaving net cash position 362 billion second point though longer true nvidia far inexpensive even optimistic assumptions stock price 36 backing net cash nvidia trades 278 times gaap earnings thats far cry cashadjusted pe ratio 7 stock sported years ago lets look another way beginning fiscal 2014 500 million buyback could done would boosted eps 69 today buyback would boost eps 25 thanks higher stock price 500 million invested back business using nvidias fiscal 2016 tax rate pretax rate return would necessary achieve eps increase source authors calculations beginning fiscal 2014 nvidia would needed generate pretax return 944 500 million match eps boost share buyback words share buybacks looked like fairly attractive option time effectively generating return nearly 10 guaranteed today nvidia would need achieve 372 return match effects share buyback thats fairly dismal result instead buyback program nvidia announced investing 500 million new project expected 372 return investment eyebrows would certainly raised end result terms eps would exactly share buybacks made sense nvidias stock cheap today stock trades hefty premium one could argue companys growth prospects may justify price tag nvidias new 500 million share buyback program likely destroy shareholder value create article nvidia making 500 million mistake opens new window originally appeared foolcom timothy green opens new window owns shares berkshire hathaway motley fool owns shares recommends berkshire hathaway motley fool recommends nvidia 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 | 533 |
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<p>Anyone expecting a surprise from Gilead Sciences' (NASDAQ: GILD) presentation at the 35th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Monday would have walked away disappointed. John Milligan, Gilead's CEO, stuck to his game plan for how the big biotech will move forward. Here are four things Milligan said to expect from Gilead Sciences in 2017.</p>
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<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>While Gilead's HIV drugs based ontenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) -- specifically Truvada, Atripla, Complera, and Stribild -- continue to make the company a lot of money, Milligan didn't blink at stating the TDF era is over. The new dawn for Gilead is with its tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) drugs. Milligan said that the biotech intends to extend its leadership role in HIV in 2017 with TAF drugs Genvoya, Descovey, and Odefsey.</p>
<p>Genvoya became the fastest-growing HIV drug ever in its first year of launch, easily topping Stribild and Viiv Healthcare's Triumeq. Atripla had held the top spot until 2016 -- Genvoya's first full year on the market.</p>
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<p>Image source: Gilead Sciences.</p>
<p>Yet another TAF drug could be on the way soon. Gilead expects to announce results from a late-stage clinical study of bictegravir in mid-2017 with a potential regulatory submission in the third quarter.</p>
<p>Milligan characterized the hepatitis C virus (HCV) landscape as "kind of a different market" now. Patients are being cured by Gilead's drugs, including Sovaldi, Harvoni, and Epclusa, and are then exiting the medical system. Fewer patients are starting treatment. The patients that do start aren't as sick as the ones who took Sovaldi and Harvoni when they first launched. And the treatment periods now tend to be shorter.</p>
<p>As a result, Gilead's goal is to try to get more patients. Milligan admitted that this isn't an easy task. The company has launched both branded and non-branded marketing campaigns in the U.S. and Japan to increase awareness of HCV. It's too soon to know how effective this strategy will be.</p>
<p>Still, though, Milligan noted that Gilead's HCV franchise continues to generate great cash flow. The biotech isn't looking for further growth in this market, but Gilead should keep making plenty of money from its HCV drugs for years to come.</p>
<p>With a lesser emphasis on HCV, Gilead is turning to other therapeutic indications for future growth. Milligan highlighted three areas in his comments at the J.P. Morgan conference.</p>
<p>Expanding into the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) market is a natural next step for Gilead. Around 12 million Americans suffer from the liver disease. Gilead intends to especially go after the roughly 3 million of them with NASH-related fibrosis. These patients are the hardest to treat and present the greatest unmet medical need.</p>
<p>Gilead has three pipeline candidates targeting NASH. Milligan gave the most attention to selonsertib (GS-4997), which showed promising results in a phase 2 study. Two late-stage clinical studies of the oral ASK1 inhibitor are being conducted in 2017 and 2018. Gilead also has a couple of experimental NASH therapies in mid-stage clinical trials -- ACC inhibitor GS-0976 and FXR agonist GS-9674.</p>
<p>Another therapeutic focus area is oncology. Milligan emphasized two pipeline candidates that could hold promise. GS-5745 is currently in a late-stage study targeting treatment of gastric cancer. The experimental drug is also is in a phase 2 study in combination with Bristol-Myers Squibb's Opdivo in treating gastric cancer.Syk inhibitor entospletinib is in a couple of phase 2 clinical studies. Milligan thinks the drug could have a "fast regulatory pathway" in the acute myeloid leukemia (AML) indication.</p>
<p>Milligan also mentioned Gilead's foray into the autoimmune disease market with filgotinib. He thinks the pipeline candidate could become one of the first JAK inhibitors to win approval for treating Crohn's disease. Filgotinib is in multiple late-stage clinical studies targeting treatment of Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis.</p>
<p>The Gilead Sciences presentation at the J. P. Morgan conference began by highlighting some of the company's successes in 2016. Included in these highlights were revenue of $23.1 billion, $13.2 billion in operating cash flow, and $31.6 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as of Sept. 30, 2016. John Milligan also pointed out that Gilead had returned 98% of its free cash flow to shareholders.</p>
<p>Running out of time for his presentation, Milligan ended his remarks with a very brief reference to Gilead maintaining its strong operating and financial discipline. Expect to see the biotech continue to return cash to shareholders in 2017 in the form of nice dividends and stock buybacks.Milligan might have spent a nanosecond in his presentation on what investors are most interested in: the prospects for acquisitions.</p>
<p>I don't doubt that Gilead Sciences will successfully extend its leadership position in HIV. The company is realistic and sober about the prospects in the HCV market, but I think Gilead will continue to benefit from solid cash flow from its HCV drugs. That cash flow should benefit shareholders in 2017 through increased dividends and more share repurchases.</p>
<p>The biggest question mark for Gilead, though, is how effectively the company can expand into new therapeutic areas. I like the biotech's opportunities in NASH especially. However, it's probably still a few years out before Gilead can capitalize on its current pipeline candidates. That increases the importance that Gilead makes some smart strategic acquisitions. While Milligan didn't announce any surprises at the J. P. Morgan event, many investors are hoping he will do so soon.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFishBiz/info.aspx" type="external">Keith Speights Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Gilead Sciences. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Gilead Sciences. 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 | anyone expecting surprise gilead sciences nasdaq gild presentation 35th annual jp morgan healthcare conference monday would walked away disappointed john milligan gileads ceo stuck game plan big biotech move forward four things milligan said expect gilead sciences 2017 continue reading image source getty images gileads hiv drugs based ontenofovir disoproxil fumarate tdf specifically truvada atripla complera stribild continue make company lot money milligan didnt blink stating tdf era new dawn gilead tenofovir alafenamide taf drugs milligan said biotech intends extend leadership role hiv 2017 taf drugs genvoya descovey odefsey genvoya became fastestgrowing hiv drug ever first year launch easily topping stribild viiv healthcares triumeq atripla held top spot 2016 genvoyas first full year market advertisement image source gilead sciences yet another taf drug could way soon gilead expects announce results latestage clinical study bictegravir mid2017 potential regulatory submission third quarter milligan characterized hepatitis c virus hcv landscape kind different market patients cured gileads drugs including sovaldi harvoni epclusa exiting medical system fewer patients starting treatment patients start arent sick ones took sovaldi harvoni first launched treatment periods tend shorter result gileads goal try get patients milligan admitted isnt easy task company launched branded nonbranded marketing campaigns us japan increase awareness hcv soon know effective strategy still though milligan noted gileads hcv franchise continues generate great cash flow biotech isnt looking growth market gilead keep making plenty money hcv drugs years come lesser emphasis hcv gilead turning therapeutic indications future growth milligan highlighted three areas comments jp morgan conference expanding nonalcoholic steatohepatitis nash market natural next step gilead around 12 million americans suffer liver disease gilead intends especially go roughly 3 million nashrelated fibrosis patients hardest treat present greatest unmet medical need gilead three pipeline candidates targeting nash milligan gave attention selonsertib gs4997 showed promising results phase 2 study two latestage clinical studies oral ask1 inhibitor conducted 2017 2018 gilead also couple experimental nash therapies midstage clinical trials acc inhibitor gs0976 fxr agonist gs9674 another therapeutic focus area oncology milligan emphasized two pipeline candidates could hold promise gs5745 currently latestage study targeting treatment gastric cancer experimental drug also phase 2 study combination bristolmyers squibbs opdivo treating gastric cancersyk inhibitor entospletinib couple phase 2 clinical studies milligan thinks drug could fast regulatory pathway acute myeloid leukemia aml indication milligan also mentioned gileads foray autoimmune disease market filgotinib thinks pipeline candidate could become one first jak inhibitors win approval treating crohns disease filgotinib multiple latestage clinical studies targeting treatment crohns disease rheumatoid arthritis ulcerative colitis gilead sciences presentation j p morgan conference began highlighting companys successes 2016 included highlights revenue 231 billion 132 billion operating cash flow 316 billion cash cash equivalents marketable securities sept 30 2016 john milligan also pointed gilead returned 98 free cash flow shareholders running time presentation milligan ended remarks brief reference gilead maintaining strong operating financial discipline expect see biotech continue return cash shareholders 2017 form nice dividends stock buybacksmilligan might spent nanosecond presentation investors interested prospects acquisitions dont doubt gilead sciences successfully extend leadership position hiv company realistic sober prospects hcv market think gilead continue benefit solid cash flow hcv drugs cash flow benefit shareholders 2017 increased dividends share repurchases biggest question mark gilead though effectively company expand new therapeutic areas like biotechs opportunities nash especially however probably still years gilead capitalize current pipeline candidates increases importance gilead makes smart strategic acquisitions milligan didnt announce surprises j p morgan event many investors hoping soon 10 stocks like better gilead sciences 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 gilead sciences wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns january 4 2017 keith speights opens new window owns shares gilead sciences motley fool owns shares recommends gilead sciences motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 651 |
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<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
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<p>Whether or not you realize it, one of the most highly anticipated deadlines just passed. In mid-August, 45 days after the end of the fiscal second quarter, money managers with more than $100 million in qualifying assets had to have filed Form 13F with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Form 13F offers Wall Street and investors a transparent look at what the wealthiest and most successful money managers were up to during the quarter.</p>
<p>Although Form 13F is giving us a picture of outdated data -- it's 45 days old -- and blindly following the whims of billionaires isn't something we advocate at The Motley Fool, understanding why billionaires are making the stock moves they are can help us gain a better understanding of the stocks we care the most about.</p>
<p>What stood out like a sore thumb in the second quarter, to me at least, was the billionaire exodus from a handful of companies. Although there were buyers, the billionaire sellers seemed to far outnumbered the optimists in these four stocks.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
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<p>Israeli-based pharmaceutical giant Teva Pharmaceutical (NYSE: TEVA) wasn't shown much love during the second quarter, with billionaire money managers Julian Robertson of Tiger Management and Andreas Halvorsen of Viking Global hitting the sell button. Tiger Management exited its entire position in Teva, selling all 356,200 shares it had owned since the fourth quarter of 2015, while Viking Global trimmed its stake in Teva by more than 5.2 million shares. Viking still holds 27.74 million shares of Teva, worth about $1.4 billion.</p>
<p>The reason why Robertson and Halvorsen wanted to reduce their exposure to Teva likely ties into its $40.5 billion acquisition of Allergan'sgeneric drug unit. Trying to incorporate such a massive generic drug segment into its own hybrid branded and generic drug business could take some time and lead to some organizational hiccups.</p>
<p>However, I believe these billionaires have overlooked the pricing power and diversity that Teva will now have as the world's leading generic drug provider. The IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics is forecasting that generic prescriptions could rise from 88% of all scripts written in 2015 to 91%-92% by the end of the decade. Even with the lower margins associated with generic drugs, the sheer increase in volume should bode well for Teva over the long-term.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Even though quite a few smaller hedge funds added Barrick Gold (NYSE: ABX) to their portfolios during Q2, some very big names jettisoned this mining giant. James Simons, who runs Renaissance Technologies, sold just over 9 million shares of Barrick Gold, or nearly a third of its total position, while George Soros of Soros Fund Management dumped 18.35 million shares of Barrick, leaving his fund with only 1.07 million shares as of the end of Q2.</p>
<p>It doesn't appear there were any fundamental reasons behind Soros' and Simons' exodus from Barrick Gold. Instead, it looks like it was an opportunity to take profits after Barrick's share price jumped 189% between Jan. 1, 2016 and June 30, 2016.</p>
<p>Will Soros and Simons regret the move? I'd like to think so given that Barrick Gold reduced its debt load by $3.1 billion in 2015 and is on track to knock another $2 billion off this year. Reduced net interest expenses and improved financial flexibility, coupled with Barrick spending its capital on only the most promising and high ore grade projects, has pushed Barrick Gold's all-in sustaining cost projections down to just $770 an ounce at the midpoint in 2016. This well-run miner is far from a "sell" in my view.</p>
<p>Image source: Netflix.</p>
<p>According to 13F aggregator WhaleWisdom.com, streaming content giant Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) had an aggregate reduction of 5% in terms of ownership among funds filing 13Fs in the second quarter. Some of those sellers were big names, including Chase Coleman III's Tiger Global Management, which sold out of the entire 17,997,273 share position it had held since Q4 2014, and once again Halvorsen's Viking Global, which sold a little more than 20% of its existing Netflix position (about 1.77 million shares).</p>
<p>What caused the Netflix exodus? I'd wager Netflix's first-quarter earnings report, released in mid-April. Though Netflix delivered another round of solid growth, including a gain of 6.74 million net memberships and a doubling of its EPS to $0.06 from the $0.03 that Wall Street had expected, its forecast of just 2 million net international additions was well short of the approximately 3.5 million net additions Wall Street had been looking for in the second quarter. For what it's worth, Netflix's Q2 report in mid-July missed the mark on what seemed to be reduced estimates, with only a net subscriber gain of 1.57 million internationally.</p>
<p>More than likely this is just another minor hiccup in Netflix's attempt to dominate streaming content, but it's certainly worth paying close attention to. Netflix's management team doesn't seem too concerned at the moment with its competition, and believes most of its near-term subscriber weakness can be blamed on passing higher prices along to tenured consumers of the brand. Though Netflix isn't cheap, it appears well supported by growth optimists.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Finally, you could say there was a minor billionaire stampede for the exit when it comes to mortgage real estate investment trust (mREIT) Annaly Capital Management (NYSE: NLY). David Shaw, who runs D.E. Shaw &amp; Company, sold nearly 12.5 million shares of Annaly Capital Management, leaving the firm with just 3.75 million shares of Annaly at the end of the quarter. Simons' Renaissance Technologies also wound up dumping just shy of 3.1 million shares of Annaly, leaving nearly 10.7 million shares in its portfolio.</p>
<p>Why the dislike for Annaly in Q2? My guess would be that billionaire investors were expecting a rate hike. Mortgage REITs like Annaly earn their keep based on the difference between the rate at which they borrow money and the interest rate at which they earn money from investing in mortgage-backed securities. If interest rates are rising, it costs Annaly more to borrow, thus reducing its net interest margin and hampering its leverage.</p>
<p>While interest rates do seem poised to rise over the long run, the near- and intermediate-term future is quite cloudy. Inflation has remained low, U.S. GDP growth has been subpar, and the labor market has been choppy at times. We may have actually seen an overreaction of pessimism in Annaly's share price earlier this year, with the mREIT trading at just 95% of its book value and currently yielding a whopping 11%. Unless we were to see a number of successive rate hikes, Annaly could be quite attractive from the perspective of income investors.</p>
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<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 owns shares of and recommends Netflix. It also recommends Teva Pharmaceutical 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>. 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 whether realize one highly anticipated deadlines passed midaugust 45 days end fiscal second quarter money managers 100 million qualifying assets filed form 13f securities exchange commission form 13f offers wall street investors transparent look wealthiest successful money managers quarter although form 13f giving us picture outdated data 45 days old blindly following whims billionaires isnt something advocate motley fool understanding billionaires making stock moves help us gain better understanding stocks care stood like sore thumb second quarter least billionaire exodus handful companies although buyers billionaire sellers seemed far outnumbered optimists four stocks image source getty images advertisement israelibased pharmaceutical giant teva pharmaceutical nyse teva wasnt shown much love second quarter billionaire money managers julian robertson tiger management andreas halvorsen viking global hitting sell button tiger management exited entire position teva selling 356200 shares owned since fourth quarter 2015 viking global trimmed stake teva 52 million shares viking still holds 2774 million shares teva worth 14 billion reason robertson halvorsen wanted reduce exposure teva likely ties 405 billion acquisition allergansgeneric drug unit trying incorporate massive generic drug segment hybrid branded generic drug business could take time lead organizational hiccups however believe billionaires overlooked pricing power diversity teva worlds leading generic drug provider ims institute healthcare informatics forecasting generic prescriptions could rise 88 scripts written 2015 9192 end decade even lower margins associated generic drugs sheer increase volume bode well teva longterm image source getty images even though quite smaller hedge funds added barrick gold nyse abx portfolios q2 big names jettisoned mining giant james simons runs renaissance technologies sold 9 million shares barrick gold nearly third total position george soros soros fund management dumped 1835 million shares barrick leaving fund 107 million shares end q2 doesnt appear fundamental reasons behind soros simons exodus barrick gold instead looks like opportunity take profits barricks share price jumped 189 jan 1 2016 june 30 2016 soros simons regret move id like think given barrick gold reduced debt load 31 billion 2015 track knock another 2 billion year reduced net interest expenses improved financial flexibility coupled barrick spending capital promising high ore grade projects pushed barrick golds allin sustaining cost projections 770 ounce midpoint 2016 wellrun miner far sell view image source netflix according 13f aggregator whalewisdomcom streaming content giant netflix nasdaq nflx aggregate reduction 5 terms ownership among funds filing 13fs second quarter sellers big names including chase coleman iiis tiger global management sold entire 17997273 share position held since q4 2014 halvorsens viking global sold little 20 existing netflix position 177 million shares caused netflix exodus id wager netflixs firstquarter earnings report released midapril though netflix delivered another round solid growth including gain 674 million net memberships doubling eps 006 003 wall street expected forecast 2 million net international additions well short approximately 35 million net additions wall street looking second quarter worth netflixs q2 report midjuly missed mark seemed reduced estimates net subscriber gain 157 million internationally likely another minor hiccup netflixs attempt dominate streaming content certainly worth paying close attention netflixs management team doesnt seem concerned moment competition believes nearterm subscriber weakness blamed passing higher prices along tenured consumers brand though netflix isnt cheap appears well supported growth optimists image source getty images finally could say minor billionaire stampede exit comes mortgage real estate investment trust mreit annaly capital management nyse nly david shaw runs de shaw amp company sold nearly 125 million shares annaly capital management leaving firm 375 million shares annaly end quarter simons renaissance technologies also wound dumping shy 31 million shares annaly leaving nearly 107 million shares portfolio dislike annaly q2 guess would billionaire investors expecting rate hike mortgage reits like annaly earn keep based difference rate borrow money interest rate earn money investing mortgagebacked securities interest rates rising costs annaly borrow thus reducing net interest margin hampering leverage interest rates seem poised rise long run near intermediateterm future quite cloudy inflation remained low us gdp growth subpar labor market choppy times may actually seen overreaction pessimism annalys share price earlier year mreit trading 95 book value currently yielding whopping 11 unless see number successive rate hikes annaly could quite attractive perspective income investors 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 owns shares recommends netflix also recommends teva pharmaceutical industries try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse 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<p>The stock market has gone from record-low volatility and a steady march upwards to turmoil and full-on correction territory in less than a week. What's an investor to do? As a starting point, don't get too caught up in trying to time the market, since it's nearly impossible to accurately predict when the market will move one way or the other.</p>
<p>But in-the-know investors realize one important thing: Over time, the market will almost certainly go up more than it will go down, and it will go up much more often. That puts the odds of success in your favor if you simply buy great companies and hold them, as time is on your side.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>In-the-know investors also know that growth stocks can be more volatile, but can also deliver the best long-term gains. With that in mind, we asked three Motley Fool investors which growth stocks they like, and they identified vehicle-automation technology leader Aptive PLC (NYSE: APTV), Google parent-company Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG)(NASDAQ: GOOGL), and electronic-payments giant Mastercard Inc (NYSE: MA).</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTwoCoins/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=756c96fa-0cff-11e8-b502-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Daniel Miller Opens a New Window.</a> (Aptiv): Most investors have heard that <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/01/10/3-best-self-driving-stories-from-2017.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=756c96fa-0cff-11e8-b502-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">driverless cars are the future</a> and are already in development, but only in-the-know investors are aware that Aptiv is one of the most direct ways to invest in a driverless growth stock. For those unaware, Aptiv is a global-technology company with one vision: Usher in the next generation of vehicle-safety products and autonomous vehicles and connect them all through smart cities. This is an ambitious and lucrative vision.</p>
<p>Management has put the company on a solid path that's winning today, as well as building a foundation for the future. Currently, Aptiv's 2017 bookings for active safety -- which represent lifetime gross-program revenues awarded -- grew 66% and represent $3.7 billion. Its infotainment and user-experience bookings were up 15%, to $1.5 billion, and its high-voltage electrification segment was up 54%, to $1.4 billion. The increased bookings suggest that business is booming in the near term.</p>
<p>As great as the increased bookings are for investors eyeballing the near term, Aptiv's move to spin off its powertrain business to focus on higher-margin products revolving around driverless vehicles is a strong long-term strategy. The move to focus on driverless-vehicle technology was bolstered with Aptiv's acquisition of Movimento and Nutonomy, which will bring in some top engineering talent and further the company's role in developing leading driverless-vehicle technology.</p>
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<p>Going forward, Aptiv looks to be a key way for investors to tap into driverless car growth as the company will be involved in developing software, sensing and computing, signal and power distribution and connectivity -- pretty much everything that's going to make the driverless car a reality.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSymington/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=756c96fa-0cff-11e8-b502-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Steve Symington Opens a New Window.</a> (Alphabet): When Alphabet announced fourth-quarter 2017 results late last week, shares of the parent company of Google <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/02/02/why-alphabet-inc-stock-fell-today.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=756c96fa-0cff-11e8-b502-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">plunged 5%</a> in response -- so you'd be forgiven for thinking its performance was subpar. But you'd be wrong.</p>
<p>Keeping in mind that Alphabet doesn't provide specific quarterly financial guidance, quarterly revenue climbed a better-than-expected 24% year over year, to $32.32 billion. But Alphabet's adjusted net income of roughly $6.84 billion, or $9.70 per share, fell just short of the average prediction on Wall Street for $9.98 per share.</p>
<p>Sure, Alphabet conceded that the costs of running its core businesses at Google have climbed, thanks to a combination of data-center investments, fostering its "Made by Google" hardware products, and content acquisition at YouTube. But as management reminded listeners during the subsequent conference call, those investments are being made with a long-term mind-set in the interest of driving a "second wave of growth."</p>
<p>This will occur through Google's Cloud business (which is now generating $1 billion in sales per quarter), its hardware products (which sold tens of millions of units over the holidays), and YouTube (which now boasts over 1.5 billion monthly active users). And that's not to mention the promise of Alphabet's "Other Bets" segment, which is comprised of early stage businesses like Google Fiber (high-speed internet), Verily (life sciences), Nest (connected home), and Waymo (self-driving vehicles).</p>
<p>If you're willing to watch Alphabet continue to play the long game, I think the pullback is a perfect opportunity to open or add to a position.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFVelvetHammer/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=756c96fa-0cff-11e8-b502-0050569d32b9&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;referring_guid=756c96fa-0cff-11e8-b502-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Hall Opens a New Window.</a> (Mastercard Inc): It may seem like plastic has completely replaced cash, especially if you stand in a checkout line just about anywhere these days. But it may be surprising to know that a substantial portion of global transactions are still cash-based. And in-the-know investors understand that this is a multibillion-dollar opportunity that's set for many years of growth to come.</p>
<p>It's especially true with the global middle class -- especially those people who live in urban areas -- set to grow by 1 billion people within two decades. Factor in the increased globalization of the economy, and <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/02/06/3-big-takeaways-from-mastercards-latest-quarter.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=756c96fa-0cff-11e8-b502-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">payment processors that span global borders Opens a New Window.</a> will be increasingly important.</p>
<p>One of the oldest and most-established companies in electronic payments -- Mastercard -- is already winning in the switch to cashless transactions. Revenue increased 20% in the fourth quarter, an acceleration of the 16% growth for the full year. Earnings (adjusted due to one-time charges related to the Tax Act) were up a very strong 21% for the full year and an incredible 33% in the fourth quarter.</p>
<p>It gets even better: The recent stock market correction has also given investors a slightly better entry point, with Mastercard shares down over 8% from its peak. That's not to say it won't fall even further in the short term: If the market keeps falling, Mastercard will almost certainly drop, too. If it falls even further, investors will have a chance to buy more of this amazing company at an even better price.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than MastercardWhen 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=e4a1f569-344a-48a3-9106-fa96fe61cf12&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=756c96fa-0cff-11e8-b502-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Mastercard 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=e4a1f569-344a-48a3-9106-fa96fe61cf12&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=756c96fa-0cff-11e8-b502-0050569d32b9&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 5, 2018</p>
<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/TMFTwoCoins/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=756c96fa-0cff-11e8-b502-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Daniel Miller Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFVelvetHammer/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=756c96fa-0cff-11e8-b502-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Jason Hall Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Alphabet (A shares) and Mastercard. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSymington/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=756c96fa-0cff-11e8-b502-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Steve Symington Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), and Mastercard. 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=756c96fa-0cff-11e8-b502-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | stock market gone recordlow volatility steady march upwards turmoil fullon correction territory less week whats investor starting point dont get caught trying time market since nearly impossible accurately predict market move one way intheknow investors realize one important thing time market almost certainly go go go much often puts odds success favor simply buy great companies hold time side continue reading intheknow investors also know growth stocks volatile also deliver best longterm gains mind asked three motley fool investors growth stocks like identified vehicleautomation technology leader aptive plc nyse aptv google parentcompany alphabet inc nasdaq goognasdaq googl electronicpayments giant mastercard inc nyse daniel miller opens new window aptiv investors heard driverless cars future already development intheknow investors aware aptiv one direct ways invest driverless growth stock unaware aptiv globaltechnology company one vision usher next generation vehiclesafety products autonomous vehicles connect smart cities ambitious lucrative vision management put company solid path thats winning today well building foundation future currently aptivs 2017 bookings active safety represent lifetime grossprogram revenues awarded grew 66 represent 37 billion infotainment userexperience bookings 15 15 billion highvoltage electrification segment 54 14 billion increased bookings suggest business booming near term great increased bookings investors eyeballing near term aptivs move spin powertrain business focus highermargin products revolving around driverless vehicles strong longterm strategy move focus driverlessvehicle technology bolstered aptivs acquisition movimento nutonomy bring top engineering talent companys role developing leading driverlessvehicle technology advertisement going forward aptiv looks key way investors tap driverless car growth company involved developing software sensing computing signal power distribution connectivity pretty much everything thats going make driverless car reality steve symington opens new window alphabet alphabet announced fourthquarter 2017 results late last week shares parent company google plunged 5 response youd forgiven thinking performance subpar youd wrong keeping mind alphabet doesnt provide specific quarterly financial guidance quarterly revenue climbed betterthanexpected 24 year year 3232 billion alphabets adjusted net income roughly 684 billion 970 per share fell short average prediction wall street 998 per share sure alphabet conceded costs running core businesses google climbed thanks combination datacenter investments fostering made google hardware products content acquisition youtube management reminded listeners subsequent conference call investments made longterm mindset interest driving second wave growth occur googles cloud business generating 1 billion sales per quarter hardware products sold tens millions units holidays youtube boasts 15 billion monthly active users thats mention promise alphabets bets segment comprised early stage businesses like google fiber highspeed internet verily life sciences nest connected home waymo selfdriving vehicles youre willing watch alphabet continue play long game think pullback perfect opportunity open add position jason opens new window hall opens new window mastercard inc may seem like plastic completely replaced cash especially stand checkout line anywhere days may surprising know substantial portion global transactions still cashbased intheknow investors understand multibilliondollar opportunity thats set many years growth come especially true global middle class especially people live urban areas set grow 1 billion people within two decades factor increased globalization economy payment processors span global borders opens new window increasingly important one oldest mostestablished companies electronic payments mastercard already winning switch cashless transactions revenue increased 20 fourth quarter acceleration 16 growth full year earnings adjusted due onetime charges related tax act strong 21 full year incredible 33 fourth quarter gets even better recent stock market correction also given investors slightly better entry point mastercard shares 8 peak thats say wont fall even short term market keeps falling mastercard almost certainly drop falls even investors chance buy amazing company even better price 10 stocks like better mastercardwhen 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 mastercard wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 5 2018 suzanne frey executive alphabet member motley fools board directors daniel miller opens new window position stocks mentioned jason hall opens new window owns shares alphabet shares mastercard steve symington opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends alphabet shares alphabet c shares mastercard motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 695 |
<p>Disabled Veterans Memorial / DisabledVets Memorial Twitter Account</p>
<p>BY: <a href="" type="internal">Aaron MacLean</a> October 17, 2014 5:00 am</p>
<p>In the summer of 2011, I was in Camp Pendleton in southern California participating in a training exercise when a bit of administrative business took a colleague and me to the West Coast headquarters of the Marine Special Operations Command. As we were leaving, my colleague spotted another Marine officer he knew in the parking lot. Walking over to say hello, I couldn’t help noticing that this officer seemed exhausted, as though he had just been through a tough workout in the gym, and that the effort to get into his car seemed to have taken even more out of him. A second or two later I saw the cause of his trouble: He was missing both of his legs.</p>
<p>As it turns out, he had just been through a tough workout. As a team leader in Afghanistan the year prior, this officer—Matthew Lampert—had stepped on an IED inside a compound in Helmand Province and suffered a double amputation. By the summer of 2011 he was well into his rehabilitation and already transitioning into building up his strength so he could return to Afghanistan. As the second in command of a special operations company. Using two prosthetic legs.</p>
<p>It takes more than a double amputation to keep Matthew Lampert out of a fight. His <a href="http://blogs.militarytimes.com/battle-rattle/2013/08/08/obama-highlights-sacrifice-heroism-of-marine-couple-at-camp-pendleton/" type="external">story</a> is, in a word, amazing. It is a tribute to personal determination on a level few of us can understand, and also to remarkable advances in medical and rehabilitative science and, it must be said, to the military’s dedication to providing those wounded overseas with the benefits of such&#160;advances. (It is worth pointing out that the military’s medical system is separate from the VA’s.)</p>
<p>Among the reasons the science of rehabilitation has advanced so far&#160;in recent years is that there has been no shortage of customers from the military. This is not necessarily because casualty rates from Iraq and Afghanistan have been historically higher than the average, but because the quality of battlefield medicine itself has undergone a quantum leap since the major wars of the 20th&#160;century, leading to more servicemen surviving their injuries. The improvements involve simple advances—we stopped worrying that tourniqueting wounds would cause unnecessary amputations, realizing that not tourniqueting them was causing unnecessary deaths—as well as major improvements in medical techniques and, most impressively, the logistics&#160;of evacuation. With very few exceptions, an American serviceman will find himself in a full-scale operating theater within an hour of being wounded.</p>
<p>Combined with improved body armor and the proliferation of armored vehicles, wounds on the battlefield are survivable at rates that simply didn’t apply before. This has had a side effect, however. There are now&#160;a proportionally higher number of veterans with life-long disabilities.</p>
<p>Add these men and women to the population of those living with disabilities as a result of earlier wars, and you have every reason for a monument on the National Mall. Such a place has just <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2014/09/30/americas-disabled-veterans-get-a-memorial-all-their-own/" type="external">opened</a> to the public. It is a small, quiet, and respectful triangular plaza near the Capitol building, built in a location—like the proposed Eisenhower Memorial—where an&#160;architect has to consider how best to&#160;shield his space from its surroundings. The perimeter challenges at this site, at the intersection of C and 2nd&#160;Streets, Southwest, include the appalling Health and Human Services headquarters to the west and Interstate 395 disappearing into the 3rd&#160;Street Tunnel to the south. Such is the lot of the newer memorials on the perimeter of the Mall. In this case the wise and logical decision was to hide such&#160;views behind walls, leaving open the hypotenuse of the triangle that points towards the Capitol and the Botanic Garden.</p>
<p>American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial / DisabledVet Memorial Twitter Account</p>
<p>The memorial includes&#160;some of the same architectural elements as a number of recent military-oriented memorials in Washington. There are&#160;images etched in glass and a number of quotes carved&#160;into stone walls around the plaza. Both the Air Force Memorial in Virginia and the Korean War Memorial further west on&#160;the Mall come to mind, though this new design, again, is subdued&#160;by comparison. Where the Air Force Memorial has as a centerpiece three soaring columns meant to evoke the maneuvers of high powered jets in flight, and the Korean War Memorial has its rain-soaked infantry platoon on patrol, the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial has at its center a black reflecting pool shaped in a star at one end, and a flame meant to emerge at its middle. (The flame was off, when I visited.)</p>
<p>Korean War Memorial, Washington, DC / Wikimedia Commons</p>
<p>The quotations themselves tell a complicated tale. With the exception of two large inscriptions&#160;of the words of Washington and Eisenhower on wounded veterans (though, strangely, not Lincoln, whose call to care for ‘him who shall have borne the battle’ in the Second Inaugural is the most famous presidential summons of attention for veterans) the rest of the quotes&#160;come from wounded veterans themselves. Some of the snippets seem to be meant to inspire: "For every tragic story of a life unraveled by military battle, there are a dozen tales of individuals who have managed to triumph over the harrowing experiences of war and pain." Others more explicitly communicate an experience of suffering: "People didn’t understand that it is so painful to discuss. As I’m talking to you right now, there are tears running down my face. Since the war, I’ve been confined to a wheelchair and have tried to live a good life. However, I relive the war every day."</p>
<p>Disabled Veterans Memorial at Night / DisabledVet Memorial Twitter Account</p>
<p>The somewhat ambivalent emotional message is a testament to the complicated experiences of the veterans themselves. Outcomes like Matthew Lampert’s are at one end of a spectrum. Other outcomes are crueler. The invisible and awful legacy of a traumatic brain injury, for example, can be very difficult to manage, and a relentlessly boosterish memorial would be a dishonest tribute to those living with such a disability.</p>
<p>Vietnam Veterans Memorial / Wikimedia Commons</p>
<p>Since the aftermath of Vietnam,&#160;Washington’s military memorial architecture has been composed in both major and minor keys. Maya Lin’s stark, mournful Vietnam memorial introduced the non-heroic tone&#160;into the song. But those who built the commemoration of World War Two still made&#160;something that was more a tribute to the bravery of a national effort, rather than the commemoration of a tragedy. Other memorials, like the Korean War Memorial, are in between, leaving visitors with the mixed emotional response one&#160;might feel after a memorial service where the&#160;participants can’t decide&#160;whether they are mourning the dead or celebrating a life.</p>
<p>World War Two Memorial, Foreground / Wikimedia Commons</p>
<p>The Disabled Veterans Memorial is also emotionally in between. Not because of&#160;architectural confusion,&#160;but&#160;because the experience it commemorates incorporates&#160;both keys of the American military experience: the heroism, and the suffering.</p> | true | 0 | disabled veterans memorial disabledvets memorial twitter account aaron maclean october 17 2014 500 summer 2011 camp pendleton southern california participating training exercise bit administrative business took colleague west coast headquarters marine special operations command leaving colleague spotted another marine officer knew parking lot walking say hello couldnt help noticing officer seemed exhausted though tough workout gym effort get car seemed taken even second two later saw cause trouble missing legs turns tough workout team leader afghanistan year prior officermatthew lamperthad stepped ied inside compound helmand province suffered double amputation summer 2011 well rehabilitation already transitioning building strength could return afghanistan second command special operations company using two prosthetic legs takes double amputation keep matthew lampert fight story word amazing tribute personal determination level us understand also remarkable advances medical rehabilitative science must said militarys dedication providing wounded overseas benefits such160advances worth pointing militarys medical system separate vas among reasons science rehabilitation advanced far160in recent years shortage customers military necessarily casualty rates iraq afghanistan historically higher average quality battlefield medicine undergone quantum leap since major wars 20th160century leading servicemen surviving injuries improvements involve simple advanceswe stopped worrying tourniqueting wounds would cause unnecessary amputations realizing tourniqueting causing unnecessary deathsas well major improvements medical techniques impressively logistics160of evacuation exceptions american serviceman find fullscale operating theater within hour wounded combined improved body armor proliferation armored vehicles wounds battlefield survivable rates simply didnt apply side effect however now160a proportionally higher number veterans lifelong disabilities add men women population living disabilities result earlier wars every reason monument national mall place opened public small quiet respectful triangular plaza near capitol building built locationlike proposed eisenhower memorialwhere an160architect consider best to160shield space surroundings perimeter challenges site intersection c 2nd160streets southwest include appalling health human services headquarters west interstate 395 disappearing 3rd160street tunnel south lot newer memorials perimeter mall case wise logical decision hide such160views behind walls leaving open hypotenuse triangle points towards capitol botanic garden american veterans disabled life memorial disabledvet memorial twitter account memorial includes160some architectural elements number recent militaryoriented memorials washington are160images etched glass number quotes carved160into stone walls around plaza air force memorial virginia korean war memorial west on160the mall come mind though new design subdued160by comparison air force memorial centerpiece three soaring columns meant evoke maneuvers high powered jets flight korean war memorial rainsoaked infantry platoon patrol american veterans disabled life memorial center black reflecting pool shaped star one end flame meant emerge middle flame visited korean war memorial washington dc wikimedia commons quotations tell complicated tale exception two large inscriptions160of words washington eisenhower wounded veterans though strangely lincoln whose call care shall borne battle second inaugural famous presidential summons attention veterans rest quotes160come wounded veterans snippets seem meant inspire every tragic story life unraveled military battle dozen tales individuals managed triumph harrowing experiences war pain others explicitly communicate experience suffering people didnt understand painful discuss im talking right tears running face since war ive confined wheelchair tried live good life however relive war every day disabled veterans memorial night disabledvet memorial twitter account somewhat ambivalent emotional message testament complicated experiences veterans outcomes like matthew lamperts one end spectrum outcomes crueler invisible awful legacy traumatic brain injury example difficult manage relentlessly boosterish memorial would dishonest tribute living disability vietnam veterans memorial wikimedia commons since aftermath vietnam160washingtons military memorial architecture composed major minor keys maya lins stark mournful vietnam memorial introduced nonheroic tone160into song built commemoration world war two still made160something tribute bravery national effort rather commemoration tragedy memorials like korean war memorial leaving visitors mixed emotional response one160might feel memorial service the160participants cant decide160whether mourning dead celebrating life world war two memorial foreground wikimedia commons disabled veterans memorial also emotionally of160architectural confusion160but160because experience commemorates incorporates160both keys american military experience heroism suffering | 617 |
<p />
<p>Image source: Tesla.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>There has been some controversy over the past month or so about Tesla's new pricing model for the entry-level 70 kWh Model S. The company introduced a new $3,000 range-upgrade option that increases the battery capacity to 75 kWh, and that extra 5 kWh of juice is good for approximately 19 more miles per charge.</p>
<p>The controversial aspect of this new option was that starting with the <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/12/tesla-motors-refreshes-model-s-takes-cues-from-mod.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">April refresh</a>, all 70 kWh Model S vehicles actually already included a 75 kWh battery pack, but were software-limited to 70 kWh. Customers could opt to unlock the feature after delivery for $3,250. Tesla said that it had ceased production of 70 kWh packs, which likely streamlines manufacturing and generates production efficiencies. Model X only comes in 75 kWh and 90 kWh capacities.</p>
<p>Image source: Tesla Model S Design Studio.</p>
<p>This is a completely new model for the auto industry, where customers need to pay extra to unlock functionality of hardware that they've already purchased. But it's not that unheard of in the world of tech.</p>
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<p>Think about your computer: It's not uncommon to purchase software for your computer's existing hardware that gives the device new functionalities and the ability to perform additional tasks.</p>
<p>Or think about processors that are set to certain clock speeds by the manufacturer in order to optimize performance and balance power efficiency or thermal considerations, despite the fact that the processor is technically capable of performing at higher speeds. Sure, you can easily overclock your processor if you're so inclined, and do so without paying the manufacturer, but the general idea of enhancing hardware through software is rather common within tech.</p>
<p>Even if the customer does not upgrade the range, it's also possible that there are other technical benefits that may not be immediately clear to the consumer, such as longer useful life or reduced degradation over time.</p>
<p>In Tesla's case, the most prominent example of purchasing software to enable hardware is Autopilot, which has not received the same criticisms. Autopilot hardware is included in all vehicles built after September 2014, but you must pay to activate the semi-autonomous capabilities, either at the time of purchase ($2,500) or after the purchase ($3,000).</p>
<p>But let's think through the financial implications of the new range-upgrade option.</p>
<p>Earlier this year, Tesla's VP of Investor Relations Jeff Evanson suggested that Tesla's battery pack costs were already below <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/26/teslas-battery-pack-costs-are-cheaper-than-you-thi.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">$190/kWh</a>. General Motorsinadvertently tipped battery partner LG Chem's hand last year when it said cell costs were already as low as $145/kWh. That was a year ago, and this figure has likely declined further since.</p>
<p>Tesla management also suggested that it likely had lower cell costs anyway, with CEO Elon Musk saying he'd be the "first to congratulate" any company that had lower cell costs since he doesn't think anyone is "even close" to Tesla's cost levels.</p>
<p>All Tesla battery packs have the same overall form factor. The company merely puts more cells into the higher-capacity packs, while the lower-capacity packs have empty blank spacers in some of the cylindrical cell slots within the modules. This is why the lower-capacity packs weigh significantly less despite having the same external dimensions.</p>
<p>Cost per kWh is an extremely sensitive figure that is not publicly available. If we assume that Tesla is below LG Chem's cell costs, and costs have come down over the past year, let's just say for a moment that Tesla's cell costs are around $125/kWh. It's worth mentioning that the International Energy Agency recently noted that battery costs are declining incredibly quickly, with Tesla leading the way in cost reductions.</p>
<p>If Tesla is already including an additional 5 kWh of cells now, that would imply about $625 in incremental cell costs going into the pack.That would hypothetically be an approximately 80% gross margin for the $3,000 option. Of course, Tesla may technically lose some money if the customer doesn't purchase the option, so the overall impact to the business will depend on the penetration rate of range upgrades.</p>
<p>While we're using some estimates here, if the gross margin for the range upgrade is even remotely near 80%, the adoption rate hurdle for the option to have a net positive impact on margins is quite low, especially when you consider the company's current automotive GAAP gross margin of 24%. More than likely, the range-upgrade option is providing a small but appreciated margin tailwind.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/08/1-small-margin-tailwind-for-tesla-motors.aspx" type="external">1 Small Margin Tailwind for Tesla Motors</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFNewCow/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Evan Niu, CFA</a> owns shares of Tesla Motors, andhas the following options: long January 2018 $180 calls on Tesla Motors. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Tesla 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=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 tesla continue reading controversy past month teslas new pricing model entrylevel 70 kwh model company introduced new 3000 rangeupgrade option increases battery capacity 75 kwh extra 5 kwh juice good approximately 19 miles per charge controversial aspect new option starting april refresh 70 kwh model vehicles actually already included 75 kwh battery pack softwarelimited 70 kwh customers could opt unlock feature delivery 3250 tesla said ceased production 70 kwh packs likely streamlines manufacturing generates production efficiencies model x comes 75 kwh 90 kwh capacities image source tesla model design studio completely new model auto industry customers need pay extra unlock functionality hardware theyve already purchased unheard world tech advertisement think computer uncommon purchase software computers existing hardware gives device new functionalities ability perform additional tasks think processors set certain clock speeds manufacturer order optimize performance balance power efficiency thermal considerations despite fact processor technically capable performing higher speeds sure easily overclock processor youre inclined without paying manufacturer general idea enhancing hardware software rather common within tech even customer upgrade range also possible technical benefits may immediately clear consumer longer useful life reduced degradation time teslas case prominent example purchasing software enable hardware autopilot received criticisms autopilot hardware included vehicles built september 2014 must pay activate semiautonomous capabilities either time purchase 2500 purchase 3000 lets think financial implications new rangeupgrade option earlier year teslas vp investor relations jeff evanson suggested teslas battery pack costs already 190kwh general motorsinadvertently tipped battery partner lg chems hand last year said cell costs already low 145kwh year ago figure likely declined since tesla management also suggested likely lower cell costs anyway ceo elon musk saying hed first congratulate company lower cell costs since doesnt think anyone even close teslas cost levels tesla battery packs overall form factor company merely puts cells highercapacity packs lowercapacity packs empty blank spacers cylindrical cell slots within modules lowercapacity packs weigh significantly less despite external dimensions cost per kwh extremely sensitive figure publicly available assume tesla lg chems cell costs costs come past year lets say moment teslas cell costs around 125kwh worth mentioning international energy agency recently noted battery costs declining incredibly quickly tesla leading way cost reductions tesla already including additional 5 kwh cells would imply 625 incremental cell costs going packthat would hypothetically approximately 80 gross margin 3000 option course tesla may technically lose money customer doesnt purchase option overall impact business depend penetration rate range upgrades using estimates gross margin range upgrade even remotely near 80 adoption rate hurdle option net positive impact margins quite low especially consider companys current automotive gaap gross margin 24 likely rangeupgrade option providing small appreciated margin tailwind article 1 small margin tailwind tesla motors originally appeared foolcom evan niu cfa owns shares tesla motors andhas following options long january 2018 180 calls tesla motors motley fool owns shares recommends tesla motors motley fool recommends general motors 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 | 514 |
<p />
<p>The daVinci is being used in more and more "General Surgery" procedures in the United States. Photo: Intuitive Surgical</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Heading into Tuesday night's earnings release, <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/18/3-things-to-watch-when-intuitive-surgical-inc-repo.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">expectations</a> were high for Intuitive Surgical . But for the fifth quarter in a row, the company exceeded these expectations and delivered a solid quarter that shows impressive trends for the medium-term future.</p>
<p>Just the numbersBefore digging in to the really important metrics, let's take a look at how the company performed during the first fiscal quarter of 2016, compared with the same time last year.</p>
<p>*Uses non-GAAP EPS. Source: SEC filings and Intuitive Surgical investor relations.</p>
<p>Though we don't like to worry too much about meeting analyst expectations on a quarterly basis, it's worth noting that both of these metrics came in ahead of what Wall Street was expecting.</p>
<p>The big win for Intuitive, its investors, and -- most importantly -- patients While beating expectations is nice, it's the trends in procedure growth that are truly impressive. Management has done a fair job of controlling investor expectations when it comes to this key metric. In 2015 alone, the company raised guidance for procedure growth twice.</p>
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<p>The reason the metric is so important is that it indicates that Intuitive's daVinci robotic surgical system does improve patient outcomes and is being used in evermore procedures to achieve the aforementioned outcomes. Heading into 2016, management called for procedure growth of 9% to 12% for the year.</p>
<p>For the first quarter, at least, the company blew those expectations out of the water, with procedure growth clocking in at a truly impressive 17%. That growth, according to the company, was, "driven primarily by growth in U.S. general surgery procedures and worldwide urologic procedures." CEO Dr. Gary Guthart said growth in U.S. general surgery was spurred by "strong growth in inguinal hernia repair and ventral hernia repair, followed by continued growth in colorectal surgery."</p>
<p>This is very good news for investors, as management has been signaling for over a year now that hernia procedures were likely the next big surgery where daVinci could improve patient outcomes.</p>
<p>International performanceIn my <a href="http://newsletters.fool.com/1069/coverage/updates/2016/04/18/3-things-to-watch-when-intuitive-surgical-reports.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">preview</a> for the company's earnings announcement, I highlighted the importance of growth in both Europe and Asia moving forward. Speaking on the company's conferece call, Guthart said that "solid performance in the United Kingdom and Germany [offset] slower growth in the Nordic countries."</p>
<p>In Asia, CFO Marshall Mohr said that five systems were placed in China, while eight were placed in Japan. Both of these are healthy numbers, given how small the installed base of machines are in both countries, compared with the United States.</p>
<p>On whole, Director of Finance Patrick Clingan said operations outside the U.S. grew by 22% -- an encouraging start to the year. He said this growth was "led by the global adoption of daVinci prostatetectomy, kidney procedures, and colorectal resection." Further, "procedure growth slowed in both Europe and Asia ... in part due to the timing of the Easter holiday."</p>
<p>System salesOne small ding against the company came from the company's average selling price (ASP) of new daVinci systems. On one hand, the company continued to show positive trends by placing 110 new daVinci systems during the first quarter -- versus 99 during the same time last year -- for growth of 11%.</p>
<p>But revenue for system sales grew just 5%. Part of the reason for the slow growth is that the newer Xi system is cheaper than the older Si model. For the quarter, worldwide ASP was $1.5 million. That's only a hair higher than last year, but $100,000 lower than the fourth quarter of 2015. Mohr said that while there were fewer trade-ins for the new Xi system, a weaker product mix hurt. In other words, the Xi system is cheaper, and slightly lower ASPs shouldn't shock investors.</p>
<p>Looking aheadThe company updated a number of metrics when it comes to 2016 expectations. Here were the two key changes moving forward.</p>
<p>Source: Company conference call.</p>
<p>There's nothing more encouraging than such a healthy bump in procedure growth expectations. But I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Intutive's procedure growth come in above 14%, as the year is off to a very strong start, and management has a history of sandbagging these expectations.</p>
<p>On the other hand, while short-term investors may be dismayed by the increase in spending, I think it's a very healthy sign. The company sees opportunity in two areas: expanding its presence outside the U.S., and increasing its R&amp;D spending to make even more valuable products. Intuitive's management wouldn't increase spending this much if it didn't believe it would lead to solid long-term results.</p>
<p>In all, shareholders should be very happy with these results.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/20/intuitive-surgical-inc-wows-with-yet-another-impre.aspx" type="external">Intuitive Surgical, Inc. Wows With Yet Another Impressive Quarter</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFCheesehead/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Brian Stoffel</a> owns shares of Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Intuitive Surgical. 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 | davinci used general surgery procedures united states photo intuitive surgical continue reading heading tuesday nights earnings release expectations high intuitive surgical fifth quarter row company exceeded expectations delivered solid quarter shows impressive trends mediumterm future numbersbefore digging really important metrics lets take look company performed first fiscal quarter 2016 compared time last year uses nongaap eps source sec filings intuitive surgical investor relations though dont like worry much meeting analyst expectations quarterly basis worth noting metrics came ahead wall street expecting big win intuitive investors importantly patients beating expectations nice trends procedure growth truly impressive management done fair job controlling investor expectations comes key metric 2015 alone company raised guidance procedure growth twice advertisement reason metric important indicates intuitives davinci robotic surgical system improve patient outcomes used evermore procedures achieve aforementioned outcomes heading 2016 management called procedure growth 9 12 year first quarter least company blew expectations water procedure growth clocking truly impressive 17 growth according company driven primarily growth us general surgery procedures worldwide urologic procedures ceo dr gary guthart said growth us general surgery spurred strong growth inguinal hernia repair ventral hernia repair followed continued growth colorectal surgery good news investors management signaling year hernia procedures likely next big surgery davinci could improve patient outcomes international performancein preview companys earnings announcement highlighted importance growth europe asia moving forward speaking companys conferece call guthart said solid performance united kingdom germany offset slower growth nordic countries asia cfo marshall mohr said five systems placed china eight placed japan healthy numbers given small installed base machines countries compared united states whole director finance patrick clingan said operations outside us grew 22 encouraging start year said growth led global adoption davinci prostatetectomy kidney procedures colorectal resection procedure growth slowed europe asia part due timing easter holiday system salesone small ding company came companys average selling price asp new davinci systems one hand company continued show positive trends placing 110 new davinci systems first quarter versus 99 time last year growth 11 revenue system sales grew 5 part reason slow growth newer xi system cheaper older si model quarter worldwide asp 15 million thats hair higher last year 100000 lower fourth quarter 2015 mohr said fewer tradeins new xi system weaker product mix hurt words xi system cheaper slightly lower asps shouldnt shock investors looking aheadthe company updated number metrics comes 2016 expectations two key changes moving forward source company conference call theres nothing encouraging healthy bump procedure growth expectations wouldnt surprised see intutives procedure growth come 14 year strong start management history sandbagging expectations hand shortterm investors may dismayed increase spending think healthy sign company sees opportunity two areas expanding presence outside us increasing rampd spending make even valuable products intuitives management wouldnt increase spending much didnt believe would lead solid longterm results shareholders happy results article intuitive surgical inc wows yet another impressive quarter originally appeared foolcom brian stoffel owns shares intuitive surgical motley fool owns shares recommends intuitive surgical 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 | 525 |
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