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<p>2U Inc's (NASDAQ: TWOU) stock has rocketed up 80% so far in 2017. What should long-term investors make of the company's share price? In this concluding segment of our recent&#160; <a href="https://www.fool.com/podcasts/industry-focus?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=beccdd1a-9f71-11e7-9704-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Industry Focus Opens a New Window.</a> podcast on education tech dynamos 2U and Chegg Inc (NYSE: CHGG), our hosts break down valuation concerns regarding 2U, as well as future growth opportunities that may compensate for stock volatility over the long run.</p>
<p>A full transcript follows the video.</p>
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<p>10 stocks we like better than 2UWhen 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=9870bfb3-d388-41b4-b0c1-0c6c2d8b8a64&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=beccdd1a-9f71-11e7-9704-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and 2U 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=9870bfb3-d388-41b4-b0c1-0c6c2d8b8a64&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=beccdd1a-9f71-11e7-9704-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of September 5, 2017</p>
<p>This video was recorded on Sept. 19, 2017.</p>
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<p>Vincent Shen: To close out with some of the financial side, valuation side, revenue has been growing, as you mentioned, Asit, over 30% annually for several years running. The gross margin is 80% for this company, but it's not yet profitable, and it's spending a lot of cash to maintain that growth. Until 2U is able to diversify its partner universities, it does also face some customer concentration risk that listeners should know about, since just three schools, USC, UNC, and Simmons accounted for about two-thirds of the company's revenue. Even though you might partner with new universities, sign up new programs, the enrollment in the most popular programs will ultimately overshadow those new ones depending on what the enrollment size is. And this company trades for almost 12x sales. Closing thoughts from you, Asit, things that you're watching, thoughts on valuation, anything that you'd like to discuss?</p>
<p>Asit Sharma: On valuation, very similar to what we discussed with Chegg, until a company turns a profit, a little bit hard to gauge how much you should be paying. I zero in on the loss. Just to keep apples to apples, we talked about Chegg having its largest expense as technology and development. 2U's largest expense year to date has been marketing, and that's very typical. $72 million marketing costs, it's about 55% of revenue of $130 million. I actually see that as a little problem point but something very positive about this company.</p>
<p>Vince, you mentioned the long-term contractual nature of the programs it's signing up. Right now, there's a very heavy burden on 2U to market, to spend on acquiring students and building these programs from the ground up. But if you can fast forward in your mind, say 10 years from now, an institution like Harvard, a program which it's building on something that's extremely topical today for business, the Harvard Business Analytics Program, we see analytics being used in big data everywhere. That program is probably going to acquire a lot of prestige within the same contractual period that it signed up for with 2U, especially if they renew for another long period of time. So at some point in time, the prestige at these programs will start to draw students on their own, just as you have a familiar name like Wharton Business School, they really don't need to market so much. People want to attend and get a business degree from that institution, University of Pennsylvania, in that particular program. So I see that this marketing cost as an initial upfront investment in building these long-term programs. And if everything goes well, that should decrease over the years. And I feel optimistic that the company will be able to turn a profit. I didn't know a lot about this until Vince introduced it me, but I am intrigued by 2U, both because the market for high-quality education is so vast, and because they're so technology-centric. I would love to revisit it in the future. When they turn a profit, we can talk more about valuation. But a very interesting company, from my perspective.</p>
<p>Shen: Thank you, Asit. Last thing that I wanted to mention is, the CEO, Chip Paucek, offered an analogy that online education is like online dating in that it started with a very negative stigma, but over time, you look at the popularity of Tinder, OkCupid, Match, dozens of other services, that stigma has fallen away. And I think 2U is in a very unique position right now as the leading company that offers what it does with the software as a service. It's taking 50% or more of tuition and schools, as they see the popularity of these programs grow and the prestige of the programs grow, they can partner with a 2U, for example, and not have to make that large, initial investment that they would have to do if they went in to launch something like this in house. And we've seen schools in the past attempt things like this, and it hasn't been quite as polished, or hasn't been as strong of an offering. But right now, 2U, this gold standard for online education. Right now, with it only being focused on graduate programs, if the opportunity expands to undergraduate and other parts of the educational cycle, I think it's in a very advantageous position to do well.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFfinosus/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=beccdd1a-9f71-11e7-9704-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Asit Sharma Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFJourneyMan/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=beccdd1a-9f71-11e7-9704-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Vincent Shen Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends 2U and Match 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;uuid=beccdd1a-9f71-11e7-9704-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | 2u incs nasdaq twou stock rocketed 80 far 2017 longterm investors make companys share price concluding segment recent160 industry focus opens new window podcast education tech dynamos 2u chegg inc nyse chgg hosts break valuation concerns regarding 2u well future growth opportunities may compensate stock volatility long run full transcript follows video continue reading 10 stocks like better 2uwhen 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 2u wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns september 5 2017 video recorded sept 19 2017 advertisement vincent shen close financial side valuation side revenue growing mentioned asit 30 annually several years running gross margin 80 company yet profitable spending lot cash maintain growth 2u able diversify partner universities also face customer concentration risk listeners know since three schools usc unc simmons accounted twothirds companys revenue even though might partner new universities sign new programs enrollment popular programs ultimately overshadow new ones depending enrollment size company trades almost 12x sales closing thoughts asit things youre watching thoughts valuation anything youd like discuss asit sharma valuation similar discussed chegg company turns profit little bit hard gauge much paying zero loss keep apples apples talked chegg largest expense technology development 2us largest expense year date marketing thats typical 72 million marketing costs 55 revenue 130 million actually see little problem point something positive company vince mentioned longterm contractual nature programs signing right theres heavy burden 2u market spend acquiring students building programs ground fast forward mind say 10 years institution like harvard program building something thats extremely topical today business harvard business analytics program see analytics used big data everywhere program probably going acquire lot prestige within contractual period signed 2u especially renew another long period time point time prestige programs start draw students familiar name like wharton business school really dont need market much people want attend get business degree institution university pennsylvania particular program see marketing cost initial upfront investment building longterm programs everything goes well decrease years feel optimistic company able turn profit didnt know lot vince introduced intrigued 2u market highquality education vast theyre technologycentric would love revisit future turn profit talk valuation interesting company perspective shen thank asit last thing wanted mention ceo chip paucek offered analogy online education like online dating started negative stigma time look popularity tinder okcupid match dozens services stigma fallen away think 2u unique position right leading company offers software service taking 50 tuition schools see popularity programs grow prestige programs grow partner 2u example make large initial investment would went launch something like house weve seen schools past attempt things like hasnt quite polished hasnt strong offering right 2u gold standard online education right focused graduate programs opportunity expands undergraduate parts educational cycle think advantageous position well asit sharma opens new window position stocks mentioned vincent shen opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool recommends 2u match group motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 517 |
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<p>The Silicon Valley unicorn is in trouble for a very good reason: Investors, partners and the media all bought the hype.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>The Wall Street Journal’s John Carreyrou was already a two-time Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist when he won a Polk award for his reporting on Theranos. He’s recently been out telling the story behind the story – how he broke through the hype surrounding the <a href="https://www.propublica.org/podcast/item/how-a-reporter-pierced-the-hype-behind-theranos" type="external">Silicon Valley unicorn and its iconic founder, Elizabeth Holmes Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>It’s not every day that a reporter gets to expose the celebrated CEO of a high-flying tech startup as having no clothes, not to mention saving the public from healthcare technology that doesn’t live up to its claims. And Theranos appears to be unraveling at a rapid pace since he broke the story.</p>
<p>The latest news is that <a href="http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/09b69eb8-de5f-11e5-b072-006d8d362ba3.html#axzz4242pcen0" type="external">Walgreens is actively seeking a way out of its agreement with Theranos Opens a New Window.</a>. The pharmacy giant wants to close the 40 Theranos wellness centers in its Arizona stores and distance itself from the PR nightmare before it tarnishes the company’s brand. That follows a similar move by Safeway last year.</p>
<p>And while <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2016/02/wunderkind-theranoss-future-is-on-the-line-219162" type="external">Theranos has previously announced several partnerships Opens a New Window.</a> with big-name healthcare providers such as the Cleveland Clinic and San Francisco-based Dignity Health, none of those relationships have gotten off the ground.</p>
<p>Just last week, <a href="http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/859832" type="external">Holmes pulled out of a conference talk Opens a New Window.</a> at the last minute, apparently under advice that she not speak publicly. Considering that she’s been featured everywhere from the cover of Forbes and Fortune to the New Yorker and the New York Times, I’d say it’s a little late for that.</p>
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<p>There’s an old saying: if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it’s probably a duck. Well, from Carreyrou’s groundbreaking Journal stories and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSgwJA-GOlg" type="external">recent in-depth interviews Opens a New Window.</a>, one thing comes through loud and clear. Theranos is under fire for a very good reason: its technology is not ready for primetime. And I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if it never is.</p>
<p>ICYMI, after a decade in stealth mode, Theranos burst on the scene making exciting claims of breakthrough technology that can quickly process the full range of laboratory tests from a few drops of blood drawn from a finger prick at a fraction of the cost of traditional labs like Quest Diagnostics.</p>
<p>The company raised more than $750 million, most recently at a $9 billion valuation, from big name venture capitalists like Draper Fisher Jurvetson and private investors like Oracle chairman Larry Ellison. It had an impressive if not eclectic board of directors that included former Secretaries of State George Schultz and Henry Kissinger.</p>
<p>And Holmes, a Stanford dropout who founded the company at 19, became an instant entrepreneurial icon; drawing comparisons to Apple cofounder Steve Jobs in front-page stories, appearing on Charlie Rose, being named to the Harvard Medical School Board of Fellows and being awarded an honorary doctorate from Pepperdine.</p>
<p>In October of last year <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/theranos-has-struggled-with-blood-tests-1444881901" type="external">Carreyrou’s blockbuster front-page expose Opens a New Window.</a> called into question the efficacy of the company’s supposedly disruptive technology, the accuracy of its testing and its purported transparency in dealings with federal regulators. That’s when the <a href="" type="internal">FDA and CMS (Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services) began to investigate Theranos</a> and all hell broke loose.</p>
<p>At this point, the Palo Alto-based company is only approved to use its massively hyped proprietary technology to run one test, the HSV-1 for Herpes Simplex. That’s not exactly worthy of a $9 billion valuation in my book.</p>
<p>But Carreyrou’s recent interviews filled in a lot of blanks for me: How did Holmes get so many big-name companies and board directors behind her vision? How did she raise so much money at such a high valuation? How did she garner so much media attention for technology that can’t deliver on its claims?</p>
<p>The answer is disturbing. Holmes may have something in common with Jobs after all: the iconic CEO’s much heralded reality distortion field.</p>
<p>It appears that investors ponied up megabucks, executives signed lopsided agreements, elder statesmen joined the board and the media wrote glowing stories – all based on little more than the vision of one remarkably charismatic individual, Holmes. Everyone bought into the science, sight unseen.</p>
<p>The technology has never been vetted, certainly not to the extent of Holmes’ extraordinary claims. There have been no peer-reviewed data or papers. Top executives of Safeway and Walgreens negotiated directly with Holmes without appropriate due diligence. And the investors were far more familiar with software than health sciences.</p>
<p>Then there’s the disturbing account of Ian Gibbons, the chief scientist who spent eight years at the company and collaborated on 23 of its patents. Then, in 2013, Gibbons committed suicide. Before taking his life, which his widow believes was related to his work at Theranos, he repeatedly told her that “nothing was working.”</p>
<p>To put that in perspective, understand that she went on the record even after being threatened with legal action by Theranos and against her own economic interest, since she owns considerable equity in the company. And Carreyrou found her account to be entirely credible.</p>
<p>For their part, Holmes and Theranos have vigorously defended their claims and aggressively confronted their detractors. They’ve accused the Journal’s reporting of being “inaccurate, misleading and defamatory” <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2016/02/wunderkind-theranoss-future-is-on-the-line-219162" type="external">in statements on the company’s website</a>. And until recently, Holmes has kept a relatively high profile.</p>
<p>I’ve heard some characterize Holmes’ behavior in the face of an existential crisis for her company as denial or delusional. It’s hard to argue with that assessment. In an interview with <a href="http://www.glamour.com/inspired/2015/03/theranos-founder-elizabeth-holmes-career-advice" type="external">Glamour last year, Holmes said Opens a New Window.</a>, “I was very blessed to grow up in an environment in which I was encouraged to believe that there was nothing I couldn't do.”</p>
<p>It’s that extraordinary self-belief that brought Theranos to this place. Perhaps Holmes still believes that she’s going to pull this off. When the Journal story first broke, Holmes said in an interview, “This is what happens when you work to change things. First they think you’re crazy. Then they fight you. And then all of a sudden you change the world.”</p>
<p>That’s the problem with reality distortion fields. If you want to change the world, then sooner or later, you have to deliver the goods. You have to have the talent and technology to back up your vision. For Holmes and Theranos, sooner would be better than later. Time is running out.</p> | true | 0 | silicon valley unicorn trouble good reason investors partners media bought hype continue reading wall street journals john carreyrou already twotime pulitzer prize winning investigative journalist polk award reporting theranos hes recently telling story behind story broke hype surrounding silicon valley unicorn iconic founder elizabeth holmes opens new window every day reporter gets expose celebrated ceo highflying tech startup clothes mention saving public healthcare technology doesnt live claims theranos appears unraveling rapid pace since broke story latest news walgreens actively seeking way agreement theranos opens new window pharmacy giant wants close 40 theranos wellness centers arizona stores distance pr nightmare tarnishes companys brand follows similar move safeway last year theranos previously announced several partnerships opens new window bigname healthcare providers cleveland clinic san franciscobased dignity health none relationships gotten ground last week holmes pulled conference talk opens new window last minute apparently advice speak publicly considering shes featured everywhere cover forbes fortune new yorker new york times id say little late advertisement theres old saying looks like duck walks like duck quacks like duck probably duck well carreyrous groundbreaking journal stories recent indepth interviews opens new window one thing comes loud clear theranos fire good reason technology ready primetime wouldnt least bit surprised never icymi decade stealth mode theranos burst scene making exciting claims breakthrough technology quickly process full range laboratory tests drops blood drawn finger prick fraction cost traditional labs like quest diagnostics company raised 750 million recently 9 billion valuation big name venture capitalists like draper fisher jurvetson private investors like oracle chairman larry ellison impressive eclectic board directors included former secretaries state george schultz henry kissinger holmes stanford dropout founded company 19 became instant entrepreneurial icon drawing comparisons apple cofounder steve jobs frontpage stories appearing charlie rose named harvard medical school board fellows awarded honorary doctorate pepperdine october last year carreyrous blockbuster frontpage expose opens new window called question efficacy companys supposedly disruptive technology accuracy testing purported transparency dealings federal regulators thats fda cms centers medicare amp medicaid services began investigate theranos hell broke loose point palo altobased company approved use massively hyped proprietary technology run one test hsv1 herpes simplex thats exactly worthy 9 billion valuation book carreyrous recent interviews filled lot blanks holmes get many bigname companies board directors behind vision raise much money high valuation garner much media attention technology cant deliver claims answer disturbing holmes may something common jobs iconic ceos much heralded reality distortion field appears investors ponied megabucks executives signed lopsided agreements elder statesmen joined board media wrote glowing stories based little vision one remarkably charismatic individual holmes everyone bought science sight unseen technology never vetted certainly extent holmes extraordinary claims peerreviewed data papers top executives safeway walgreens negotiated directly holmes without appropriate due diligence investors far familiar software health sciences theres disturbing account ian gibbons chief scientist spent eight years company collaborated 23 patents 2013 gibbons committed suicide taking life widow believes related work theranos repeatedly told nothing working put perspective understand went record even threatened legal action theranos economic interest since owns considerable equity company carreyrou found account entirely credible part holmes theranos vigorously defended claims aggressively confronted detractors theyve accused journals reporting inaccurate misleading defamatory statements companys website recently holmes kept relatively high profile ive heard characterize holmes behavior face existential crisis company denial delusional hard argue assessment interview glamour last year holmes said opens new window blessed grow environment encouraged believe nothing couldnt extraordinary selfbelief brought theranos place perhaps holmes still believes shes going pull journal story first broke holmes said interview happens work change things first think youre crazy fight sudden change world thats problem reality distortion fields want change world sooner later deliver goods talent technology back vision holmes theranos sooner would better later time running | 620 |
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<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
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<p>If you're looking for a biotech with a habit of beating expectations, you may be considering Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN). The company has posted positive beats for the past year, including a 7.9% earnings beat in Q3.</p>
<p>But push the pause button, because Amgen isn't as good as it looks. The biotech has a concentrated revenue position in only a few products, and it's growing revenue and earnings by increasing prices on these drugs in the face of dwindling sales. Worse still, the company recently had a major pipeline failure to the tune of $10 billion.</p>
<p>Let's take a closer look at the huge flop first and then see how things could shape up for this stock long-term.</p>
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<p>Two years ago, Amgen's management shelled out $10.4 billion for Onyx Pharmaceuticals to acquire a drug called Kyprolis. Ambitions for this drug ran sky high. In fact, in July, Amgen CEO Robert Bradway said, "We expect [Kyprolis] to be a backbone of multiple myeloma therapy for the forseeable future."</p>
<p>Fast-forward to today, and Amgen's management has $10.4 billion worth of egg on its face: Kyprolis has beena major disappointment. Amgen badly needed proof it was a superior drug and gain approval in a first-line setting in order to justify a $10 billion price tag. Instead, data released in the recent phase 3 Clarion trial showed that the drug was no better than Takeda andJohnson &amp; Johnson's (NYSE: JNJ)Velcade.Trial data showed Kyprolis achievingmedian progression-free survival of 22.3 months, i.e. next to no difference from the 22.1 months for the Velcade cohort.That's terrible news for Amgen, since doctors will almost definitely prefer the cheap Velcade generics that will be available after Velcade's patent expires next year.</p>
<p>Kyprolis is currently being used as a second-line therapy, meaning after the first-line therapy has failed, but even in that setting Amgen faces growing competition. Since the Onyx acquisition, new drugs have flooded the multiple myeloma market, including Johnson &amp; Johnson's superstar Darzalex and Bristol-Myers Squibb and AbbVie's Empliciti. And then there's recently released Pomalyst from Celgene. Unfortunately for Amgen, Kyprolis and Pomalyst use very similar mechanisms of action, but Celgene's drug has the big advantage of being a pill, while Kyprolis requires a bi-weekly office visit for an infusion.</p>
<p>Kyprolis' sales ticked downward last quarter. Sales may vacillate when Amgen reports on Oct. 27, but the real issue is this: Kyprolis, which some analysts saw reaching $3 billion in annual salesat its peak, is going to bring in a small fraction of that figure at best -- which is in no way the multiple myeloma "backbone" Amgen had hoped for.</p>
<p>The second hoped-forstar in Amgen's pipeline is next-generation cholesterol-lowering injection Repatha. Analysts forecast that the PCSK9 inhibitor could reach the range of $2 billion to $4 billion in annual sales. I'd dial that down to the lower number, since Repatha has rival drug Praluent from Sanofi and Regeneronto contend with, as well as a promising PCSK9 blocker from Pfizer that is in late-stage trials.</p>
<p>In fact, Repatha might not even reach $2 billion. The drug, which is priced at an eye-popping $14,100 annually, is having the least inspiring launch of a major drug I can remember. Last quarter, it brought in a meager $27 million. Bottom line: The PCSK9 drugs must secure adequate payer access to keep from disappointing investors, but payers aren't having it. For just one example, the nation's largest PBM, Express Scripts, excluded both Repatha and Praluent from its preferred formulary.</p>
<p>What about some analysts' belief that Repatha and the other PCSK9 drugs could end up being approved to replace statins for managing cholesterol in the general population? The FDA is going to demand a mountain of data on efficacy and safety before that happens, and in the end, it might not matter. According to aJournal of the America Medical Association report, averting a cardiovascular death by one year with the new PCSK9 inhibitors would cost the healthcare system far too much to make their use feasible in a broad application -- an estimated $500,000 per life year extended.</p>
<p>More than 71 million U.S. adults, or nearly one-third of the adult population, have high LDL cholesterol -- the bad kind -- according to the CDC. The prospect of having such an expensive injectable drug replacing generic statins, which cost <a type="external" href="">90% less Opens a New Window.</a>, simply doesn't pass a sanitytest. The bill for the healthcare system -- assuming we reduce the use to those who have not just high cholesterol, but also a history of coronary disease -- would be $100 billion to $200 billion annually.</p>
<p>Perhaps I'm being a tad harsh on Amgen, but the company is a classic example of a biopharma that's leaning on constant price increases for growth. For example, Amgen's top seller, rheumatoid arthritis drug Enbrel, cost $10,000 per year when it came on the market in 1998. Today, it rings the register at $4,000 per month, or $48,000 per year, a price so steep Enbrel isn't covered by most Medicare and insurance plans.</p>
<p>Raising prices on old drugs to make up for their declining sales volume has been a common practice among drugmakers for decades, but political and payer pressure is affecting the whole sector and puts Amgen at high risk.</p>
<p>Why Amgen in particular? Amgen generates over 50% of its revenue from two aging biologics, Neulasta and Enbrel. The days when these drugs were expected to grab an ever-increasing slice of the pie are over. Both saw declining sales volume last quarter, but lower unit sales were "managed" by raising their selling prices.</p>
<p>In fact, Enbrel, whose revenue apparently spiked 10% to $1.48 billion last quarter, saw its volume, or number of prescriptions written, shrink 2%. That would have been reflected in the revenue, if Amgen hadn't moved Enbrel's price up to make up for lagging sales.</p>
<p>Simply put, relying on manipulating drug prices is no longer a viable strategy for growth in today's price-conscious world. And with Amgen's major pipeline drugs unlikely to fulfill expectations, I see better choices elsewhere.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/CherylSwanson/info.aspx" type="external">Cheryl Swanson Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares ofJohnson and Johnson. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Celgene. The Motley Fool owns shares of Express Scripts. 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 | image source getty images continue reading youre looking biotech habit beating expectations may considering amgen nasdaq amgn company posted positive beats past year including 79 earnings beat q3 push pause button amgen isnt good looks biotech concentrated revenue position products growing revenue earnings increasing prices drugs face dwindling sales worse still company recently major pipeline failure tune 10 billion lets take closer look huge flop first see things could shape stock longterm advertisement two years ago amgens management shelled 104 billion onyx pharmaceuticals acquire drug called kyprolis ambitions drug ran sky high fact july amgen ceo robert bradway said expect kyprolis backbone multiple myeloma therapy forseeable future fastforward today amgens management 104 billion worth egg face kyprolis beena major disappointment amgen badly needed proof superior drug gain approval firstline setting order justify 10 billion price tag instead data released recent phase 3 clarion trial showed drug better takeda andjohnson amp johnsons nyse jnjvelcadetrial data showed kyprolis achievingmedian progressionfree survival 223 months ie next difference 221 months velcade cohortthats terrible news amgen since doctors almost definitely prefer cheap velcade generics available velcades patent expires next year kyprolis currently used secondline therapy meaning firstline therapy failed even setting amgen faces growing competition since onyx acquisition new drugs flooded multiple myeloma market including johnson amp johnsons superstar darzalex bristolmyers squibb abbvies empliciti theres recently released pomalyst celgene unfortunately amgen kyprolis pomalyst use similar mechanisms action celgenes drug big advantage pill kyprolis requires 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<p>RUSH: Samantha Power has been unmasking Americans in the last year of the Obama Regime at the rate of one American every working day. Two-hundred-and-sixty different Americans unmasked by someone not even in the intelligence community. She was a U.N. ambassador. It would be the equivalent of Nikki Haley today unmasking a bunch of people that she thought not — Now, I don’t know that too many people know much about Samantha Power.</p>
<p>Do you remember my in-depth explanation of the Washington establishment yesterday? She is it. She is a superiorist. She is a supremacist. She is a DNA socialist. She is arrogant and condescending. She is constantly suffering and in pain, a facial expression that makes it appear she’s constantly in pain. When she’s in Obama’s presence, the facial expression is as though she’s in the presence of God. She is married to a fellow traveler named Cass Sunstein. You may have heard that name mentioned here before. He is a classmate of Bill Clinton’s going way back, and for all I know a classmate of Obama’s.</p>
<p>But it is Cass Sunstein who is responsible on the left for the view that the Constitution is a charter of negative liberties. He may not be the originator of that take or belief, but he was, in the modern era, the man who popularized it in a scholarly way. And what that basically means is that people like Sunstein and his wife, Samantha Power, and all those people — Obama even talked about this — they look at Bill of Rights as a negative.</p>
<p>What is the Constitution? And now given the way college students are being taught and what they think, I am confident that a wide percentage of college students does not know what the Constitution is. They do not know its history and they do not know its premise. The Constitution’s premise is to limit government. That is its brilliance, and that is its uniqueness.</p>
<p>Never before in human history has a group of people — Americans, a population, a country — never before has a founding group of people arranged the affairs of state in such a way that the state is limited in exchange for open freedom and liberty of the population at large. Another example of American exceptionalism, if you will.</p>
<p>Well, leftists who believe in government being at the center of everyone’s lives don’t like the Bill of Rights when you get right down to it. It’s not just amendment number two. They don’t like the entire Constitution, particularly the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments, because they specifically limit government. They specifically spell out what government cannot do.</p>
<p>And that’s why they call it a charter of negative liberties, because to them government’s the center of the universe. The Constitution is negative toward government. That’s why we applaud it. That’s why we love it. That’s why we defend it. That’s why we protect it. That’s why we swear oaths to it. It is to limit an encroaching government to prevent the slow creep of tyranny and authoritarianism. That is its basic premise and the left is offended by that.</p>
<p>And that’s why from FDR on they have proposed a second Bill of Rights, which does the exact opposite of the Bill of Rights, and that is 10 amendments which would spell out what government can do. Now, they would say “for you,” but what it really means in their heart of hearts is what government can do to you, what governments can do for itself.</p>
<p>Anyway, Samantha Power is one of those. And she is appropriately, as a leftist, living in constant fear of the right, constant fear of conservatism, constant fear that the left is going to lose. She thus believes that everybody on the right is corrupt by virtue of what they think, by virtue of what they believe. Their very existence is corrupt and poses a threat to the left’s view of the proper way of life. And so she was acting rogue. I guess she was rogue. I haven’t delved into it enough to know if she was under orders to do this. But I would think she wouldn’t need to be, like Lois Lerner didn’t need to be told to shaft conservative groups applying for tax-exempt status to the IRS.</p>
<p>Obama didn’t need to send her a memo. The fact that she was working for Obama was all anybody needed to know. She doesn’t need to be told that conservatives are to be discriminated against. She doesn’t need to be told that conservatives are corrupt. She doesn’t need to be told to believe that conservatives pose a threat and therefore they should be penalized, limited, or what have you. She’ll just do it. As Samantha Power would clearly, if she believes that, for example, opponents of Obama, be they in the Trump campaign or anywhere, just the very fact that they are opponents makes them suspects, the very fact that they oppose Obama.</p>
<p>It’s like a banana republic kind of thing. The very fact that there is opposition to Obama is a political crime. And the people practicing this crime need to be exposed, and that’s what Samantha Power is doing and that’s her mind-set. I’ve never met her, I’ve never talked to her, but I can tell you 99% that I’m right, because I know these people, I know who they are, I know how they think. I’ve heard her speak. This is their life every waking moment.</p>
<p>They don’t have fun at backyard barbecues. If they do backyard barbecues, it is to plot, strategize, discuss. They never just take it easy and relax and have a beer, watch a football game. No, no, no. Every waking moment is devoted to the cause. Do not doubt me. They rely on the fact that most people are not that way.</p>
<p>They rely on the fact that most people are not nearly as involved and therefore not nearly as suspicious, and therefore they are free and able to operate above the line and above the radar. They’re able to operate in plain view. Nobody’s gonna care, except the opponents, and they don’t think we can do anything to stop them. The average, ordinary American, if this is learned, like it has been, the answer will be, “We didn’t know she was doing it. I don’t recall. But so what. So what. If she was exposing people, if she was unmasking, they deserved it.” That would be the reaction.</p>
<p>Here’s Catherine Herridge. We may as well start at the top. <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/09/20/samantha-power-sought-to-unmask-americans-on-almost-daily-basis-sources-say.html" type="external">Catherine Herridge at Fox News is the source authority</a> for the realization that Samantha Power, Mrs. Cass Sunstein, has been unmasking Americans. It happened last night. Special Report with Bret Baier. She uncovered all this news during the day yesterday.</p>
<p>HERRIDGE: Fox News is learning new information about the rapid pace of unmasking in the final months of the Obama White House. Two sources not authorized to speak on the record said the requests from Samantha Power, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, exceeds 260, with one request coming in the days leading up to the inauguration.</p>
<p>RUSH: Now, for those again who might be thinking, “What’s the big deal here, what’s unmasking?” Unmasking is a crime, can be a crime. Michael Flynn — everybody knows that name now — Michael Flynn forced to resign from the Trump administration, he was unmasked.</p>
<p>The way it happens is the intelligence community, the DIA, the CIA, the NSA, the whoever-A, the FBI, conducting wiretap or other kinds of surveillance on known foreign agents. For example, the Russian ambassador, whoever he is, is gonna be surveilled. The North Korean ambassador is gonna be surveilled, wiretapped. They know it. We know it. And so the Russian ambassador, the guy goes to lunch all the time, Kislyak, was under surveillance. And he talked to Flynn one day. Well, the intelligence people hear this. In this case it was Obama intel people. It was before Trump was inaugurated, and they hear Flynn, they hear the conversation.</p>
<p>Flynn’s not supposed to be made public. His side of the conversation’s not supposed to go made public ’cause he’s not the target of the wiretap. But if somebody comes along and unmasks him, which happened, then of course it ends up in the newspaper, like it did, and Michael Flynn is destroyed. He’s considered to be an agent for a foreign government. He’s talking to the foreign ambassador, the media deep state sources can run stories in the newspaper, Washington Post, New York Times, CNN, put it on TV, and Flynn after a few weeks is destroyed.</p>
<p>All of that is not legal. You have to get permission and there has to be a legitimate reason. The unmasking happens within the intelligence agency so they’re never supposed to be public with this because these people are not the target. Unmasked names are people who were not targets. But Samantha Power thought everybody needed to know what they’re saying and doing. And why? Because they’re conservatives or because they’re Republicans and because they’re not Obamaites. And simply because of that they deserve to be unmasked. That alone will be enough for her.</p>
<p>She’s no different than the snowflakes on college campus that will engage in riots if somebody shows up and says anything that’s unapproved. She’s no different, that mind-set. And she’s not alone.</p>
<p>So 260 names. And of course Manafort we now learn was surveilled. That means Trump had to have been overheard talking to Manafort. Manafort was being wiretapped, he is talking about Trump. It is a foregone conclusion, it’s inarguable that Trump was overheard and whatever.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" />Now, <a href="" type="internal">Trump found out about it and claims that his wires were tapped at Trump Tower</a>. Everybody laughed and mocked and said he didn’t even know how to say it. Your taps don’t get wired. Your wires don’t get tapped. Trump doesn’t even know what he’s talking about. But he always does. He always ends up being, to one degree or another, right.</p>
<p>Now, people said, “No, no, no. No, no, no, no, no. Trump was not targeted.” Exactly. That’s the easiest way out. Trump was not targeted. Manafort was. Well, Trump is still not wrong. It’s a little overlap here. They might be able to credibly say that they didn’t target Trump, that there were no wiretaps targeting Trump, but at the same time they would know they didn’t have to target Trump in order to monitor what he was saying to certain people. You target those people. You get a FISA warrant to wiretap or surveil somebody, people you know Trump’s gonna be talking to, and bammo.</p>
<p>And since no negative reaction occurred, no penalties, no problems, no charges, nothing happened to any of these people that were leaking, say, and unmasking Flynn and others, then there’s no reason to not unmask and release whatever you’ve overheard Trump saying to people, or anybody else.</p>
<p>So let’s go to the audio sound bites here. This was March 5th on Meet the Press, Chuck Todd speaking with James Clapper, an elderly version of Mr. Clean, if you add some earrings in there. He was the Director of National Intelligence for Obama. Chuck Todd says, “If the FBI, for instance, has a FISA court order of some sort for surveillance, would that be information you would know?”</p>
<p />
<p>CLAPPER: Yes.</p>
<p>TODD: You would be told this?</p>
<p>CLAPPER: I would know that.</p>
<p>TODD: If there was a FISA court order —</p>
<p>CLAPPER: Yes.</p>
<p>TODD: — on something like this?</p>
<p>CLAPPER: Something like this, absolutely.</p>
<p>TODD: And at this point you can’t confirm or deny whether that exists?</p>
<p>CLAPPER: I can deny it.</p>
<p>TODD: There is no FISA court order?</p>
<p>CLAPPER: Not to my knowledge.</p>
<p>TODD: Of anything at Trump Tower?</p>
<p>CLAPPER: No.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" />RUSH: Well, there was. That’s the problem. There was. There was a FISA court order to wiretap Manafort. Manafort had an apartment at Trump Tower. But you heard Clapper, “No. No. Not to my knowledge.” So did he lie? Did he not know? He said he would know. At the beginning of the bite, yes, he would be told, “I would know this.”</p>
<p>“So no wiretapping at Trump Tower?”</p>
<p>“Not to my knowledge.” So Clapper goes out, this is when the media starts laughing at Trump, what a buffoon, what an idiot, shouldn’t use Twitter, he’s lying and doing all that. So yesterday, last night CNN, Don Lemon goes and gets Clapper, brings him back, says, “CNN has some exclusive reporting involving Manafort, specifically investigators got a FISA warrant to wiretap Manafort before and after the election. You said that you would know that and that you didn’t know it, so it didn’t happen. What’s your reaction to it now?”</p>
<p>CLAPPER: I can’t comment on a specific FISA order.</p>
<p>RUSH: Oh!</p>
<p>CLAPPER: I said some things about this on Meet the Press on the 5th of March, and —</p>
<p>RUSH: Yeah?</p>
<p>CLAPPER: — I stand on, uh, that statement. Uh, I can’t, uh, I can’t confirm or deny it. I cannot comment on the media reporting which is all we have about a FISA warrant allegedly launched against Mr. Manafort. I can’t comment on that. I will simply reiterate what I said in March, uh, and I stand on that.</p>
<p>RUSH: What a dodge. What a dodge. I can’t comment on it. What do you mean, you can’t comment? You’ve been commenting on it every time anybody asks you until — this guy sounded like Gergen yesterday, or two days ago, when he found this all — (stuttering) The court of approval. Anyway, so they’re chasing their tails now. They’re lying either now or then about this. And they have been caught. But they are also confident nothing’s gonna happen to them because even though Lemon uncovered it here, it’s gonna die there, or will. They will not pursue it.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: Go back to the Don Lemon show and one more sound bite from Clapper. It was kind of the explanation point on the whole thing. After Clapper’s first answer, “I can’t comment. I don’t remember. I stand by what I said way back then. I don’t know. I can’t comment. Uh.” And Lemon says, “So did you know about a FISA warrant against Manafort at the time?”</p>
<p>CLAPPER: I did not. And again I have to say that what we have is media reporting only, and actually, uh, commenting on FISAs are classified, and so, uh, even if I knew something about it I couldn’t, and I don’t. And, and I, again, I will just conclude by saying I stand on what, uh, I said on the 5th of March.</p>
<p>LEMON: Is it possible the president was picked up in a conversation with Paul Manafort?</p>
<p>CLAPPER: It’s certainly conceivable. Yeah, that’s —</p>
<p>LEMON: Is it likely?</p>
<p>CLAPPER: Uh, I can’t say. I wouldn’t want to go there, but it – I will say it’s – it’s possible.</p>
<p>RUSH: Well, obviously. Obviously he was. They had a FISA warrant on Manafort, if we are to believe the media. And who’s the source for the media? The people that did it. Yeah, they are supposed to be classified. But 95% of the crap that’s been in the newspapers about this for the last nine months has been classified, and it’s leaked anyway.</p>
<p>So a long way of getting there, but Clapper says (imitating Clapper), “Well, it’s certainly conceivable, yes, that President Trump was picked up in a, uh, certainly conceivable. I don’t know, uhhh. And I stand by –” These people are caught. Samantha Power is caught. Clapper and Brennan and all of these people are caught. They have been exposed here. And so now the effort to make it appear like there’s no big deal and that nobody really knows is what’s underway.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: You might be say, “Why can’t we see the FISA warrant, Rush? Why don’t they make these public?” Well, it’s a foreign court. It’s what Gergen meant when he was talking about the court of approval, secret court. FISA is a secret court. We’re not supposed to know. That stuff is indeed classified.</p>
<p>But the reason I believe — I mean, everything leaks. And there were actually a couple of stories about FISA warrants that turned out to not be true. There’s Louise Mensch, this anti-Trumpist from one of the U.K. papers, a couple others, way, way back almost a year ago now in December and January had written that there were FISA warrants twice on Trump and nobody can find any evidence of it. And certainly nobody wanted to produce it.</p>
<p>But I think one of the reasons, in addition to whatever legal reasons, I think there’s another reason why the details in some of these FISA warrants will never be leaked or made public, and that’s because I suspect — of course, we’ll never be able to prove this — but I suspect it’s because we would find out, we would see that a lot of these FISA requests were based on the phony Trump dossier, which was the first place collusion was claimed. Remember that dossier, this is the golden showers dossier, nothing in it is true.</p>
<p>Just to relive some recent history. A year ago, like 15, 16 months ago, this dossier had been floating around Washington and everybody there knew about it. But everybody also knew that none of it could be verified. And so nobody in the Drive-Bys published it, but they wanted to. Especially after the election, they wanted this stuff out there so bad, because they wanted to do anything to hurt Trump. They wanted to do anything.</p>
<p>And this dossier was assembled with the assistance of Russian intelligence, paid for with money and operatives from a Democrat support group named Fusion GPS, not to be confused with Fareed Zakaria GPS. And the whole thing contained just bogus, ridiculous, silly, obscene allegations, such as the one that Trump in a visit to Moscow stayed in the same suite that Barack and Michelle Obama had stayed in and hired some prostitutes to come over and urinate on the bed, i.e., the golden showers.</p>
<p>Well, anyway, this was shown to Brennan, who was the CIA director at the time, and he believed it. Then it was shown to Comey, and he believed it. They all believed this, or they said they did, because it was used as the basis for all of this. I firmly believe that phony stinking dossier is what these people used as their convenient excuse to open this entire investigation into Russian collusion. And I think a FISA warrant that exists on Manafort or anybody else will show this, that that silly, unverifiable, rogue dossier formed the basis of everything. If that were made public, it would be embarrassing, it would attack and diminish the professionalism and the intelligence of these people, because it’s so obviously fake.</p>
<p>In fact, it was shown to Trump, folks. The Trump dossier was shown to Trump as a demonstration. If you recall, Trump was publicly saying that he didn’t need an intelligence brief every day. This was before he was inaugurated. This was during the transition. And the intelligence community thought that was a big slap in the face. You know, they’re very important. And informing the president every day, the hot spots around the world, they think is the first thing that ought to happen in his business day. And Trump’s saying, “Look, I got a good memory, it can’t change that much every day, I don’t need a brief every day.”</p>
<p>So they grabbed that dossier during a meeting with Trump, said, “This is why you need to see us. This is the kind of stuff that can show up out there. This is the kind of stuff that we need to know about.” It was presented to him as a joke. It was presented to him as an outrageous example of why he should meet with them. It was never presented to him as factual. It was always presented as a class project. This is the kind of stuff that could be out there someday and that you need to know about and you won’t if you don’t talk to us every day.</p>
<p>And <a href="" type="internal">the fact that that dossier has been used as the foundation is one of the greatest miscarriages</a> of whatever that I can recall because everybody involved knows that it’s bogus. The way it ended up in public is the great journalists at BuzzFeed — ahem — grew impatient and frustrated that it would not be published anywhere else, that it would not be alluded to. The reason is, they all wanted to do it, but none of it is true, none it could even be pretended to be close to truth.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" />So BuzzFeed ran it. They admitted that there’s nothing to it. They admitted that none of it could be confirmed. They admitted that none of it could be verified but that it was so important that you need to know about it. That bogus, phony intel document has formed the foundation, the basis for all of this against Manafort, against Trump, and they would have a tough time walking this back. I mean, they can’t come forth, say, “You know what? That dossier is fake and phony” because they based everything on it.</p>
<p>Now they’ve got carry out the Mueller investigation. They have to find something, folks. They have to find something, because look at all that they alleged, look at all those newspaper stories day after day after day with all the leaks from the intel people. None of it ever established as true, no evidence ever presented, nothing but leaks and allegations. But look at how much of it there was. So now they’ve gotta find something. And so Mueller is now looking 10 years back into Trump’s life. In fact, on that, I have a little story here from the New York Times.</p>
<p>“Mueller Seeks White House Documents Related to Trump’s Actions as President – Robert S. Mueller III, the special counsel, has asked the White House for documents about some of President Trump’s most scrutinized actions since taking office –” Do you know what they’ve also done? Snerdley, did you know this? Do you know that Mueller has interviewed Rosenstein?</p>
<p>Rosenstein is overseeing the investigation. Rosenstein is the boss of the investigation. He’s the acting attorney general since Sessions has recused himself. So on this thing, Rosenstein is the head honcho, and Mueller interviewed him! I mean, that’s like interviewing the judge in a trial! It wouldn’t be done.</p>
<p>Well, anyway, “The document requests provide –” this is key, now — “The document requests provide the most details to date about the breadth of Mr. Mueller’s investigation, and show that several aspects of his inquiry are focused squarely on Mr. Trump’s behavior in the White House.”</p>
<p>Now, I want to jump to the very end of this story. And I want to read to you a paragraph here at the end. “Based on the document request to the White House, there is no indication that Mr. Mueller is pressing to examine Mr. Trump’s personal finances or business dealings — areas the president has said should be off limits.”</p>
<p>Now, wait a minute. All week we have heard that Mueller is going back 10 years, that Mueller’s looking at Trump’s businesses and his finances and he’s trying to wipe him out and he’s trying to find tax violations and all this. And now the New York Times, with a little buried paragraph at the very end, “Based on the document request to the White House,” meaning based on what Mueller has asked for. He’s not asked for anything beyond the period of time Trump’s been president. So all these previous hysterical reports about this from the news media, including the Times, has just been bogus?</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: Now, there’s just one little bit of news here on this whole Samantha Power business. You know, she’s unmasking 260 Americans, and we had audio sound bites from the former national director of intelligence for Obama, James Crapper… Clapper, Clapper. Why do I always want to say… I have to catch myself. I mean, when I look at name silently, I think of — and then didn’t a guy named Crapper invent the toilet? Have you heard that or is that an old wives’ tale?</p>
<p>No, by the way, I was not making it up.</p> | true | 0 | rush samantha power unmasking americans last year obama regime rate one american every working day twohundredandsixty different americans unmasked someone even intelligence community un ambassador would equivalent nikki haley today unmasking bunch people thought dont know many people know much samantha power remember indepth explanation washington establishment yesterday superiorist supremacist dna socialist arrogant condescending constantly suffering pain facial expression makes appear shes constantly pain shes obamas presence facial expression though shes presence god married fellow traveler named cass sunstein may heard name mentioned classmate bill clintons going way back know classmate obamas cass sunstein responsible left view constitution charter negative liberties may originator take belief modern era man popularized scholarly way basically means people like sunstein wife samantha power people obama even talked look bill rights negative constitution given way college students taught think confident wide percentage college students know constitution know history know premise constitutions premise limit government brilliance uniqueness never human history group people americans population country never founding group people arranged affairs state way state limited exchange open freedom liberty population large another example american exceptionalism well leftists believe government center everyones lives dont like bill rights get right amendment number two dont like entire constitution particularly bill rights first 10 amendments specifically limit government specifically spell government thats call charter negative liberties governments center universe constitution negative toward government thats applaud thats love thats defend thats protect thats swear oaths limit encroaching government prevent slow creep tyranny authoritarianism basic premise left offended thats fdr proposed second bill rights exact opposite bill rights 10 amendments would spell government would say really means heart hearts government governments anyway samantha power one appropriately leftist living constant fear right constant fear conservatism constant fear left going lose thus believes everybody right corrupt virtue think virtue believe existence corrupt poses threat lefts view proper way life acting rogue guess rogue havent delved enough know orders would think wouldnt need like lois lerner didnt need told shaft conservative groups applying taxexempt status irs obama didnt need send memo fact working obama anybody needed know doesnt need told conservatives discriminated doesnt need told conservatives corrupt doesnt need told believe conservatives pose threat therefore penalized limited shell samantha power would clearly believes example opponents obama trump campaign anywhere fact opponents makes suspects fact oppose obama like banana republic kind thing fact opposition obama political crime people practicing crime need exposed thats samantha power thats mindset ive never met ive never talked tell 99 im right know people know know think ive heard speak life every waking moment dont fun backyard barbecues backyard barbecues plot strategize discuss never take easy relax beer watch football game every waking moment devoted cause doubt rely fact people way rely fact people nearly involved therefore nearly suspicious therefore free able operate line radar theyre able operate plain view nobodys gon na care except opponents dont think anything stop average ordinary american learned like answer didnt know dont recall exposing people unmasking deserved would reaction heres catherine herridge may well start top catherine herridge fox news source authority realization samantha power mrs cass sunstein unmasking americans happened last night special report bret baier uncovered news day yesterday herridge fox news learning new information rapid pace unmasking final months obama white house two sources authorized speak record said requests samantha power former us ambassador united nations exceeds 260 one request coming days leading inauguration rush might thinking whats big deal whats unmasking unmasking crime crime michael flynn everybody knows name michael flynn forced resign trump administration unmasked way happens intelligence community dia cia nsa whoevera fbi conducting wiretap kinds surveillance known foreign agents example russian ambassador whoever gon na surveilled north korean ambassador gon na surveilled wiretapped know know russian ambassador guy goes lunch time kislyak surveillance talked flynn one day well intelligence people hear case obama intel people trump inaugurated hear flynn hear conversation flynns supposed made public side conversations supposed go made public cause hes target wiretap somebody comes along unmasks happened course ends newspaper like michael flynn destroyed hes considered agent foreign government hes talking foreign ambassador media deep state sources run stories newspaper washington post new york times cnn put tv flynn weeks destroyed legal get permission legitimate reason unmasking happens within intelligence agency theyre never supposed public people target unmasked names people targets samantha power thought everybody needed know theyre saying theyre conservatives theyre republicans theyre obamaites simply deserve unmasked alone enough shes different snowflakes college campus engage riots somebody shows says anything thats unapproved shes different mindset shes alone 260 names course manafort learn surveilled means trump overheard talking manafort manafort wiretapped talking trump foregone conclusion inarguable trump overheard whatever trump found claims wires tapped trump tower everybody laughed mocked said didnt even know say taps dont get wired wires dont get tapped trump doesnt even know hes talking always always ends one degree another right people said trump targeted exactly thats easiest way trump targeted manafort well trump still wrong little overlap might able credibly say didnt target trump wiretaps targeting trump time would know didnt target trump order monitor saying certain people target people get fisa warrant wiretap surveil somebody people know trumps gon na talking bammo since negative reaction occurred penalties problems charges nothing happened people leaking say unmasking flynn others theres reason unmask release whatever youve overheard trump saying people anybody else lets go audio sound bites march 5th meet press chuck todd speaking james clapper elderly version mr clean add earrings director national intelligence obama chuck todd says fbi instance fisa court order sort surveillance would information would know clapper yes todd would told clapper would know todd fisa court order clapper yes todd something like clapper something like absolutely todd point cant confirm deny whether exists clapper deny todd fisa court order clapper knowledge todd anything trump tower clapper rush well thats problem fisa court order wiretap manafort manafort apartment trump tower heard clapper knowledge lie know said would know beginning bite yes would told would know wiretapping trump tower knowledge clapper goes media starts laughing trump buffoon idiot shouldnt use twitter hes lying yesterday last night cnn lemon goes gets clapper brings back says cnn exclusive reporting involving manafort specifically investigators got fisa warrant wiretap manafort election said would know didnt know didnt happen whats reaction clapper cant comment specific fisa order rush oh clapper said things meet press 5th march rush yeah clapper stand uh statement uh cant uh cant confirm deny comment media reporting fisa warrant allegedly launched mr manafort cant comment simply reiterate said march uh stand rush dodge dodge cant comment mean cant comment youve commenting every time anybody asks guy sounded like gergen yesterday two days ago found stuttering court approval anyway theyre chasing tails theyre lying either caught also confident nothings gon na happen even though lemon uncovered gon na die pursue break transcript rush go back lemon show one sound bite clapper kind explanation point whole thing clappers first answer cant comment dont remember stand said way back dont know cant comment uh lemon says know fisa warrant manafort time clapper say media reporting actually uh commenting fisas classified uh even knew something couldnt dont conclude saying stand uh said 5th march lemon possible president picked conversation paul manafort clapper certainly conceivable yeah thats lemon likely clapper uh cant say wouldnt want go say possible rush well obviously obviously fisa warrant manafort believe media whos source media people yeah supposed classified 95 crap thats newspapers last nine months classified leaked anyway long way getting clapper says imitating clapper well certainly conceivable yes president trump picked uh certainly conceivable dont know uhhh stand people caught samantha power caught clapper brennan people caught exposed effort make appear like theres big deal nobody really knows whats underway break transcript rush might say cant see fisa warrant rush dont make public well foreign court gergen meant talking court approval secret court fisa secret court supposed know stuff indeed classified reason believe mean everything leaks actually couple stories fisa warrants turned true theres louise mensch antitrumpist one uk papers couple others way way back almost year ago december january written fisa warrants twice trump nobody find evidence certainly nobody wanted produce think one reasons addition whatever legal reasons think theres another reason details fisa warrants never leaked made public thats suspect course well never able prove suspect would find would see lot fisa requests based phony trump dossier first place collusion claimed remember dossier golden showers dossier nothing true relive recent history year ago like 15 16 months ago dossier floating around washington everybody knew everybody also knew none could verified nobody drivebys published wanted especially election wanted stuff bad wanted anything hurt trump wanted anything dossier assembled assistance russian intelligence paid money operatives democrat support group named fusion gps confused fareed zakaria gps whole thing contained bogus ridiculous silly obscene allegations one trump visit moscow stayed suite barack michelle obama stayed hired prostitutes come urinate bed ie golden showers well anyway shown brennan cia director time believed shown comey believed believed said used basis firmly believe phony stinking dossier people used convenient excuse open entire investigation russian collusion think fisa warrant exists manafort anybody else show silly unverifiable rogue dossier formed basis everything made public would embarrassing would attack diminish professionalism intelligence people obviously fake fact shown trump folks trump dossier shown trump demonstration recall trump publicly saying didnt need intelligence brief every day inaugurated transition intelligence community thought big slap face know theyre important informing president every day hot spots around world think first thing ought happen business day trumps saying look got good memory cant change much every day dont need brief every day grabbed dossier meeting trump said need see us kind stuff show kind stuff need know presented joke presented outrageous example meet never presented factual always presented class project kind stuff could someday need know wont dont talk us every day fact dossier used foundation one greatest miscarriages whatever recall everybody involved knows bogus way ended public great journalists buzzfeed ahem grew impatient frustrated would published anywhere else would alluded reason wanted none true none could even pretended close truth buzzfeed ran admitted theres nothing admitted none could confirmed admitted none could verified important need know bogus phony intel document formed foundation basis manafort trump would tough time walking back mean cant come forth say know dossier fake phony based everything theyve got carry mueller investigation find something folks find something look alleged look newspaper stories day day day leaks intel people none ever established true evidence ever presented nothing leaks allegations look much theyve got ta find something mueller looking 10 years back trumps life fact little story new york times mueller seeks white house documents related trumps actions president robert mueller iii special counsel asked white house documents president trumps scrutinized actions since taking office know theyve also done snerdley know know mueller interviewed rosenstein rosenstein overseeing investigation rosenstein boss investigation hes acting attorney general since sessions recused thing rosenstein head honcho mueller interviewed mean thats like interviewing judge trial wouldnt done well anyway document requests provide key document requests provide details date breadth mr muellers investigation show several aspects inquiry focused squarely mr trumps behavior white house want jump end story want read paragraph end based document request white house indication mr mueller pressing examine mr trumps personal finances business dealings areas president said limits wait minute week heard mueller going back 10 years muellers looking trumps businesses finances hes trying wipe hes trying find tax violations new york times little buried paragraph end based document request white house meaning based mueller asked hes asked anything beyond period time trumps president previous hysterical reports news media including times bogus break transcript rush theres one little bit news whole samantha power business know shes unmasking 260 americans audio sound bites former national director intelligence obama james crapper clapper clapper always want say catch mean look name silently think didnt guy named crapper invent toilet heard old wives tale way making | 2,002 |
<p>This article is being republished as part of our daily reproduction of WSJ.com articles that also appeared in the U.S. print edition of The Wall Street Journal (November 24, 2017).</p>
<p>WASHINGTON -- Over just two days this week, the Trump administration has both sued AT&amp;T Inc. to block its planned takeover of Time Warner Inc. and proposed allowing internet-service providers -- like AT&amp;T -- to form closer alliances with content companies, like Time Warner.</p>
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<p>The two government moves seem to go in opposite directions, on the one hand restricting a major telecommunications merger and on the other giving internet providers broad new powers to shape their customers' online experiences.</p>
<p>But the actions reveal one consistency, and what might be viewed as an emerging Trump administration regulatory philosophy: Instead of new bright-line rules, such as those put in place under the Obama administration, it is stressing the enforcement of longstanding laws and regulations.</p>
<p>The moves are a shift in emphasis from the approach taken by the Obama administration, which in 2015 adopted highly specific rules governing internet providers in the name of "net neutrality," the principle that all web traffic be treated equally. The providers were prevented from cutting deals, known as "paid prioritization," that would give fast lanes to some kinds of content in return for a price.</p>
<p>And the Obama administration carried that approach into the antitrust realm, insisting in Comcast Corp.'s acquisition of NBCUniversal, Inc. earlier this decade that Comcast live up to elaborate net-neutrality restrictions, as part of the so-called behavioral remedies that were conditions of antitrust approval.</p>
<p>In other words, net-neutrality regulation took the place of an antitrust challenge.</p>
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<p>Now the tables are turned. When it comes to internet policing, the FCC will ease back on its rules and turn a measure of oversight authority to the antitrust cop, the Federal Trade Commission, a deliberate action outlined Tuesday by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.</p>
<p>"As a result of my proposal, the Federal Trade Commission will once again be able to police [internet providers], protect consumers and promote competition, just as it did before 2015," Mr. Pai said. "Notably, my proposal will put the federal government's most experienced privacy cop, the FTC, back on the beat to protect consumers' online privacy."</p>
<p>In the case of net neutrality, Mr. Pai's FCC moved fairly quickly by regulatory standards. It is too soon to know whether this enforcement emphasis will extend to other parts of the Trump deregulatory agenda, which involves rolling back a broad range of Obama-era rules covering power-plant emissions, financial services and other industries.</p>
<p>In the financial sector, Mr. Trump's regulatory team has launched a review of stricter rules adopted after the 2008 bailouts. In general, officials say they want to recalibrate standards governing bank lending and other areas without scrapping them entirely.</p>
<p>It isn't clear whether financial regulators will maintain the streak of aggressive enforcement actions that began under the Obama administration. Fines levied by the Securities and Exchange Commission fell to a four-year low in the last fiscal year, though SEC officials caution against reading too much into a single year's data.</p>
<p>At the Environmental Protection Agency, Administrator Scott Pruitt has touted a "back-to-basics" approach involving the reversal of numerous Obama regulations and has said he would emphasize enforcement.</p>
<p>"There's a difference between creating regulatory certainty and holding polluters accountable for violating environmental laws," said EPA spokeswoman Liz Bowman.</p>
<p>Environmental groups say the EPA's actions so far this year don't suggest a robust emphasis on enforcement. The agency counters that those groups' estimates are low because it can take months or years before such an action can be completed.</p>
<p>Consumer groups argue that clear regulations are necessary across industries to keep companies from harming consumers. With the internet, they say, antitrust enforcement is too cumbersome, slow and potentially arbitrary to keep up with the speed of technological change.</p>
<p>Because the FTC doesn't have the authority to create and enforce broad rules, it isn't in a position to police fast and slow lanes that may harm competition, said Jonathan Zittrain, professor of law and computer science at Harvard University and a former chairman of the FCC's Open Internet Advisory Committee. The agency can only take "individual enforcement action on the vague notion of unfair trade practices," he said.</p>
<p>Conservatives who believe in a lighter-touch regulation, like Mr. Pai, generally argue that hard-and-fast regulatory rules are overly prescriptive and will slow investment and innovation.</p>
<p>Some free-market advocates take that even further, saying the antitrust action this week goes too far, especially given that the AT&amp;T-Time Warner tie-up is a "vertical" merger, or one that combines two companies that operate at different stages of a supply chain.</p>
<p>"If this one [transaction] isn't good, what vertical integration transaction is going to be good? Virtually none," said Fred Campbell, director of Tech Knowledge, a free-market think tank and a former head of the FCC's wireless bureau about a decade ago. "Isn't it a de facto regulation then that we're just going to prohibit vertical integration?"</p>
<p>--</p>
<p>Douglas MacMillan</p>
<p>, Ryan Knutson, Ryan Tracy and Timothy Puko contributed to this article.</p>
<p>Write to John D. McKinnon at [email protected]</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>November 24, 2017 02:47 ET (07:47 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | article republished part daily reproduction wsjcom articles also appeared us print edition wall street journal november 24 2017 washington two days week trump administration sued atampt inc block planned takeover time warner inc proposed allowing internetservice providers like atampt form closer alliances content companies like time warner continue reading two government moves seem go opposite directions one hand restricting major telecommunications merger giving internet providers broad new powers shape customers online experiences actions reveal one consistency might viewed emerging trump administration regulatory philosophy instead new brightline rules put place obama administration stressing enforcement longstanding laws regulations moves shift emphasis approach taken obama administration 2015 adopted highly specific rules governing internet providers name net neutrality principle web traffic treated equally providers prevented cutting deals known paid prioritization would give fast lanes kinds content return price obama administration carried approach antitrust realm insisting comcast corps acquisition nbcuniversal inc earlier decade comcast live elaborate netneutrality restrictions part socalled behavioral remedies conditions antitrust approval words netneutrality regulation took place antitrust challenge advertisement tables turned comes internet policing fcc ease back rules turn measure oversight authority antitrust cop federal trade commission deliberate action outlined tuesday fcc chairman ajit pai result proposal federal trade commission able police internet providers protect consumers promote competition 2015 mr pai said notably proposal put federal governments experienced privacy cop ftc back beat protect consumers online privacy case net neutrality mr pais fcc moved fairly quickly regulatory standards soon know whether enforcement emphasis extend parts trump deregulatory agenda involves rolling back broad range obamaera rules covering powerplant emissions financial services industries financial sector mr trumps regulatory team launched review stricter rules adopted 2008 bailouts general officials say want recalibrate standards governing bank lending areas without scrapping entirely isnt clear whether financial regulators maintain streak aggressive enforcement actions began obama administration fines levied securities exchange commission fell fouryear low last fiscal year though sec officials caution reading much single years data environmental protection agency administrator scott pruitt touted backtobasics approach involving reversal numerous obama regulations said would emphasize enforcement theres difference creating regulatory certainty holding polluters accountable violating environmental laws said epa spokeswoman liz bowman environmental groups say epas actions far year dont suggest robust emphasis enforcement agency counters groups estimates low take months years action completed consumer groups argue clear regulations necessary across industries keep companies harming consumers internet say antitrust enforcement cumbersome slow potentially arbitrary keep speed technological change ftc doesnt authority create enforce broad rules isnt position police fast slow lanes may harm competition said jonathan zittrain professor law computer science harvard university former chairman fccs open internet advisory committee agency take individual enforcement action vague notion unfair trade practices said conservatives believe lightertouch regulation like mr pai generally argue hardandfast regulatory rules overly prescriptive slow investment innovation freemarket advocates take even saying antitrust action week goes far especially given atampttime warner tieup vertical merger one combines two companies operate different stages supply chain one transaction isnt good vertical integration transaction going good virtually none said fred campbell director tech knowledge freemarket think tank former head fccs wireless bureau decade ago isnt de facto regulation going prohibit vertical integration douglas macmillan ryan knutson ryan tracy timothy puko contributed article write john mckinnon johnmckinnonwsjcom end dow jones newswires november 24 2017 0247 et 0747 gmt | 545 |
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<p>But Trump tweets out the following:&#160; “Crooked Hillary said her husband’s gonna be in charge of the economy.&#160; If so, he should run, not her.&#160; Will he bring the ‘energizer’ to D.C.?”&#160; It’s logical.&#160; It’s fair. It goes right to the heart of Hillary’s phony feminism.&#160; It touches on the Clintons’ wacko marriage.&#160; It puts both of them on the defense. It’s funny. It’s clever. It uses the nickname that Trump created and captures this “Energizer” stuff. But, more importantly, it didn’t take a team of consultants. It didn’t take any focus groups. It didn’t take any polling. It took no test runs, trial runs. It didn’t cost a lot of money. It’s just one guy tweeting out what he thought on the spot — trolling. Trump trolling.</p>
<p>You know, this <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/may/18/ivanka-trump-defends-her-father-wake-new-york-time/" type="external">New York Times story on Trump on Sunday</a>.&#160; I saw that, I read that.&#160; You know what my reaction to it was?&#160; I said, “These people at the New York Times, they do not get it.”&#160;Everybody is still trying to attack Trump the way you would attack any Republican or any politician you want to decimate, but he’s not that.&#160; His supporters are gonna brag about that story.&#160; Trump supporters are gonna say, “Finally we got a Bill Clinton-like dog in our party.&#160; Right on, dude!”&#160; They’re gonna celebrate.&#160; To the people that were not reacting to it that way, that were concerned about it, we learned that the whole thing’s made up, that the vast majority of that story is a bunch of lies, assembled lies.</p>
<p>And you know what?&#160; We lament social media a lot on this program for various reasons ’cause I think it is destructive to individuals in this quest for fame that young people have and causes ’em to vomit everything there is about themselves. They give up any aspect of their privacy. But on the other hand social media has made it more and more difficult for traditional media to run hit pieces like this and get away with it because social media people can glom onto this, find the errors, find the mistakes, find the bias, find the outright lies and combat it instantly and put these two reporters on the defensive.</p>
<p>And Trump has done that.&#160; Trump has put these two reporters on the defensive. Another Republican candidate probably would not have done this.&#160; They would have left it to a consultant, “I’ll take care of it, Donald,” and nothing would have happened.&#160; “Because you can’t fight the New York Times. The best we can do, just let the cycle pass, let it go and we wait for the next big story to come along and people forget about this.”&#160; And that’s not the way this crowd plays it.&#160; That’s the way traditional Republicans play.&#160; It’s the way the Bush White House played everything.&#160; “Ah, let this go, don’t respond to it, don’t dignify it.&#160; We aren’t gonna take the White House to the gutter and respond to this stuff. It will be forgotten by tomorrow when the next story comes around.”</p>
<p>Except there was a new attack, sometimes two or three a day.&#160; Nobody forgot anything.&#160; Trump doesn’t allow any grass to grow under any of these assaults.&#160; When he feels he’s been wounded, he wants to go in and unwound himself, as he says.&#160; Anyway, when I saw that New York Times story, I didn’t know what Dr. Krauthammer said, I just did my cramming when we got the audio sound bite roster.&#160; Krauthammer said, “If that’s the best they’ve got, we better just get to the inauguration here.”&#160; Dr. Krauthammer.&#160; Bill Kristol was in tears when he read it, but Dr. Krauthammer said it.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" />I said, “What’s the hit piece?”&#160; I could see how they’re trying to do a hit piece.&#160; They’re trying to defame Trump.&#160; But, for crying out loud, where was anything like that with Bill Clinton?&#160; See, these people forget that everybody has long memories, and they are demonstrating, the New York Times is demonstrating their bias and their fraud and everything else by engaging in a Trump story like this and in the Bill Clinton story guess who ended up being the sex pervert?&#160; Ken Starr, who may to this day still be a virgin. Ken Starr became the sex pervert in the Lewinsky saga.&#160; And Bill Clinton became the angelic victim of the vast right-wing conspiracy.</p>
<p>So the New York Times tries to run this hit piece on Trump and some of the women say, “Hey, I was misquoted, I wasn’t fully quoted. I was taken out of context.”&#160; Norah O’Donnell of CBS was virtually seething in an on-air interview with Ivanka Trump. (imitating O’Donnell) “How can you even admit to being the daughter of such a bullying swine,” some such thing.&#160; I mean, that’s not what she said, it’s the attitude.&#160; You could see Norah O’Donnell’s face, nothing like the bathwater she’s in. She has so much contempt for Ivanka, and Ivanka just rolled right over her with her definition of feminism.&#160; All this is coming up here in the audio sound bites.</p>
<p>Bill Clinton running the economy.&#160; A lot of people had the reaction that Trump did.&#160; Well, if he’s gonna run the economy, he should be running for president.&#160; My reaction to it is, not only that, it’s Hillary admitting she can’t get there without the guy.&#160; Plus there’s this nostalgia of how great the nineties was economically.&#160; See, the problem here that nobody can address is that Hillary will not lay a hand on this lousy economy in her campaign.&#160; She’s imprisoned by it because it’s Obama’s. She can attack Obamacare here and there, but the overall economy she’s gotta be kind of hands off, because to go after that is to go after Obama and the last seven and a half, eight years.</p>
<p>So bring Bill in there to try to make everybody nostalgic for the great economy that was the 1990s which was simply, if truth be told, the economic boom of the nineties was that which began in 1984 when the Reagan economy and tax cuts finally kicked in.&#160; And it just kept on and kept on and kept on and came to full fruition in the mid-nineties with the Clinton presidency.&#160; But beyond even that, how about this idea that there’s a guy out there who can fix the economy. There’s one guy, “I’m gonna put my husband, Bill Clinton, in charge of the economy. Bill Clinton’s going to revive the economy.”&#160; As though there’s one guy who’s got the answers.</p>
<p>Well, if that one guy has the answers, why doesn’t he fix it now?&#160; Why hasn’t he advised on what to do the last seven and a half years?&#160; Why, if one guy has the means to fix the economy has he stood mute?&#160; Of course it’s a flawed premise.&#160; One guy doesn’t run the economy, good or bad.&#160; It’s too massive and too big.&#160; But the low-information voters on the Democrat side don’t think that way at all.&#160; They do think of things like kings and dictators waving magic wands to make magic happen.&#160; So I doubt their attitude toward it would be anything like mine was.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH:&#160; The views expressed by the host on this program documented to be almost always right 99.8% of the time.&#160;The <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-clinton-business-model-1463178638" type="external">Wall Street Journal</a> has a piece today on the Clintons and their economics.&#160; This misses the point.&#160; Hillary Clinton says she’d expect Bill Clinton to help fix the economy. So the Wall Street Journal sets out in traditional Wall Street Journal fashion — it’s predictable — to meticulously compare Bill Clinton’s policy position in the nineties with Crooked Hillary’s economic policies of today.</p>
<p>It’s nicely done, it’s smart, and it’s boring as hell.&#160; Worse than that, it completely misses the political point that Trump raises in his tweet.&#160; Okay, so I understand the Journal’s relationship, and I understand that the people that read the Journal think they’re top-notch businesspeople and da-da-da-da-da.&#160; And so we’re gonna have in-depth comparison of Bill Clinton’s policies and economics and Hillary — it misses the whole point.&#160; That’s not why Hillary is putting Bill in charge of the economy because of his economic policies or principles.</p>
<p>She’s doing it to try to revive a moribund campaign relying on the one Clinton that has some vestige of popularity remaining even though both have been corrupt.&#160; You know how much these two have made in speeches in the last 16 months?&#160; Over $6 million in the last 16 months.&#160; In the last 16 months, over $6 million in speeches alone.&#160; They make more in one speech than many Americans will make in five or 10 years.&#160; But an in-depth comparison of Hillary’s economic policy and Clinton is not what is called for here.</p>
<p>In the first place you’ve got Hillary, “I am Woman.&#160; I am feminist.”&#160; She’s so economically inept she’s gonna put her husband in charge of it.&#160; Not up to the job herself, needs her husband’s help.&#160; I mean, it’s not about the discrepancies between then and now.&#160; First woman president can’t do the job without her husband, in name only.&#160; The most cheated-on woman on the planet holds onto her cheating husband because he’s the brains of the partnership, at least on this side of the divide.</p>
<p>Look, I’m not ripping the Journal.&#160; I’m trying to point out how people are covering this campaign, particularly the Trump campaign, and they’re trying to plug Trump and the way he does things and who he is and how he’s gotten to where he is, they’re trying to plug him into the ages old political playbook for covering campaigns, and you can’t do it.&#160; Square peg, round hole.&#160; It misses the whole point when you try to do that.</p>
<p>You know what I think?&#160; I think that part of this, I think part of the reason why so many on all sides, you’ve got conservative media types doing it, liberal media types, are trying to cover Trump in traditional ways in which campaigns of candidates and campaigns have always been covered, because they’re trying to assure themselves that Trump isn’t unusual.&#160; They’re trying to assure themselves that Trump is pretty much like what we get with any candidate when you strip away the surface and you dig down deep.</p>
<p>And the reason they want to do that is ’cause I think they’re trying to find assurances that Trump can lose because I think a whole lot of people are getting very, very worried that Trump not only can win, but is going to.&#160; If you take a snapshot of this point in time, if the election were today, who knows?&#160; The Democrat Party is imploding.&#160; The Republican Party, you can say it’s imploding, but where’s the momentum?</p>
<p>By the way, it’s now official:&#160; Trump has received more votes than any Republican ever, in a Republican primary.&#160; Broke the record set by George W. Bush.&#160; What is he now, 60 delegates away from the — (interruption) Why are you frowning in there?&#160; Do you disagree with that?&#160; It’s absolutely true.&#160; Okay, so 66 or 77 away from actually securing the nomination, minus whatever trickinology <a href="" type="internal">Curly Haugland’s</a> gonna try at the convention.</p>
<p>So many people are still trying to plug Trump into traditional campaign coverage, and it just doesn’t work.&#160; But I think the reason is they’re looking for assurances that Trump can lose, that he will lose. And the way he will lose is as a normal Republican.&#160; He’s not gonna redraw the electoral map, for example.&#160; “No, no, there’s nothing special about Trump. He’s not gonna bring New York or Michigan into play. No, no, no, just a regular Republican, can’t possibly win any of those states.”&#160; And they’re digging deep and doing analysis to try to prove that they are correct.</p>
<p>The bottom line is nobody knows.&#160; Nobody has slightest idea where this is all headed.&#160; We don’t even know what’s really gonna happen on the Democrat side.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: Here’s Matt in Lincoln, Nebraska, as we kick off the telephone portion of the program today.&#160; Hello, Matt.</p>
<p>CALLER:&#160; Hi, Rush.&#160; Hey, let’s go back to 2012.&#160; The Republican National Convention (unintelligible) and hammering Obama on the economy constantly.&#160; So what did Obama do at the Democrat National Convention?&#160; They brought on aging Bill Clinton to tell everybody that he could not have done a better job than Barack Obama.&#160; And now we see how horrible Obama has made the economy.</p>
<p>RUSH:&#160; Wait a minute.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/09/05/transcript-bill-clinton-speech-at-dnc.html" type="external" />CALLER:&#160; So I don’t know what Bill Clinton’s gonna do if Obama was so much better than him.</p>
<p>RUSH:&#160; Hey, you’re exactly right, and this is not a small point.&#160; This was a major focus of the Democrat convention.&#160; The economy, like it is today, four years ago was in a tatters.&#160; Obamacare had just been implemented and nothing about it was going right because it couldn’t go right.&#160; It was not designed to go right.&#160; You were never gonna be able to keep your doctor.&#160; You were never gonna be able to keep your plan.&#160; They lied to you left and right.&#160; They’re laughing about how easily they got away with it.&#160; And they did, they had to bring Bill Clinton on, and he pointed his finger, it was a major point of his speech.</p>
<p>Matt, you’re exactly right.&#160; I’ll bet if we searched our audio archives — ahem — that we could find this.&#160; Clinton standing up on the stage, where were they? Where was the Democrat convention?&#160; Baltimore?&#160; I forgot where.&#160; It doesn’t matter where it was.&#160; Clinton standing up there (Clinton impression), “I just want to tell you people, not even I could have done any better on this economy.&#160; There’s not a single person that could have done any better.&#160; I couldn’t, I couldn’t have done better than Barack Obama has done.”</p>
<p>And the reason it was such a big deal is because in the Democrat Party, Clinton does have this reputation as a great, great economics micromanager.&#160; That’s right.&#160; It was in Charlotte, home of the transgender bathroom issue, by the way.&#160; And it was Clinton that went out there to get Obama’s rear end out of the bacon because it was steaming.&#160; And Clinton does have this this reputation of just the greatest economic micromanager ’cause the nineties is what the Democrats used to counter the Reagan eighties when they say Clinton is what saved the country from Reaganomics and trickle-down and so forth.&#160; So for Clinton to come out in praise of Obama, say nobody could have done better, was big.&#160; It was huge.</p>
<p>And so here’s Hillary now saying that she’s gonna bring Bill on to run the economy.&#160; See, she can nibble around the edges about how bad things are now by talking about how she’s gonna improve this or improve that, but she can’t conduct a full head-on attack on the economy because to do that would be attack her very principles and her party and her president.</p>
<p>So the way she does it is to say she’s gonna bring Bill on to run the economy.&#160; But Bill has admitted, and Trump could put this in an ad (Clinton impression), “Nobody could do better than Barack Obama, not a single person ever.&#160; I couldn’t do it; nobody could do it.”&#160; That’s an amazing recollection, Matt, and I appreciate it.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH:&#160; Okay.&#160; Grab sound bite 42.&#160; We got Bill Clinton at the Democrat convention.&#160; This is it. This was from September 5, 2012.&#160; This is where Clinton said that not even he could have done a better job than Barack Hussein O.</p>
<p>CLINTON:&#160; I had the same thing happen in 1994 and early ’95.&#160; We could see that the policies were working, that the economy was growing.&#160; But most people didn’t feel it yet.&#160; President Obama started with a much weaker economy than I did.&#160; No president — not me, not any of my predators, none — could have fully repaired all the damage that he found in just four years.</p>
<p>RUSH:&#160; There you have it.&#160; There’s Trump’s ad. There’s Trump’s ad — the Republican ad — for when Hillary says she gonna put Bill in charge. (impression) “Nobody coulda done it. No president. Not anybody, not nobody could have repaired the damage in just four years. But remember, Obama started in a much weaker economy than I did.”&#160; Really?&#160; You lying sack of whatevers are running around in 1992 claiming it was “the worst economy in the last 50 years.”</p>
<p>Remember that?&#160; It was “the worst economy in the last 50 years”! We had people calling here saying, “It can’t get much worse, Rush,” and it proceeded to.</p> | true | 0 | trump tweets following160 crooked hillary said husbands gon na charge economy160 run her160 bring energizer dc160 logical160 fair goes right heart hillarys phony feminism160 touches clintons wacko marriage160 puts defense funny clever uses nickname trump created captures energizer stuff importantly didnt take team consultants didnt take focus groups didnt take polling took test runs trial runs didnt cost lot money one guy tweeting thought spot trolling trump trolling know new york times story trump sunday160 saw read that160 know reaction was160 said people new york times get it160everybody still trying attack trump way would attack republican politician want decimate hes that160 supporters gon na brag story160 trump supporters gon na say finally got bill clintonlike dog party160 right dude160 theyre gon na celebrate160 people reacting way concerned learned whole things made vast majority story bunch lies assembled lies know what160 lament social media lot program various reasons cause think destructive individuals quest fame young people causes em vomit everything give aspect privacy hand social media made difficult traditional media run hit pieces like get away social media people glom onto find errors find mistakes find bias find outright lies combat instantly put two reporters defensive trump done that160 trump put two reporters defensive another republican candidate probably would done this160 would left consultant ill take care donald nothing would happened160 cant fight new york times best let cycle pass let go wait next big story come along people forget this160 thats way crowd plays it160 thats way traditional republicans play160 way bush white house played everything160 ah let go dont respond dont dignify it160 arent gon na take white house gutter respond stuff forgotten tomorrow next story comes around except new attack sometimes two three day160 nobody forgot anything160 trump doesnt allow grass grow assaults160 feels hes wounded wants go unwound says160 anyway saw new york times story didnt know dr krauthammer said cramming got audio sound bite roster160 krauthammer said thats best theyve got better get inauguration here160 dr krauthammer160 bill kristol tears read dr krauthammer said said whats hit piece160 could see theyre trying hit piece160 theyre trying defame trump160 crying loud anything like bill clinton160 see people forget everybody long memories demonstrating new york times demonstrating bias fraud everything else engaging trump story like bill clinton story guess ended sex pervert160 ken starr may day still virgin ken starr became sex pervert lewinsky saga160 bill clinton became angelic victim vast rightwing conspiracy new york times tries run hit piece trump women say hey misquoted wasnt fully quoted taken context160 norah odonnell cbs virtually seething onair interview ivanka trump imitating odonnell even admit daughter bullying swine thing160 mean thats said attitude160 could see norah odonnells face nothing like bathwater shes much contempt ivanka ivanka rolled right definition feminism160 coming audio sound bites bill clinton running economy160 lot people reaction trump did160 well hes gon na run economy running president160 reaction hillary admitting cant get without guy160 plus theres nostalgia great nineties economically160 see problem nobody address hillary lay hand lousy economy campaign160 shes imprisoned obamas attack obamacare overall economy shes got ta kind hands go go obama last seven half eight years bring bill try make everybody nostalgic great economy 1990s simply truth told economic boom nineties began 1984 reagan economy tax cuts finally kicked in160 kept kept kept came full fruition midnineties clinton presidency160 beyond even idea theres guy fix economy theres one guy im gon na put husband bill clinton charge economy bill clintons going revive economy160 though theres one guy whos got answers well one guy answers doesnt fix now160 hasnt advised last seven half years160 one guy means fix economy stood mute160 course flawed premise160 one guy doesnt run economy good bad160 massive big160 lowinformation voters democrat side dont think way all160 think things like kings dictators waving magic wands make magic happen160 doubt attitude toward would anything like mine break transcript rush160 views expressed host program documented almost always right 998 time160the wall street journal piece today clintons economics160 misses point160 hillary clinton says shed expect bill clinton help fix economy wall street journal sets traditional wall street journal fashion predictable meticulously compare bill clintons policy position nineties crooked hillarys economic policies today nicely done smart boring hell160 worse completely misses political point trump raises tweet160 okay understand journals relationship understand people read journal think theyre topnotch businesspeople dadadadada160 gon na indepth comparison bill clintons policies economics hillary misses whole point160 thats hillary putting bill charge economy economic policies principles shes try revive moribund campaign relying one clinton vestige popularity remaining even though corrupt160 know much two made speeches last 16 months160 6 million last 16 months160 last 16 months 6 million speeches alone160 make one speech many americans make five 10 years160 indepth comparison hillarys economic policy clinton called first place youve got hillary woman160 feminist160 shes economically inept shes gon na put husband charge it160 job needs husbands help160 mean discrepancies now160 first woman president cant job without husband name only160 cheatedon woman planet holds onto cheating husband hes brains partnership least side divide look im ripping journal160 im trying point people covering campaign particularly trump campaign theyre trying plug trump way things hes gotten theyre trying plug ages old political playbook covering campaigns cant it160 square peg round hole160 misses whole point try know think160 think part think part reason many sides youve got conservative media types liberal media types trying cover trump traditional ways campaigns candidates campaigns always covered theyre trying assure trump isnt unusual160 theyre trying assure trump pretty much like get candidate strip away surface dig deep reason want cause think theyre trying find assurances trump lose think whole lot people getting worried trump win going to160 take snapshot point time election today knows160 democrat party imploding160 republican party say imploding wheres momentum way official160 trump received votes republican ever republican primary160 broke record set george w bush160 60 delegates away interruption frowning there160 disagree that160 absolutely true160 okay 66 77 away actually securing nomination minus whatever trickinology curly hauglands gon na try convention many people still trying plug trump traditional campaign coverage doesnt work160 think reason theyre looking assurances trump lose lose way lose normal republican160 hes gon na redraw electoral map example160 theres nothing special trump hes gon na bring new york michigan play regular republican cant possibly win states160 theyre digging deep analysis try prove correct bottom line nobody knows160 nobody slightest idea headed160 dont even know whats really gon na happen democrat side break transcript rush heres matt lincoln nebraska kick telephone portion program today160 hello matt caller160 hi rush160 hey lets go back 2012160 republican national convention unintelligible hammering obama economy constantly160 obama democrat national convention160 brought aging bill clinton tell everybody could done better job barack obama160 see horrible obama made economy rush160 wait minute caller160 dont know bill clintons gon na obama much better rush160 hey youre exactly right small point160 major focus democrat convention160 economy like today four years ago tatters160 obamacare implemented nothing going right couldnt go right160 designed go right160 never gon na able keep doctor160 never gon na able keep plan160 lied left right160 theyre laughing easily got away it160 bring bill clinton pointed finger major point speech matt youre exactly right160 ill bet searched audio archives ahem could find this160 clinton standing stage democrat convention160 baltimore160 forgot where160 doesnt matter was160 clinton standing clinton impression want tell people even could done better economy160 theres single person could done better160 couldnt couldnt done better barack obama done reason big deal democrat party clinton reputation great great economics micromanager160 thats right160 charlotte home transgender bathroom issue way160 clinton went get obamas rear end bacon steaming160 clinton reputation greatest economic micromanager cause nineties democrats used counter reagan eighties say clinton saved country reaganomics trickledown forth160 clinton come praise obama say nobody could done better big160 huge heres hillary saying shes gon na bring bill run economy160 see nibble around edges bad things talking shes gon na improve improve cant conduct full headon attack economy would attack principles party president way say shes gon na bring bill run economy160 bill admitted trump could put ad clinton impression nobody could better barack obama single person ever160 couldnt nobody could it160 thats amazing recollection matt appreciate break transcript rush160 okay160 grab sound bite 42160 got bill clinton democrat convention160 september 5 2012160 clinton said even could done better job barack hussein clinton160 thing happen 1994 early 95160 could see policies working economy growing160 people didnt feel yet160 president obama started much weaker economy did160 president predators none could fully repaired damage found four years rush160 it160 theres trumps ad theres trumps ad republican ad hillary says gon na put bill charge impression nobody coulda done president anybody nobody could repaired damage four years remember obama started much weaker economy did160 really160 lying sack whatevers running around 1992 claiming worst economy last 50 years remember that160 worst economy last 50 years people calling saying cant get much worse rush proceeded | 1,498 |
<p />
<p>For America's wealthiest families, the presidential campaign presents a stark choice: a big tax increase if Hillary Clinton wins the election — or a big tax cut if Donald Trump wins.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>For everyone else? Right now, neither candidate is proposing major tax changes.</p>
<p>Tax policy is one of the issues on which the two nominees differ most. On trade, Clinton has backed off her previous support for free trade agreements and, like Trump, now opposes the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a pact involving the U.S. and 11 other nations.</p>
<p>Trump has said he will spend twice as much on building and repairing roads, airports and other infrastructure as Clinton would.</p>
<p>On trade and infrastructure spending, Trump has taken a populist approach that jettisons Republican orthodoxy. But on taxes, his proposed tax cuts for individuals and businesses are more in line with previous Republican candidates and elected officials. After two previous tries, he provided more details on his tax plans in a speech in New York last month — although he left one key component unclear.</p>
<p>Clinton, for her part, is proposing to raise taxes for the wealthiest households to pay for traditional Democratic proposals such as expanding access to higher education.</p>
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<p>"Here, at least, they fall into very much traditional Democratic and Republican proposals," said William Gale, co-director of the Tax Policy Center, a joint project of the Brookings Institution and Urban Institute.</p>
<p>On taxes, the two candidates remain far apart. Here are summaries of their proposals:</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TAXES ON HIGHER INCOMES</p>
<p>TRUMP: He would cut the top income tax bracket to 33 percent from its current level of 39.6 percent. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan has made the same proposal, which the conservative Tax Foundation said would help boost after-tax income for the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans by 5.3 percent. Trump would also cap tax deductions at $200,000 per household.</p>
<p>CLINTON: She is proposing several tax increases on wealthier Americans, including a 4 percent surcharge on incomes above $5 million, effectively creating a new top bracket of 43.6 percent. And those earning more than $1 million a year would be subject to a minimum 30 percent tax rate. She would also cap the value of many tax deductions for wealthier taxpayers. All the changes would increase taxes in 2017 for the richest 1 percent by $78,284, reducing their after-tax income by 5 percent, according to the Tax Policy Center.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TAXES ON MIDDLE INCOMES</p>
<p>TRUMP: Would reduce the seven tax brackets in current law to three, at 12 percent, 25 percent and 33 percent. He'd also raise the standard deduction to $15,000 for singles and $30,000 for households.</p>
<p>CLINTON: Says she will not raise taxes on the middle class. Her current proposals would have little impact on the bottom 95 percent of taxpayers, according to the Tax Policy Center.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>CORPORATE TAX RATE</p>
<p>TRUMP: Would cut the corporate rate from its current 35 percent to 15 percent. It's unclear, however, if he'd allow "pass-through" corporations, which pay taxes on revenue as personal income, to claim the 15 percent rate. Doing so would cost an extra $1.5 trillion, according to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, which supports lower tax rates.</p>
<p>CLINTON: Would not change the corporate tax rate.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>"CARRIED INTEREST" LOOPHOLE</p>
<p>TRUMP: Managers for private equity firms and hedge funds can classify their investment profits as "carried interest" and pay capital gains taxes on their income at rates that can be as low as half the regular income tax rate. Trump says he would eliminate the loophole, but hedge fund and private equity managers would be able to pay even lower tax rates should Trump let pass-throughs enjoy his lower 15 percent rate.</p>
<p>CLINTON: Would eliminate the loophole and tax carried interest as ordinary income.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>ESTATE TAXES</p>
<p>TRUMP: Would eliminate the so-called "death tax" that is currently levied on estates worth more than $5.45 million ($10.9 million for married couples).</p>
<p>CLINTON: Would increase the estate tax to 65 percent from 40 percent and apply it to more estates, starting with those worth $3.5 million ($7 million for married couples).</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>CORPORATE INVERSIONS</p>
<p>TRUMP: Argues his steep cut in the corporate tax rate would end the practice of corporate "inversions," which occur when a U.S. company acquires a foreign corporation, then relocates overseas, to avoid paying U.S. corporate taxes. The U.S. corporate tax rate of 35 percent is the highest in the developed world, though many companies use deductions and other strategies to avoid paying that amount. Trump would only tax repatriated corporate money at 10 percent to incentivize businesses to bring it back into the country.</p>
<p>CLINTON: Would discourage inversions by making it harder for a U.S. company to classify itself as foreign-owned to avoid U.S. taxation. She would also place an "exit tax" on companies that leave the U.S. while still keeping earnings overseas that haven't been subject to U.S. tax.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>CHILD CARE</p>
<p>TRUMP: Wants to make child care costs tax-deductible, subject to caps based on income and the average price of child care in a state. It would apply to stay-at-home parents as well. Would expand the Earned Income Tax Credit to benefit lower-income earners who pay little or no income tax. Current law allows parents to claim a credit of up to $6,000 for child care expenses. He'd also let families put aside money in tax-exempt accounts to pay for child care.</p>
<p>CLINTON: Has made several proposals intended to help limit child care expenses to 10 percent of a family's income through a combination of expanded government spending and unspecified tax credits.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Contact Chris Rugaber on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/ChrisRugaber and Nicholas Riccardi at https://twitter.com/NickRiccardi.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>What political news is the world searching for on Google and talking about on Twitter? Find out via AP's Election Buzz interactive. http://elections.ap.org/buzz</p> | true | 0 | americas wealthiest families presidential campaign presents stark choice big tax increase hillary clinton wins election big tax cut donald trump wins continue reading everyone else right neither candidate proposing major tax changes tax policy one issues two nominees differ trade clinton backed previous support free trade agreements like trump opposes transpacific partnership pact involving us 11 nations trump said spend twice much building repairing roads airports infrastructure clinton would trade infrastructure spending trump taken populist approach jettisons republican orthodoxy taxes proposed tax cuts individuals businesses line previous republican candidates elected officials two previous tries provided details tax plans speech new york last month although left one key component unclear clinton part proposing raise taxes wealthiest households pay traditional democratic proposals expanding access higher education advertisement least fall much traditional democratic republican proposals said william gale codirector tax policy center joint project brookings institution urban institute taxes two candidates remain far apart summaries proposals ___ taxes higher incomes trump would cut top income tax bracket 33 percent current level 396 percent republican house speaker paul ryan made proposal conservative tax foundation said would help boost aftertax income wealthiest 1 percent americans 53 percent trump would also cap tax deductions 200000 per household clinton proposing several tax increases wealthier americans including 4 percent surcharge incomes 5 million effectively creating new top bracket 436 percent earning 1 million year would subject minimum 30 percent tax rate would also cap value many tax deductions wealthier taxpayers changes would increase taxes 2017 richest 1 percent 78284 reducing aftertax income 5 percent according tax policy center ___ taxes middle incomes trump would reduce seven tax brackets current law three 12 percent 25 percent 33 percent hed also raise standard deduction 15000 singles 30000 households clinton says raise taxes middle class current proposals would little impact bottom 95 percent taxpayers according tax policy center ___ corporate tax rate trump would cut corporate rate current 35 percent 15 percent unclear however hed allow passthrough corporations pay taxes revenue personal income claim 15 percent rate would cost extra 15 trillion according nonpartisan tax foundation supports lower tax rates clinton would change corporate tax rate ___ carried interest loophole trump managers private equity firms hedge funds classify investment profits carried interest pay capital gains taxes income rates low half regular income tax rate trump says would eliminate loophole hedge fund private equity managers would able pay even lower tax rates trump let passthroughs enjoy lower 15 percent rate clinton would eliminate loophole tax carried interest ordinary income ___ estate taxes trump would eliminate socalled death tax currently levied estates worth 545 million 109 million married couples clinton would increase estate tax 65 percent 40 percent apply estates starting worth 35 million 7 million married couples ___ corporate inversions trump argues steep cut corporate tax rate would end practice corporate inversions occur us company acquires foreign corporation relocates overseas avoid paying us corporate taxes us corporate tax rate 35 percent highest developed world though many companies use deductions strategies avoid paying amount trump would tax repatriated corporate money 10 percent incentivize businesses bring back country clinton would discourage inversions making harder us company classify foreignowned avoid us taxation would also place exit tax companies leave us still keeping earnings overseas havent subject us tax ___ child care trump wants make child care costs taxdeductible subject caps based income average price child care state would apply stayathome parents well would expand earned income tax credit benefit lowerincome earners pay little income tax current law allows parents claim credit 6000 child care expenses hed also let families put aside money taxexempt accounts pay child care clinton made several proposals intended help limit child care expenses 10 percent familys income combination expanded government spending unspecified tax credits ___ contact chris rugaber twitter httptwittercomchrisrugaber nicholas riccardi httpstwittercomnickriccardi ___ political news world searching google talking twitter find via aps election buzz interactive httpelectionsaporgbuzz | 647 |
<p>Like it or not, GoPro (NASDAQ: GPRO) and video-processing chip specialist Ambarella (NASDAQ: AMBA) are inexplicably tied to one another in the minds of many investors.</p>
<p>On one hand, business from GoPro formerly comprised 30% or more of Ambarella's revenue in any given quarter. On the other hand, any weakness from GoPro meant Ambarella would feel the pinch, which is why the video-processing chip specialist has worked hard to diversify its revenue base.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>But on the heels of both companies' latest quarterly reports -- GoPro <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/08/04/gopro-inc-crushes-expectations-confirms-ne.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=db61d9ba-851a-11e7-8a90-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">announced Opens a New Window.</a> in early August, with Ambarella <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/09/01/ambarella-follows-a-strong-quarter-with-di.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=db61d9ba-851a-11e7-8a90-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">following Opens a New Window.</a> a few days ago -- which stock is the better buy today? Let's dig deeper to find out.</p>
<p>Shares of GoPro are still down more than 36% over the past year after the company made a series of missteps last fall, including the <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2017/01/05/gopro-is-ready-to-re-launch-its-karma-drone.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=db61d9ba-851a-11e7-8a90-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">recall and relaunch of its Karma drone Opens a New Window.</a>, and <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/11/04/gopro-has-a-wild-day-after-falling-short-on-produc.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=db61d9ba-851a-11e7-8a90-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">production issues Opens a New Window.</a> that crimped sales of its newer HERO5 cameras during the crucial 2016 holiday season. Now, however, GoPro has its lenses focused on executing a turnaround.</p>
<p>As of GoPro's most recent report a month ago, things appeared to be progressing well to that end. Shares popped nearly 20% in a single day after GoPro confirmed second-quarter revenue had climbed more than 34% year over year to $296.5 million, helped by an 18% increase in global sell-through of cameras. Karma also secured its spot as the second best-selling drone brand in the country.</p>
<p>On the bottom line, GoPro continued to lose money. But it also cut its adjusted net loss to "just" $12.9 million, or $0.09 per share, narrowed significantly from a net loss of $72.6 million, or $0.52 per share in the same year-ago period.</p>
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<p>What's more, GoPro is set to launch its new Fusion spherical camera and HERO6 flagship line later this year -- presumably in time for the 2017 holiday season.</p>
<p>"GoPro is building momentum," added company founder and CEO Nick Woodman. "[A]nd we continue to track toward our goal of full-year, non- <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/your-guide-to-gaap.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=db61d9ba-851a-11e7-8a90-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">GAAP Opens a New Window.</a> profitability in 2017."</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Ambarella finds itself in a decidedly different situation today. Shares <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/09/01/why-ambarella-inc-stock-plunged-today.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=db61d9ba-851a-11e7-8a90-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">plunged more than 20% Opens a New Window.</a> after the company delivered relatively strong fiscal second-quarter results of its own -- revenue rose 10% year over year to $71.6 million, and adjusted net income of $0.48 per share was comfortably ahead of consensus expectations -- but followed by reducing its full-year outlook.</p>
<p>Excluding revenue from GoPro, where high inventories in recent quarters have hurt Ambarella's growth, Ambarella's revenue rose an impressive 16.3% year over year to $67.9 million. Ambarella credited both its professional and home monitoring-camera markets, as well as OEM automotive customers, for its beat. But Ambarella also saw weakness in the drone market, where Tier 2 customers are increasingly choosing other solutions and lower-priced flying cameras are crimping sales of premium drones.</p>
<p>As for the outlook, Ambarella says its drone weakness is expected to persist, at least in the near term. Combine that with lower-than-expected growth from the virtual-reality market, as well as a memory components shortage that could possibly impact camera build schedules for some customers, and Ambarella felt it was prudent to adjust its expected non-GoPro revenue growth for the full year to a range of 9% to 12%.</p>
<p>To be fair, Ambarella simultaneously gave investors something to look forward to in its new computer-vision chip, CV1, which will be sampled at leading customers toward the end of this fiscal year.</p>
<p>"We see computer vision as a key differentiator for us in camera markets," added Ambarella CEO Fermi Wang, "including automotive, IP security, drones and robotics, and it is our key area of focus for the future."</p>
<p>Interestingly enough, Ambarella also noted that stronger-than-expected sales to GoPro should help partially offset the aforementioned headwinds in the second half of its fiscal year. However, with the caveat that I love Ambarella's longer-term vision for harnessing the power of computer vision to drive growth, I think that company has all but confirmed that right now, GoPro has momentum on its side.</p>
<p>Given the strong showing from GoPro's existing product portfolio, key new products on the way, and the assumption that those launches go off without a hitch, I think -- even after its recent pop -- GoPro stock is the better buy today.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than GoProWhen 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=3ae86d6b-3041-4922-9b95-190b64cfdef3&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=db61d9ba-851a-11e7-8a90-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and GoPro 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=3ae86d6b-3041-4922-9b95-190b64cfdef3&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=db61d9ba-851a-11e7-8a90-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of August 1, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSymington/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=db61d9ba-851a-11e7-8a90-0050569d4be0&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 Ambarella and GoPro. The Motley Fool has the following options: short January 2019 $12 calls on GoPro and long January 2019 $12 puts on GoPro. 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=db61d9ba-851a-11e7-8a90-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | like gopro nasdaq gpro videoprocessing chip specialist ambarella nasdaq amba inexplicably tied one another minds many investors one hand business gopro formerly comprised 30 ambarellas revenue given quarter hand weakness gopro meant ambarella would feel pinch videoprocessing chip specialist worked hard diversify revenue base continue reading heels companies latest quarterly reports gopro announced opens new window early august ambarella following opens new window days ago stock better buy today lets dig deeper find shares gopro still 36 past year company made series missteps last fall including recall relaunch karma drone opens new window production issues opens new window crimped sales newer hero5 cameras crucial 2016 holiday season however gopro lenses focused executing turnaround gopros recent report month ago things appeared progressing well end shares popped nearly 20 single day gopro confirmed secondquarter revenue climbed 34 year year 2965 million helped 18 increase global sellthrough cameras karma also secured spot second bestselling drone brand country bottom line gopro continued lose money also cut adjusted net loss 129 million 009 per share narrowed significantly net loss 726 million 052 per share yearago period advertisement whats gopro set launch new fusion spherical camera hero6 flagship line later year presumably time 2017 holiday season gopro building momentum added company founder ceo nick woodman continue track toward goal fullyear non gaap opens new window profitability 2017 meanwhile ambarella finds decidedly different situation today shares plunged 20 opens new window company delivered relatively strong fiscal secondquarter results revenue rose 10 year year 716 million adjusted net income 048 per share comfortably ahead consensus expectations followed reducing fullyear outlook excluding revenue gopro high inventories recent quarters hurt ambarellas growth ambarellas revenue rose impressive 163 year year 679 million ambarella credited professional home monitoringcamera markets well oem automotive customers beat ambarella also saw weakness drone market tier 2 customers increasingly choosing solutions lowerpriced flying cameras crimping sales premium drones outlook ambarella says drone weakness expected persist least near term combine lowerthanexpected growth virtualreality market well memory components shortage could possibly impact camera build schedules customers ambarella felt prudent adjust expected nongopro revenue growth full year range 9 12 fair ambarella simultaneously gave investors something look forward new computervision chip cv1 sampled leading customers toward end fiscal year see computer vision key differentiator us camera markets added ambarella ceo fermi wang including automotive ip security drones robotics key area focus future interestingly enough ambarella also noted strongerthanexpected sales gopro help partially offset aforementioned headwinds second half fiscal year however caveat love ambarellas longerterm vision harnessing power computer vision drive growth think company confirmed right gopro momentum side given strong showing gopros existing product portfolio key new products way assumption launches go without hitch think even recent pop gopro stock better buy today 10 stocks like better goprowhen 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 gopro wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns august 1 2017 steve symington opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends ambarella gopro motley fool following options short january 2019 12 calls gopro long january 2019 12 puts gopro motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 550 |
<p>Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) will cut costs and sell assets to boost capital, it said on Wednesday after failing its Bank of England stress test, with the central bank warning of a "challenging" outlook for Britain's financial system.</p>
<p>State-backed RBS rushed out a statement after the test results to say it would take a range of actions to make up the capital shortfall identified, amounting to about 2 billion pounds ($2.49 billion).</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Shares in RBS, which was bailed out by UK taxpayers eight years ago, fell 4.6 percent to 188 pence before reducing losses to 2.9 percent at 1139 GMT.</p>
<p>The unexpected result underlines the litany of problems with which RBS is grappling, including a mounting legal bill for misconduct before the 2008 financial crisis and difficulties selling off assets such as its Williams &amp; Glyn banking business.</p>
<p>The Bank of England (BoE) approved RBS's new capital plan on Tuesday night.</p>
<p>"Its challenge is that it still has legacy issues ... There's misconduct costs, there's impaired assets, they're still working through the so-called non-core assets, on which they have made progress," BoE Governor Mark Carney told reporters on Wednesday.</p>
<p>"They are not talking about raising capital. The magnitude of their plan is much bigger than the size of the shortfall in the stress test."</p>
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<p>RBS, which is expected to settle soon with U.S. authorities over alleged mis-selling of mortgage backed securities in the run-up to the financial crisis, said the measures approved by the BoE should mean that it does not have to tap markets to cover the capital shortfall.</p>
<p>The bank is unlikely to have to sell any major assets and will instead raise the additional capital by reducing exposures in sectors including commercial property, oil and gas, a source at RBS said.</p>
<p>JOB CUTS, BRANCH CLOSURES?</p>
<p>Asset sales would avoid the embarrassment of a rights issue, that would force the government to put in even more taxpayer money, given that it owns the majority of the shares.</p>
<p>RBS is expected to unveil a new cost-cutting plan at its full-year results in early 2017, which the source at the bank said is likely to include job cuts and branch closures, and analysts said the stress-test result would further delay RBS's ability to pay dividends.</p>
<p>"It is going to be very difficult. They have been doing this for a while," said Julian Chillingworth, Chief Investment Officer at Rathbone Brothers, an RBS shareholder.</p>
<p>Chillingworth remains confident in RBS Chief Executive Ross McEwan, describing him as "on the case". Chillingworth said that the biggest worry would be if McEwan were to quit "because this is as much a political job as it is a banking job".</p>
<p>Barclays also fell short by some measures in its stress test but will not have to submit a new capital-raising plan because it has already announced steps to strengthen its defenses, including the planned sale of its African business, the BoE Financial Policy Committee (FPC) said.</p>
<p>Standard Chartered missed the test's minimum Tier 1 capital target but also escapes the need for new capital-raising because of steps already taken to cut costs and sell assets.</p>
<p>The performance of the seven lenders tested was worse than many market participants had expected.</p>
<p>"This is the highest average fall in CET1 (a measure of capital) and leverage ratios we���ve seen in the history of a UK concurrent stress test," said Steven Hall, banking partner at KPMG.</p>
<p>TOUGHEST TEST</p>
<p>This year's health check, the third by the Bank of England since the 2007-09 financial crisis forced taxpayers to bail out lenders such as RBS, was the toughest yet. Test scenarios combined shocks to both global and domestic economies, as well as the impact of potential misconduct fines.</p>
<p>Britain's banking system underwent a severe real-life test in June, when markets and sterling plummeted in response to Britain's vote to leave the European Union, and the Bank of England said on Wednesday that Britain's financial system faces elevated Brexit risks and market volatility after the U.S. election.</p>
<p>HSBC , Lloyds Banking Group , Nationwide and Santander UK did not reveal any capital inadequacies in the test, the central bank said, adding that the level of capital in the UK banking system was satisfactory overall at 13.5 percent of risk-weighted assets.</p>
<p>The Bank of England also gave more detail on a second stress test that will be introduced next year alongside its annual check, saying that it will cover a seven-year period -- compared with five in the basic test -- and look at "severe headwinds" challenging profitability.</p>
<p>Banks could be required to change business models to make them more sustainable in the face of prolonged low interest rates and uncertainty over Britain's future relations with the EU after it leaves the bloc.</p>
<p>The Bank of England is now developing a system-wide test to assess the dynamics of broader markets under stress and will conduct an in-depth assessment of risks from derivatives trades.</p>
<p>The FPC also published on Wednesday an assessment of insurers' investment activities, concluding that changes are needed to the EU's Solvency II insurance rules.</p>
<p>(Additional reporting by Lawrence White, Andrew MacAskill and Simon Jessop; Editing by Rachel Armstrong and David Goodman)</p> | true | 0 | royal bank scotland rbs cut costs sell assets boost capital said wednesday failing bank england stress test central bank warning challenging outlook britains financial system statebacked rbs rushed statement test results say would take range actions make capital shortfall identified amounting 2 billion pounds 249 billion continue reading shares rbs bailed uk taxpayers eight years ago fell 46 percent 188 pence reducing losses 29 percent 1139 gmt unexpected result underlines litany problems rbs grappling including mounting legal bill misconduct 2008 financial crisis difficulties selling assets williams amp glyn banking business bank england boe approved rbss new capital plan tuesday night challenge still legacy issues theres misconduct costs theres impaired assets theyre still working socalled noncore assets made progress boe governor mark carney told reporters wednesday talking raising capital magnitude plan much bigger size shortfall stress test advertisement rbs expected settle soon us authorities alleged misselling mortgage backed securities runup financial crisis said measures approved boe mean tap markets cover capital shortfall bank unlikely sell major assets instead raise additional capital reducing exposures sectors including commercial property oil gas source rbs said job cuts branch closures asset sales would avoid embarrassment rights issue would force government put even taxpayer money given owns majority shares rbs expected unveil new costcutting plan fullyear results early 2017 source bank said likely include job cuts branch closures analysts said stresstest result would delay rbss ability pay dividends going difficult said julian chillingworth chief investment officer rathbone brothers rbs shareholder chillingworth remains confident rbs chief executive ross mcewan describing case chillingworth said biggest worry would mcewan quit much political job banking job barclays also fell short measures stress test submit new capitalraising plan already announced steps strengthen defenses including planned sale african business boe financial policy committee fpc said standard chartered missed tests minimum tier 1 capital target also escapes need new capitalraising steps already taken cut costs sell assets performance seven lenders tested worse many market participants expected highest average fall cet1 measure capital leverage ratios weve seen history uk concurrent stress test said steven hall banking partner kpmg toughest test years health check third bank england since 200709 financial crisis forced taxpayers bail lenders rbs toughest yet test scenarios combined shocks global domestic economies well impact potential misconduct fines britains banking system underwent severe reallife test june markets sterling plummeted response britains vote leave european union bank england said wednesday britains financial system faces elevated brexit risks market volatility us election hsbc lloyds banking group nationwide santander uk reveal capital inadequacies test central bank said adding level capital uk banking system satisfactory overall 135 percent riskweighted assets bank england also gave detail second stress test introduced next year alongside annual check saying cover sevenyear period compared five basic test look severe headwinds challenging profitability banks could required change business models make sustainable face prolonged low interest rates uncertainty britains future relations eu leaves bloc bank england developing systemwide test assess dynamics broader markets stress conduct indepth assessment risks derivatives trades fpc also published wednesday assessment insurers investment activities concluding changes needed eus solvency ii insurance rules additional reporting lawrence white andrew macaskill simon jessop editing rachel armstrong david goodman | 525 |
<p>Twitter (NYSE: TWTR) reported a less-than-stellar earnings report a few weeks ago. Despite beating analyst expectations on the top line, the stock sold off after management reported a downward trend in monthly active users and an upward trend in daily active users.</p>
<p>In this segment from <a href="https://www.fool.com/podcasts/industry-focus?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=c6737bfe-7d03-11e7-8eda-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Industry Focus: Tech Opens a New Window.</a>, analyst Dylan Lewis is joined by senior tech specialist Evan Niu to discuss some of the strange inconsistencies that sprang up on the call, how Twitter's management is explaining them, why the SEC is getting involved, and more.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>A full transcript follows the video.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than FacebookWhen 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=15f41a6f-08b1-4695-997a-2f1fbca94b0a&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=c6737bfe-7d03-11e7-8eda-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Facebook 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=15f41a6f-08b1-4695-997a-2f1fbca94b0a&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=c6737bfe-7d03-11e7-8eda-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 August 1, 2017</p>
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<p>This video was recorded on Aug. 4, 2017.</p>
<p>Dylan Lewis: You&#160;look over at how management spends&#160;so much time stressing the importance of daily active users, and using that as their proxy for engagement. They talk about how DAUs were up 12% year over year, and yet again, they&#160;refuse to provide the actual number for&#160;what's going on with DAUs. And,&#160;they say, despite positive DAU growth for the last three quarters, the ratio of DAUs to MAUs hasn't meaningfully changed since&#160;the company said it was slightly less than 50% in 2015.</p>
<p>Evan Niu: Right. Which&#160;kind of suggests that these DAU&#160;numbers are very small, which is presumably why they're hiding them. But,&#160;if the numbers are really small, then if you get growth off of a small base,&#160;that might be why the overall ratio&#160;isn't really changing much.</p>
<p>Lewis: But&#160;for that to be your core metric that you're&#160;focusing on as a proxy for engagement, and then to have&#160;two different measures of that metric not trending in&#160;the same direction, it's baffling to me.</p>
<p>Niu: Yeah,&#160;it makes no sense. It's&#160;interesting because this whole disclosure of DAUs is&#160;becoming more and more important, and&#160;more and more investors and analysts alike are&#160;raising eyebrows at this exact thing. Why&#160;won't you break this out,&#160;to the point where the SEC sent&#160;Twitter a letter in June&#160;asking them to basically justify it,&#160;exactly what we're talking about here, like, "You're&#160;saying this is so important, but&#160;you're not telling us what it is. How do you&#160;reconcile this obvious cognitive dissonance of&#160;saying one thing but doing the other thing?" It's the same defense,&#160;and it's a really poor defense. They're just like, "We think the percentage change is more important. The absolute number is not important." But then, why do you keep saying DAUs are so important? And&#160;it's even condescending, in a way,&#160;because they're like, "If we give you absolute numbers,&#160;that's going to confuse investors and distract them." You&#160;don't think investors can understand the difference and know what to focus on? Let investors choose,&#160;don't choose for them and&#160;assume they won't understand. It's&#160;kind of condescending to say that they're not going to be&#160;able to figure out the numbers if you gave them to them.</p>
<p>Lewis: Yeah,&#160;my feeling is, just give me the number.&#160;I'll do my own analysis if you give me the DAU number,&#160;and I'll understand the puts and takes. Management offered some commentary on what's going on with the DAU&#160;calculation and MAU&#160;calculation, to&#160;reconcile how the DAU number can be trending up over a period, but not mean that DAUs as MAUs is growing as a&#160;percentage. CFO Anthony Noto went on this long-winded explanation,&#160;basically saying that DAUs are&#160;calculated by&#160;averaging the number of users each day in the quarter, while MAUs are the average of the last day of each month in the quarter. So, you can think of the DAU&#160;calculation basically as an average of 90 days,&#160;whereas the MAUs are an average of three days. I can understand how that would lead to some lumpiness in the data,&#160;but to me, that's a terrible explanation,&#160;because the management team is the one that's&#160;deciding to calculate it that way. You have the data to work with,&#160;you're deciding that you're making a lumpy&#160;number. That's such a cop-out.</p>
<p>Niu: Exactly. They're&#160;going through so much effort to hide this. It's easier to just get it out there, you&#160;stop getting all this criticism and&#160;let investors figure it out for themselves. But&#160;they're doing all these gymnastics&#160;just to hide this and obfuscate it. And,&#160;certainly one thing they're afraid of is&#160;being compared to&#160;Facebook&#160;(NASDAQ: FB). In their response to the SEC,&#160;they very much said that they calculate it differently&#160;because they don't want to compare to other companies that do disclose DAUs, and&#160;Facebook is really the only one that discloses as much as there is. For&#160;example, they've said, "Because&#160;Facebook includes people who use Messenger in their DAU number, even though Messenger is a different application,"&#160;but that's also&#160;poor reasoning, because Twitter also has a&#160;direct message of its service,&#160;it's just within the same app.&#160;Facebook has Facebook and then it has Messenger, in addition to its other messaging services. Messenger is&#160;fundamentally part of Facebook. Just because it's a separate app doesn't mean you're not using the service. So,&#160;that's also a poor reason. The&#160;functionality, it's effectively the same thing, both companies have feed of content and both companies have a&#160;messaging service. So,&#160;how does that make it not&#160;comparable? The whole reasoning falls flat.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFlewis/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=c6737bfe-7d03-11e7-8eda-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Dylan Lewis Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Facebook. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFNewCow/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=c6737bfe-7d03-11e7-8eda-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Evan Niu, CFA Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Facebook. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFNewCow/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=c6737bfe-7d03-11e7-8eda-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Evan Niu, CFA Opens a New Window.</a> has the following options: long January 2018 $120 calls on Facebook. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Facebook and Twitter. 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=c6737bfe-7d03-11e7-8eda-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | twitter nyse twtr reported lessthanstellar earnings report weeks ago despite beating analyst expectations top line stock sold management reported downward trend monthly active users upward trend daily active users segment industry focus tech opens new window analyst dylan lewis joined senior tech specialist evan niu discuss strange inconsistencies sprang call twitters management explaining sec getting involved continue reading full transcript follows video 10 stocks like better facebookwhen 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 facebook wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns august 1 2017 advertisement video recorded aug 4 2017 dylan lewis you160look management spends160so much time stressing importance daily active users using proxy engagement talk daus 12 year year yet they160refuse provide actual number for160whats going daus and160they say despite positive dau growth last three quarters ratio daus maus hasnt meaningfully changed since160the company said slightly less 50 2015 evan niu right which160kind suggests dau160numbers small presumably theyre hiding but160if numbers really small get growth small base160that might overall ratio160isnt really changing much lewis but160for core metric youre160focusing proxy engagement have160two different measures metric trending in160the direction baffling niu yeah160it makes sense its160interesting whole disclosure daus is160becoming important and160more investors analysts alike are160raising eyebrows exact thing why160wont break out160to point sec sent160twitter letter june160asking basically justify it160exactly talking like youre160saying important but160youre telling us you160reconcile obvious cognitive dissonance of160saying one thing thing defense160and really poor defense theyre like think percentage change important absolute number important keep saying daus important and160its even condescending way160because theyre like give absolute numbers160thats going confuse investors distract you160dont think investors understand difference know focus let investors choose160dont choose and160assume wont understand its160kind condescending say theyre going be160able figure numbers gave lewis yeah160my feeling give number160ill analysis give dau number160and ill understand puts takes management offered commentary whats going dau160calculation mau160calculation to160reconcile dau number trending period mean daus maus growing a160percentage cfo anthony noto went longwinded explanation160basically saying daus are160calculated by160averaging number users day quarter maus average last day month quarter think dau160calculation basically average 90 days160whereas maus average three days understand would lead lumpiness data160but thats terrible explanation160because management team one thats160deciding calculate way data work with160youre deciding youre making lumpy160number thats copout niu exactly theyre160going much effort hide easier get you160stop getting criticism and160let investors figure but160theyre gymnastics160just hide obfuscate and160certainly one thing theyre afraid is160being compared to160facebook160nasdaq fb response sec160they much said calculate differently160because dont want compare companies disclose daus and160facebook really one discloses much for160example theyve said because160facebook includes people use messenger dau number even though messenger different application160but thats also160poor reasoning twitter also a160direct message service160its within app160facebook facebook messenger addition messaging services messenger is160fundamentally part facebook separate app doesnt mean youre using service so160thats also poor reason the160functionality effectively thing companies feed content companies a160messaging service so160how make not160comparable whole reasoning falls flat dylan lewis opens new window owns shares facebook evan niu cfa opens new window owns shares facebook evan niu cfa opens new window following options long january 2018 120 calls facebook motley fool owns shares recommends facebook twitter motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 546 |
<p>Las Vegas, NV —&#160; <a href="https://www.rt.com/usa/406651-campos-missing-updated-timeline/" type="external">(RT)</a>&#160;Jesus Campos, the Mandalay Bay security guard shot by gunman Stephen Paddock – who opened fire on thousands of concertgoers in Las Vegas – has reportedly vanished moments before he was scheduled to speak to the press.</p>
<p />
<p>Campos was booked for five interviews Thursday night, all of which were mysteriously canceled. As of Friday, his whereabouts are reportedly unknown.</p>
<p>ABC News journalist Stephanie Wash, who was present to interview Campos on Thursday night, tweeted that the guard had left before their interview.</p>
<p>“We were in a room &amp; we came out &amp; he was gone,”&#160;Wash tweeted late on Thursday, quoting David Hickey, president of the International Union, Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America, which represents Campos.</p>
<p />
<p>Wash later tweeted that Campos’ whereabouts were&#160;“unknown.”</p>
<p />
<p>Campos was also scheduled to appear on Fox News, but Sean Hannity confirmed that Campos had “canceled.”</p>
<p />
<p>When investigative reporter Laura Loomer went to Campos’ house after it was reported that he canceled his interview with Hannity, she filmed a Periscope of a woman at the door, who told her that she was not allowed to talk.</p>
<p>“We can’t talk about stuff right now,”&#160;she said.&#160;“Sorry, I can’t talk right now.”</p>
<p />
<p>Loomer was met with armed security officers, who told her to leave the property.</p>
<p>“What I want to know is: who is preventing the family from talking? We have confirmation right now that there is a gag order on the family of Jesus Campos. If Jesus Campos is truly a hero, there is no reason he or his family wouldn’t be allowed to talk about what he saw and what he did,”&#160;Loomer said, according to&#160; <a href="http://gotnews.com/breaking-las-vegas-security-guard-cancels-seanhannity-whereabouts-unknown/" type="external">Got News</a>.</p>
<p>The reporter was also banned from attending a press conference held by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).</p>
<p />
<p>At the press conference, Clark County Sheriff Joseph Lombardo revised the timeline of events for the October 1 shooting for the second time.</p>
<p />
<p />
<p>Initially, police said that Campos arrived at Paddock’s door while the shooting was underway and diverted some of the gunfire away from concertgoers.</p>
<p>Campos was dispatched to the 32nd floor after a door alarm alerted the security team to an open door near Paddock’s suite. When he went to investigate, he came under fire and was struck in the leg. He retreated and notified his dispatcher about the shooter.The police changed their timeline last week when Lombardo announced that Campos had arrived six minutes before Paddock began firing into the crowd, leading many to question why police waited so long to respond.</p>
<p>On Thursday, MGM Resorts International, which owns the Mandalay Bay, released a statement to&#160;“correct some of the misinformation that has been reported.”</p>
<p>“We know that shots were being fired at the festival lot at the same time as, or within 40 seconds after, the time Jesus Campos first reported that shots were fired over the radio,”&#160;MGM said in a statement obtained by the&#160; <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/10/11/mgm-resorts-disputes-las-vegas-police-timeline-shooting.html" type="external">Washington Post</a>.&#160;“Metro officers were together with armed Mandalay Bay security officers in the building when Campos first reported that shots were fired over the radio.”</p>
<p>On Friday, Lombardo said that he was&#160;“very well aware of the MGM statement”&#160;and said that he was&#160;“not in conflict with their statement.”</p>
<p>Lombardo said that the time he provided was not inaccurate, but the&#160;“circumstances associated with it is inaccurate.”&#160;He said that the time came from a&#160;“human entry”&#160;in a security log.</p>
<p>In their statement, MGM said that the 21:59 time offered by Lombardo was inaccurate because it was&#160;“derived from a Mandalay Bay report manually created after the fact without the benefit of information we now have.”</p>
<p>Through their investigation, police have determined that Campos encountered a&#160;“barricaded door, adjacent to the suspect’s door at approximately 21:59.”</p>
<p>In order to reach the 32nd floor, Campos was required to descend to another level to make it to the door to which he was originally dispatched. After reaching the door, Campos was shot&#160;“in close proximity”&#160;to 22:05, Lombardo said.</p>
<p>The police still claim that Paddock began firing into the crowd at 22:05.</p>
<p>Lombardo said that the current timeline was confirmed through records from a call that Campos made on his cell phone after he was shot. He also said that police confirmed the timeline through security logs, Officer Campos himself, the LVMPD dispatch, interviews, body-worn cameras, hotel cameras, and private cameras.</p>
<p>“So the timeline associated to both of those sources have been verified,”&#160;Lombardo said.</p>
<p>“22:05, the number that was provided earlier in reference to the majority of fire, upon our community we still stand by that time and that was done by the combination of sources that I listed for you earlier,”Lombardo added.</p>
<p>The sheriff said officers arrived at Paddock’s suite at 22:17, around 12 minutes after the shooting began. He said that Paddock fired on the crowd for 10 minutes, and by the time police had arrived, the firing had ceased.</p>
<p />
<p>Lombardo added that investigators have spent&#160;“a great deal”&#160;of their time&#160;“preoccupied”&#160;on the timeline. He denied that there was any&#160;“conspiracy”&#160;between the FBI, LVMPD and MGM, adding that no one was&#160;“attempting to hide anything in reference to this investigation.”</p>
<p>“The dynamics and the size of this investigation requires us to go through voluminous amounts of information in order to draw an accurate picture. My attempt, like I stated earlier, is to give you that information, as I know it, unverified, to calm the public, not to establish a legal case,”&#160;Lombardo said, refusing to take questions from reporters.</p>
<p>He added that some of the information that he gave reporters on Friday might also change.</p>
<p>Lombardo also updated the number of victims injured in the shooting to 546. Of those victims, he said 501 have been discharged, meaning they were treated for their wounds and subsequently left the hospital. There are still 45 victims currently hospitalized.</p>
<p>The number of fatalities still stands at 59, including Paddock, Lombardo said, but added that this figure may rise.</p>
<p />
<p>Courtesy of <a href="http://thefreethoughtproject.com/security-guard-disappears-vegas/" type="external">The Free Thought Project</a></p>
<p />
<p /> | true | 0 | las vegas nv 160 rt160jesus campos mandalay bay security guard shot gunman stephen paddock opened fire thousands concertgoers las vegas reportedly vanished moments scheduled speak press campos booked five interviews thursday night mysteriously canceled friday whereabouts reportedly unknown abc news journalist stephanie wash present interview campos thursday night tweeted guard left interview room amp came amp gone160wash tweeted late thursday quoting david hickey president international union security police fire professionals america represents campos wash later tweeted campos whereabouts were160unknown campos also scheduled appear fox news sean hannity confirmed campos canceled investigative reporter laura loomer went campos house reported canceled interview hannity filmed periscope woman door told allowed talk cant talk stuff right now160she said160sorry cant talk right loomer met armed security officers told leave property want know preventing family talking confirmation right gag order family jesus campos jesus campos truly hero reason family wouldnt allowed talk saw did160loomer said according to160 got news reporter also banned attending press conference held las vegas metropolitan police department lvmpd press conference clark county sheriff joseph lombardo revised timeline events october 1 shooting second time initially police said campos arrived paddocks door shooting underway diverted gunfire away concertgoers campos dispatched 32nd floor door alarm alerted security team open door near paddocks suite went investigate came fire struck leg retreated notified dispatcher shooterthe police changed timeline last week lombardo announced campos arrived six minutes paddock began firing crowd leading many question police waited long respond thursday mgm resorts international owns mandalay bay released statement to160correct misinformation reported know shots fired festival lot time within 40 seconds time jesus campos first reported shots fired radio160mgm said statement obtained the160 washington post160metro officers together armed mandalay bay security officers building campos first reported shots fired radio friday lombardo said was160very well aware mgm statement160and said was160not conflict statement lombardo said time provided inaccurate the160circumstances associated inaccurate160he said time came a160human entry160in security log statement mgm said 2159 time offered lombardo inaccurate was160derived mandalay bay report manually created fact without benefit information investigation police determined campos encountered a160barricaded door adjacent suspects door approximately 2159 order reach 32nd floor campos required descend another level make door originally dispatched reaching door campos shot160in close proximity160to 2205 lombardo said police still claim paddock began firing crowd 2205 lombardo said current timeline confirmed records call campos made cell phone shot also said police confirmed timeline security logs officer campos lvmpd dispatch interviews bodyworn cameras hotel cameras private cameras timeline associated sources verified160lombardo said 2205 number provided earlier reference majority fire upon community still stand time done combination sources listed earlierlombardo added sheriff said officers arrived paddocks suite 2217 around 12 minutes shooting began said paddock fired crowd 10 minutes time police arrived firing ceased lombardo added investigators spent160a great deal160of time160preoccupied160on timeline denied any160conspiracy160between fbi lvmpd mgm adding one was160attempting hide anything reference investigation dynamics size investigation requires us go voluminous amounts information order draw accurate picture attempt like stated earlier give information know unverified calm public establish legal case160lombardo said refusing take questions reporters added information gave reporters friday might also change lombardo also updated number victims injured shooting 546 victims said 501 discharged meaning treated wounds subsequently left hospital still 45 victims currently hospitalized number fatalities still stands 59 including paddock lombardo said added figure may rise courtesy free thought project | 551 |
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>RELATED STORY: <a href="" type="internal">Faith, Works and the Judgment Seat of Christ</a></p>
<p>"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one. " <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Col" type="external">John 10:27-30</a> We are kept by the power of His blood, and not by our own works, good deeds, or our own righteousness. "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?t=KJV&amp;b=Hbr&amp;c=10&amp;v=1&amp;x=0&amp;y=0" type="external">Hebrews 10:38,39</a></p>
<p>In Christian circles, the topic of eternal security is a hotly-debated subject. But we are not so much interested in man's opinion as we are in what the bible has to say about Eternal Security. So any sincere treatise on eternal security must first start with a look at salvation, and how it is accomplished. <a href="javascript:;" type="external" /></p>
<p>Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved</p>
<p>The Lord is gracious, and good to us, much better than we deserve. He is so good to us, that He made sure to make the process by which one is saved unbelievably simple to understand, and simple to do. As I read my bible, I see that there is one thing and one thing only that one must do to be saved, as shown here in Acts 16:</p>
<p>"And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?t=KJV&amp;b=Act&amp;c=16&amp;v=1&amp;x=0&amp;y=0" type="external">Acts 16:30,31</a></p>
<p>That's truly all there is to it - an honest and sincere belief within yourself that Jesus is who He said He is, that He is THE Way, THE Truth and THE Life. It's not complicated, and God purposely set it up that way to make it easy for us. All the work of salvation was done by Jesus Himself. He took upon Himself the punishment for our sins as well as the sins themselves, and went to ther cross and paid for every sin that would ever be committed throughout history. And when you, by faith, BELIEVE that sincerely in your heart, then the price He paid is applied to YOUR sin debt, and your salvation is secured forever. In fact, the bible says that you are not simply secure, but also "sealed" until the Day of redemption.</p>
<p>You are eternally secure because you have beem sealed at salvation</p>
<p>"That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?t=KJV&amp;b=Eph&amp;c=1&amp;v=1&amp;x=0&amp;y=0" type="external">Ephesians 1:12-14</a> Dear one, you are not kept saved because of your good works, or because you read your bible, or because you're nice to people, or anything else. You are saved and sealed by the works of Jesus on the cross and His resurrection, and by the power of the Holy Spirit. This makes sense as you did nothing to earn your salvation, so why would you think you could do anything to keep it? Jesus is the Good Shepard, and as such the responsibilty to keep all the sheep safe are His, not the sheep's. The whole reason why sheep need a Shepard is because they cannot do it themselves.</p>
<p>Forever Safe in the Master's Hands One of the strongest passages for eternal security is found in the gospel of John, chapter 10, where we read this -</p>
<p>"I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand. I and [my] Father are one." <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?t=KJV&amp;b=Jhn&amp;c=10&amp;v=1&amp;x=0&amp;y=0" type="external">John 10</a></p>
<p>Please go back and reread that passage selection, and let His words and promise to keep to safe eternally sink down deep into your ears, and into your hearts. Jesus promises here that once you are in His Hand, nothing, nothing, nothing anyone can do can put you out of it. He says that "neither shall ANY" take you out. Thats everyone. That includes all external forces like the world, the flesh and the Devil, and internal forces like ourselves. Now if your church teaches something different, don't get mad at us. We are just going by what the bible says. And not only are we safe in the hands of God eternally, we are more than just "in his hand", we are also part of His body.</p>
<p>"For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?t=KJV&amp;b=Eph&amp;c=5&amp;v=1&amp;x=0&amp;y=0" type="external">Ephesians 5:30-32</a></p>
<p>That is the state of the true believer in Jesus Christ, that we are part of His flesh, a part of His bones. He is not only holding us in His hands, we are grafted into His very body. Nothing exists in this universe or any other that is capable of undoing that. You think you can sin your way out? How? ALL your sins are already paid for at Calvary. All of them. But there is one thing that you can lose, and that is fellowship with our Lord.</p>
<p />
<p>Sealed Until The Day Of Redemption When we become saved, there is also another action that takes place that many Christians who do not study their bible may not be aware of. The sealing of the believer so that they can never fall away. Please note the following verses that discuss the sealing of the believer:</p>
<p>"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." Ephesians 1:13,14</p>
<p>"And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30</p>
<p>"For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts." 2 Corinthians 1:20-22</p>
<p>Read those verse very carefully, can you see that you are sealed? Remember when Noah and his family got into the ark, what did God do? He sealed them in so they couldn't change their mind once the journey got rough. And it got very rough.</p>
<p>Thats how much God loves us, He has given us a complete salvation. Not a salvation that is part His works and part your works. Thats not biblical salvation by a long shot.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Fellowship and the Judgement Seat of Christ</p>
<p>Scoffers who disallow the eternal security that the bible clearly teaches mockingly say that the doctrine of eternal security is a license to sin, and that is completely untrue. Eternal security is a promise from God to keep those that are His, and as such it is a great comfort to all true believers. But a license to sin? God forbid. If the Christian backslides and becomes a prodigal son, there is something that they absolutely lose for a time, and that is felllowship with the Lord. Note the following onthe prodigal son -</p>
<p>"And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living." <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?t=KJV&amp;b=Luk&amp;c=15&amp;v=1&amp;x=0&amp;y=0" type="external">Luke 15:13</a></p>
<p>When the prodigal son took his inheritance and went out to revel in sin, the first thing he had to do was to leave his father's house. The father would not keep him there against his will, that's not love. If you, as a believer in Jesus, backslide and go out into the world, you are free to do so. The son wanted to go join the world, the father whom we can imagine with tears in his eyes, let him go have at it. And Luke goes on to describe the sins that the son fell into. But all the while that the son was engaged in sin, he lost the sweet, intimate fellowship he had with his father. But when did he stop being his father's son? Never.</p>
<p>We all know the story...he spends all his money on booze, whores, nightclubs, dancing and whatever else he could find, until he has nothing. His new-found friends turn on him, he's broke, hungry, and winds up feeding the pigs when all of a sudden he has an idea -</p>
<p>"And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants." <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?t=KJV&amp;b=Luk&amp;c=15&amp;v=1&amp;x=0&amp;y=0" type="external">Luke 15:17-19</a></p>
<p>What's his great idea? To return to where is is truly and eternally loved...in his father's house. So he shakes the dust off and returns at full speed to find his father. And what does he find when he gets back to his father's house? He finds this -</p>
<p>"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?t=KJV&amp;b=Luk&amp;c=15&amp;v=1&amp;x=0&amp;y=0" type="external">Luke 15:20</a> He ran back to find his father only to discover that the father was already looking for him to return, and when he did come back it was a joyous reunion with a full restoration of fellowship. But he lost a few things along the way. He took his inheritance and wasted it. He lost his testimony. And he lost all that time that he could have been with his father. But he did not lose his position as his father's son, that is eternally secure. Another reason that the true believer in Jesus Christ knows that eternal security is not a license to sin is the Judgment Seat of Christ.</p>
<p>"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences." <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?t=KJV&amp;b=2Cr&amp;c=5&amp;v=1&amp;x=0&amp;y=0" type="external">2 Corinthians 5:10,11</a></p>
<p>When we stand before the Lord, we will be judged on how we lived our lives, the things we said and the things we did, as it says in Matthew -</p>
<p>"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?t=KJV&amp;b=Mat&amp;c=12&amp;v=1&amp;x=0&amp;y=0" type="external">Matthew 12:36</a></p>
<p>The bible says that even as saved Christians, we will sin again. But the Christian who falls into a sin is sealed, and while they may lose fellowship with the Lord, like the prodigal they remain sons and daughters of the Father. Charles Spurgeon said it like this -</p>
<p>"When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him." It was not with icy eyes that the father looked on his returning son. Love leaped into them, and as he beheld him, he "had compassion on him"; that is, he felt for him. There was no anger in his heart toward his son; he had nothing but pity for his poor boy, who had got into such a pitiable condition. It was true that it was all his own fault, but that did not come before his father's mind. It was the state that he was in, his poverty, his degradation, that pale face of his so wan with hunger, that touched his father to the quick. And God has compassion on the woes and miseries of men.</p>
<p>They may have brought their troubles on themselves, and they have indeed done so; but nevertheless God has compassion upon them. "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not." We read that the father "ran." The compassion of God is followed by swift movements. He is slow to anger, but He is quick to bless. He does not take any time to consider how He shall show His love to penitent prodigals; that was all done long ago in the eternal covenant. He has no need to prepare for their return to Him; that was done on Calvary. God comes flying in the greatness of His compassion to help every poor penitent soul." <a href="http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/2236.htm" type="external">Spurgeon Archive</a></p>
<p>It is the heart's desire of every blood-bought believer in Jesus Christ to live right, think right, do right and be right. But when we fall short, as we all will do to varying degrees, the bible assures and reassures us that our loving, Heavenly Father is waiting for us with kisses, and full restoration to fellowship with Him, if we will only repent of the sin that dragged us down, and run with all abandon back to the Father's house.</p>
<p>There is so much more to teach on this topic, but for now grasp by faith the simple and amazing promise of God towards us to never, ever let us go.</p> RELATED STORY: | true | 0 | 160 related story faith works judgment seat christ sheep hear voice know follow give unto eternal life shall never perish neither shall man pluck hand father gave greater man able pluck fathers hand father one john 102730 kept power blood works good deeds righteousness shall live faith man draw back soul shall pleasure draw back unto perdition believe saving soul hebrews 103839 christian circles topic eternal security hotlydebated subject much interested mans opinion bible say eternal security sincere treatise eternal security must first start look salvation accomplished believe lord jesus christ shall saved lord gracious good us much better deserve good us made sure make process one saved unbelievably simple understand simple read bible see one thing one thing one must saved shown acts 16 brought said sirs must saved said believe lord jesus christ thou shalt saved thy house acts 163031 thats truly honest sincere belief within jesus said way truth life complicated god purposely set way make easy us work salvation done jesus took upon punishment sins well sins went ther cross paid every sin would ever committed throughout history faith believe sincerely heart price paid applied sin debt salvation secured forever fact bible says simply secure also sealed day redemption eternally secure beem sealed salvation praise glory first trusted christ ye also trusted ye heard word truth gospel salvation also ye believed ye sealed holy spirit promise earnest inheritance redemption purchased possession unto praise glory ephesians 11214 dear one kept saved good works read bible youre nice people anything else saved sealed works jesus cross resurrection power holy spirit makes sense nothing earn salvation would think could anything keep jesus good shepard responsibilty keep sheep safe sheeps whole reason sheep need shepard forever safe masters hands one strongest passages eternal security found gospel john chapter 10 read good shepherd know sheep known mine father knoweth even know father lay life sheep sheep hear voice know follow give unto eternal life shall never perish neither shall man pluck hand father gave greater man able pluck fathers hand father one john 10 please go back reread passage selection let words promise keep safe eternally sink deep ears hearts jesus promises hand nothing nothing nothing anyone put says neither shall take thats everyone includes external forces like world flesh devil internal forces like church teaches something different dont get mad us going bible says safe hands god eternally hand also part body members body flesh bones cause shall man leave father mother shall joined unto wife two shall one flesh great mystery speak concerning christ church ephesians 53032 state true believer jesus christ part flesh part bones holding us hands grafted body nothing exists universe capable undoing think sin way sins already paid calvary one thing lose fellowship lord sealed day redemption become saved also another action takes place many christians study bible may aware sealing believer never fall away please note following verses discuss sealing believer ye also trusted ye heard word truth gospel salvation also ye believed ye sealed holy spirit promise earnest inheritance redemption purchased possession unto praise glory ephesians 11314 grieve holy spirit god whereby ye sealed unto day redemption ephesians 430 promises god yea amen unto glory god us stablisheth us christ hath anointed us god hath also sealed us given earnest spirit hearts 2 corinthians 12022 read verse carefully see sealed remember noah family got ark god sealed couldnt change mind journey got rough got rough thats much god loves us given us complete salvation salvation part works part works thats biblical salvation long shot 160 fellowship judgement seat christ scoffers disallow eternal security bible clearly teaches mockingly say doctrine eternal security license sin completely untrue eternal security promise god keep great comfort true believers license sin god forbid christian backslides becomes prodigal son something absolutely lose time felllowship lord note following onthe prodigal son many days younger son gathered together took journey far country wasted substance riotous living luke 1513 prodigal son took inheritance went revel sin first thing leave fathers house father would keep thats love believer jesus backslide go world free son wanted go join world father imagine tears eyes let go luke goes describe sins son fell son engaged sin lost sweet intimate fellowship father stop fathers son never know storyhe spends money booze whores nightclubs dancing whatever else could find nothing newfound friends turn hes broke hungry winds feeding pigs sudden idea came said many hired servants fathers bread enough spare perish hunger arise go father say unto father sinned heaven thee worthy called thy son make one thy hired servants luke 151719 whats great idea return truly eternally lovedin fathers house shakes dust returns full speed find father find gets back fathers house finds arose came father yet great way father saw compassion ran fell neck kissed luke 1520 ran back find father discover father already looking return come back joyous reunion full restoration fellowship lost things along way took inheritance wasted lost testimony lost time could father lose position fathers son eternally secure another reason true believer jesus christ knows eternal security license sin judgment seat christ must appear judgment seat christ every one may receive things done body according hath done whether good bad knowing therefore terror lord persuade men made manifest unto god trust also made manifest consciences 2 corinthians 51011 stand lord judged lived lives things said things says matthew say unto every idle word men shall speak shall give account thereof day judgment matthew 1236 bible says even saved christians sin christian falls sin sealed may lose fellowship lord like prodigal remain sons daughters father charles spurgeon said like yet great way father saw icy eyes father looked returning son love leaped beheld compassion felt anger heart toward son nothing pity poor boy got pitiable condition true fault come fathers mind state poverty degradation pale face wan hunger touched father quick god compassion woes miseries men may brought troubles indeed done nevertheless god compassion upon lords mercies consumed compassions fail read father ran compassion god followed swift movements slow anger quick bless take time consider shall show love penitent prodigals done long ago eternal covenant need prepare return done calvary god comes flying greatness compassion help every poor penitent soul spurgeon archive hearts desire every bloodbought believer jesus christ live right think right right right fall short varying degrees bible assures reassures us loving heavenly father waiting us kisses full restoration fellowship repent sin dragged us run abandon back fathers house much teach topic grasp faith simple amazing promise god towards us never ever let us go related story | 1,096 |
<p>Stocks go up, stocks go down -- and this kind of volatility can be worrisome for retirees on a fixed income. Just because a stock has gone up a lot, though, doesn't mean it's too late to buy it -- and just because a stock has gone down a lot doesn't mean you should throw in the towel and sell.</p>
<p>The fact is, retirees shouldn't focus too much on where a stock has been, but instead where it is right now and whether it looks like a bargain&#160;at the time you're considering buying it. If it does, then that's a stock you should consider adding to your portfolio, full stop.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Here are three stocks some of our favorite Foolish investors think you&#160;should be thinking about buying:&#160;Kroger (NYSE: KR), Kohl's (NYSE: KSS), and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT).</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSigma/activity.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=bc1f54c8-bdce-11e7-b937-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Demitri Kalogeropoulos Opens a New Window.</a> (Kroger): Two worrying issues have produced big price declines for Kroger stock lately. First, the company's sales growth pace has <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/09/09/kroger-co-earnings-show-the-high-cost-of-a-pricing.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=bc1f54c8-bdce-11e7-b937-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">dropped to nearly zero Opens a New Window.</a> after years of market-thumping gains. Second, the supermarket chain has made it clear that it intends to protect its market share through price cuts, which will reduce earnings in the short term.</p>
<p>Investors can take advantage of that Wall Street pessimism to get in on a stock that's down to its lowest point in almost four years, yet still has a bright retailing future ahead.</p>
<p>Kroger's latest results aren't as bad as they seem, after all. Sure, sales growth was a meager 1% last quarter. But the company still managed to increase customer traffic and market share with its strategy of covering both the value end of the market through in-store brands like Simple Truth and the high end through prepared foods and premium brands.</p>
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<p>Management has stepped back from its long-term guidance, which used to target annual earnings gains of between 8% and 11%, supplemented with a growing dividend. That's the right call given that sales growth might barely be positive for the second straight year in 2018. Assuming the retailer continues modestly expanding its market share, though, robust earnings growth should return as industry conditions improve.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/tmfditty/info.aspx?source=iapsitlnk0000002&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=bc1f54c8-bdce-11e7-b937-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Rich Smith Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;(Kohl's): I know there's a non-zero chance I'll regret saying this -- but I just can't help recommending Kohl's stock <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/07/31/3-dividend-stocks-for-retirement.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=bc1f54c8-bdce-11e7-b937-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">again Opens a New Window.</a>. At $7 billion in market capitalization, and $2.3 billion in EBITDA, Kohl's stock is just too cheap to ignore.</p>
<p>Does Kohl's have problems? Of course it does. Despite the rising stock market, Kohl's stock has actually lost value over the past year, and that doesn't happen for no reason. Sales growth was non-existent last quarter. This past summer, the company also made a <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/09/20/with-its-amazon-deal-kohls-is-playing-with-fire.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=bc1f54c8-bdce-11e7-b937-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">widely criticized Opens a New Window.</a> move to partner up with Amazon.com -- the one company posing the direst threat to brick-and-mortar retailers like Kohl's.</p>
<p>But look at this another way. Yes, Kohl's agreed to sell Amazon products and accept Amazon returns in its stores. But Amazon.com&#160;chose to partner with Kohl's, too, and presumably for a reason. Chances are Amazon didn't decide to tie up with Kohl's because it thinks the company is about to go out of business. The contrary is much more likely -- that Amazon sees Kohl's as a survivor and a reliable business partner. (Some investors even go so far as to suggest Amazon is eyeing <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/10/why-kohls-corporation-popped-148-in-september.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=bc1f54c8-bdce-11e7-b937-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Kohl's as a buyout target Opens a New Window.</a>.)</p>
<p>Whether or not that's how things play out, one thing is certain: At a share price barely 10 times trailing-12-month earnings, a projected earnings growth rate of nearly 7%, and a dividend yield north of 5%, Kohl's stock looks cheap. Even if Amazon.com doesn't buy Kohl's, at this price it's a stock retirees should seriously consider adding to their portfolios.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFUltraLong/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=bc1f54c8-bdce-11e7-b937-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Sean Williams Opens a New Window.</a> (Microsoft): OK, hear me out. Yes, this software giant is trading near an all-time high, and yes, it has a notorious history of struggling once it reaches a $600 billion-plus valuation. However, this time it really could be different, which is why retirees should be giving Microsoft a closer look.</p>
<p>The big issue for years has been the decline of the personal computer. With everything seemingly moving to mobile, industry pundits wrote off demand for desktops, laptops, and other traditional modes of connectivity access. However, while PC sales have declined, their rate of decline has slowed. Microsoft's Windows operating system remains the kingpin in this space with more than 90% market share, and while it may no longer have the supreme pricing power it once did, its clear market share lead translates into high margins and predictable cash flow from its Windows segment each quarter.</p>
<p>What's different now for Microsoft is the appeal of its cloud-based Azure platform. Sales for Azure rose by 89% on a constant currency basis during the fiscal first quarter, reported last week, with Intelligent Cloud sector revenue up 14% to $6.9 billion.&#160; Cloud now makes up 28% of Microsoft's sales, which is not negligible. With this high-margin segment firing on all cylinders, Microsoft has its new long-term growth driver, and thankfully the Windows phone isn't it!</p>
<p>With Microsoft you also get a company that regularly generates $24 billion to $31 billion in annual free cash flow, and returned $4.8 billion to shareholders via dividends and <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/07/20/4-companies-that-have-repurchased-the-most-stock-o.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=bc1f54c8-bdce-11e7-b937-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">share buybacks Opens a New Window.</a> just in the fiscal first quarter. The current yield of 2% on Microsoft puts it right on par with the average yield of the S&amp;P 500, but its payout ratio of just 50%, based on the $3.35 Wall Street expects in fiscal 2018 EPS, still suggests plenty of upside potential in its dividend.</p>
<p>Don't be scared by Microsoft's impressive run higher. It can still provide healthy income and share-price appreciation for retirees.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than MicrosoftWhen 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=220d5ae6-ba62-442b-9895-8b3d8d0a53aa&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=bc1f54c8-bdce-11e7-b937-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Microsoft 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=220d5ae6-ba62-442b-9895-8b3d8d0a53aa&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=bc1f54c8-bdce-11e7-b937-0050569d32b9&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>Teresa Kersten is an employee of LinkedIn and is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSigma/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=bc1f54c8-bdce-11e7-b937-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Demitrios Kalogeropoulos Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFDitty/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=bc1f54c8-bdce-11e7-b937-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Rich Smith Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFUltraLong/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=bc1f54c8-bdce-11e7-b937-0050569d32b9&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;referring_guid=bc1f54c8-bdce-11e7-b937-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | stocks go stocks go kind volatility worrisome retirees fixed income stock gone lot though doesnt mean late buy stock gone lot doesnt mean throw towel sell fact retirees shouldnt focus much stock instead right whether looks like bargain160at time youre considering buying thats stock consider adding portfolio full stop continue reading three stocks favorite foolish investors think you160should thinking buying160kroger nyse kr kohls nyse kss microsoft nasdaq msft demitri kalogeropoulos opens new window kroger two worrying issues produced big price declines kroger stock lately first companys sales growth pace dropped nearly zero opens new window years marketthumping gains second supermarket chain made clear intends protect market share price cuts reduce earnings short term investors take advantage wall street pessimism get stock thats lowest point almost four years yet still bright retailing future ahead krogers latest results arent bad seem sure sales growth meager 1 last quarter company still managed increase customer traffic market share strategy covering value end market instore brands like simple truth high end prepared foods premium brands advertisement management stepped back longterm guidance used target annual earnings gains 8 11 supplemented growing dividend thats right call given sales growth might barely positive second straight year 2018 assuming retailer continues modestly expanding market share though robust earnings growth return industry conditions improve rich smith opens new window160kohls know theres nonzero chance ill regret saying cant help recommending kohls stock opens new window 7 billion market capitalization 23 billion ebitda kohls stock cheap ignore kohls problems course despite rising stock market kohls stock actually lost value past year doesnt happen reason sales growth nonexistent last quarter past summer company also made widely criticized opens new window move partner amazoncom one company posing direst threat brickandmortar retailers like kohls look another way yes kohls agreed sell amazon products accept amazon returns stores amazoncom160chose partner kohls presumably reason chances amazon didnt decide tie kohls thinks company go business contrary much likely amazon sees kohls survivor reliable business partner investors even go far suggest amazon eyeing kohls buyout target opens new window whether thats things play one thing certain share price barely 10 times trailing12month earnings projected earnings growth rate nearly 7 dividend yield north 5 kohls stock looks cheap even amazoncom doesnt buy kohls price stock retirees seriously consider adding portfolios sean williams opens new window microsoft ok hear yes software giant trading near alltime high yes notorious history struggling reaches 600 billionplus valuation however time really could different retirees giving microsoft closer look big issue years decline personal computer everything seemingly moving mobile industry pundits wrote demand desktops laptops traditional modes connectivity access however pc sales declined rate decline slowed microsofts windows operating system remains kingpin space 90 market share may longer supreme pricing power clear market share lead translates high margins predictable cash flow windows segment quarter whats different microsoft appeal cloudbased azure platform sales azure rose 89 constant currency basis fiscal first quarter reported last week intelligent cloud sector revenue 14 69 billion160 cloud makes 28 microsofts sales negligible highmargin segment firing cylinders microsoft new longterm growth driver thankfully windows phone isnt microsoft also get company regularly generates 24 billion 31 billion annual free cash flow returned 48 billion shareholders via dividends share buybacks opens new window fiscal first quarter current yield 2 microsoft puts right par average yield sampp 500 payout ratio 50 based 335 wall street expects fiscal 2018 eps still suggests plenty upside potential dividend dont scared microsofts impressive run higher still provide healthy income shareprice appreciation retirees 10 stocks like better microsoftwhen 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 microsoft wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns october 9 2017 teresa kersten employee linkedin member motley fools board directors linkedin owned microsoft demitrios kalogeropoulos opens new window position stocks mentioned rich smith opens new window position stocks mentioned sean williams opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 690 |
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<p>Altria Group (NYSE: MO) has produced amazing returns for shareholders over time, but unlike so many high-performing stocks, Altria has rarely earned a high valuation from investors by most standard measures of value. Only recently has Altria stock enjoyed a big rise in its earnings multiples, and that has helped lift the shares to new all-time highs. Yet some worry that Altria's gains have come too quickly and fear that a pullback could be imminent. Below, we'll look at the history of Altria stock in terms of valuation and why current conditions are a lot different from what the company has seen in the past.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Image source: Altria Group.</p>
<p>Throughout much of its history, Altria has had extremely low valuations based on earnings. Single-digit price-to-earnings ratios weren't uncommon as recently as the early to mid-2000s, and the financial crisis in 2008 and 2009 had a downward impact on Altria's earnings multiples as well, albeit on a more temporary basis.</p>
<p>Those low earnings multiples reflected considerable uncertainty about the future of Altria's business. During much of its history, Altria faced major threats from litigation that could have destroyed the entire company had a large verdict gone against the cigarette giant. Moreover, regulatory restrictions and the general decline in the number of smokers caused investors to conclude that Altria wasn't just a typical low-growth, high-dividend payer but rather faced a deteriorating business climate that would eventually reduce the company's value to zero.</p>
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<p>So far, none of those threats has panned out, and the endless pessimism about Altria's prospects has proven to be unwarranted. Having missed out on countless opportunities to invest in the past, investors finally adopted the philosophy that buying Altria shares was reasonable if one expected that the company's strategy of raising prices to offset falling volume would continue to produce ongoing sales and profit growth over the long run.</p>
<p>In addition, the fall in interest rates helped make dividend stocks much more attractive. Across the board, stocks that pay high dividend yields have seen their valuations rise dramatically in recent years, because investors seeking income had little choice but to move more heavily into the stock market despite the higher risk involved.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/MO/pe_ratio" type="external">MO P/E Ratio (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>As you can see above, the result has been a dramatic expansion in Altria's P/E ratio. Although stocks with trailing multiples in the mid-20s are fairly commonplace when you look across the entire stock market, value investors get nervous when relatively low-growth stocks that are seen as defensive holdings with bond-like characteristics start to get as expensive as they have lately.</p>
<p>Altria's current valuation relies on certain assumptions about the future, and any failure on Altria's part to live up to the expectations behind those assumptions could lead to a drop in the stock. For one thing, Altria has remained successful in its ability to adapt pricing practices in order to keep its business profitable and growing. Yet there might be an upper limit to price increases that could tip future growth trends downward. If that happens, investors will be less confident in Altria's ability to keep making enough profit to justify its share price.</p>
<p>The more immediate threat comes from rising interest rates. To the extent that investors who've traditionally gravitated toward bonds and other fixed-income investments have bought stocks like Altria in order to keep their income at acceptable levels, a sustained rise in bond rates could lead them to sell off their dividend stock holdings in favor of bonds. If that happens, then investors should expect a broader sell-off in dividend stocks generally, and Altria could well see its earnings multiples contract as a result of reduced buyer demand from income investors.</p>
<p>Finally, investors have in mind a certain level of regulation that's likely on Altria's U.S. business. Some of the rise in the stock lately has likely been in response to expectations of a less hostile political environment in the federal government. If a more lax regulatory environment doesn't pan out, then Altria could seem expensive at current levels.</p>
<p>For long-term investors, Altria's current valuation is well above what they've seen in the past. That doesn't point to an immediate threat of a huge plunge, but it does make the value proposition that Altria stock presents today far less attractive than it did in the past.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Altria Group 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=d414fd05-0437-45fe-bd02-463728a1c77b&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 Altria Group 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=d414fd05-0437-45fe-bd02-463728a1c77b&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>c</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFGalagan/info.aspx" type="external">Dan Caplinger Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 | altria group nyse mo produced amazing returns shareholders time unlike many highperforming stocks altria rarely earned high valuation investors standard measures value recently altria stock enjoyed big rise earnings multiples helped lift shares new alltime highs yet worry altrias gains come quickly fear pullback could imminent well look history altria stock terms valuation current conditions lot different company seen past continue reading image source altria group throughout much history altria extremely low valuations based earnings singledigit pricetoearnings ratios werent uncommon recently early mid2000s financial crisis 2008 2009 downward impact altrias earnings multiples well albeit temporary basis low earnings multiples reflected considerable uncertainty future altrias business much history altria faced major threats litigation could destroyed entire company large verdict gone cigarette giant moreover regulatory restrictions general decline number smokers caused investors conclude altria wasnt typical lowgrowth highdividend payer rather faced deteriorating business climate would eventually reduce companys value zero advertisement far none threats panned endless pessimism altrias prospects proven unwarranted missed countless opportunities invest past investors finally adopted philosophy buying altria shares reasonable one expected companys strategy raising prices offset falling volume would continue produce ongoing sales profit growth long run addition fall interest rates helped make dividend stocks much attractive across board stocks pay high dividend yields seen valuations rise dramatically recent years investors seeking income little choice move heavily stock market despite higher risk involved mo pe ratio ttm data ycharts opens new window see result dramatic expansion altrias pe ratio although stocks trailing multiples mid20s fairly commonplace look across entire stock market value investors get nervous relatively lowgrowth stocks seen defensive holdings bondlike characteristics start get expensive lately altrias current valuation relies certain assumptions future failure altrias part live expectations behind assumptions could lead drop stock one thing altria remained successful ability adapt pricing practices order keep business profitable growing yet might upper limit price increases could tip future growth trends downward happens investors less confident altrias ability keep making enough profit justify share price immediate threat comes rising interest rates extent investors whove traditionally gravitated toward bonds fixedincome investments bought stocks like altria order keep income acceptable levels sustained rise bond rates could lead sell dividend stock holdings favor bonds happens investors expect broader selloff dividend stocks generally altria could well see earnings multiples contract result reduced buyer demand income investors finally investors mind certain level regulation thats likely altrias us business rise stock lately likely response expectations less hostile political environment federal government lax regulatory environment doesnt pan altria could seem expensive current levels longterm investors altrias current valuation well theyve seen past doesnt point immediate threat huge plunge make value proposition altria stock presents today far less attractive past 10 stocks like better altria group 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 altria group wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns january 4 2017 c dan caplinger opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 526 |
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<p>With the prospect of higher interest rates from the Fed, potential financial deregulation, and a promise of more infrastructure spending from Trump in 2017, the banking sector is on the rise. I've been watchingBank of Marin (NASDAQ: BMRC), a California-based, small-cap bank that's up more than most of its peers. Here's three reasons why it's doing better than others and why it's a safe bet for 2017.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/BMRC" type="external">BMRC</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>Bank of Marinis a small commercial and retail bank in the San Francisco Bay Area. With $2 billion in assets, it mostly serves small- and medium-sized businesses in Marin, San Francisco, and Alameda counties. These business clients are reliant on the health of the Bay Area economy, which is quite good.</p>
<p>Small regional banks succeed or fail based on the economy in their area. Even an extremely well-run bank will have problems if the area where their loans are located is doing poorly. Luckily for BMRC, the San Francisco Bay Area is home to two powerhouse centers of economic growth: San Francisco and San Jose. It is the only region of the country to have two regions in the top twenty, based on local GDP:</p>
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<p>Source: <a href="http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/regional/gdp_metro/gdp_metro_newsrelease.htm" type="external">Bureau of Economic Analysis Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>Incredibly, average five year growth is at 5.3% in San Francisco and 7.5% in San Jose. All US Metro areas together average only 3.8% since 2010:</p>
<p>Author created chart. Data source: <a href="http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/regional/gdp_metro/gdp_metro_newsrelease.htm" type="external">Bureau of Economic Analysis Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>Because of this higher than average regional growth, Bank of Marin is uniquely advantaged among small community banks. They've been able to grow their assets while keeping loan standards high over the past five years:</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/BMRC/gross_loan" type="external">BMRC Gross Loans (Quarterly)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a></p>
<p>Prior to the recession, Bank of Marin had an excellent loan approval process. This resulted in an extremely low percentage of <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/what-are-non-performing-loans.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">non-performing loans Opens a New Window.</a>, or NPLs, even during the financial crisis. As I recently <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/12/05/understanding-sierra-bancorp-in-3-charts.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">explained in an article Opens a New Window.</a> on Sierra Bancorp, another small California bank, NPL percentage can be used to judge a bank's asset quality. Low percentages of NPLs indicate high-quality assets, and, by extension, a good loan approval process. Bank of Marin has that in spades:</p>
<p>Author created chart. Data source: Company 10-Ks and 10-Qs</p>
<p>During and after the recession, NPLs did increase, but stayed below the 2% mark -- well below the national average of 5.3% at the height of the crisis in 2010. I've added a line at 1% since you generally expect well-managed banks to stay below that benchmark. Bank of Marin never strayed far above 1%, and is now quite far below it. The current level is due partially to the success of the local economy, but only the best-run banks can reach levels this low with mature loans. Bank of Marin has clearly done a good job in this area.</p>
<p>This excellent loan quality makes Bank of Marin a potential takeover target for larger banks or private equity firms. A good balance sheet minimizes the due diligence risk to the deal. It also increases the chance of an acquisition performing well as a part of the new company.</p>
<p>No doubt this excellent performance also makes BMRC a safer than average bank to hold onto, especially if you want some exposure to Bay Area real estate while benefiting from rising interest rates.</p>
<p>The Bay Area economy mainly revolves around the technology industry. This has made for a bumpy ride for the region over the years. The S&amp;P Technology ETF shows this:</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/XLK" type="external">XLK</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a></p>
<p>However, Bank of Marin's main operational area is much more low-tech. Because the bank lends mainly to local businesses like furniture makers, wineries, and construction companies, it is insulated from much of the boom-and-bust cycle of the tech industry. Most of its loans are concentrated in counties that have few tech companies:</p>
<p>Author created chart. Data source: <a href="http://www.snl.com/Cache/1500088392.PDF?O=PDF&amp;T=&amp;Y=&amp;D=&amp;FID=1500088392&amp;iid=4164467" type="external">BMRC 2015 Annual Report Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>Marin county is one of the richest counties in the United States. It is mainly a bedroom community halfway between urban San Francisco and California's wine country in Napa and Sonoma counties. Alameda county is a similar bedroom community nearby, containing the cities of Oakland and Berkeley, and other smaller towns. Only 14% of their Commercial RE loans are for property in San Francisco and a tiny 2% are in San Mateo county (where many tech companies are headquartered). There is no significant concentration in Santa Clara county, the center of Silicon Valley.</p>
<p>This geographic diversification seems to avoid the areas of maximum volatility, but it is mostly just an accident of their founding in Marin county. Because of this fortuitous fact, Bank of Marin is able to benefit from larger than average growth in the Bay Area. At the same time, they are positioned to avoid the brunt of the largest local risk factor: another tech crash.</p>
<p>The expectation of financial deregulation and an increase in infrastructure spending during the Trump presidency has bolstered banks' share prices in general -- an effect Bank of Marin has also enjoyed. This, combined with excellent long-term risk management, performance, and strategy, has caused investors to see Bank of Marin for what it always was: a relatively safe play on a vibrant local economy with acquisition possibilities. This growth is predicted to continue for the near future, but is not without risks.</p>
<p>The tech and start-up economy that drive its regional growth can be quite volatile, and a downward movement could have an effect on the local economy. Specifically, start-up growth may be leveling off. There appears to be a connection between venture capital funding and property values in the San Francisco Bay Area. Any drop in that could drive down valuations of local banks in the coming year.</p>
<p>The last two tech bubbles didn't kill off the Bay Area economy, and the next one won't either. Bank of Marin is well positioned to benefit from this growth, as it has done this year.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/CashMoneyInvest/info.aspx" type="external">Christopher Flens-Batina Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Bank of Marin. 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 | prospect higher interest rates fed potential financial deregulation promise infrastructure spending trump 2017 banking sector rise ive watchingbank marin nasdaq bmrc californiabased smallcap bank thats peers heres three reasons better others safe bet 2017 continue reading bmrc data ycharts opens new window bank marinis small commercial retail bank san francisco bay area 2 billion assets mostly serves small mediumsized businesses marin san francisco alameda counties business clients reliant health bay area economy quite good small regional banks succeed fail based economy area even extremely wellrun bank problems area loans located poorly luckily bmrc san francisco bay area home two powerhouse centers economic growth san francisco san jose region country two regions top twenty based local gdp advertisement source bureau economic analysis opens new window incredibly average five year growth 53 san francisco 75 san jose us metro areas together average 38 since 2010 author created chart data source bureau economic analysis opens new window higher average regional growth bank marin uniquely advantaged among small community banks theyve able grow assets keeping loan standards high past five years bmrc gross loans quarterly data ycharts prior recession bank marin excellent loan approval process resulted extremely low percentage nonperforming loans opens new window npls even financial crisis recently explained article opens new window sierra bancorp another small california bank npl percentage used judge banks asset quality low percentages npls indicate highquality assets extension good loan approval process bank marin spades author created chart data source company 10ks 10qs recession npls increase stayed 2 mark well national average 53 height crisis 2010 ive added line 1 since generally expect wellmanaged banks stay benchmark bank marin never strayed far 1 quite far current level due partially success local economy bestrun banks reach levels low mature loans bank marin clearly done good job area excellent loan quality makes bank marin potential takeover target larger banks private equity firms good balance sheet minimizes due diligence risk deal also increases chance acquisition performing well part new company doubt excellent performance also makes bmrc safer average bank hold onto especially want exposure bay area real estate benefiting rising interest rates bay area economy mainly revolves around technology industry made bumpy ride region years sampp technology etf shows xlk data ycharts however bank marins main operational area much lowtech bank lends mainly local businesses like furniture makers wineries construction companies insulated much boomandbust cycle tech industry loans concentrated counties tech companies author created chart data source bmrc 2015 annual report opens new window marin county one richest counties united states mainly bedroom community halfway urban san francisco californias wine country napa sonoma counties alameda county similar bedroom community nearby containing cities oakland berkeley smaller towns 14 commercial loans property san francisco tiny 2 san mateo county many tech companies headquartered significant concentration santa clara county center silicon valley geographic diversification seems avoid areas maximum volatility mostly accident founding marin county fortuitous fact bank marin able benefit larger average growth bay area time positioned avoid brunt largest local risk factor another tech crash expectation financial deregulation increase infrastructure spending trump presidency bolstered banks share prices general effect bank marin also enjoyed combined excellent longterm risk management performance strategy caused investors see bank marin always relatively safe play vibrant local economy acquisition possibilities growth predicted continue near future without risks tech startup economy drive regional growth quite volatile downward movement could effect local economy specifically startup growth may leveling appears connection venture capital funding property values san francisco bay area drop could drive valuations local banks coming year last two tech bubbles didnt kill bay area economy next one wont either bank marin well positioned benefit growth done year christopher flensbatina opens new window owns shares bank marin 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 | 654 |
<p>The past 15 years haven't been easy for Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALNY) shareholders. The company's new drug candidates are based on science that earned a Nobel Prize in 2006, but proving a clear clinical benefit that outweighs any safety concerns hasn't been nearly as easy.</p>
<p>This pioneering biotech took a big step forward recently with its first late-stage clinical trial victory, easing some valid concerns in the process. There are plenty of maladies caused by troublesome genes, and Alnylam has had plenty of early success targeting a handful. With surprisingly good data for its lead candidate in hand and a stable of potential new drugs in earlier development stages, we can expect a flurry of activity in the years ahead. Here are a few key developments to look for.</p>
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<p>Alnylam scored its first late-stage clinical trial victory in dramatic fashion. Nearly a year ago, a patient death forced the company to <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2016/11/07/why-alnylam-pharmaceuticals-inc-took-a-475-dive-in.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=46b866a4-9dfb-11e7-ac16-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">cease development of revusiran Opens a New Window.</a>, a drug that works in a similar manner as patisiran to treat hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis. Patisiran is intended to reduce nerve damage, while revusiran was supposed to reduce heart damage, but both do so by limiting expression of faulty transthyretin genes. Transthyretin is an important transport protein, and investors were concerned that limiting its production might cause more problems than it solves.</p>
<p>The recently announced Apollo trial results should melt those concerns away. Patisiran smashed through the efficacy goals set before it and did so with a stellar safety profile. Investigators reported higher rates of side effects, dropouts, and patient deaths in the&#160;placebo group than in the group of patients receiving patisiran.</p>
<p>Hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (ATTR) is a chronic, debilitating, and often fatal illness that affects about 50,000 people worldwide. These patients lack effective treatment options, which is why the Food and Drug Administration agreed to give a patisiran a priority review years ago. The company intends to file an application with the FDA before the end of the year, which could lead to an approval and commercial launch as early as next summer.</p>
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<p>Predicting peak sales potential for patisiran isn't easy. Among the world's ATTR patients, perhaps 10,000 suffer peripheral nerve damage that patisiran is intended to treat, and revusiran was aimed at the other 40,000 that suffer heart damage. Of course, plenty of ATTR patients suffer from both symptoms. This is why peak annual sales estimates for patisiran range from $200 million, to over $750 million.</p>
<p>We should have a clearer picture of patisiran's potential among the larger group of ATTR patients that predominately suffer from heart damage soon. In early November, Alnylam will present full Apollo trial results at a scientific conference, including an exploratory analysis of a subgroup with cardiac involvement.</p>
<p>Although patisiran's upcoming new drug application will be the first in Alnylam's 15-year history, the next two might not be much further ahead. Earlier this month, the company "reached alignment" with the FDA concerning a path forward for acute hepatic porphyria candidate, givosiran.</p>
<p>The agency will allow the company to use reduction of a biomarker associated with disease activity to prove givosiran's efficacy at an interim analysis three months after beginning treatment. That's a huge win because the alternative would involve following these patients around for years to measure actual outcomes such as hospitalization rates. Givosiran reduced the biomarker by 80% in a previous study, which means there's a good chance the company could be ready to file givosiran applications in late 2018.</p>
<p>Givosiran addresses a population of patients too small to warrant blockbuster expectations, but fitusiran for hemophilia could cross the $1 billion annual sales threshold. Global spending on medicines to treat the rare bleeding disorder are expected to top $10 billion this year, but a growing number of patients have developed inhibitors to presently popular clotting factor replacement therapies. In a previous study, the median annualized bleed rate for a group of 14 hemophilia patients with inhibitors plunged from 38 to zero following&#160;fitusiran treatment.</p>
<p>Based on the strength of early trial results, Alnylam began three late-stage studies which it recently had put on hold due to a patient death. Based on the <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/09/07/heres-why-alnylam-pharmaceuticals-inc-is-slipping.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=46b866a4-9dfb-11e7-ac16-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">events leading up Opens a New Window.</a> to the patient's demise, though, it doesn't look like fitusiran was responsible.</p>
<p>Alnylam and the FDA will need to agree on a risk-mitigation strategy before recently initiated late-stage studies can continue. Investors will want to keep a close eye on this program. If it can restart and finish without further catastrophe, fitusiran could be the most valuable candidate in the company's pipeline right now.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Alnylam 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-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=47109e98-6b6c-4aa5-a155-2826ace64e17&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=46b866a4-9dfb-11e7-ac16-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of September 5, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFang4apples/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=46b866a4-9dfb-11e7-ac16-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Cory Renauer Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alnylam 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;uuid=46b866a4-9dfb-11e7-ac16-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | past 15 years havent easy alnylam pharmaceuticals inc nasdaq alny shareholders companys new drug candidates based science earned nobel prize 2006 proving clear clinical benefit outweighs safety concerns hasnt nearly easy pioneering biotech took big step forward recently first latestage clinical trial victory easing valid concerns process plenty maladies caused troublesome genes alnylam plenty early success targeting handful surprisingly good data lead candidate hand stable potential new drugs earlier development stages expect flurry activity years ahead key developments look continue reading alnylam scored first latestage clinical trial victory dramatic fashion nearly year ago patient death forced company cease development revusiran opens new window drug works similar manner patisiran treat hereditary transthyretinmediated amyloidosis patisiran intended reduce nerve damage revusiran supposed reduce heart damage limiting expression faulty transthyretin genes transthyretin important transport protein investors concerned limiting production might cause problems solves recently announced apollo trial results melt concerns away patisiran smashed efficacy goals set stellar safety profile investigators reported higher rates side effects dropouts patient deaths the160placebo group group patients receiving patisiran hereditary transthyretinmediated amyloidosis attr chronic debilitating often fatal illness affects 50000 people worldwide patients lack effective treatment options food drug administration agreed give patisiran priority review years ago company intends file application fda end year could lead approval commercial launch early next summer advertisement predicting peak sales potential patisiran isnt easy among worlds attr patients perhaps 10000 suffer peripheral nerve damage patisiran intended treat revusiran aimed 40000 suffer heart damage course plenty attr patients suffer symptoms peak annual sales estimates patisiran range 200 million 750 million clearer picture patisirans potential among larger group attr patients predominately suffer heart damage soon early november alnylam present full apollo trial results scientific conference including exploratory analysis subgroup cardiac involvement although patisirans upcoming new drug application first alnylams 15year history next two might much ahead earlier month company reached alignment fda concerning path forward acute hepatic porphyria candidate givosiran agency allow company use reduction biomarker associated disease activity prove givosirans efficacy interim analysis three months beginning treatment thats huge win alternative would involve following patients around years measure actual outcomes hospitalization rates givosiran reduced biomarker 80 previous study means theres good chance company could ready file givosiran applications late 2018 givosiran addresses population patients small warrant blockbuster expectations fitusiran hemophilia could cross 1 billion annual sales threshold global spending medicines treat rare bleeding disorder expected top 10 billion year growing number patients developed inhibitors presently popular clotting factor replacement therapies previous study median annualized bleed rate group 14 hemophilia patients inhibitors plunged 38 zero following160fitusiran treatment based strength early trial results alnylam began three latestage studies recently put hold due patient death based events leading opens new window patients demise though doesnt look like fitusiran responsible alnylam fda need agree riskmitigation strategy recently initiated latestage studies continue investors want keep close eye program restart finish without catastrophe fitusiran could valuable candidate companys pipeline right 10 stocks like better alnylam 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 alnylam pharmaceuticals wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns september 5 2017 cory renauer opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends alnylam pharmaceuticals motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 563 |
<p>In this segment from <a href="https://www.fool.com/podcasts/marketfoolery/?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Market Foolery Opens a New Window.</a>, the team talks foreign currency and exchange rates as they relate to non-U.S. portfolios based on a question from a Foolish listener.</p>
<p>The core issue? When you invest in U.S. dollars and cash out in another currency, its gains against the dollar cut into your profits. But the team also notes there are very good reasons for Canadians to be in U.S. markets -- chief among them, the need for diversification that Canada's market is less able to provide. And there's a simple, long-term solution to mostly avoid the problem.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>A full transcript follows the video.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than The Bank of Nova ScotiaWhen 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=05dfcd9f-f224-4b5d-b3bb-1fafceaa8e5f&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 The Bank of Nova Scotia wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of February 6, 2017</p>
<p>This video was recorded on March 27, 2017.</p>
<p>Chris Hill:Our email address is <a href="http://mailto:[email protected]" type="external">[email protected] Opens a New Window.</a>. FromMatt Saunders inNestleton, Ontario. "I washoping you could explain the effects of currency exchange on stock purchases. I'm inCanada and our dollar is quite low compared to the U.S. dollar. However,it wasn't too many years ago, we peaked a little higher than the U.S. dollar. Myconcern is that if I buy a U.S.company at this point and the dollar rises again, will that work against the value of the U.S. company that I purchased? Or does buying on the TSX compensate for that somehow? Thanks for all your help with this. P.S. please tell Steve Broido,we just made a trip to Orlandoand had a great visit to an Olive Garden there. Definitely a fan." Steve will appreciate that, I'm sure.</p>
<p>Taylor Muckerman:Yeah. Thanks for listening all the way fromOntario. This was a question that wereceive quite often inStock Advisor Canada,Pro Canada, and nowDividend Investor Canada. We put a special report about this a couple years back. Over thosecouple years, not much has changed. Remain to see theCanadian dollar still trading below the U.S. dollar.I think right now, it's around$0.75 to the U.S. dollar. As you did mention earlier in the 2000s, the Canadian dollar did peak around $1.20 to the U.S. dollar. That ramp-up really did cramp Canadian investors'returns when you look at it, from investing in the U.S. dollar. Whenthe Canadian dollar does appreciate, you lose a little bit there when you sellback into the Canadian market. So,what we generally tell our members to do is, A) we absolutely recommend investing in the U.S. market,because when you look at the Canadian market, about two-thirds of it relies on the energy, financials, and the materials sector, two very volatile sectors, in the energy and materials sector and then financials, really, the bulk of that is driven by the big banks,TD,Scotia,CIBC,BMO,andRBC. They'revery highly concentrated if you don't move outside of theCanadian market.When you look at the largest sector in the U.S., IT, I think that's around almost 22% of the S&amp;P, it's 2.7% of the S&amp;P TSX. So, you're missing out on a lot of potential growth there. Andless than 1% of the S&amp;P TSX is healthcare. If you think about that, you'remissing out on some huge potential growth there. It was a little higher, butValeantobviously reduced the share of that overall marketwhen that fell precipitouslyover the last couple years.</p>
<p>But, the long-term average of the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar is right around $0.85. There's about 13% upside from where it is right now until it reaches the long-term average,I think we have information going back to 1971 on our site. That's over 30 to 40 years of data with the long-term average of $0.85 to the U.S. dollar. So, you're not far away from that. Compared to that $1.20 you saw in the early 2000s, we view that as a one-off event, especially with oil where it is these days, and thelikelihood that remains subdued as compared to when it was over $100, which,coincidentally, timed very well with when it was peaking with the U.S. dollar there. So, we advocate people considering the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollarexchange rate, but we don't say, "Just invest Canadian only." Put some dollars into a separate account, leave them there for the long-term so you don't have to pay the cost to exchange back and forth, because banks do charge for that. And you don't get charged if the company pays you a U.S. dollar dividend and you leave it in U.S. dollars. You don't get charged every time they deposit the dividend to your account. Youonly get charged ifyou put it back into CAD. So, if you're a long-term investor, we just say, create two accounts, one with Canadian dollars and one with U.S. dollars, and let it ride,because if you don't,you're going to miss out on tons of opportunity. TSX and TSXVenture stocks make up about 20% of the --</p>
<p>Hill:Toronto Stock Exchange.</p>
<p>Muckerman:Yep. Theymake up about 20% of the total stocksavailable to you in U.S. markets. So,not only are you missing out on diversification, but you're missing out on opportunity, in terms of breadth of choices. So, don't let the currency fluctuations scare you away from it. That's our opinion.</p>
<p>Hill:You've been to theToronto Stock Exchange, haven't you?</p>
<p>Muckerman:Yeah,it's pretty cool. We went there a few years ago,poked around when we were first launchingStock Advisor Canadain 2013. Beenup there a couple times since, but tonot the same fanfare that we went up there a few years back.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFWizard/info.aspx" type="external">Chris Hill Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFrunAMuck/info.aspx" type="external">Taylor Muckerman Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Valeant Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool recommends The Bank of Nova Scotia. 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 | segment market foolery opens new window team talks foreign currency exchange rates relate nonus portfolios based question foolish listener core issue invest us dollars cash another currency gains dollar cut profits team also notes good reasons canadians us markets chief among need diversification canadas market less able provide theres simple longterm solution mostly avoid problem continue reading full transcript follows video 10 stocks like better bank nova scotiawhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right bank nova scotia wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks advertisement stock advisor returns february 6 2017 video recorded march 27 2017 chris hillour email address marketfooleryfoolcom opens new window frommatt saunders innestleton ontario washoping could explain effects currency exchange stock purchases im incanada dollar quite low compared us dollar howeverit wasnt many years ago peaked little higher us dollar myconcern buy uscompany point dollar rises work value us company purchased buying tsx compensate somehow thanks help ps please tell steve broidowe made trip orlandoand great visit olive garden definitely fan steve appreciate im sure taylor muckermanyeah thanks listening way fromontario question wereceive quite often instock advisor canadapro canada nowdividend investor canada put special report couple years back thosecouple years much changed remain see thecanadian dollar still trading us dollari think right around075 us dollar mention earlier 2000s canadian dollar peak around 120 us dollar rampup really cramp canadian investorsreturns look investing us dollar whenthe canadian dollar appreciate lose little bit sellback canadian market sowhat generally tell members absolutely recommend investing us marketbecause look canadian market twothirds relies energy financials materials sector two volatile sectors energy materials sector financials really bulk driven big bankstdscotiacibcbmoandrbc theyrevery highly concentrated dont move outside thecanadian marketwhen look largest sector us think thats around almost 22 sampp 27 sampp tsx youre missing lot potential growth andless 1 sampp tsx healthcare think youremissing huge potential growth little higher butvaleantobviously reduced share overall marketwhen fell precipitouslyover last couple years longterm average canadian dollar us dollar right around 085 theres 13 upside right reaches longterm averagei think information going back 1971 site thats 30 40 years data longterm average 085 us dollar youre far away compared 120 saw early 2000s view oneoff event especially oil days thelikelihood remains subdued compared 100 whichcoincidentally timed well peaking us dollar advocate people considering canadian dollar us dollarexchange rate dont say invest canadian put dollars separate account leave longterm dont pay cost exchange back forth banks charge dont get charged company pays us dollar dividend leave us dollars dont get charged every time deposit dividend account youonly get charged ifyou put back cad youre longterm investor say create two accounts one canadian dollars one us dollars let ridebecause dontyoure going miss tons opportunity tsx tsxventure stocks make 20 hilltoronto stock exchange muckermanyep theymake 20 total stocksavailable us markets sonot missing diversification youre missing opportunity terms breadth choices dont let currency fluctuations scare away thats opinion hillyouve thetoronto stock exchange havent muckermanyeahits pretty cool went years agopoked around first launchingstock advisor canadain 2013 beenup couple times since tonot fanfare went years back chris hill opens new window position stocks mentioned taylor muckerman opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends valeant pharmaceuticals motley fool recommends bank nova scotia motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 573 |
<p />
<p>Image source: Enterprise Products Partners.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, are wonderful savings vehicles. That's particularly true for the Roth variety, which allow you to avoid taxation when you pull money from the account. But there are some stocks that shouldn't live in an IRA of any kind. Here's one you might want to own and why I'd never put it in an IRA.</p>
<p>Enterprise Products Partners is a giant midstream energy company. It owns the pipes and other facilities that sit between where oil and gas are pulled from the ground and where they get used. That includes nearly 50,000 miles of pipelines as well as a broad portfolio of storage, processing, and terminal facilities.</p>
<p>What makes this portfolio so interesting, however, is that Enterprise largely operates as a toll taker. So it gets paid when customers move products through its system. The price of oil and gas, and other refined products, isn't nearly as important as the volume of what gets pushed through its pipes. So, in some ways, much of Enterprise's business is shielded from volatile commodity prices.</p>
<p>Which helps explain why Enterprise has managed to keep increasing its distribution each quarter even though oil and gas prices are in the dumps. (Its quarterly increase streak is up to 47, by the way.) Management's decision to grow at a consistent, and somewhat modest, pace has been a big help, too, since it kept Enterprise from getting overextended during the energy industry's salad days. With a distribution yield of over 6%, you should strongly consider taking a deeper dive here.</p>
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<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/EPD" type="external">EPD</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>But here's the thing: Notice I didn't say dividend yield. That's because Enterprise is a limited partnership. It's a special type of corporate structure that functions as a pass-through entity. That allows the partnership to avoid taxation at the partnership level because it passes most of its tax issues through to unitholders, who deal with the taxes at their personal tax rates. That's part of the reason limited partnerships have relatively high distributions.</p>
<p>But when it comes to an IRA, there's a big complication. <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/03/18/an-investors-guide-to-master-limited-partnership.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">IRAs are meant to handle passive income like dividends, interest, and capital gains Opens a New Window.</a>. Since limited partnerships pass through their tax issues, the income unitholders receive is considered earned income. You are, after all, a "partner" in the business.</p>
<p>There are limits on how much earned income an IRA can receive ($1,000) before you have to start filling out additional tax forms for the IRA to inform the government how much "unrelated business income tax" you owe. That's the fun term for the tax you have to pay on earned income in an IRA. It's a potential mess that's just not worth dealing with.</p>
<p>Image source: Enterprise Products Partners.</p>
<p>Making your taxes even more complicated is enough of a reason to avoid putting a great company like Enterprise in an IRA, but there's more. One of the nice things about a limited partnership is that unitholders get the benefit of things like depreciation charges. So a good deal of the income that a partnership generates will be considered a return of capital. That reduces your cost basis and defers taxation until you sell the shares -- at which point you'll benefit from lower capital gains taxes.</p>
<p>In other words, there's a built-in tax shield in the limited partnership structure. Putting a limited partnership into a tax-advantaged account pretty much cancels out that benefit. For example, in a traditional IRA you'd actually turn tax-advantaged income into taxable income when you pulled it out of the IRA. That doesn't sound like a good idea.</p>
<p>But what about Roth IRAs, since money pulled from these accounts doesn't get taxed? This isn't a good idea, either. You can't "double up" your tax benefits. So by putting a limited partnership in a Roth you are, in effect, losing out on one of the biggest benefits of the limited partnership structure. Put taxable bonds in a Roth IRA and leave Enterprise in your taxable account where you'll get the benefit of the tax shield... and avoid the whole unrelated business income tax issue.</p>
<p>Enterprise Products Partners is a great company for generating retirement income, with regular "pay raises" along the way. But an IRA or Roth IRA is a lousy place to own it. Putting this limited partnership in either of these accounts could create additional tax headaches and reduce the inherent tax benefits of the partnership structure. Which is why I'd never put Enterprise, or any limited partnership, in an IRA.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/05/29/1-stock-id-never-put-in-an-ira.aspx" type="external">1 Stock I'd Never Put in an IRA Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/ReubenGBrewer/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Reuben Brewer Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Enterprise Products Partners. 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 enterprise products partners continue reading individual retirement accounts iras wonderful savings vehicles thats particularly true roth variety allow avoid taxation pull money account stocks shouldnt live ira kind heres one might want id never put ira enterprise products partners giant midstream energy company owns pipes facilities sit oil gas pulled ground get used includes nearly 50000 miles pipelines well broad portfolio storage processing terminal facilities makes portfolio interesting however enterprise largely operates toll taker gets paid customers move products system price oil gas refined products isnt nearly important volume gets pushed pipes ways much enterprises business shielded volatile commodity prices helps explain enterprise managed keep increasing distribution quarter even though oil gas prices dumps quarterly increase streak 47 way managements decision grow consistent somewhat modest pace big help since kept enterprise getting overextended energy industrys salad days distribution yield 6 strongly consider taking deeper dive advertisement epd data ycharts opens new window heres thing notice didnt say dividend yield thats enterprise limited partnership special type corporate structure functions passthrough entity allows partnership avoid taxation partnership level passes tax issues unitholders deal taxes personal tax rates thats part reason limited partnerships relatively high distributions comes ira theres big complication iras meant handle passive income like dividends interest capital gains opens new window since limited partnerships pass tax issues income unitholders receive considered earned income partner business limits much earned income ira receive 1000 start filling additional tax forms ira inform government much unrelated business income tax owe thats fun term tax pay earned income ira potential mess thats worth dealing image source enterprise products partners making taxes even complicated enough reason avoid putting great company like enterprise ira theres one nice things limited partnership unitholders get benefit things like depreciation charges good deal income partnership generates considered return capital reduces cost basis defers taxation sell shares point youll benefit lower capital gains taxes words theres builtin tax shield limited partnership structure putting limited partnership taxadvantaged account pretty much cancels benefit example traditional ira youd actually turn taxadvantaged income taxable income pulled ira doesnt sound like good idea roth iras since money pulled accounts doesnt get taxed isnt good idea either cant double tax benefits putting limited partnership roth effect losing one biggest benefits limited partnership structure put taxable bonds roth ira leave enterprise taxable account youll get benefit tax shield avoid whole unrelated business income tax issue enterprise products partners great company generating retirement income regular pay raises along way ira roth ira lousy place putting limited partnership either accounts could create additional tax headaches reduce inherent tax benefits partnership structure id never put enterprise limited partnership ira article 1 stock id never put ira opens new window originally appeared foolcom reuben brewer opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool recommends enterprise products partners 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 | 514 |
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<p>Approximately 133 million people are employed in the United States as of May 2011, working in hundreds of different occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Different jobs vary in size. Some categories employ millions of Americans, while a select few count only hundreds among their ranks. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed BLS data to find the 10 jobs with the fewest people employed.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>There are nearly 4.3 million retail salespeople in the United States, making it the biggest occupation in the country. There are more than 2.7 million nurses, 1.4 million elementary school teachers and more than 1.2 million maintenance workers. However, there are only roughly 1,000 prosthodontists and just 300 farm labor contractors in the entire country.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.247wallst.com/2012/08/27/the-smallest-professions-in-america/" type="external">This content was originally published on 24/7 Wall St.&#160; Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>On the surface, a few of these jobs appear obsolete — think wood patternmakers and radio operators. Yet many of them expect to see growth — albeit small — in headcount between 2010 and 2020. Several other jobs, such as geographers, are expected to grow substantially during the decade. As a result of the small number of people in these jobs, many of these occupations experience major fluctuations. While there were 1,240 wood patternmakers in 2010, there were only 820 in 2011, a decline of about 34%.</p>
<p>The jobs on this list require different levels of education and training. Farm labor contractors do not need a high school diploma. However, prosthodontists generally require doctorate degrees. Similarly, the jobs on this list have a wide range of pay. Prosthodontists had a mean wage in the low six-digit figures in 2011. However, the annual pay of fabric menders, an occupation that requires minimal education, was not even $30,000.</p>
<p><a href="http://247wallst.com/2012/08/24/americas-most-hated-industries/" type="external">Read:&#160;America’s Most Hated Industries Opens a New Window.</a></p>
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<p>24/7 Wall St. identified the jobs that employ the fewest people, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010 Occupational Outlook Handbook data. While 2011 job-count data were available from the BLS, we opted for the 2010 data, as self-employment figures were included. We also considered the mean wages for these occupations, along with the pay at the 25th, 75th and 90th percentile in each profession. In addition, we reviewed the projected headcount growth between 2010 and 2020 from BLS National Employment Matrix to determine whether these jobs are growing or shrinking.</p>
<p>These are the smallest professions in America.</p>
<p>10. Geographers &gt; Number of jobs: 1,600 &gt; Median hourly wage: $35.94 &gt; Median annual wage: $74,760</p>
<p>Geographers are responsible for analyzing the geographic traits of specific areas, local and global. Though the number of geographers is expected to increase by 35.4% from 2010 to 2020, this would still mean only about 2,200 geographer jobs would exist by the end of the decade. The median annual wage for geographers was $74,760 in 2011, up slightly from $72,800 in 2010. Some geographers were especially well paid, however, with those in the 90th percentile earning more than $104,000 last year.</p>
<p><a href="http://247wallst.com/2012/08/23/american-cities-adding-the-most-jobs/" type="external">Read: American Cities Adding the Most Jobs Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>9. Models &gt; Number of jobs: 1,400 &gt; Median hourly wage: $8.79 &gt; Median annual wage: $18,670</p>
<p>Full-time modeling is certainly not as glamorous as the media makes the profession out to be, and the position is not as lucrative as it is portrayed, either. While the superstar, household name models can end up making millions of dollars, most models make quite a modest living — the median pay for a model in 2011 was a mere $18,670, or just $8.97 an hour. Headcount for models is expected to grow 14% between 2010 and 2020, which the BLS notes is as fast as the average amount of growth for all occupations. Unsurprisingly, the BLS notes that modeling attracts a lot of applicants, and “competition for jobs will be strong.”</p>
<p>8. Segmental Pavers &gt; Number of jobs: 1,300 &gt; Median hourly wage: $15.55 &gt; Median annual wage: $32,340</p>
<p>According to the BLS, segmental pavers “lay out, cut, and place segmental paving units.” Though there were just 1,300 such workers in the U.S. in 2010, this number is projected to rise by 33.1% between then and 2020, when there will be 1,800 jobs. The job does not pay exceptionally well; the median annual wage for segmental pavers was $32,340 in 2011, below the national median of $34,460 for all occupations. However, the 2011 median wage does represent a moderate improvement of the 2010 median annual wage, which was $30,430.</p>
<p><a href="http://247wallst.com/2012/08/22/americas-most-and-least-generous-states/" type="external">Read: America’s Most (and Least) Generous States Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>7. Patternmakers (Wood) &gt; Number of jobs: 1,200 (tied for sixth highest) &gt; Median hourly wage: $18.69 &gt; Median annual wage: $38,870</p>
<p>Wood patternmakers, the BLS notes, are concentrated in just a handful of states. Both Michigan and Illinois have between 80 and 100 patternmakers, according to the BLS, while 40 to 50 patternmakers are located in California, North Carolina, Oregon and Pennsylvania. The BLS says the field is expected to grow in headcount by just 4.3% between 2010 and 2020, compared to the 14.3% increase for all U.S. jobs. The median 2011 wage of $38,870 was a moderate increase from $34,640 in 2010. The median 2011 salary was below the $39,950 metal and plastic patternmakers made, as well as below the $39,800 fabric and apparel patternmakers earned.</p>
<p>6. Radio Operators &gt; Number of jobs: 1,200 (tied for sixth highest) &gt; Median hourly wage: $21.54 &gt; Median annual wage: $44,810</p>
<p>Compared to tablet computers, smartphones and even smart TVs, radios seem old-fashioned. It should come as no surprise that there are few radio operators in the United States. However, the number of radio operators is expected to grow by 7% between 2010 and 2020. The median annual wage of a radio operator in 2011 was $44,810, barely up from $44,630 in 2010. Operators in the 75th percentile made over $58,640 in 2011, and those in the 90th percentile made over $71,080.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.247wallst.com/2012/08/27/the-smallest-professions-in-america/" type="external">Click here to read the rest of the story on 24/7 Wall St.&#160;</a></p> | true | 0 | approximately 133 million people employed united states may 2011 working hundreds different occupations according bureau labor statistics bls different jobs vary size categories employ millions americans select count hundreds among ranks 247 wall st reviewed bls data find 10 jobs fewest people employed continue reading nearly 43 million retail salespeople united states making biggest occupation country 27 million nurses 14 million elementary school teachers 12 million maintenance workers however roughly 1000 prosthodontists 300 farm labor contractors entire country content originally published 247 wall st160 opens new window surface jobs appear obsolete think wood patternmakers radio operators yet many expect see growth albeit small headcount 2010 2020 several jobs geographers expected grow substantially decade result small number people jobs many occupations experience major fluctuations 1240 wood patternmakers 2010 820 2011 decline 34 jobs list require different levels education training farm labor contractors need high school diploma however prosthodontists generally require doctorate degrees similarly jobs list wide range pay prosthodontists mean wage low sixdigit figures 2011 however annual pay fabric menders occupation requires minimal education even 30000 read160americas hated industries opens new window advertisement 247 wall st identified jobs employ fewest people based bureau labor statistics 2010 occupational outlook handbook data 2011 jobcount data available bls opted 2010 data selfemployment figures included also considered mean wages occupations along pay 25th 75th 90th percentile profession addition reviewed projected headcount growth 2010 2020 bls national employment matrix determine whether jobs growing shrinking smallest professions america 10 geographers gt number jobs 1600 gt median hourly wage 3594 gt median annual wage 74760 geographers responsible analyzing geographic traits specific areas local global though number geographers expected increase 354 2010 2020 would still mean 2200 geographer jobs would exist end decade median annual wage geographers 74760 2011 slightly 72800 2010 geographers especially well paid however 90th percentile earning 104000 last year read american cities adding jobs opens new window 9 models gt number jobs 1400 gt median hourly wage 879 gt median annual wage 18670 fulltime modeling certainly glamorous media makes profession position lucrative portrayed either superstar household name models end making millions dollars models make quite modest living median pay model 2011 mere 18670 897 hour headcount models expected grow 14 2010 2020 bls notes fast average amount growth occupations unsurprisingly bls notes modeling attracts lot applicants competition jobs strong 8 segmental pavers gt number jobs 1300 gt median hourly wage 1555 gt median annual wage 32340 according bls segmental pavers lay cut place segmental paving units though 1300 workers us 2010 number projected rise 331 2020 1800 jobs job pay exceptionally well median annual wage segmental pavers 32340 2011 national median 34460 occupations however 2011 median wage represent moderate improvement 2010 median annual wage 30430 read americas least generous states opens new window 7 patternmakers wood gt number jobs 1200 tied sixth highest gt median hourly wage 1869 gt median annual wage 38870 wood patternmakers bls notes concentrated handful states michigan illinois 80 100 patternmakers according bls 40 50 patternmakers located california north carolina oregon pennsylvania bls says field expected grow headcount 43 2010 2020 compared 143 increase us jobs median 2011 wage 38870 moderate increase 34640 2010 median 2011 salary 39950 metal plastic patternmakers made well 39800 fabric apparel patternmakers earned 6 radio operators gt number jobs 1200 tied sixth highest gt median hourly wage 2154 gt median annual wage 44810 compared tablet computers smartphones even smart tvs radios seem oldfashioned come surprise radio operators united states however number radio operators expected grow 7 2010 2020 median annual wage radio operator 2011 44810 barely 44630 2010 operators 75th percentile made 58640 2011 90th percentile made 71080 click read rest story 247 wall st160 | 609 |
<p>Long lines outside of Apple Inc. stores around the world showed strong initial demand for the new iPhone X, but analysts said the real test would be the company's ability to sustain that level of interest over the coming months as it works through supply bottlenecks.</p>
<p>Sales of the iPhone X began Friday, and hundreds of customers lined up in Australia and Singapore, aiming to be among the first in the world to get their hands on the most expensive iPhone ever, with a starting price of $999 and features including an edge-to-edge display and a facial-recognition system. It wasn't clear how many units Apple would have available for first-day sales.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>At an Apple store in central Sydney, lines snaked around the corner midmorning local time, despite the store opening at 8 a.m., an hour earlier than usual, to cope with expected demand. Gav Hannelly, 25 years old, waited for an hour for a space-gray, 256-gigabyte iPhone X. Mr. Hannelly, an IT worker who says he bought almost every new iPhone as soon as it hit the shelves, said this year's model was particularly exciting.</p>
<p>"The screen has a totally different feel to it and also the face unlocks, I'm really keen to try that as well," Mr. Hannelly said.</p>
<p>Apple began offering advance orders online on Oct. 27, and shipment delays quickly grew to five to six weeks. Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook said Thursday that production of the phone is "going well" but declined to say when supplies would catch up with demand. The company projected record revenue for the current quarter, which Mr. Cook attributed partly to the iPhone X.</p>
<p>The iPhone X is the last in a trio of new phones this year. In September, Apple released the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus with wireless charging and a traditional home button. Mr. Cook said Thursday that forecasting demand for the devices has been challenging but noted that the two iPhone 8s have outsold other models since their release. He said he expects sales to pick up after customers have had a chance to review all three products.</p>
<p>"If we would have shipped all at once, that would have been our preferred scenario, obviously, but we didn't have that choice," Mr. Cook said in an interview. "What we wanted to do was communicate to customers everything at once so they could make their decision to buy now, wait and buy the X, or wait until they can go in and play with all three to decide."</p>
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<p>Past iPhone models featuring new designs, such as the iPhone 6, benefited from what Strategy Analytics analyst Neil Mawston call the "halo effect," where tech-savvy customers buy it immediately and tout it to friends and family, triggering a second wave of purchases. But Mr. Mawston said consumers now suffer from "flagship fatigue" because most smartphones generally "look like a square rectangle these days."</p>
<p>The iPhone X also must overcome supply constraints that follow a series of production challenges, including an imbalance in key components. Strategy Analytics estimated iPhone X sales for the December quarter at less than 30 million units.</p>
<p>"The holiday season is the biggest portion of sales for Apple and the industry, and if you miss that it can be a painful miss sometimes," Mr. Mawston said. "The iPhone 8, in revenue and profit, can't make up for the iPhone X slippage."</p>
<p>In addition to supply constraints, investors and analysts have been eager to see how customers react to the device's $999 starting price. It is the highest-priced major smartphone on the market and costs so much that it is expected to cut into holiday sales of other products at traditional retailers, according to Morgan Stanley.</p>
<p>In China, Apple didn't offer walk-in sales of the iPhones but sold the device to customers with reservations as it has since 2013. About 80 customers lined up outside the Beijing Apple store on Friday morning to pick up their devices, including Tao Ran, a 37-year-old English teacher, who said the pricier device was "still affordable."</p>
<p>"In China, there is a tendency for people to attach attributes to this phone. It's a symbol of wealth, a symbol of high-level living standard," said Mr. Tao, who paid around 20,000 yuan (about $3,000) for two 256-gigabyte iPhone Xs.</p>
<p>Creative Strategies analyst Carolina Milanesi said price likely won't deter most customers, noting that about 45% of average U.S. iPhone owners now pay for their devices with monthly installment plans. For them, the iPhone X would cost $49.91 a month through Apple, about $16 more than an iPhone 8 per month and $27 more than an iPhone 7. In markets like Italy, where people tend to buy phones outright, she expects sales to be softer.</p>
<p>Lines at the Apple Store in Palo Alto, Calif., began forming Tuesday night when David Casarez, a 25-year-old entrepreneur, placed the first chair outside the store. By 6:30 p.m. Thursday, about 60 people had joined him.</p>
<p>The second person in line -- David Eaton, a 58-year-old software product manager -- said about 400 people lined up for the release of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus a year ago, but he expected lines to be shorter this year because the phone is so expensive.</p>
<p>"People have been coming by and saying, 'Do you know you can order it online?'" Mr. Eaton said. "I say, 'Have you ever met people online?' It's about the experience."</p>
<p>--Rachel Pannett and Yoko Kubota contributed to this article.</p>
<p>Write to Tripp Mickle at [email protected]</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>November 03, 2017 00:48 ET (04:48 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | long lines outside apple inc stores around world showed strong initial demand new iphone x analysts said real test would companys ability sustain level interest coming months works supply bottlenecks sales iphone x began friday hundreds customers lined australia singapore aiming among first world get hands expensive iphone ever starting price 999 features including edgetoedge display facialrecognition system wasnt clear many units apple would available firstday sales continue reading apple store central sydney lines snaked around corner midmorning local time despite store opening 8 hour earlier usual cope expected demand gav hannelly 25 years old waited hour spacegray 256gigabyte iphone x mr hannelly worker says bought almost every new iphone soon hit shelves said years model particularly exciting screen totally different feel also face unlocks im really keen try well mr hannelly said apple began offering advance orders online oct 27 shipment delays quickly grew five six weeks apple chief executive tim cook said thursday production phone going well declined say supplies would catch demand company projected record revenue current quarter mr cook attributed partly iphone x iphone x last trio new phones year september apple released iphone 8 8 plus wireless charging traditional home button mr cook said thursday forecasting demand devices challenging noted two iphone 8s outsold models since release said expects sales pick customers chance review three products would shipped would preferred scenario obviously didnt choice mr cook said interview wanted communicate customers everything could make decision buy wait buy x wait go play three decide advertisement past iphone models featuring new designs iphone 6 benefited strategy analytics analyst neil mawston call halo effect techsavvy customers buy immediately tout friends family triggering second wave purchases mr mawston said consumers suffer flagship fatigue smartphones generally look like square rectangle days iphone x also must overcome supply constraints follow series production challenges including imbalance key components strategy analytics estimated iphone x sales december quarter less 30 million units holiday season biggest portion sales apple industry miss painful miss sometimes mr mawston said iphone 8 revenue profit cant make iphone x slippage addition supply constraints investors analysts eager see customers react devices 999 starting price highestpriced major smartphone market costs much expected cut holiday sales products traditional retailers according morgan stanley china apple didnt offer walkin sales iphones sold device customers reservations since 2013 80 customers lined outside beijing apple store friday morning pick devices including tao ran 37yearold english teacher said pricier device still affordable china tendency people attach attributes phone symbol wealth symbol highlevel living standard said mr tao paid around 20000 yuan 3000 two 256gigabyte iphone xs creative strategies analyst carolina milanesi said price likely wont deter customers noting 45 average us iphone owners pay devices monthly installment plans iphone x would cost 4991 month apple 16 iphone 8 per month 27 iphone 7 markets like italy people tend buy phones outright expects sales softer lines apple store palo alto calif began forming tuesday night david casarez 25yearold entrepreneur placed first chair outside store 630 pm thursday 60 people joined second person line david eaton 58yearold software product manager said 400 people lined release iphone 7 7 plus year ago expected lines shorter year phone expensive people coming saying know order online mr eaton said say ever met people online experience rachel pannett yoko kubota contributed article write tripp mickle trippmicklewsjcom end dow jones newswires november 03 2017 0048 et 0448 gmt | 565 |
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<p>Starbucks' (NASDAQ: SBUX) brand perception may have been dented by CEO Howard Schultz's promise to hire 10,000 refugees worldwide, according to a recent YouGov survey. The research firm claims that prior to the announcement in late January, 30% of respondents stated that they would consider visiting a Starbucks the next time they wanted coffee. After the announcement, that percentage dropped to 24%.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Schultz's decision was a direct response to the Trump administration's initial travel ban on citizens of several Muslim-majority countries. In an announcement to employees, Schultz stated that the company "will neither stand by, nor stand silent, as the uncertainty around the new administration's actions grows with each passing day."</p>
<p>Image source: Pixabay.</p>
<p>Schultz declared that Starbucks would hire 10,000 employees in 75 countries over the next five years, and that the efforts would start in the U.S. with foreign nationals who served as interpreters and support personnel for U.S. troops. That statement sparked a firestorm of controversy, with critics claiming that Starbucks favored hiring foreigners instead of unemployed Americans.</p>
<p>Starbucks responded by noting that it launched a similar five-year program to hire 10,000 veterans and military spouses in 2013, but the YouGov survey indicates that the damage was already done. This raises a tough question -- are Schultz's political views becoming an issue for the coffee chain's investors?</p>
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<p>Schultz frequently embraces political controversies. In 2012, Starbucks' support for the legalization of same-sex marriages sparked calls for a boycott. In 2013, Schultz declared Starbucks' U.S. stores gun-free zones -- which resulted in gun-rights activists intentionally bringing firearms to stores during a "Bring Your Gun to Starbucks Day" organized across social media.</p>
<p>In response to the Ferguson riots and deteriorating race relations in the U.S., Starbucks launched the "Race Together" campaign in 2015. The awkwardly conceived campaign gave baristas an option to write "Race Together" on the cups of customers of (presumably) another race to initiate conversations about race relations, but critics on both sides of the political aisle claimed that Starbucks was overstepping its bounds. Starbucks promoted the campaign with full-page ads in U.S. newspapers with the words "Shall We Overcome?" and built its first store in Ferguson, which opened last April.</p>
<p>Image source: Pixabay.</p>
<p>Last year, Starbucks embraced even more controversy with full-page newspaper ads across the U.S. calling for unity in the midst of a divisive election season. The black-and-white ads, which juxtaposed numerous antonyms like "isolation" and "community," stoked less controversy than the Race Together ads, but critics still complained that the coffee giant was commercializing current events.</p>
<p>In 2015, Starbucks launched a red cup for the holidays that eliminated all Christmas-themed ornaments and decorations. That move irritated some Christian groups, but Starbucks doubled down last year with a green cup which replaced all holiday and winter decorations with illustrations of groups of people as a "symbol of unity."</p>
<p>Those moves seem bold, but investors should note that these controversies are all centered in the U.S. -- and its home market now matters less than its rapidly growing business in China and the rest of Asia. The China/APAC region generated 14% of Starbucks' revenues last quarter, compared to 12% in the prior-year quarter and 6% in the first quarter of 2014.</p>
<p>Schultz has repeatedly stated that Starbucks' Chinese market will eventually become bigger than its U.S. market. Last December, Starbucks China CEO Belinda Wong declared that the company was "well positioned to double our scale to 5,000 in over 200 cities" over the next five years. While Schultz might like making big political statements in the U.S., it's doubtful that he'll take out full-page ads in China about Tiananmen Square or Taiwanese independence anytime soon.</p>
<p>Furthermore, most of Starbucks' U.S. stores are concentrated near major cities, which mostly supported Clinton in the election, and roughly half of its customer base is under the age of 40. These facts might indicate that Schultz's liberal views are likely shared by a large portion of the company's customer base, and could even boost customer loyalty within that demographic. Looking at Starbucks' revenue growth over the past five years, it's tough to see how all the aforementioned controversies affected its overall growth:</p>
<p><a href="https://ycharts.com/companies/SBUX/revenues_ttm" type="external">SBUX</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Starbucks isn't the only company to kick the political beehive. Under Armour (NYSE: UA) (NYSE: UAA) CEO Kevin Plank's recent praise of President Trump as a "real asset" to the country backfired badly, alienating customers and prompting sharp rebukes from key spokespeople like Steph Curry, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and Misty Copeland. A humbled Plank later apologized in a full-page newspaper ad, but the comments likely hurt the <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/02/02/4-reasons-to-avoid-under-armour-inc-stock.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">struggling brand's Opens a New Window.</a> perception in the U.S.</p>
<p>Liberals may love Schultz's bold political stances and conservatives probably loathe them, but investors should realize that they're also perhaps thoughtful moves, made with the company's target demographic in mind. Schultz is passionate about the things he believes in, but investors should be comforted by the fact that Schultz's previous political stances have not impeded the company's growth. With Schultz soon to be stepping down from his role as CEO, and with the business facing the realities of operating across the globe, we may see less of these political statements in the future.</p>
<p>Find out why Starbucks 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. Starbucks <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%3Disaeditxt0000450%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6313%26ftm_veh%3Darticle_pitch&amp;impression=b6400ff1-d729-4dcb-9935-896331ef29fa&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&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>
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<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 Starbucks and Under Armour (A and C 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 | starbucks nasdaq sbux brand perception may dented ceo howard schultzs promise hire 10000 refugees worldwide according recent yougov survey research firm claims prior announcement late january 30 respondents stated would consider visiting starbucks next time wanted coffee announcement percentage dropped 24 continue reading schultzs decision direct response trump administrations initial travel ban citizens several muslimmajority countries announcement employees schultz stated company neither stand stand silent uncertainty around new administrations actions grows passing day image source pixabay schultz declared starbucks would hire 10000 employees 75 countries next five years efforts would start us foreign nationals served interpreters support personnel us troops statement sparked firestorm controversy critics claiming starbucks favored hiring foreigners instead unemployed americans starbucks responded noting launched similar fiveyear program hire 10000 veterans military spouses 2013 yougov survey indicates damage already done raises tough question schultzs political views becoming issue coffee chains investors advertisement schultz frequently embraces political controversies 2012 starbucks support legalization samesex marriages sparked calls boycott 2013 schultz declared starbucks us stores gunfree zones resulted gunrights activists intentionally bringing firearms stores bring gun starbucks day organized across social media response ferguson riots deteriorating race relations us starbucks launched race together campaign 2015 awkwardly conceived campaign gave baristas option write race together cups customers presumably another race initiate conversations race relations critics sides political aisle claimed starbucks overstepping bounds starbucks promoted campaign fullpage ads us newspapers words shall overcome built first store ferguson opened last april image source pixabay last year starbucks embraced even controversy fullpage newspaper ads across us calling unity midst divisive election season blackandwhite ads juxtaposed numerous antonyms like isolation community stoked less controversy race together ads critics still complained coffee giant commercializing current events 2015 starbucks launched red cup holidays eliminated christmasthemed ornaments decorations move irritated christian groups starbucks doubled last year green cup replaced holiday winter decorations illustrations groups people symbol unity moves seem bold investors note controversies centered us home market matters less rapidly growing business china rest asia chinaapac region generated 14 starbucks revenues last quarter compared 12 prioryear quarter 6 first quarter 2014 schultz repeatedly stated starbucks chinese market eventually become bigger us market last december starbucks china ceo belinda wong declared company well positioned double scale 5000 200 cities next five years schultz might like making big political statements us doubtful hell take fullpage ads china tiananmen square taiwanese independence anytime soon furthermore starbucks us stores concentrated near major cities mostly supported clinton election roughly half customer base age 40 facts might indicate schultzs liberal views likely shared large portion companys customer base could even boost customer loyalty within demographic looking starbucks revenue growth past five years tough see aforementioned controversies affected overall growth sbux data ycharts opens new window starbucks isnt company kick political beehive armour nyse ua nyse uaa ceo kevin planks recent praise president trump real asset country backfired badly alienating customers prompting sharp rebukes key spokespeople like steph curry dwayne rock johnson misty copeland humbled plank later apologized fullpage newspaper ad comments likely hurt struggling brands opens new window perception us liberals may love schultzs bold political stances conservatives probably loathe investors realize theyre also perhaps thoughtful moves made companys target demographic mind schultz passionate things believes investors comforted fact schultzs previous political stances impeded companys growth schultz soon stepping role ceo business facing realities operating across globe may see less political statements future find starbucks 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 starbucks list opens new window nine others may overlooking click get access full list opens new window stock advisor returns february 6 2017 leo sun opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends starbucks armour c shares motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 641 |
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<p>Image source: Altria.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Though you can rarely say this in investing, it is in fact good to be bad when it comes to so-called "sin stocks" like tobacco stocks. Potential moral qualms aside, tobacco stocks have enjoyed something of a moment of late; many of the largest tobacco stocks have outperformed the S&amp;P 500 over the past year.</p>
<p>So what are some of the top tobacco stocks on the market today? Generally speaking, the 3 best tobacco stocks on the market are Marlboro-maker Altria (NYSE: MO), international cigarette stock Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM), and the second largest tobacco company in the U.S. Reynolds American (NYSE: RAI). Here's a quick snapshot of a few of these tobacco stocks' key metrics.</p>
<p>Data source: Google Finance.</p>
<p>Though similar to a certain degree, the investment outlook for each of the above tobacco stocks is by no means uniform. As such, let's drill deeper into the specific investment rational for Altria, Philip Morris International, and Reynolds American.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>Image source: Altria.</p>
<p>The seminal sin stock, the dizzying performance of Altria over the past 30 years -- <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/02/13/the-extraordinary-story-of-americas-most-successfu.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">more than doubling Opens a New Window.</a> the S&amp;P 500's annual return for three decades -- shows successful investing doesn't require reinventing the wheel. Thanks to its dominant portfolio of cigarette and smokeless tobacco brands including Marlboro, Altria produces consistent annual profits that it passes along to its shareholders. Even with use of tobacco products at a 50-year low, Altria's outlook remains surprisingly favorable.</p>
<p>Today, the average analyst rating for Altria stock remains a buy in large part due to the company's ridiculously profitable margin structure. Thanks to the aforementioned secular declines in smoking rates and tepid overall growth in the U.S., Altria's sales growth outlook isn't impressive. Analysts see its sales this year and next year increase at scant 2.7% and 2.4% rates respectively.</p>
<p>However, its roughly 50% operating margins give it the operating leverage for minuscule sales increases to translate to outsized gains in profit margins, which is exactly the case for Altria. The above sales increases are expected to correspond with EPS growth of 8.9% this year and 9.2% next year. It's this tried-and-true playbook that figures to continue to make Altria a dividend investor's dream well into the foreseeable future.</p>
<p>Image source: Philip Morris International.</p>
<p>Spun off from Altria in 2008, Philip Morris International's exposure to higher-growth emerging markets makes it an extremely popular option among tobacco stocks, particularly today. With the entirety of the company's revenue base lying outside the U.S., the resounding strength of the dollar has hamstrung Philip Morris International's results in recent quarters far more than any operational issues.</p>
<p>As I mentioned in a recent piece on several <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/09/16/3-best-defensive-stocks-to-buy-in-2016.aspx?source=iaasitlnk0000003&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">top defensive stocks Opens a New Window.</a>, foreign exchange headwinds have negatively impacted Philip Morris' results for eight consecutive quarters. All told, the rising U.S. dollar has erased an astounding $6.8 billion from Philip Morris' top line over this period. However, the good news -- and a recent source for analyst upgrades -- is that many expect the U.S. dollar's strength to eventually moderate or reverse. When it does, Philip Morris' incredible economics will once again shine through, which analysts believe could have tremendous benefits to this top tobacco stock's share price.</p>
<p>It's been a fantastic two years for tobacco stock Reynolds American, the second largest cigarette company in the U.S. Thanks in no small part to its savvy acquisition of then-rival Lorillard, Reynolds American's stock has handily outperformed the market by roughly a factor of 10x.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/RAI" type="external">RAI</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>However, the chart also reveals a more recent weakness in Reynolds American stock price, largely the result of a late July earnings miss. Digging deeper into this disappointing earnings report reveals what was, for the most part, an impressive quarter. Sales rose 33% to $3.2 billion thanks to new revenue from Lorillard, but still fell slightly short of analyst's expectations of $3.26 billion. Reynolds's companywide U.S. cigarette market share also increased to 34.5%. Non-GAAP EPS increased from $0.51 to $0.58. Looking at these largely positive figures, it's hard not to chock this earnings "disappointment" up to the myopia that comes with following analysts' expectations to their exact dollars-and-cents amounts. Operationally, things seem to be going quite well at Reynolds American today.</p>
<p>Taking the cigarette stock in its broader context, Reynolds American's stock appears fairly valued but still compelling. Trading at roughly the same forward P/E and forward dividend rates as its slightly larger rival Altria, Reynolds American shares don't necessarily appear patently undervalued. Rather, the tremendous economics of the tobacco industry as a whole should enable the company to continue to experience continued EPS and dividend growth well into the foreseeable future. Leaving the possible moral reservations to each individual, it's hard not to like the compelling financial results tobacco stocks are capable of producing for investors.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTheDude/info.aspx" type="external">Andrew Tonner Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | image source altria continue reading though rarely say investing fact good bad comes socalled sin stocks like tobacco stocks potential moral qualms aside tobacco stocks enjoyed something moment late many largest tobacco stocks outperformed sampp 500 past year top tobacco stocks market today generally speaking 3 best tobacco stocks market marlboromaker altria nyse mo international cigarette stock philip morris international nyse pm second largest tobacco company us reynolds american nyse rai heres quick snapshot tobacco stocks key metrics data source google finance though similar certain degree investment outlook tobacco stocks means uniform lets drill deeper specific investment rational altria philip morris international reynolds american advertisement image source altria seminal sin stock dizzying performance altria past 30 years doubling opens new window sampp 500s annual return three decades shows successful investing doesnt require reinventing wheel thanks dominant portfolio cigarette smokeless tobacco brands including marlboro altria produces consistent annual profits passes along shareholders even use tobacco products 50year low altrias outlook remains surprisingly favorable today average analyst rating altria stock remains buy large part due companys ridiculously profitable margin structure thanks aforementioned secular declines smoking rates tepid overall growth us altrias sales growth outlook isnt impressive analysts see sales year next year increase scant 27 24 rates respectively however roughly 50 operating margins give operating leverage minuscule sales increases translate outsized gains profit margins exactly case altria sales increases expected correspond eps growth 89 year 92 next year triedandtrue playbook figures continue make altria dividend investors dream well foreseeable future image source philip morris international spun altria 2008 philip morris internationals exposure highergrowth emerging markets makes extremely popular option among tobacco stocks particularly today entirety companys revenue base lying outside us resounding strength dollar hamstrung philip morris internationals results recent quarters far operational issues mentioned recent piece several top defensive stocks opens new window foreign exchange headwinds negatively impacted philip morris results eight consecutive quarters told rising us dollar erased astounding 68 billion philip morris top line period however good news recent source analyst upgrades many expect us dollars strength eventually moderate reverse philip morris incredible economics shine analysts believe could tremendous benefits top tobacco stocks share price fantastic two years tobacco stock reynolds american second largest cigarette company us thanks small part savvy acquisition thenrival lorillard reynolds americans stock handily outperformed market roughly factor 10x rai data ycharts opens new window however chart also reveals recent weakness reynolds american stock price largely result late july earnings miss digging deeper disappointing earnings report reveals part impressive quarter sales rose 33 32 billion thanks new revenue lorillard still fell slightly short analysts expectations 326 billion reynoldss companywide us cigarette market share also increased 345 nongaap eps increased 051 058 looking largely positive figures hard chock earnings disappointment myopia comes following analysts expectations exact dollarsandcents amounts operationally things seem going quite well reynolds american today taking cigarette stock broader context reynolds americans stock appears fairly valued still compelling trading roughly forward pe forward dividend rates slightly larger rival altria reynolds american shares dont necessarily appear patently undervalued rather tremendous economics tobacco industry whole enable company continue experience continued eps dividend growth well foreseeable future leaving possible moral reservations individual hard like compelling financial results tobacco stocks capable producing investors 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 andrew tonner 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 | 624 |
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<p>RUSH: Joseph in Edgewater, New Jersey. Hey, Joseph, I’m glad you called. You’re next. How are you doing?</p>
<p>CALLER: Hey, Mr. Limbaugh. I’ve been listening to you since I’ve been in my child booster seat in the back of the car. I’m 20 years old, a Millennial, not the type you would think that would be a Trump supporter, but I am. I have been from the beginning. I just wanted to say one quick thing. As Millennials, you know, we’ve grown up on the internet; we’ve grown up on Twitter. In fact, when Twitter came out, I was still in middle school.</p>
<p>RUSH: Right. It’s like your air and water. I mean, your survival.</p>
<p>CALLER: (chuckles) Exactly. It’s been obviously, you know, called… I’m Latino, but I’m still called the R-word, you know, for everything. You know, I’m a traitor, whatever. Whatever; that’s fine. But so, you know, we’ve grown up on Twitter, and when we were in middle school, we used to do the exact same thing that the president is doing on Twitter now. We used to call people out by name and not say it to their face whatever. And to me, it’s like, especially the Millennials I know that have always supported Trump, he’s acting like we acted back when we were young, and it’s really… Every time I open Twitter I cringe because, man, I know what they’re thinking. They’re thinking the same thing I’m thinking, you know? (chuckles)</p>
<p>RUSH: So you think he’s hurting himself here then with all the tweets?</p>
<p>CALLER: Oh, absolutely. I don’t know about, you know, the older generation, but for the Millennials that have supported him —</p>
<p>RUSH: Yeah?</p>
<p>CALLER: — you know, we’re looking like we’re fighting amongst ourselves. And we are. We’re obviously not all Republicans.</p>
<p>RUSH: I understand what you’re saying, but as far as he’s concerned, he loves it, number one. Number two, I think he looks at it as the only way he can get his side of the story out, given all the fake news. I think your comment may be apropos about the content of the tweets.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: Our last caller… I’m really sorry I ran out of time. But he did great. He got his point in with brevity, which is the soul of wit. He said that he’s 20 years old, and as a Millennial, the kind of tweets that he sees the president doing are the kind of tweets that he and his buddies did in high school, when they’re calling out people. And he said it seems… He doesn’t know how it appears to “the old people” out there, but to… (laughing) To him, it comes across as a little childish or immature.</p>
<p>So I have Trump’s tweets for the last two days, and let’s review these things, and I’ll see if I can pick out the ones that our caller was talking about. Let’s start with — da-da-da-da — his Sunday night tweets. There’s a bunch of ’em, and these tweets, by the way, had to coincide with the appointment of Scaramucci as the new communications director. Scaramucci has said, among many other things, that he just wants to unleash Trump. He wants to let Trump be Trump. Which tells me — ’cause I thought Trump was being Trump all this time.</p>
<p>It tells me that there have been people in there that have been trying to rein Trump in. We don’t know to what degree they’ve been successful. It would appear that they’ve not been very successful because the president continues to say and do things that you would think those trying to rein him in are trying to prevent. Scaramucci says, “I want the guy to be the guy! I want Trump to be who he is,” and a torrent of tweets came off that. Sunday night. “As the phony Russian Witch Hunt continues, two groups are laughing at this excuse for a lost election taking hold, Democrats and Russians!”</p>
<p>Now, I want to reiterate: Trump loves Twitter. He loves doing this. But he also thinks it’s the only way he has to actually get his words out there, in contradiction to the fake news. He’s got plenty of media supporters, but you can’t do interviews every day, all day, all the time. So Twitter is a way to get his own thoughts and his own ideas out there. I think a lot of people that are, you know, not Generation Y, not Millennials, don’t have a problem with it. But this guy said that the Millennials do.</p>
<p>Next Trump tweet: “It’s very sad that Republicans, even some that were carried over the line on my back, do very little to protect their president.” How does that sound to you? (interruption) You love that one? Mr. Snerdley, the Official Program Observer, loves that one. “Very sad that Republicans, even…” I would venture… I should have kept our young Millennial on the line to run through these with him. My guess would be he doesn’t like that one. It sounds too defensive. The guy’s president of the United States. What’s he doing complaining about? Don’t make yourself out to be a victim.</p>
<p>You’re the most powerful man in the world by virtue of the office you hold. Why sound like a victim? “It’s very sad that Republicans, even some that were carried over the line on my back, do very little to protect their president.” Look, I understand the sentiment. I just got through talking about it a half hour ago. The Republican Party has more power than they ever dreamed of having, more power than we ever dreamed they would have. They’re squandering it. They are not using it to advance an agenda.</p>
<p>They’re not using it to defeat an agenda, other than maybe their own president’s. Not all of them. But clearly — and I know people are saying, “Well, the Republican Party today is so diverse; it’s like trying to herd cats.” Are you telling me that we can’t come up with…? See, this I think is the essence of the problem. In my lifetime, we have never faced a larger collection of extreme, radical opposition. I mean, the Democrat Party has become farther left. It’s become more extreme. It has become questionable in its devotion to America as founded.</p>
<p>I’ve never seen anything like this. The Democrat Party’s always had a bunch of extremists in it and their supporters have always been, but they’re unified. The Democrat Party is not all that diverse. My point is that we’ve never had a greater opportunity to contrast what we believe with what they believe. And we’re not even doing that. We’re not even taking the time to inform the American people how destructive the Democrat agenda is. And, by the way, even though they claim they can’t come up with any ideas. They’ve got an agenda.</p>
<p>The problem is they don’t dare be honest about it, but they’ve got one, and their agenda is the total transformation of the United States. And it’s abundantly clear if you just listen to what they say and listen to what they oppose. It is abundantly clear. It is a golden opportunity for education, a golden opportunity to inform people, a golden opportunity to contrast. Never better! There’s never been a better opportunity to we’ve got right now to draw that distinction between what we believe and who they are.</p>
<p>It’s being squandered because there are many people inside the Beltway on our side who doesn’t think that anything is particularly odd right now. They mock the idea that the nation is in crisis. They mock the idea that the future of the country is at stake. They think that’s laughable. Because where they live it may be laughable. Where they live they’re happy to be in the club, even if it means perpetual second place. They’re happy to be there. Their economy is functioning.</p>
<p>They don’t have to deal with many of the problems the rest of the country does, so what could be so bad? They don’t have to deal with the problems of illegal immigration or all these wacko cultural things the left is doing. So, you know, Trump in this tweet says they’re doing very little to protect their president. I understand the sentiment there. Next tweet: “It’s hard to read the Failing New York Times or the Amazon Washington Post because every story/opinion, even if should be positive, is bad!” Well, there’s nothing to argue about. That’s true.</p>
<p>“If Republicans don’t Repeal and Replace the disastrous Obamacare, the repercussions will be far greater than any of them understand!” Now, that’s all true. But I’m just going to have to tell you: Why does the president separate himself from the Republicans on this? I mean, he’s as much a part of getting this across the finish line. This is what presidents do. They bring together different coalitions and they lead the way into moving the agenda forward. Never is it easy. I know as many different factions of the Republican Party exist unifying them as tough.</p>
<p>But the fact of the matter is what’s unique about this is that many in the Republican Party don’t want Trump to succeed. They don’t want his agenda to succeed, even if they support it, because Trump’s an outsider, and they don’t want an outsider to succeed. Insiders, ruling class. I was thinking last night about Angelo Codevilla. <a href="" type="internal">You know that piece is four years old now or maybe seven years old now, the ruling class piece that he wrote in the American Spectator that I came across</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0825305586?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=theofficiw0c2-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0825305586" type="external">He ended up writing a book on the premise, and I wrote the foreword for it</a>, in which he explained to everybody what the establishment is and who they are and what it is that motivates them, what they do to protect themselves. He called them “the ruling class.” We call it “the establishment.” But it was bingo, and we face a lot of things. Many in the president’s own party and all of the Democrats want him to fail simply because he’s not one of them. Even if they approve of the president’s agenda. It’s a unique set of circumstances.</p>
<p>But in that case, it calls for the president to be involved even more. “If Republicans don’t Repeal and Replace the disastrous Obamacare, the repercussions will be far greater than any of them understand!” That’s all true. And I really do believe that if that happens, if nothing happens with Obamacare being repealed, I don’t think President Trump is going to take a majority of the heat, because it’s the Republicans who’ve made these never-ending promises for seven years about this. But even so, the president’s the author of The Art of the Deal, getting things done, supreme negotiator.</p>
<p>Getting these people in a room and making them do what’s right and what’s best according to whatever parameters: the party agenda, the president’s promises, individual members of the Congress and the Senate and their promises. And then he gave a shout-out to Lou Dobbs. “Thank you to @LOUDOBBS for giving the first six months of the Trump Administration an A+. [Supreme Court], reg cutting, Stock M[arket], jobs, border etc. = TRUE!” And then there are five other tweets that happened this morning.</p>
<p>“Drain the Swamp should be changed to Drain the Sewer — it’s actually much worse than anyone ever thought, and it begins with the Fake News!” All true, again, but why is he writing of this stuff as though he’s a bystander? Why is he writing of all this stuff as though he’s an observer? He said he was gonna drain the swamp. Now it’s the sewer. What do you do with plugged sewers? You go out there and get Roto-Rooter! Have you ever hired Roto-Rooter? (interruption) Have you ever needed Roto-Rooter? You know why you need Roto-Rooter?</p>
<p>Well, in addition to all the obvious, you’ve got tree branches that find their way into the sewer lines. You’ve gotta root ’em out of there. It’s an ugly process. The plumber comes in with his snake, his machine, plunges it in there into the plumbing pipe (sound), shhhh’p, starts screwing around in there. The junk that comes out of there, that’s exactly what he’s talking about, rooting out the sewer. But he’s not a bystander in this. You know, fire all of the Obama embeds. Fire the Obama holdovers at the DOJ, the Pentagon, the State Department.</p>
<p>Get rid of the Clinton people who are hanging around the EPA, what have you. He’s not a bystander. He was not elected to be a bystander. I’m not saying he is but the tweets come off could be interpreted that way. “After 1 year of investigation with Zero evidence being found, Chuck Schumer just stated that ‘Democrats should blame ourselves, not Russia.'” (sic) In a sense, that’s true. Chuck You was on the Sunday shows, and he did say that they’ve got an agenda put together. They’re putting together an agenda of ideas to give people a reason to vote for them.</p>
<p>He did allude to fact that they can’t live off Russia alone. But that’s just for consumption on the Sunday show. That doesn’t mean that Pencil Neck Adam Schiff’s gonna shut up. It doesn’t mean that all these people are gonna stop focusing on Russia. This is just Chuck You giving the Democrats cover and giving the media permission to start reporting on the Democrats in ways other than their focus on Russia.</p>
<p>And then he did tweet about Pencil Neck. He said, “Sleazy Adam Schiff, the totally biased Congressman looking into ‘Russia,’ spends all of his time on television pushing the Dem loss excuse!” meaning: Schiff’s on TV all the time blaming Russia for the Democrats having lost the election.</p> | true | 0 | rush joseph edgewater new jersey hey joseph im glad called youre next caller hey mr limbaugh ive listening since ive child booster seat back car im 20 years old millennial type would think would trump supporter beginning wanted say one quick thing millennials know weve grown internet weve grown twitter fact twitter came still middle school rush right like air water mean survival caller chuckles exactly obviously know called im latino im still called rword know everything know im traitor whatever whatever thats fine know weve grown twitter middle school used exact thing president twitter used call people name say face whatever like especially millennials know always supported trump hes acting like acted back young really every time open twitter cringe man know theyre thinking theyre thinking thing im thinking know chuckles rush think hes hurting tweets caller oh absolutely dont know know older generation millennials supported rush yeah caller know looking like fighting amongst obviously republicans rush understand youre saying far hes concerned loves number one number two think looks way get side story given fake news think comment may apropos content tweets break transcript rush last caller im really sorry ran time great got point brevity soul wit said hes 20 years old millennial kind tweets sees president kind tweets buddies high school theyre calling people said seems doesnt know appears old people laughing comes across little childish immature trumps tweets last two days lets review things ill see pick ones caller talking lets start dadadada sunday night tweets theres bunch em tweets way coincide appointment scaramucci new communications director scaramucci said among many things wants unleash trump wants let trump trump tells cause thought trump trump time tells people trying rein trump dont know degree theyve successful would appear theyve successful president continues say things would think trying rein trying prevent scaramucci says want guy guy want trump torrent tweets came sunday night phony russian witch hunt continues two groups laughing excuse lost election taking hold democrats russians want reiterate trump loves twitter loves also thinks way actually get words contradiction fake news hes got plenty media supporters cant interviews every day day time twitter way get thoughts ideas think lot people know generation millennials dont problem guy said millennials next trump tweet sad republicans even carried line back little protect president sound interruption love one mr snerdley official program observer loves one sad republicans even would venture kept young millennial line run guess would doesnt like one sounds defensive guys president united states whats complaining dont make victim youre powerful man world virtue office hold sound like victim sad republicans even carried line back little protect president look understand sentiment got talking half hour ago republican party power ever dreamed power ever dreamed would theyre squandering using advance agenda theyre using defeat agenda maybe presidents clearly know people saying well republican party today diverse like trying herd cats telling cant come see think essence problem lifetime never faced larger collection extreme radical opposition mean democrat party become farther left become extreme become questionable devotion america founded ive never seen anything like democrat partys always bunch extremists supporters always theyre unified democrat party diverse point weve never greater opportunity contrast believe believe even even taking time inform american people destructive democrat agenda way even though claim cant come ideas theyve got agenda problem dont dare honest theyve got one agenda total transformation united states abundantly clear listen say listen oppose abundantly clear golden opportunity education golden opportunity inform people golden opportunity contrast never better theres never better opportunity weve got right draw distinction believe squandered many people inside beltway side doesnt think anything particularly odd right mock idea nation crisis mock idea future country stake think thats laughable live may laughable live theyre happy club even means perpetual second place theyre happy economy functioning dont deal many problems rest country could bad dont deal problems illegal immigration wacko cultural things left know trump tweet says theyre little protect president understand sentiment next tweet hard read failing new york times amazon washington post every storyopinion even positive bad well theres nothing argue thats true republicans dont repeal replace disastrous obamacare repercussions far greater understand thats true im going tell president separate republicans mean hes much part getting across finish line presidents bring together different coalitions lead way moving agenda forward never easy know many different factions republican party exist unifying tough fact matter whats unique many republican party dont want trump succeed dont want agenda succeed even support trumps outsider dont want outsider succeed insiders ruling class thinking last night angelo codevilla know piece four years old maybe seven years old ruling class piece wrote american spectator came across ended writing book premise wrote foreword explained everybody establishment motivates protect called ruling class call establishment bingo face lot things many presidents party democrats want fail simply hes one even approve presidents agenda unique set circumstances case calls president involved even republicans dont repeal replace disastrous obamacare repercussions far greater understand thats true really believe happens nothing happens obamacare repealed dont think president trump going take majority heat republicans whove made neverending promises seven years even presidents author art deal getting things done supreme negotiator getting people room making whats right whats best according whatever parameters party agenda presidents promises individual members congress senate promises gave shoutout lou dobbs thank loudobbs giving first six months trump administration supreme court reg cutting stock market jobs border etc true five tweets happened morning drain swamp changed drain sewer actually much worse anyone ever thought begins fake news true writing stuff though hes bystander writing stuff though hes observer said gon na drain swamp sewer plugged sewers go get rotorooter ever hired rotorooter interruption ever needed rotorooter know need rotorooter well addition obvious youve got tree branches find way sewer lines youve got ta root em ugly process plumber comes snake machine plunges plumbing pipe sound shhhhp starts screwing around junk comes thats exactly hes talking rooting sewer hes bystander know fire obama embeds fire obama holdovers doj pentagon state department get rid clinton people hanging around epa hes bystander elected bystander im saying tweets come could interpreted way 1 year investigation zero evidence found chuck schumer stated democrats blame russia sic sense thats true chuck sunday shows say theyve got agenda put together theyre putting together agenda ideas give people reason vote allude fact cant live russia alone thats consumption sunday show doesnt mean pencil neck adam schiffs gon na shut doesnt mean people gon na stop focusing russia chuck giving democrats cover giving media permission start reporting democrats ways focus russia tweet pencil neck said sleazy adam schiff totally biased congressman looking russia spends time television pushing dem loss excuse meaning schiffs tv time blaming russia democrats lost election | 1,129 |
<p>Federal Reserve officials meeting in July split over the timing of future interest rate increases as they struggled to understand why inflation has been so weak in recent months. But they agreed to soon begin the years-long process of drawing down the central bank's holdings, according to minutes of the July 25-26 meeting released Wednesday after the customary three-week lag.</p>
<p>Sagging inflation led some officials to suggest holding off on raising rates again for now, arguing the Fed "could afford to be patient under current circumstances."</p>
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<p>Others, however, worried that the strong labor market and high stock prices could produce a spurt of inflation above the central bank's 2% target that could be difficult to control. This group cautioned that waiting too long to raise rates "could result in an overshooting of the [Fed's] inflation objective that would likely be costly to reverse," the minutes said.</p>
<p>The minutes could raise doubts about the prospects of another increase in the Fed's benchmark interest rate by year's end. The central bank has raised rates twice this year and penciled in a third rate increase in 2017 as well as three in 2018.</p>
<p>Fed officials have been publically airing their disagreement over the proper course of interest rates since the meeting.</p>
<p>On. Aug. 11, Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan said he wants to see "more evidence" of progress towards the inflation goal before he'll support another rate increase, adding that the current 1% to 1.25% range for the Fed's benchmark short-term interest rate was "appropriate." He spoke a day after Chicago Fed President Charles Evans urged officials to "be very careful in assessing the future [rate] moves."</p>
<p>New York Fed President William Dudley, on the other hand, said in an interview with the Associated Press this week that he "would be in favor of doing another rate hike later this year."</p>
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<p>The split has left markets questioning a third rate increase in 2017. As of Wednesday morning, before the release of the minutes, investors saw a roughly 50% probability the Fed would leave rates unchanged through year's end.</p>
<p>Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen could have a chance to weigh in at the Kansas City Fed's annual economic conference in Jackson Hole, Wyo., later this month.</p>
<p>Fed officials and economists have struggled over the past few years to reconcile booming job growth with weak price pressures. Under standard economic theory, a better labor market would lead to higher wages and consumer prices. That hasn't happened.</p>
<p>Some officials in July said they thought the standard theory "was not particularly useful," while others believed it remained valid. Puzzled policy makers talked through possible explanations for the disconnect, including possible structural changes in the labor market or imprecise data, according to the minutes.</p>
<p>Ms. Yellen,in Congressional testimony last month, said she believed inflation would move back to 2% over the next couple of years.</p>
<p>Data released since the meeting, however, showed inflation continues to weaken while the labor market continues to strengthen. Prices rose 1.4% in June over the previous year, down from 1.5% in May, according to the Fed's preferred inflation gauge. Meanwhile, employers added a healthy 209,000 jobs in July and the unemployment rate ticked down to 4.3%, matching the lowest level in 16 years.</p>
<p>The minutes also indicated that officials were confident their plans to slowly reduce their $4.5 trillion portfolio would run smoothly without disrupting markets. Some officials were ready to announce the start of the portfolio runoff in July but "most preferred to defer that decision until an upcoming meeting" in order to gather more information, the minutes said. Offcicials agreed that they should begin the process "relatively soon."</p>
<p>The Fed next meets on September 19-20. In recent weeks, some Fed officials have said the September meeting would be an appropriate time to begin shrinking the balance sheet.</p>
<p>In the aftermath of the financial crisis, the Fed launched large-scale asset purchase programs that scooped up Treasury and mortgage-backed securities to lower long-term borrowing costs. Today, with the economy on a firmer footing, officials are ready to start unwinding those programs by letting a preset amount of securities mature every month. Officials haven't said when they'll begin or how much they are likely to shrink their portfolio.</p>
<p>Policy makers at the July meeting said they expected market reaction to the portfolio reduction process to be muted. Unwinding the asset purchase programs would "contribute only modestly" to tighter monetary policy, they said.</p>
<p>Economists at Goldman Sachs estimate shrinking the balance sheet will raise 10-year Treasury yields by 0.2 percentage point this year, 0.15 percentage point next year and 0.1 percentage point between 2019 and 2012.</p>
<p>Yields have been historically low in recent years, hovering below 2.3% for the past two weeks.</p>
<p>The July minutes also said that some Fed officials see a waning possibility that the Republican-held Congress and the Trump administration will manage to push through their ambitious plans for a tax overhaul and new infrastructure spending.</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>August 16, 2017 14:15 ET (18:15 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | federal reserve officials meeting july split timing future interest rate increases struggled understand inflation weak recent months agreed soon begin yearslong process drawing central banks holdings according minutes july 2526 meeting released wednesday customary threeweek lag sagging inflation led officials suggest holding raising rates arguing fed could afford patient current circumstances continue reading others however worried strong labor market high stock prices could produce spurt inflation central banks 2 target could difficult control group cautioned waiting long raise rates could result overshooting feds inflation objective would likely costly reverse minutes said minutes could raise doubts prospects another increase feds benchmark interest rate years end central bank raised rates twice year penciled third rate increase 2017 well three 2018 fed officials publically airing disagreement proper course interest rates since meeting aug 11 dallas fed president robert kaplan said wants see evidence progress towards inflation goal hell support another rate increase adding current 1 125 range feds benchmark shortterm interest rate appropriate spoke day chicago fed president charles evans urged officials careful assessing future rate moves new york fed president william dudley hand said interview associated press week would favor another rate hike later year advertisement split left markets questioning third rate increase 2017 wednesday morning release minutes investors saw roughly 50 probability fed would leave rates unchanged years end fed chairwoman janet yellen could chance weigh kansas city feds annual economic conference jackson hole wyo later month fed officials economists struggled past years reconcile booming job growth weak price pressures standard economic theory better labor market would lead higher wages consumer prices hasnt happened officials july said thought standard theory particularly useful others believed remained valid puzzled policy makers talked possible explanations disconnect including possible structural changes labor market imprecise data according minutes ms yellenin congressional testimony last month said believed inflation would move back 2 next couple years data released since meeting however showed inflation continues weaken labor market continues strengthen prices rose 14 june previous year 15 may according feds preferred inflation gauge meanwhile employers added healthy 209000 jobs july unemployment rate ticked 43 matching lowest level 16 years minutes also indicated officials confident plans slowly reduce 45 trillion portfolio would run smoothly without disrupting markets officials ready announce start portfolio runoff july preferred defer decision upcoming meeting order gather information minutes said offcicials agreed begin process relatively soon fed next meets september 1920 recent weeks fed officials said september meeting would appropriate time begin shrinking balance sheet aftermath financial crisis fed launched largescale asset purchase programs scooped treasury mortgagebacked securities lower longterm borrowing costs today economy firmer footing officials ready start unwinding programs letting preset amount securities mature every month officials havent said theyll begin much likely shrink portfolio policy makers july meeting said expected market reaction portfolio reduction process muted unwinding asset purchase programs would contribute modestly tighter monetary policy said economists goldman sachs estimate shrinking balance sheet raise 10year treasury yields 02 percentage point year 015 percentage point next year 01 percentage point 2019 2012 yields historically low recent years hovering 23 past two weeks july minutes also said fed officials see waning possibility republicanheld congress trump administration manage push ambitious plans tax overhaul new infrastructure spending end dow jones newswires august 16 2017 1415 et 1815 gmt | 542 |
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<p>It's looking like 2016 will turn out to be disappointing for Biogen (NASDAQ: BIIB) shareholders. Part of the stock's lackluster performance stemmed from a midstage clinical setback for experimental multiple sclerosis drug opicinumab. The broader slowdown for biotech stocks was another big factor. However, Biogen appears poised to enjoy a much better 2017. Here are three reasons why.</p>
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<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Biogen and partner Ionis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: IONS) expect to launch spinal muscular atropy (SMA) drug Spinraza by early 2017 pending approval. The drug has the potential to be a monster success for the two companies, with analysts projecting peak annual sales of around $2 billion.</p>
<p>Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare disease, and there is no current treatment available. That means Biogen and Ionis should be able to command a premium price, assuming Spinraza wins approval. The drug is expected to list for around $250,000 per year.</p>
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<p>Although AveXis (NASDAQ: AVXS) is also developing a potential SMA treatment, the small biotech is still conducting an early-stage study of the experimental drug while planning a pivotal study.Spinraza also has another advantage in that it can treat all three types of SMA, while AveXis' candidate will target treatment of only patients with type 1.</p>
<p>Another expected product launch could both help and hurt Biogen. Roche (NASDAQOTH: RHHBY) hopes to win regulatory approval for multiple sclerosis drug Ocrevus within the next several days. Biogen stands to reap tiered double-digit royalties from any sales of Ocrevus, but the drug will likely also hurt sales of Biogen's Tysabri.</p>
<p>In May, Biogen announced plans to spin off its hemophilia businessas an independent, publicly traded company by early 2017. The biotech revealed in August that the name of this new company would be Bioverativ.</p>
<p>Bioverativ should have a good shot at success. Third-quarter sales for the two hemophilia drugs that the new company will market, Eloctate and Alprolix, increased 46% and 30% year over year, respectively. The two drugs have combined for sales of over $600 million in the first nine months of 2016.</p>
<p>Biogen shareholders will own a new company with a great growth trajectory. It wouldn't be surprising to see Bioverativ as an acquisition target down the road. The spin-off will also allow Biogen to focus on its core specialty of developing drugs for neurological indications. Wall Street typically loves spin-offs. I suspect this one will be a success.</p>
<p>2017 could be a great year for Biogen's pipeline candidates. There are several possible catalysts next year for the biotech's pipeline.</p>
<p>An early-stage study evaluating BIIB074 in treating chronic facial pain disorder trigeminal neuralgia wraps up in February 2017.A phase 2 study of human monoclonal antibodyBG00011 in treating ideopathic pulmonary fibrosis is scheduled to complete in the summer of next year, with another phase 2 study of the experimental drug in treating lumbosacral radiculopathy finishing in December.</p>
<p>Final data collection for the primary outcome of a phase 2 study of experimental Alzheimer's disease drug E2609 is expected in August of next year. This study is being conducted by Biogen's partner Eisai.Another mid-stage study evaluating Tysabri in treating acute ischemic stroke winds up in July.</p>
<p>What about Biogen's late-stage candidates? Results from a late-stage study of promising Alzheimer's disease treatment aducanumab are still a few years in the future.However, Roche is scheduled to complete data collection for the primary outcome measure for a phase 3 study of Gazyva in treating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in February. Biogen shares U.S. profits of Gazyva.</p>
<p>Biogen's prospects in 2017 depend on a lot of things falling into place. The most important of these is approval and successful launch of Spinraza. Barring a major shocker, I don't think that should be a problem.</p>
<p>I don't foresee any real risks for Biogen's stock performance with the Bioverativ spin-off. However, it's entirely possible that the market yawns instead of showing excitement. Regardless, I think the spin-off is a good move for the long run.</p>
<p>The biggest risks of all are with Biogen's pipeline candidates. There's going to be plenty of activity next year, with the potential for both wins and losses. My view is that the biotech will experience more successes than failures with its pipeline, but there's no way to know for sure.</p>
<p>All that being said, my prediction is that 2017 will be a much better year for Biogen than 2016 has been. Wall Street analysts project a potential upside of over 18% for the stock. That sounds about right to me. Biogen's stock seems set to soar in the new year.</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 owns shares of and recommends Biogen and Ionis Pharmaceuticals. 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 | looking like 2016 turn disappointing biogen nasdaq biib shareholders part stocks lackluster performance stemmed midstage clinical setback experimental multiple sclerosis drug opicinumab broader slowdown biotech stocks another big factor however biogen appears poised enjoy much better 2017 three reasons continue reading image source getty images biogen partner ionis pharmaceuticals nasdaq ions expect launch spinal muscular atropy sma drug spinraza early 2017 pending approval drug potential monster success two companies analysts projecting peak annual sales around 2 billion spinal muscular atrophy rare disease current treatment available means biogen ionis able command premium price assuming spinraza wins approval drug expected list around 250000 per year advertisement although avexis nasdaq avxs also developing potential sma treatment small biotech still conducting earlystage study experimental drug planning pivotal studyspinraza also another advantage treat three types sma avexis candidate target treatment patients type 1 another expected product launch could help hurt biogen roche nasdaqoth rhhby hopes win regulatory approval multiple sclerosis drug ocrevus within next several days biogen stands reap tiered doubledigit royalties sales ocrevus drug likely also hurt sales biogens tysabri may biogen announced plans spin hemophilia businessas independent publicly traded company early 2017 biotech revealed august name new company would bioverativ bioverativ good shot success thirdquarter sales two hemophilia drugs new company market eloctate alprolix increased 46 30 year year respectively two drugs combined sales 600 million first nine months 2016 biogen shareholders new company great growth trajectory wouldnt surprising see bioverativ acquisition target road spinoff also allow biogen focus core specialty developing drugs neurological indications wall street typically loves spinoffs suspect one success 2017 could great year biogens pipeline candidates several possible catalysts next year biotechs pipeline earlystage study evaluating biib074 treating chronic facial pain disorder trigeminal neuralgia wraps february 2017a phase 2 study human monoclonal antibodybg00011 treating ideopathic pulmonary fibrosis scheduled complete summer next year another phase 2 study experimental drug treating lumbosacral radiculopathy finishing december final data collection primary outcome phase 2 study experimental alzheimers disease drug e2609 expected august next year study conducted biogens partner eisaianother midstage study evaluating tysabri treating acute ischemic stroke winds july biogens latestage candidates results latestage study promising alzheimers disease treatment aducanumab still years futurehowever roche scheduled complete data collection primary outcome measure phase 3 study gazyva treating nonhodgkins lymphoma february biogen shares us profits gazyva biogens prospects 2017 depend lot things falling place important approval successful launch spinraza barring major shocker dont think problem dont foresee real risks biogens stock performance bioverativ spinoff however entirely possible market yawns instead showing excitement regardless think spinoff good move long run biggest risks biogens pipeline candidates theres going plenty activity next year potential wins losses view biotech experience successes failures pipeline theres way know sure said prediction 2017 much better year biogen 2016 wall street analysts project potential upside 18 stock sounds right biogens stock seems set soar new year 10 stocks like better biogen 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 biogen wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns nov 7 2016 keith speights opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends biogen ionis pharmaceuticals 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 | 581 |
<p>Within the wild energy market of the world's second-most populous nation, predictions are proving tricky. India had been projected to become a carbon-belching behemoth, fueled by thermal power plants demanding ever more coal for decades to come.</p>
<p>Now, some analysts are saying that may not happen.</p>
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<p>In the last two years, coal consumption has slowed to its lowest level in two decades, even with the economy growing at a steamy 7 percent annual pace. Thermal power plants have been running below full capacity for years and as of June were operating at only 57 percent of total capacity, the lowest level ever.</p>
<p>India is the world's third-largest carbon emitter and relies on coal-fired power plants to produce most of its energy. With a population of 1.3 billion and a fast-industrializing economy, those energy needs had been forecast to soar. So signs that the country's appetite for burning more coal may be close to sated would be welcome news, given fears of a looming escalation in climate-warming carbon emissions.</p>
<p>"India's future coal demand could actually be near flat," said Tim Buckley, the Asia energy finance director for the Cleveland-based Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. "The technology-driven changes are happening faster than predicted."</p>
<p>A similar correction is under way in China, where officials and analysts have had to walk back earlier predictions that its annual coal needs would peak in 2030. Instead, the International Energy Agency says China's coal use — and emissions — topped out in 2013.</p>
<p>The rate of increase in coal consumption in India is now the slowest it's been since 2000, apart from an anomalous 1 percent rate of growth in 2011. Last year, it dropped to 1.5 percent from the decade's average of 6 percent. This year, it's slightly higher at 2.8 percent.</p>
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<p>The slowdown is expected to continue, partly due to manufacturing output dropping to 7.9 percent in fiscal 2016-17, after an average of 9 percent for 2004-08 and a high of 12.3 percent in 2006-07.</p>
<p>But there are other important factors at play, including fast progress in adding renewable energy capacity and new measures to improve energy efficiency.</p>
<p>Buckley lays out a scenario where India's coal consumption might come close to peaking within the next decade, if not sooner. It assumes GDP growth would remain around 7 percent, with growth in electricity demand steady at 6 percent due to slow growth in manufacturing, low profitability of power distribution, and political obstacles to raising rates and ending consumers' electricity subsidies.</p>
<p>Energy Minister Piyush Goyal has pledged to reduce grid transmission losses by going after leakage and theft. Reducing those losses from 24 percent today to 15 percent within a decade, would mean an improvement of about 1 percent each year — meaning India would need just 5 percent more electricity to meet the 6 percent annual pace of growth in demand, if that were the only mitigating factor.</p>
<p>But thanks to plunging costs for solar and wind energy, and high enthusiasm for hydropower, renewable energy generating capacity is expanding by 20 GW a year, toward a goal of 175 GW by 2022. Buckley calculates that could cut annual growth in coal demand further down to as little as 2.5 percent.</p>
<p>By washing coal before it's burned, India's power plants now burn less to produce the same amount of power. India is also now policing rail shipments more rigorously to reduce coal theft. And new plants are required to use so-called supercritical technology that further raises the efficiency of coal burned while also reducing pollution.</p>
<p>Thanks to such efficiency boosting measures, the amount of coal needed to deliver a 6 percent rate of growth in electricity demand will drop even further, and may be near flat, Buckley says.</p>
<p>Other analysts agree the trends are encouraging.</p>
<p>"Energy efficiency in India is moving much faster than anybody thought," said Ajay Mathur, director of The Energy and Research Institute in New Delhi.</p>
<p>So far, India's government and industry officials have said little about these trends. For years, the country argued in global climate talks that it should have the unfettered right to expand its coal power generation to aid its development and raise hundreds of millions of people out of poverty.</p>
<p>"It's a simple matter of not wanting to close those options," said Ashish Fernandez, a coal industry analyst for Greenpeace. "Power companies don't want to jump the gun and abandon coal because they want options. But if you look at investments, almost none of them are talking about building coal-fired power plants."</p>
<p>"The writing is on the wall. We could be looking at peak coal in India within five to 10 years," he said.</p>
<p>India's coal mining giant Coal India Ltd. is already worried. Last month, it hired KPMG to draft a roadmap for its future growth beyond 2030.</p>
<p>The Indian coal sector is at a "cross-roads today," the tender document says. "While it has performed well in the last several years, the potential for performance of the sector needs to be assessed in light of multiple changes in the energy sector."</p>
<p>The company's former chairman, Partha Bhattacharyya, told an energy workshop last month in Singapore that Coal India should be working on finding alternative uses for its coal as demand from the power sector wanes. He noted China is coal to make fertilizers and methanol, and South Africa to make oil and chemicals.</p>
<p>Current forecasts by the International Energy Agency and other analysts say India's coal consumption will climb by 4-5 percent a year through 2030.</p>
<p>The country has only ever used at most 160GW of its 190GW of coal-fired generating capacity, and given current trends, there is no need for any more coal plants for at least 10 years, the government says.</p>
<p>But it plans to continue with 50 GW worth of projects already underway, while retiring some 34 GW in old, heavily polluting plants.</p>
<p>In those 10 years, improved battery technology that would enable weather- and time-dependent solar and wind power to serve as round-the-clock power sources could help reduce coal use further, according to Mathur, of The Energy and Research Institute.</p>
<p>Battery prices have already fallen by two-thirds, he said. If they drop by another 50 percent in the next decade, solar power with battery storage will be cheaper than coal-fired power.</p>
<p>"I've got my fingers, my toes, everything is crossed" for that to happen, Mathur said. "I believe that it will."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Katy Daigle at www.twitter.com/katydaigle .</p> | true | 0 | within wild energy market worlds secondmost populous nation predictions proving tricky india projected become carbonbelching behemoth fueled thermal power plants demanding ever coal decades come analysts saying may happen continue reading last two years coal consumption slowed lowest level two decades even economy growing steamy 7 percent annual pace thermal power plants running full capacity years june operating 57 percent total capacity lowest level ever india worlds thirdlargest carbon emitter relies coalfired power plants produce energy population 13 billion fastindustrializing economy energy needs forecast soar signs countrys appetite burning coal may close sated would welcome news given fears looming escalation climatewarming carbon emissions indias future coal demand could actually near flat said tim buckley asia energy finance director clevelandbased institute energy economics financial analysis technologydriven changes happening faster predicted similar correction way china officials analysts walk back earlier predictions annual coal needs would peak 2030 instead international energy agency says chinas coal use emissions topped 2013 rate increase coal consumption india slowest since 2000 apart anomalous 1 percent rate growth 2011 last year dropped 15 percent decades average 6 percent year slightly higher 28 percent advertisement slowdown expected continue partly due manufacturing output dropping 79 percent fiscal 201617 average 9 percent 200408 high 123 percent 200607 important factors play including fast progress adding renewable energy capacity new measures improve energy efficiency buckley lays scenario indias coal consumption might come close peaking within next decade sooner assumes gdp growth would remain around 7 percent growth electricity demand steady 6 percent due slow growth manufacturing low profitability power distribution political obstacles raising rates ending consumers electricity subsidies energy minister piyush goyal pledged reduce grid transmission losses going leakage theft reducing losses 24 percent today 15 percent within decade would mean improvement 1 percent year meaning india would need 5 percent electricity meet 6 percent annual pace growth demand mitigating factor thanks plunging costs solar wind energy high enthusiasm hydropower renewable energy generating capacity expanding 20 gw year toward goal 175 gw 2022 buckley calculates could cut annual growth coal demand little 25 percent washing coal burned indias power plants burn less produce amount power india also policing rail shipments rigorously reduce coal theft new plants required use socalled supercritical technology raises efficiency coal burned also reducing pollution thanks efficiency boosting measures amount coal needed deliver 6 percent rate growth electricity demand drop even may near flat buckley says analysts agree trends encouraging energy efficiency india moving much faster anybody thought said ajay mathur director energy research institute new delhi far indias government industry officials said little trends years country argued global climate talks unfettered right expand coal power generation aid development raise hundreds millions people poverty simple matter wanting close options said ashish fernandez coal industry analyst greenpeace power companies dont want jump gun abandon coal want options look investments almost none talking building coalfired power plants writing wall could looking peak coal india within five 10 years said indias coal mining giant coal india ltd already worried last month hired kpmg draft roadmap future growth beyond 2030 indian coal sector crossroads today tender document says performed well last several years potential performance sector needs assessed light multiple changes energy sector companys former chairman partha bhattacharyya told energy workshop last month singapore coal india working finding alternative uses coal demand power sector wanes noted china coal make fertilizers methanol south africa make oil chemicals current forecasts international energy agency analysts say indias coal consumption climb 45 percent year 2030 country ever used 160gw 190gw coalfired generating capacity given current trends need coal plants least 10 years government says plans continue 50 gw worth projects already underway retiring 34 gw old heavily polluting plants 10 years improved battery technology would enable weather timedependent solar wind power serve roundtheclock power sources could help reduce coal use according mathur energy research institute battery prices already fallen twothirds said drop another 50 percent next decade solar power battery storage cheaper coalfired power ive got fingers toes everything crossed happen mathur said believe ___ follow katy daigle wwwtwittercomkatydaigle | 671 |
<p>AP</p>
<p>BY: <a href="" type="internal">Bill Gertz</a> December 3, 2014 5:00 am</p>
<p>The communist and racist New Black Panther Party plotted to bomb St. Louis’ Gateway Arch and assassinate local law enforcement officials, but the Justice Department so far has limited its prosecution of the group to an indictment of two members on minor gun charges.</p>
<p>The soft treatment for activities that normally would have brought federal terrorism charges appears to be part of efforts by Attorney General Eric Holder and the Justice Department to "go soft" on the racist group, according to former Justice official J. Christian Adams.</p>
<p>"I have always been perplexed why these guys get special treatment," said Adams, who worked in the Justice Department Civil Rights Division and noted a similar conciliatory legal treatment of New Black Panther Party members in a 2008 case of voter intimidation&#160;by the group in Philadelphia.</p>
<p>Justice Department spokesman Marc Raimondi declined to comment on the Black Panther bomb plot and would not say whether additional charges in the case are pending.</p>
<p>In the earlier case against the Panthers, voter intimidation charges were dropped by the Justice Department against the Panthers, and charges were downgraded against one group member, King Shabazz, in what critics say was an effort to show official favoritism toward the group.</p>
<p>Adams’ 2011 book, "Injustice: Exposing the Racial Agenda of the Obama Justice Department," includes a <a href="http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2011/10/05/pay_no_attention_to_obama_marching_with_the_new_black_panthers" type="external">photograph</a> of then presidential candidate Barack Obama marching in Selma, Alabama, with members of the New Black Panther Party in March 2007.</p>
<p>Two members of the Panthers, Brandon Orlando Baldwin and Olajuwon Ali Davis, were indicted Nov. 19 on federal weapons charges in St. Louis. The two-page indictment, however, made no mention of the bombing or assassination plot. It stated that the two men had made false statements to a Cabela’s sporting goods store in seeking to purchase two .45 caliber pistols.</p>
<p>Adams said he viewed the U.S. attorney’s failure to include the pipe bomb charges in the indictment as a significant omission. The use of pipe bombs in a conspiracy or plot normally would result in filing of federal terrorism charges, he said. "Here, once again, you have Justice giving these guys soft treatment," Adams said in an interview.</p>
<p>St. Louis police spokeswoman Shron Jackson declined to comment on the case and referred questions to the U.S. attorney in St. Louis. The U.S. attorney’s office referred questions to the Justice Department.</p>
<p>"I am not commenting period, other than to relay to you that the only document released by the court is the indictment," said Marc Raimondi, a Justice Department spokesman, adding that he would not confirm or deny that additional charges related to the bomb plot may be pending.</p>
<p>Raimondi did not respond when asked if handling of the St. Louis case indicated that the Justice Department was not pursuing alleged New Black Panther Party criminal activities aggressively.</p>
<p>The Panther plot was uncovered by St. Louis police who apparently had the group under surveillance. According to news reports, New Black Panther Party members discussed using pipe bombs to blow up the Gateway Arch. The plot also called for killing St. Louis County prosecutor Robert McCulloch and Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson, the St. Louis Post Dispatch <a href="http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/alleged-plot-included-bombing-arch-killing-st-louis-county-prosecutor/article_69ddd938-e763-55c1-9c1c-3306725f941e.html" type="external">reported</a> last week, quoting sources close to the investigation.</p>
<p>The newspaper stated that Davis was the leader of the plot and that it called for planting an explosive device in the observation deck at the top of the arch.</p>
<p>Police raided two St. Louis buildings as part of the probe although documents in the case have been sealed. Further charges in the case were expected, the newspaper reported Nov. 27.</p>
<p>The indictment of Baldwin and Davis came three days before the decision by a county grand jury not to indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown. The decision set off burning and looting in Ferguson and racially charged protests around the country.</p>
<p>The New Black Panther Party issued a statement denouncing the gun charges against Baldwin and Davis a "bold faced lie" and "frame up."</p>
<p>"We believe&#160;the charges against Olajuwon Ali [Davis] and Brandon Muhammad [Baldwin] to be trumped up and baseless," the statement said.</p>
<p>Regarding reports the two were linked to plans to blow up the Arch and kill police during the Ferguson racial unrest, the group said the allegations are "totally unfounded" and contrary to New Black Panther Party rules.</p>
<p>"The New Black Panther Party, does not&#160;teach, endorse, or allow its members to commit acts of violence against anyone regardless to the circumstance, unless in imminent danger according to the rules of self-defense," the statement said</p>
<p>If the two members are found guilty of illegal acts, they will be expelled from the party, the statement said.</p>
<p>On the Panther Party, Adams, the former Justice Department official, said: "These people have a visceral hatred of three things: The white man, America, and Jews, and they will do anything they can to destabilize America."</p>
<p>The Party has exploited racial tensions in Ferguson to spread its separatist agenda, Adams said.</p>
<p>Davis, who identified himself as "minister of law" for the New Black Panther Party’s Missouri chapter, told supporters at a rally in October that the shooting of Brown was "not the first … and it won’t be the last, if we do not unite," the Post-Dispatch reported.</p>
<p>"Divided, we lose brothers and sisters," Davis said. "If you do not unite, put aside your difference and unite, you can expect no changes in the future. We must change our minds, our systems and ourselves."</p>
<p>The group is an offshoot of the 1970s radical group the Black Panthers. It began operating in 1990 and the group’s web site contains the statement that the sole purpose of a Black Panther is "to be a revolutionary in the Black/Afrikan People’s liberation struggle, and to mobilize the masses towards self determination."</p>
<p>Adams said the Panthers also called for the seizure of George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, for his role in 2012 shooting of Black teen Trayvon Martin in Florida.</p>
<p>The group also sought to exploit the 2006 claim by a black stripper that she was raped by a group of Duke University lacrosse players. That case eventually fell apart after the accuser was determined to be lying.</p>
<p>According to Adams, the Obama administration has sought to play down the capabilities and threat posed by the group. "The narrative they use is that the group is a bunch of low-level jokers," he said.</p>
<p>An FBI annual report on domestic extremism stated that in October 2013 the New Black Panther Party was planning to set up "a team to conduct online research against and ‘go after’ police officers who shot and injured black males."</p>
<p>The report said black separatist extremists like the New Black Panther Party "seek physical, social, political and economic separation from non-blacks."</p>
<p>"They fund extremist activity through both violent and white collar crimes and target, [U.S. government], military, and law enforcement personnel and facilities in retaliation for alleged oppression and past wrongdoing," the report "2013 National Threat Assessment for Domestic Extremism" says. The report is dated Aug. 13, 2014.</p>
<p>"They have the potential to respond to racially charged social and political events with violence."</p>
<p>The report said black extremists engage in crimes including mortgage fraud, counterfeiting, drug, and weapons trafficking and showed "a desire to form relationships with foreign entities."</p>
<p>The threat posed by black separatist extremists "remained static" in 2012 and 2013. However, the movement could expand this year through leadership charges, support from like-minded extremist groups and "high profile racially charged crimes or events, or certain specific U.S. foreign policy actions," the report said.</p>
<p>"Black separatist extremists may also seek stronger ties with foreign governments in exchange for financial resources," the assessment stated, adding that "barring significant developments," the threat from black extremists would remain low.</p>
<p>An alternative analysis in the report warned that black extremists "could reinitiate violence at historically high levels seen for the movement in the 1970s, when bombings, assassinations, hijackings, and hostage-takings occurred."</p> | true | 0 | ap bill gertz december 3 2014 500 communist racist new black panther party plotted bomb st louis gateway arch assassinate local law enforcement officials justice department far limited prosecution group indictment two members minor gun charges soft treatment activities normally would brought federal terrorism charges appears part efforts attorney general eric holder justice department go soft racist group according former justice official j christian adams always perplexed guys get special treatment said adams worked justice department civil rights division noted similar conciliatory legal treatment new black panther party members 2008 case voter intimidation160by group philadelphia justice department spokesman marc raimondi declined comment black panther bomb plot would say whether additional charges case pending earlier case panthers voter intimidation charges dropped justice department panthers charges downgraded one group member king shabazz critics say effort show official favoritism toward group adams 2011 book injustice exposing racial agenda obama justice department includes photograph presidential candidate barack obama marching selma alabama members new black panther party march 2007 two members panthers brandon orlando baldwin olajuwon ali davis indicted nov 19 federal weapons charges st louis twopage indictment however made mention bombing assassination plot stated two men made false statements cabelas sporting goods store seeking purchase two 45 caliber pistols adams said viewed us attorneys failure include pipe bomb charges indictment significant omission use pipe bombs conspiracy plot normally would result filing federal terrorism charges said justice giving guys soft treatment adams said interview st louis police spokeswoman shron jackson declined comment case referred questions us attorney st louis us attorneys office referred questions justice department commenting period relay document released court indictment said marc raimondi justice department spokesman adding would confirm deny additional charges related bomb plot may pending raimondi respond asked handling st louis case indicated justice department pursuing alleged new black panther party criminal activities aggressively panther plot uncovered st louis police apparently group surveillance according news reports new black panther party members discussed using pipe bombs blow gateway arch plot also called killing st louis county prosecutor robert mcculloch ferguson police chief tom jackson st louis post dispatch reported last week quoting sources close investigation newspaper stated davis leader plot called planting explosive device observation deck top arch police raided two st louis buildings part probe although documents case sealed charges case expected newspaper reported nov 27 indictment baldwin davis came three days decision county grand jury indict ferguson police officer darren wilson shooting death michael brown decision set burning looting ferguson racially charged protests around country new black panther party issued statement denouncing gun charges baldwin davis bold faced lie frame believe160the charges olajuwon ali davis brandon muhammad baldwin trumped baseless statement said regarding reports two linked plans blow arch kill police ferguson racial unrest group said allegations totally unfounded contrary new black panther party rules new black panther party not160teach endorse allow members commit acts violence anyone regardless circumstance unless imminent danger according rules selfdefense statement said two members found guilty illegal acts expelled party statement said panther party adams former justice department official said people visceral hatred three things white man america jews anything destabilize america party exploited racial tensions ferguson spread separatist agenda adams said davis identified minister law new black panther partys missouri chapter told supporters rally october shooting brown first wont last unite postdispatch reported divided lose brothers sisters davis said unite put aside difference unite expect changes future must change minds systems group offshoot 1970s radical group black panthers began operating 1990 groups web site contains statement sole purpose black panther revolutionary blackafrikan peoples liberation struggle mobilize masses towards self determination adams said panthers also called seizure george zimmerman neighborhood watch volunteer role 2012 shooting black teen trayvon martin florida group also sought exploit 2006 claim black stripper raped group duke university lacrosse players case eventually fell apart accuser determined lying according adams obama administration sought play capabilities threat posed group narrative use group bunch lowlevel jokers said fbi annual report domestic extremism stated october 2013 new black panther party planning set team conduct online research go police officers shot injured black males report said black separatist extremists like new black panther party seek physical social political economic separation nonblacks fund extremist activity violent white collar crimes target us government military law enforcement personnel facilities retaliation alleged oppression past wrongdoing report 2013 national threat assessment domestic extremism says report dated aug 13 2014 potential respond racially charged social political events violence report said black extremists engage crimes including mortgage fraud counterfeiting drug weapons trafficking showed desire form relationships foreign entities threat posed black separatist extremists remained static 2012 2013 however movement could expand year leadership charges support likeminded extremist groups high profile racially charged crimes events certain specific us foreign policy actions report said black separatist extremists may also seek stronger ties foreign governments exchange financial resources assessment stated adding barring significant developments threat black extremists would remain low alternative analysis report warned black extremists could reinitiate violence historically high levels seen movement 1970s bombings assassinations hijackings hostagetakings occurred | 835 |
<p>The decision to extend negotiations over the North American Free Trade Agreement into next spring will inject trade into the middle of political campaigns in the U.S. and Mexico next year, and may complicate efforts to sign and ratify a new version of the pact.</p>
<p>The U.S., Canada and Mexico said Tuesday that they would take a longer-than-expected pause in the talks and allow negotiations to run through the first quarter of 2018, extending a previous goal of wrapping up a deal around the end of the year.</p>
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<p>The Trump administration has proposed several provisions that would weaken Nafta, generating opposition from the U.S. business community and Canadian and Mexican officials, but support from labor leaders.</p>
<p>Those battle lines are expected to harden in next year's campaigns, pitting those, like President Donald Trump, who blame trade pacts for the loss of jobs in the U.S., against well-funded, business-backed candidates who support free trade and will point to ways that it benefits their constituents.</p>
<p>The talks have already inflamed politics in Mexico, which has presidential and congressional elections next year. A leftist candidate, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, is seeking to succeed President Enrique Peña Nieto and has called for Nafta to be renegotiated by whoever wins next summer's vote. Canada's Liberal government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, faces no immediate political risks from the delay as it doesn't face re-election until 2019.</p>
<p>In the U.S., the 2016 presidential and congressional races showed just how potent trade can be as a campaign issue. Then-candidate Trump made opposition to Nafta a centerpiece of his campaign, calling the pact a "disaster" and insisting he would withdraw from it or renegotiate it. He also opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a deal negotiated under Barack Obama. Hillary Clinton went against her party's incumbent in opposing the TPP.</p>
<p>A deal in March would require lawmakers facing reelection to make a quick decision about whether to support Mr. Trump's brand of trade policy -- closer to that of unions and many Democrats -- or more traditional free-trade policies backed by most Republican lawmakers, business groups and a smaller group of Democrats. Congress would have to ratify any renegotiated agreement, assuming there is one.</p>
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<p>"The later this deal gets pushed into the election year, the more complicated it gets for politicians," said Scott Reed, senior political strategist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "Congress does not want to deal with this in an election season." he said.</p>
<p>Lobbyists and trade experts following the talks say Mr. Trump, like previous presidents, will need to rely mostly on GOP lawmakers to pass any Nafta overhaul. A Nafta deal reached in March would lead to a vote as early as in September or October, on the eve of the November elections, due to delays built into "fast track" legislation that pave the way for the passage of trade pacts.</p>
<p>"We have a real opportunity to improve Nafta, but to achieve that, the administration must work with Congress and stakeholders to reach a unified U.S. position," Sen. Orrin Hatch (R., Utah), the chairman of the Senate committee that oversees trade, said Tuesday in a statement. "I have concerns that some recent proposals by the United States and Canada would have the opposite effect and wouldn't pass Congress."</p>
<p>The trade issue, analysts said, is likely to resonate most in the industrial Midwestern states where Mr. Trump's message that bad trade deals were to blame for the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs helped propel him to victory. Trade could also come into play in border states favoring free trade and in agricultural areas worried that changes in Nafta -- or a withdrawal -- could hurt their exports.</p>
<p>The issue could put Republicans in the position of having to make a complicated choice between free-trade policy backed by the Chamber of Commerce -- a heavy spender in election seasons -- and Mr. Trump's "America first" policy, analysts say. Former White House aide Steve Bannon, a leading skeptic of existing U.S. trade agreements, has vowed to back alternatives to the traditional Republicans running for re-election to the Senate next year.</p>
<p>Still, the outlook for Nafta is unpredictable and could weigh on the election in several different ways. For example, Mr. Trump could send notice during the election season that he intends to withdraw from Nafta as a pressure tactic to win a deal with Canada and Mexico or to convince lawmakers to vote for his deal. Lawmakers could condone such a step or rally to challenge his authority to exit from the pact without a nod from Congress.</p>
<p>U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer told reporters Tuesday at the end of the fourth round of Nafta talks that the delay wouldn't have an effect on Mexico's politics until "maybe sometime in March." He didn't comment on the political implications of the delay in the U.S.</p>
<p>In Mexico, recent opinion polls give Mr. Lopez Obrador, a left-leaning nationalist, about a third of the vote, well ahead of possible contenders. That is roughly the same as his tally against Mr. Peña Nieto in 2012, when he placed second. None of the other political parties have yet selected a candidate.</p>
<p>President Peña Nieto said this week that his ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, will decide on its standard-bearer by mid-December. Among the party's current front runners are is Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio Chong and Finance Minister Jose Antonio Meade, a respected economist and lawyer who has no electoral experience.</p>
<p>The conservative National Action Party, a business friendly party that held the presidency for the first dozen years of this century, has been bitterly divided in seeking its candidate. Margarita Zavala, wife of former President Felipe Calderon, resigned from the party this month to seek the presidency as an independent.</p>
<p>Both the PRI and National Action are strongly pro-Nafta and promote free market policies.</p>
<p>While he hasn't outright condemned Nafta, Mr. Lopez Obrador has criticized many of the market-friendly policies adopted in Mexico since the treaty was signed in the early 1990s. He has called for Nafta to be renegotiated by whomever wins next summer's vote.</p>
<p>Should the Nafta talks collapse -- or Mexico be seen as getting a raw deal in any agreement -- Mr. Lopez Obrador will prove the biggest beneficiary, said Federico Estevez, a political analyst at ITAM, a Mexico City university that has educated many of Mexico's elite.</p>
<p>The outcome could have an effect in Canada in 2019, but analysts say Mr. Trudeau could find cover however it comes out.</p>
<p>"If Trudeau is successful in renegotiating a modern Nafta, then it's a big win," said Nik Nanos, head of Ottawa-based polling firm Nanos Research. "But if he's not successful, he has Donald Trump as the political fall guy."</p>
<p>--Paul Vieira in Ottawa contributed to this article.</p>
<p>Write to William Mauldin at [email protected] and Dudley Althaus at [email protected]</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>October 18, 2017 16:40 ET (20:40 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | decision extend negotiations north american free trade agreement next spring inject trade middle political campaigns us mexico next year may complicate efforts sign ratify new version pact us canada mexico said tuesday would take longerthanexpected pause talks allow negotiations run first quarter 2018 extending previous goal wrapping deal around end year continue reading trump administration proposed several provisions would weaken nafta generating opposition us business community canadian mexican officials support labor leaders battle lines expected harden next years campaigns pitting like president donald trump blame trade pacts loss jobs us wellfunded businessbacked candidates support free trade point ways benefits constituents talks already inflamed politics mexico presidential congressional elections next year leftist candidate andres manuel lopez obrador seeking succeed president enrique peña nieto called nafta renegotiated whoever wins next summers vote canadas liberal government led prime minister justin trudeau faces immediate political risks delay doesnt face reelection 2019 us 2016 presidential congressional races showed potent trade campaign issue thencandidate trump made opposition nafta centerpiece campaign calling pact disaster insisting would withdraw renegotiate also opposed transpacific partnership deal negotiated barack obama hillary clinton went partys incumbent opposing tpp deal march would require lawmakers facing reelection make quick decision whether support mr trumps brand trade policy closer unions many democrats traditional freetrade policies backed republican lawmakers business groups smaller group democrats congress would ratify renegotiated agreement assuming one advertisement later deal gets pushed election year complicated gets politicians said scott reed senior political strategist us chamber commerce congress want deal election season said lobbyists trade experts following talks say mr trump like previous presidents need rely mostly gop lawmakers pass nafta overhaul nafta deal reached march would lead vote early september october eve november elections due delays built fast track legislation pave way passage trade pacts real opportunity improve nafta achieve administration must work congress stakeholders reach unified us position sen orrin hatch r utah chairman senate committee oversees trade said tuesday statement concerns recent proposals united states canada would opposite effect wouldnt pass congress trade issue analysts said likely resonate industrial midwestern states mr trumps message bad trade deals blame loss us manufacturing jobs helped propel victory trade could also come play border states favoring free trade agricultural areas worried changes nafta withdrawal could hurt exports issue could put republicans position make complicated choice freetrade policy backed chamber commerce heavy spender election seasons mr trumps america first policy analysts say former white house aide steve bannon leading skeptic existing us trade agreements vowed back alternatives traditional republicans running reelection senate next year still outlook nafta unpredictable could weigh election several different ways example mr trump could send notice election season intends withdraw nafta pressure tactic win deal canada mexico convince lawmakers vote deal lawmakers could condone step rally challenge authority exit pact without nod congress us trade representative robert lighthizer told reporters tuesday end fourth round nafta talks delay wouldnt effect mexicos politics maybe sometime march didnt comment political implications delay us mexico recent opinion polls give mr lopez obrador leftleaning nationalist third vote well ahead possible contenders roughly tally mr peña nieto 2012 placed second none political parties yet selected candidate president peña nieto said week ruling institutional revolutionary party pri decide standardbearer middecember among partys current front runners interior minister miguel angel osorio chong finance minister jose antonio meade respected economist lawyer electoral experience conservative national action party business friendly party held presidency first dozen years century bitterly divided seeking candidate margarita zavala wife former president felipe calderon resigned party month seek presidency independent pri national action strongly pronafta promote free market policies hasnt outright condemned nafta mr lopez obrador criticized many marketfriendly policies adopted mexico since treaty signed early 1990s called nafta renegotiated whomever wins next summers vote nafta talks collapse mexico seen getting raw deal agreement mr lopez obrador prove biggest beneficiary said federico estevez political analyst itam mexico city university educated many mexicos elite outcome could effect canada 2019 analysts say mr trudeau could find cover however comes trudeau successful renegotiating modern nafta big win said nik nanos head ottawabased polling firm nanos research hes successful donald trump political fall guy paul vieira ottawa contributed article write william mauldin williammauldinwsjcom dudley althaus dudleyalthauswsjcom end dow jones newswires october 18 2017 1640 et 2040 gmt | 707 |
<p>Roger Cohen of The NY Times was one of the worst cheerleaders of the Islamist takeover of Egypt.</p>
<p>On <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/04/opinion/04iht-edcohen04.html?nl=todaysheadlines&amp;emc=tha212" type="external">February 3, 2011</a>, Cohen already was framing concerns about Islamist influence in the revolution as a right-wing and Israeli distraction:</p>
<p>Already we hear the predictable warnings from Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu: This could be Iran 1979, a revolution for freedom that installs the Islamists. But this is not 1979, and Egypt’s Facebook-adept youth are not lining up behind the Muslim Brotherhood, itself scarcely a band of fanatics.</p>
<p>On February 15, 2011, I addressed Cohen’s deliberate trivialization of the anti-Semitism and anti-Westernism emerging on the streets of Cairo, <a href="" type="internal">Who’s Afraid Of The “Arab Street”?</a>:</p>
<p>In the wake of the overthrow of Hosni Mubarek, we have heard much praise for the “Arab Street,” including by Roger Cohen writing in <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/14/opinion/14cohen.html?_r=1&amp;hp" type="external">The New York Times</a> two days ago:</p>
<p>In the Middle East you expect the worst. But having watched Egypt’s extraordinary civic achievement in building the coalition that ousted Mubarak, having watched Tahrir Square become cooperation central, and having watched the professionalism of the Egyptian army, I’m convinced the country has what it takes to build a decent, representative society — one that gives the lie to all the stereotypes associated with that dismissive shorthand “The Arab Street.”</p>
<p>In fact, post-Tahrir, let’s retire that phrase.</p>
<p>Let’s not retire the phrase.</p>
<p>There is a reason Jews in particular fear the “Arab Street” and that fear has not gone away, as this recent video of “death to the Jews” being chanted outside a synagogue in Tunisia shows:</p>
<p />
<p>The use of the term “Arab Street” has nothing to do with those in the Arab world who preach tolerance and want peace. Those demonstrators should be praised. Unfortunately, those with a Western bent never seem to control the street for long.</p>
<p>The “Arab Street” is bad enough when it is marching outside a synagogue in a country which has few Jews left.</p>
<p>If the “Arab Street” takes over the largest military in the Arab world bordering Israel, I wonder if Roger Cohen still will be singing its praises.</p>
<p>Everything which is taking place this week in the Muslim world was forseeable in February 2011 on the streets of Tunis, in the sexual assault on <a href="" type="internal">Lara Logan</a> just after Cohen’s column (chanting <a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/news/international/cbs_reporter_cairo_nightmare_pXiUVvhwIDdCrbD95ybD5N" type="external">Jew! Jew!</a>), in the <a href="" type="internal">million people</a> who greeted an anti-Semitic cleric in Cairo, and in the <a href="" type="internal">rapid elimination</a> within weeks of the <a href="" type="internal">Google Guy</a> from the revolutionary stage.</p>
<p>Cohen was far from alone, as the <a href="" type="internal">media in general</a> whitewashed the gathering storm, but the writers and editors of The NY Times were among the <a href="" type="internal">most aggressive</a> in this regard, distorting the backgrounds of those involved and the <a href="" type="internal">false promises</a> of the Muslim Brotherhood not to run a candidate for President.</p>
<p>Despite all we know now,&#160;Cohen still is peddling his false narrative that the Islamists are the victims of a right-wing American and Israeli&#160;smear.</p>
<p>In a column on September 13, 2012, Cohen again made excuses for the Islamists, blamed Republican bigotry, and even implicated the Israelis after it was pretty clear the creator of the movie at issue was not Israeli or Jewish.&#160; <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/14/opinion/roger-cohen-chris-stevens-in-benghazi.html?_r=1&amp;n=Top%2fNews%2fWorld%2fColumns%2fRoger%20Cohen" type="external">Our Man in Benghazi</a>:</p>
<p>The makers, funders and promoters of the video, called “Innocence of Muslims,” represent the worst of an American bigotry whose central tenet is that Islam is evil, a religion bent on the takeover of the world and followed by people who are all violent extremists, Jew-haters and sexual predators.</p>
<p>The movie, a procession of insults to Muslims against a background of comically flimsy sets, is of a piece with the ideology, praised at times by Republicans including Newt Gingrich, that has sought to portray Shariah law as a mortal threat to America, perceived stealth jihadists knocking at every door from Phoenix to Peoria, and worked hard to persuade the world that Barack Obama is a Muslim.</p>
<p>Whoever made the film — it was uploaded to YouTube in July by somebody calling himself Sam Bacile and identifying himself as an Israeli-American real estate developer — was driven by the visceral loathing of Islam that forms a significant current in post-9/11 right-wing thinking in the United States.</p>
<p>Is Cohen really so naive that he doesn’t see that the film was a pretext, not a reason for the current violence?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2012/09/15/the_reign_of_imagination_115453.html" type="external">Caroline Glick</a> points out the obvious:</p>
<p>A word about the much mentioned film about Muhammad is in order. The film was apparently released about a year ago. It received little notice until last month when a Salafi television station in Egypt broadcast it.</p>
<p>In light of the response, the purpose of the broadcast was self-evident. The broadcasters screened the film to incite anti-American violence.</p>
<p>Had they not been interested in attacking the US, they would not have screened the film.</p>
<p>They sought a pretext for attacking America. If the film had never been created, they would have found another – equally ridiculous – pretext.</p>
<p>Cohen goes on to blame Romney as the great danger to the United States for criticizing as inappropriate an Embassy statement which the White House has acknowledged was inappropriate:</p>
<p>Even coming from a man who on a brief trip abroad in late July lost no opportunity to put his foot in his mouth, blundering into squabbles with the British and the Palestinians, this was heavy-handed. In fact, to use Romney’s word, it was disgraceful.</p>
<p>The Obama administration never expressed sympathy for the assailants. It never apologized for American values. What the Cairo embassy did, as violence brewed in the Egyptian capital and well before the Benghazi attack, was to condemn “actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others” — specifically Muslims.</p>
<p>Few people have been as dangerously wrong as Cohen. Few people who have been as dangerously wrong as Cohen are more proud of it.</p>
<p>In my prior post in February 2011, linked above, I asked</p>
<p>“If the “Arab Street” takes over the largest military in the Arab world bordering Israel, I wonder if Roger Cohen still will be singing its praises.”</p>
<p>We now know the answer.</p> | true | 0 | roger cohen ny times one worst cheerleaders islamist takeover egypt february 3 2011 cohen already framing concerns islamist influence revolution rightwing israeli distraction already hear predictable warnings israels prime minister benjamin netanyahu could iran 1979 revolution freedom installs islamists 1979 egypts facebookadept youth lining behind muslim brotherhood scarcely band fanatics february 15 2011 addressed cohens deliberate trivialization antisemitism antiwesternism emerging streets cairo whos afraid arab street wake overthrow hosni mubarek heard much praise arab street including roger cohen writing new york times two days ago middle east expect worst watched egypts extraordinary civic achievement building coalition ousted mubarak watched tahrir square become cooperation central watched professionalism egyptian army im convinced country takes build decent representative society one gives lie stereotypes associated dismissive shorthand arab street fact posttahrir lets retire phrase lets retire phrase reason jews particular fear arab street fear gone away recent video death jews chanted outside synagogue tunisia shows use term arab street nothing arab world preach tolerance want peace demonstrators praised unfortunately western bent never seem control street long arab street bad enough marching outside synagogue country jews left arab street takes largest military arab world bordering israel wonder roger cohen still singing praises everything taking place week muslim world forseeable february 2011 streets tunis sexual assault lara logan cohens column chanting jew jew million people greeted antisemitic cleric cairo rapid elimination within weeks google guy revolutionary stage cohen far alone media general whitewashed gathering storm writers editors ny times among aggressive regard distorting backgrounds involved false promises muslim brotherhood run candidate president despite know now160cohen still peddling false narrative islamists victims rightwing american israeli160smear column september 13 2012 cohen made excuses islamists blamed republican bigotry even implicated israelis pretty clear creator movie issue israeli jewish160 man benghazi makers funders promoters video called innocence muslims represent worst american bigotry whose central tenet islam evil religion bent takeover world followed people violent extremists jewhaters sexual predators movie procession insults muslims background comically flimsy sets piece ideology praised times republicans including newt gingrich sought portray shariah law mortal threat america perceived stealth jihadists knocking every door phoenix peoria worked hard persuade world barack obama muslim whoever made film uploaded youtube july somebody calling sam bacile identifying israeliamerican real estate developer driven visceral loathing islam forms significant current post911 rightwing thinking united states cohen really naive doesnt see film pretext reason current violence caroline glick points obvious word much mentioned film muhammad order film apparently released year ago received little notice last month salafi television station egypt broadcast light response purpose broadcast selfevident broadcasters screened film incite antiamerican violence interested attacking us would screened film sought pretext attacking america film never created would found another equally ridiculous pretext cohen goes blame romney great danger united states criticizing inappropriate embassy statement white house acknowledged inappropriate even coming man brief trip abroad late july lost opportunity put foot mouth blundering squabbles british palestinians heavyhanded fact use romneys word disgraceful obama administration never expressed sympathy assailants never apologized american values cairo embassy violence brewed egyptian capital well benghazi attack condemn actions abuse universal right free speech hurt religious beliefs others specifically muslims people dangerously wrong cohen people dangerously wrong cohen proud prior post february 2011 linked asked arab street takes largest military arab world bordering israel wonder roger cohen still singing praises know answer | 551 |
<p>Finding a great dividend stock is about more than just finding the stock with the biggest yield. Sure, when dividends are your focus, the <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/dividend-yield.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=4433c6b4-8e4f-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">dividend yield Opens a New Window.</a> is the most important metric. But there are a number of other factors to consider.</p>
<p>For example, you might find a stock paying a great dividend today. But if the company isn't generating the free cash flow it needs to fund its dividend, it might be forced to cut its dividend tomorrow. (In which case, you'll be stuck owning a not-so-great dividend stock -- and probably one whose stock price is plummeting, as other investors flee the falling dividend).</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Of course, if falling dividends are bad, then growing dividends must be good. In that case, you might also look into a dividend stock's <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/what-is-the-payout-ratio.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=4433c6b4-8e4f-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">payout ratio Opens a New Window.</a>. This metric expresses, as a percentage, the dividends a company pays relative to the earnings it uses to pay them. A stock with a 100% payout ratio may be "maxed out" and financially incapable of growing its dividend. Conversely, a dividend stock with a payout ratio of 50% might still have room to grow its dividend over time.</p>
<p>Analyst projections for rising earnings are another indicator that over time, a stock that pays a good dividend today might pay an even better dividend tomorrow.</p>
<p>With these considerations in mind, I've drawn up a screen on free stock screening website&#160; <a href="http://finviz.com/screener.ashx?v=161&amp;f=cap_midover,fa_div_o3,fa_estltgrowth_pos,fa_payoutratio_u70,fa_pfcf_o5&amp;ft=4" type="external">finviz.com Opens a New Window.</a>. I've instructed it to search for reasonably large, established companies ($2 billion in market cap and up) that:</p>
<p>The following are three stocks that appear to fit the bill. Go ahead -- give them a look and see if you agree.</p>
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<p>Our first stock to look at today is a name you'll be very familiar with: Intel (NASDAQ: INTC). The biggest name in computer chips worldwide, Intel is probably "inside" your laptop computer right now.</p>
<p>Priced at just 15 times earnings, Intel is so big that its fastest growth days are behind it. Still, analysts quoted on <a href="http://marketintelligence.spglobal.com/" type="external">S&amp;P Global Market Intelligence Opens a New Window.</a> expect Intel to grow earnings at a respectable 7.5% annual rate over the next five years, helped by recent big acquisitions of companies like Altera (programmable chips that are particularly useful for building the <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/06/05/why-is-intel-corporation-paying-167-billion-for-al.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=4433c6b4-8e4f-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Internet of Things Opens a New Window.</a>) in 2015, and Mobileye ( <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/17/why-intel-is-paying-153-billion-to-acquire-mobiley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=4433c6b4-8e4f-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">autonomous driving tech Opens a New Window.</a>) earlier this year. Combined with a big 3.1% dividend yield (one full percentage point richer than the S&amp;P 500 average), Intel's total return (dividends plus earnings growth) should average better than 10% annually over the next five years.</p>
<p>Math wizards will be quick to point out that Intel's anticipated 10.6% total return still only gives the stock a 1.4 total return ratio (P/E divided by the sum of dividends and earnings growth), which, while not exorbitant, still isn't particularly cheap. Can an investor do better?</p>
<p>Perhaps you can, by buying Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) instead.</p>
<p>Still one of the biggest names in internet tech, Cisco has morphed into a slow-growth company as well, with analysts pegging the company for only 5.5% long-term growth. Cisco's richer dividend yield (3.7%) helps to make up for the slower growth. Plus, being less acquisitive than Intel of late, Cisco sports stronger financials. Whereas Intel's buying spree has left it with $6 billion more debt than cash on its balance sheet, Cisco today boasts cash and equivalents of $31.7 billion versus total debt of just $18.6 billion -- $13.1 billion more cash than debt.</p>
<p>Cisco also scores higher than Intel on quality of earnings. Over the past 12 months, Intel reported $12.7 billion in GAAP net income, but its actual free cash flow was only $11.8 billion. That is, for every $1 in "accounting profits" Intel reported, it generated cash profits of only $0.93. In contrast, Cisco's $12.9 billion in trailing free cash flow exceeded reported net income by 34%.</p>
<p>Translation: Cisco may look more expensive than Intel, but Cisco is cheaper than it looks.</p>
<p>Switching gears from tech to life insurance, we now cross the Atlantic to visit Dutch life insurance giant Aegon N.V. (NYSE: AEG). Why make the trip? Because Aegon N.V. is one very cheap value stock -- and a rich dividend payer to boot.</p>
<p>With $1.9 billion in trailing net income, Aegon stock costs only 6.1 times trailing earnings, yet S&amp;P data show the stock growing at 13% annually over the next five years. Even if that growth doesn't come in as strongly as expected, Aegon investors can rest easy. The company's 5.5% dividend yield is almost big enough to justify the stock's valuation -- with or without earnings growth.</p>
<p>Why is Aegon stock so cheap? Well, its return on equity isn't great at just 6.4%, which is subpar for a life insurer. (Rival Prudential scores 7.7% on this metric, while <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2016/10/08/5-top-life-insurance-stocks-to-buy-in-2016.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=4433c6b4-8e4f-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">a good insurer Opens a New Window.</a> like Lincoln National or Torchmark can earn an ROE as high as 9% to 11%). Then again, at a price-to-book value ratio of just 0.4, Aegon sells for a valuation half of what Lincoln or Torchmark costs.</p>
<p>I think that between its cheap price and rich dividend yield, Aegon just might be one of the best dividend stocks on the market today.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Cisco SystemsWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=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=d1f10adb-f3a0-42bd-9fcd-8f1fb8614154&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=4433c6b4-8e4f-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Cisco Systems wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of August 1, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFDitty/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=4433c6b4-8e4f-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Rich Smith Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Cisco Systems and Intel. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=4433c6b4-8e4f-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | finding great dividend stock finding stock biggest yield sure dividends focus dividend yield opens new window important metric number factors consider example might find stock paying great dividend today company isnt generating free cash flow needs fund dividend might forced cut dividend tomorrow case youll stuck owning notsogreat dividend stock probably one whose stock price plummeting investors flee falling dividend continue reading course falling dividends bad growing dividends must good case might also look dividend stocks payout ratio opens new window metric expresses percentage dividends company pays relative earnings uses pay stock 100 payout ratio may maxed financially incapable growing dividend conversely dividend stock payout ratio 50 might still room grow dividend time analyst projections rising earnings another indicator time stock pays good dividend today might pay even better dividend tomorrow considerations mind ive drawn screen free stock screening website160 finvizcom opens new window ive instructed search reasonably large established companies 2 billion market cap following three stocks appear fit bill go ahead give look see agree advertisement first stock look today name youll familiar intel nasdaq intc biggest name computer chips worldwide intel probably inside laptop computer right priced 15 times earnings intel big fastest growth days behind still analysts quoted sampp global market intelligence opens new window expect intel grow earnings respectable 75 annual rate next five years helped recent big acquisitions companies like altera programmable chips particularly useful building internet things opens new window 2015 mobileye autonomous driving tech opens new window earlier year combined big 31 dividend yield one full percentage point richer sampp 500 average intels total return dividends plus earnings growth average better 10 annually next five years math wizards quick point intels anticipated 106 total return still gives stock 14 total return ratio pe divided sum dividends earnings growth exorbitant still isnt particularly cheap investor better perhaps buying cisco systems nasdaq csco instead still one biggest names internet tech cisco morphed slowgrowth company well analysts pegging company 55 longterm growth ciscos richer dividend yield 37 helps make slower growth plus less acquisitive intel late cisco sports stronger financials whereas intels buying spree left 6 billion debt cash balance sheet cisco today boasts cash equivalents 317 billion versus total debt 186 billion 131 billion cash debt cisco also scores higher intel quality earnings past 12 months intel reported 127 billion gaap net income actual free cash flow 118 billion every 1 accounting profits intel reported generated cash profits 093 contrast ciscos 129 billion trailing free cash flow exceeded reported net income 34 translation cisco may look expensive intel cisco cheaper looks switching gears tech life insurance cross atlantic visit dutch life insurance giant aegon nv nyse aeg make trip aegon nv one cheap value stock rich dividend payer boot 19 billion trailing net income aegon stock costs 61 times trailing earnings yet sampp data show stock growing 13 annually next five years even growth doesnt come strongly expected aegon investors rest easy companys 55 dividend yield almost big enough justify stocks valuation without earnings growth aegon stock cheap well return equity isnt great 64 subpar life insurer rival prudential scores 77 metric good insurer opens new window like lincoln national torchmark earn roe high 9 11 pricetobook value ratio 04 aegon sells valuation half lincoln torchmark costs think cheap price rich dividend yield aegon might one best dividend stocks market today 10 stocks like better cisco systemswhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right cisco systems wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns august 1 2017 rich smith opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool recommends cisco systems intel motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 639 |
<p />
<p>Facebook (NASDAQ: FB) is reportedly scaling back its chatbot efforts on Messenger after the programs failed to fulfill 70% of users' requests. The Information reports that those requests couldn't be handled without human agents, and bots built by outside developers "had issues" because the "technology to understand human requests wasn't developed enough."</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>So instead of building a large ecosystem of chatbots, Facebook will train Messenger bots to handle "a narrower set of cases, so users aren't disappointed by the limitations of automation." Let's see what this strategic shift means for Facebook's AI efforts, and whether or not chatbots will ever become meaningful tools for the social network.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Artificial intelligence plays a vital role in helping Facebook track users and deliver targeted ads. By using AI to scan a user's status updates, photos, videos, check-ins, likes, linked apps, and other data, Facebook generates digital profiles of users which help it deliver targeted ads to their News Feeds. In 2013, Facebook launched the FAIR (Facebook Artificial Intelligence Research) unit to continuously upgrade those AI capabilities.</p>
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<p>That's where Messenger comes in. In 2014, Facebook forced users to download the stand-alone Messenger app to keep chatting. That move -- which <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/02/24/is-facebook-inc-copying-tencent.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">clearly mirrored Opens a New Window.</a>Tencent's (NASDAQOTH: TCEHY) WeChat -- laid the foundations for Messenger to become a "platform" which could eventually offer ride hailing, mobile payments, deliveries, games and other services from a single app.</p>
<p>Facebook's Messenger app. Image source: Google Play.</p>
<p>That move would give Facebook an "OS within an OS" to counter the iOS App Store and Alphabet's (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) Google Play. Facebook's next step would be to replace apps with Messenger chatbots, which were introduced last April. If that effort works, it could turn the entire mobile app store model upside down.</p>
<p>In theory, a business chatbot could answer questions, make purchase suggestions, process orders, and send shipping updates to customers. For customers, having "conversations" with these bots would feel more natural than scrolling and clicking through a mobile app. Companies couldalso cut costs by reducing the number of human customer service representatives.</p>
<p>Facebook tethers those bots to Messenger for Business, which provides a live customer service chat channel for a large number of businesses. Businesses can choose to put a human or a chatbot to handle queries on their end. This idea attracted a lot of early adopters -- 30,000 Facebook bots were already active on Messenger as of last September.</p>
<p>But just as Google struggled with low-quality apps over the years, Facebook's ecosystem quickly became bogged down with poorly produced chatbots. Badly made bots could annoy customers and tarnish a company's image -- so the company decided it's a better idea to send the bots back to the drawing board than expand the overall ecosystem.</p>
<p>The limitations of AI-powered bots were already clear when Facebook launched its chatbot APIs last year. For example, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) launched its chatbot Tay on Twitter <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/18/did-microsoft-corporation-ruin-the-market-for-face.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">as an experiment Opens a New Window.</a> last March. Within 24 hours, Tay started tweeting racist and sexist comments, forcing Microsoft to abruptly pull the plug and issue anapology. Tencent has also struggled topurge spam and scam bots on WeChat since it started letting millions of accounts create their own bots.</p>
<p>Facebook's AI tech also wasn't that impressive prior to the arrival of its chatbots. Its News Feed struggled to discern fake news headlines from real ones, and its Messenger-based virtual assistant M hasn't gained muchground against Google Now or Siri.</p>
<p>Edison Investment analyst Richard Windsor -- whorecently called Facebook a "laggard in AI" compared to Google -- stated that "when Facebook tries to automate its systems, things always go wrong." He also pointed out that while Facebook has hired plenty of AI talent, it simply hasn't been working on AI "for nearly long enough" to challenge market leaders like Google.</p>
<p>Despite those missteps, Facebook probably won't stop investing in chatbots anytime soon. The company is expected to introduce new AI plans at its F8 conference in April, which will likely include ways to boost the quality, not quantity, of its Messenger bots. It could also introduce more ways to tether bots into other Messenger features -- like payments and games -- to increase the app's appeal as a stand-alone platform.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than FacebookWhen 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=5aa23f66-d012-4aec-a5fa-f33fef5de6c3&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 Facebook wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of February 6, 2017</p>
<p>Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Teresa Kersten is an employee of LinkedIn and is a member of The Motley Fool's Board of Directors. LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSunLion/info.aspx" type="external">Leo Sun Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Tencent. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), Facebook, and Twitter. 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 | facebook nasdaq fb reportedly scaling back chatbot efforts messenger programs failed fulfill 70 users requests information reports requests couldnt handled without human agents bots built outside developers issues technology understand human requests wasnt developed enough continue reading instead building large ecosystem chatbots facebook train messenger bots handle narrower set cases users arent disappointed limitations automation lets see strategic shift means facebooks ai efforts whether chatbots ever become meaningful tools social network image source getty images artificial intelligence plays vital role helping facebook track users deliver targeted ads using ai scan users status updates photos videos checkins likes linked apps data facebook generates digital profiles users help deliver targeted ads news feeds 2013 facebook launched fair facebook artificial intelligence research unit continuously upgrade ai capabilities advertisement thats messenger comes 2014 facebook forced users download standalone messenger app keep chatting move clearly mirrored opens new windowtencents nasdaqoth tcehy wechat laid foundations messenger become platform could eventually offer ride hailing mobile payments deliveries games services single app facebooks messenger app image source google play move would give facebook os within os counter ios app store alphabets nasdaq goog nasdaq googl google play facebooks next step would replace apps messenger chatbots introduced last april effort works could turn entire mobile app store model upside theory business chatbot could answer questions make purchase suggestions process orders send shipping updates customers customers conversations bots would feel natural scrolling clicking mobile app companies couldalso cut costs reducing number human customer service representatives facebook tethers bots messenger business provides live customer service chat channel large number businesses businesses choose put human chatbot handle queries end idea attracted lot early adopters 30000 facebook bots already active messenger last september google struggled lowquality apps years facebooks ecosystem quickly became bogged poorly produced chatbots badly made bots could annoy customers tarnish companys image company decided better idea send bots back drawing board expand overall ecosystem limitations aipowered bots already clear facebook launched chatbot apis last year example microsoft nasdaq msft launched chatbot tay twitter experiment opens new window last march within 24 hours tay started tweeting racist sexist comments forcing microsoft abruptly pull plug issue anapology tencent also struggled topurge spam scam bots wechat since started letting millions accounts create bots facebooks ai tech also wasnt impressive prior arrival chatbots news feed struggled discern fake news headlines real ones messengerbased virtual assistant hasnt gained muchground google siri edison investment analyst richard windsor whorecently called facebook laggard ai compared google stated facebook tries automate systems things always go wrong also pointed facebook hired plenty ai talent simply hasnt working ai nearly long enough challenge market leaders like google despite missteps facebook probably wont stop investing chatbots anytime soon company expected introduce new ai plans f8 conference april likely include ways boost quality quantity messenger bots could also introduce ways tether bots messenger features like payments games increase apps appeal standalone platform 10 stocks like better facebookwhen 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 facebook wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 suzanne frey executive alphabet member motley fools board directors teresa kersten employee linkedin member motley fools board directors linkedin owned microsoft leo sun opens new window owns shares tencent motley fool owns shares recommends alphabet shares alphabet c shares facebook twitter motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 586 |
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<p>In the waters off Malaysia, Royal Dutch Shell is finding gas quickly and cheaply to replenish depleting fields where only a few years ago geologists had lost hope of discovering any new reserves.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>The Anglo-Dutch group is combining the latest technology with the wisdom of industry veterans to unlock new oil and gas deposits where it already operates, usually within 20 km (12 miles) of existing platforms.</p>
<p>The result has been a string of finds which, while modest in size, can generate cash rapidly to suit an era of drastically reduced exploration budgets across the energy industry.</p>
<p>After a costly flop in Alaska, Shell has turned away from giant "frontier" projects, focusing instead on exploring closer to home, such as in Malaysia where it has been producing oil for more than a century. Many of its rivals are following suit.</p>
<p>"With new data, new seismic and new brain power you can find extraordinary amount of hydrocarbons for the future," Ceri Powell, Shell's head of exploration, told Reuters.</p>
<p>Analysts say the industry will still need large discoveries in areas where the risk of failure is greater, but the cheaper and easier approach is paying dividends in the short term.</p>
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<p>State-of-the-art technology such as 3-dimensional seismic imaging enabled Shell to unlock new prospects that quickly led to a string of discoveries, transforming the region off the Malaysian state of Sarawak into one of its most prolific basins.</p>
<p>Breaking with decades of traditional drilling techniques which used rudimentary technology, Shell combined the use of sonar waves with satellite images and super computers to pinpoint oil and gas deposits beneath layers of salt in rock.</p>
<p>This has proved so effective that Shell moved from holding only one exploration license in shallow waters off Malaysia in 2013 to nine now, searching at greater depths and further offshore than ever.</p>
<p>Today, it is exploring 27,000 square km (10,500 square miles) off Sarawak for oil and gas. It has made 16 discoveries in the last 28 months that unlocked one billion barrels of oil equivalent. Shell and other oil companies, including state-run Petronas , now plan to map geologically the entire Malaysian coast.</p>
<p>Shell, like many of its peers including BP and Exxon Mobil , have been forced into such strategies as the chances of finding new and huge reservoirs in hitherto unexplored frontier areas has diminished.</p>
<p>Per Magnus Nysveen, head of analysis at Oslo-based consultancy Rystad Energy, said the average distance of exploration wells to the closest fields fell from 113 km (70 miles) in 2015 to just 29 km in 2016 and is set to drop further next year.</p>
<p>Hugely expensive and risky frontier projects are often falling from favor due to the sharp decline in global oil prices since mid-2014 - which has made energy firms slash their exploration budgets - and the new supplies from cheaper sources ranging from U.S. shale deposits to the Malaysian discoveries.</p>
<p>Last year, Shell angered investors when it wrote down $7 billion after failing to find any oil or gas in the pristine Chukchi sea off Alaska's northwest coast. This followed years of complex work and a rig accident that drew heavy criticism from environmental activists.</p>
<p>The rate of successful exploration has dropped sharply in the last decade, with the proportion of projects finding any oil or gas down from around 40 percent to about 30 percent, according Andrew Latham, vice president of exploration at consultancy Wood Mackenzie. Fewer than half of the finds go into commercial production.</p>
<p>Across the industry, exploration budgets have sunk to $40 billion in 2016 from $95 billion two years earlier. Shell's spending dropped to less than $2 billion from around $5 billion.</p>
<p>"In the last two years, intense focus on new seismic and relooking at the basins that we have in our portfolio already is really paying dividends," said Powell, a geologist who joined Shell in 1990 and became head of exploration three years ago.</p>
<p>She is now applying the techniques used in Malaysia to other hubs such as Brunei and Egypt, where seismic imaging, advanced rigs and super computers are giving them a new lease of life.</p>
<p>Falling costs in some areas are also helping to stretch the tight exploration budgets. The cost of hiring vessels for seismic surveys has dropped around 60 percent from late 2013 to around $140,000 per day, according to Shell, which is using this to expand and accelerate its seismic plans into 2017 and 2018.</p>
<p>DOGMAS</p>
<p>It's not only technology that has helped to turn around the fortunes of the exploration business. Several times a year Powell brings industry veterans, some of them retired, together with the new generation of geologists.</p>
<p>The idea is to combine the experience and instincts of the old-school explorers with the younger generation's technological know-how to come up with ideas on where to find new reserves and how to unlock them.</p>
<p>"You put them all in one room and they look at the dogmas. They think about the wells they would have drilled in 1972 but didn't and why, and it has been astonishing." In Oman, where Shell has been exploring for 60 years, this exercise helped to identify six new geological prospects in a week, she said.</p>
<p>These brainstorming sessions have only one rule: to concentrate minds, no computers are allowed.</p>
<p>But while drilling closer to home is attractive in the short term, it comes at the expense of huge discoveries such as Exxon's Liza field in Guyana and Eni's Zohr in Egypt. These are crucial for replacing a natural decline of oil and gas reserves that in some reservoirs can reach 10 percent a year.</p>
<p>"Lead times are shorter and the value per oil equivalent is higher, but the cons are that discoveries are smaller. In general we would expect the largest discoveries to be coming from new plays and new frontiers, as has happened in recent years," said Latham.</p>
<p>Wood Mackenzie expects global exploration activity to accelerate in 2017 as oil prices recover.</p>
<p>RAPID CASH</p>
<p>While the Alaskan project failed, Shell added huge resources in Brazil, Australia, Egypt and southeast Asia to its reserves by buying BG Group in February for $54 billion.</p>
<p>This means it can now allocate around 80 percent of its exploration budget to areas up to only 20 km from existing platforms. In some cases, such as in Brunei, an exploration well can be completed and linked to production within days.</p>
<p>"Those will not necessarily be giant discoveries but (will be) very efficient and very rapid to get to production, and therefore to cash," Powell said. In the past six years exploration has added 6.5 billion barrels of oil equivalent to Shell's reserves, which reached 11.75 billion at the end of 2015, while the time from exploration to production has come down significantly, she added.</p>
<p>Other oil majors have adopted similar strategies. BP has begun drilling hundreds of meters below a reservoir produced by the Ravenspurn ST2 platform in the southern North Sea, searching for a new gas resource that could transform a basin first exploited 50 years ago and extend the life of infrastructure.</p>
<p>For Shell, the success of the new strategy and the Alaskan failure mean it will not return to frontier areas in the near future, but Powell still sees opportunities for big discoveries in the likes of west Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Uruguay, eastern Canada.</p>
<p>For a graphic of oil and gas exploration spending click http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/SHELL-EXPLORATION/010030ZJ24W/SHELL-EXPLORATION.jpg</p>
<p>(editing by David Stamp)</p> | true | 0 | waters malaysia royal dutch shell finding gas quickly cheaply replenish depleting fields years ago geologists lost hope discovering new reserves continue reading anglodutch group combining latest technology wisdom industry veterans unlock new oil gas deposits already operates usually within 20 km 12 miles existing platforms result string finds modest size generate cash rapidly suit era drastically reduced exploration budgets across energy industry costly flop alaska shell turned away giant frontier projects focusing instead exploring closer home malaysia producing oil century many rivals following suit new data new seismic new brain power find extraordinary amount hydrocarbons future ceri powell shells head exploration told reuters analysts say industry still need large discoveries areas risk failure greater cheaper easier approach paying dividends short term advertisement stateoftheart technology 3dimensional seismic imaging enabled shell unlock new prospects quickly led string discoveries transforming region malaysian state sarawak one prolific basins breaking decades traditional drilling techniques used rudimentary technology shell combined use sonar waves satellite images super computers pinpoint oil gas deposits beneath layers salt rock proved effective shell moved holding one exploration license shallow waters malaysia 2013 nine searching greater depths offshore ever today exploring 27000 square km 10500 square miles sarawak oil gas made 16 discoveries last 28 months unlocked one billion barrels oil equivalent shell oil companies including staterun petronas plan map geologically entire malaysian coast shell like many peers including bp exxon mobil forced strategies chances finding new huge reservoirs hitherto unexplored frontier areas diminished per magnus nysveen head analysis oslobased consultancy rystad energy said average distance exploration wells closest fields fell 113 km 70 miles 2015 29 km 2016 set drop next year hugely expensive risky frontier projects often falling favor due sharp decline global oil prices since mid2014 made energy firms slash exploration budgets new supplies cheaper sources ranging us shale deposits malaysian discoveries last year shell angered investors wrote 7 billion failing find oil gas pristine chukchi sea alaskas northwest coast followed years complex work rig accident drew heavy criticism environmental activists rate successful exploration dropped sharply last decade proportion projects finding oil gas around 40 percent 30 percent according andrew latham vice president exploration consultancy wood mackenzie fewer half finds go commercial production across industry exploration budgets sunk 40 billion 2016 95 billion two years earlier shells spending dropped less 2 billion around 5 billion last two years intense focus new seismic relooking basins portfolio already really paying dividends said powell geologist joined shell 1990 became head exploration three years ago applying techniques used malaysia hubs brunei egypt seismic imaging advanced rigs super computers giving new lease life falling costs areas also helping stretch tight exploration budgets cost hiring vessels seismic surveys dropped around 60 percent late 2013 around 140000 per day according shell using expand accelerate seismic plans 2017 2018 dogmas technology helped turn around fortunes exploration business several times year powell brings industry veterans retired together new generation geologists idea combine experience instincts oldschool explorers younger generations technological knowhow come ideas find new reserves unlock put one room look dogmas think wells would drilled 1972 didnt astonishing oman shell exploring 60 years exercise helped identify six new geological prospects week said brainstorming sessions one rule concentrate minds computers allowed drilling closer home attractive short term comes expense huge discoveries exxons liza field guyana enis zohr egypt crucial replacing natural decline oil gas reserves reservoirs reach 10 percent year lead times shorter value per oil equivalent higher cons discoveries smaller general would expect largest discoveries coming new plays new frontiers happened recent years said latham wood mackenzie expects global exploration activity accelerate 2017 oil prices recover rapid cash alaskan project failed shell added huge resources brazil australia egypt southeast asia reserves buying bg group february 54 billion means allocate around 80 percent exploration budget areas 20 km existing platforms cases brunei exploration well completed linked production within days necessarily giant discoveries efficient rapid get production therefore cash powell said past six years exploration added 65 billion barrels oil equivalent shells reserves reached 1175 billion end 2015 time exploration production come significantly added oil majors adopted similar strategies bp begun drilling hundreds meters reservoir produced ravenspurn st2 platform southern north sea searching new gas resource could transform basin first exploited 50 years ago extend life infrastructure shell success new strategy alaskan failure mean return frontier areas near future powell still sees opportunities big discoveries likes west africa namibia south africa uruguay eastern canada graphic oil gas exploration spending click httpfingfxthomsonreuterscomgfxrngsshellexploration010030zj24wshellexplorationjpg editing david stamp | 744 |
<p />
<p>Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) has become a colossus in the healthcare industry with its exposure to the pharmaceutical, medical device, and consumer over-the-counter health-products markets combining to make the company a force to be reckoned with. Yet although the stock performed well in 2016, gaining 15% for the year, J&amp;J shares lost ground in the second half of the year. Now, some investors are worried that harsher drug-pricing regulations could eat into profits in what has been J&amp;J's biggest source of growth recently.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Coming into Tuesday's fourth-quarter financial report, Johnson &amp; Johnson shareholders hope that the company will produce solid growth and give favorable guidance for 2017. Let's take an early look at Johnson &amp; Johnson and what it's likely to tell us in its earnings report.</p>
<p>Image source: Johnson &amp; Johnson.</p>
<p>Data source: Yahoo! Finance.</p>
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<p>In recent months, investors have largely kept their focus on Johnson &amp; Johnson earnings, with just a small $0.01 per-share reduction in their predictions for fourth-quarter and full-year 2017 results. The stock, however, has lost its upward momentum, falling about 2% since mid-October.</p>
<p>Johnson &amp; Johnson told investors a similar story in its third-quarter results as it has on numerous occasions in the past. Revenue climbed at a moderate 4% pace, but net income growth managed to accelerate to about 12% from year-ago levels.</p>
<p>As we've seen many times before, the pharmaceutical segment showed the largest growth in sales, climbing 9%. By contrast, medical device revenue growth was minimal, and J&amp;J's consumer division posted a slight decrease of nearly 2% on the top line. Strength in the U.S. dollar hurt the company's performance, but it nevertheless made favorable comments about its earnings, guiding investors toward the upper end of its previous range.</p>
<p>Yet the biggest news in recent months for Johnson &amp; Johnson had to do with the potential acquisition of Actelion. In November, J&amp;J confirmed that it was in negotiations for a possible purchase of the Swiss drugmaker.</p>
<p>According to reports, Johnson &amp; Johnson's first bid of $26 billion wasn't enough to satisfy Actelion, which wanted more. Despite apparently making about a $1 billion to $2 billion increase to the opening bid, Johnson &amp; Johnson initially chose not to make an even larger boost toward the $30 billion to $32 billion range that Actelion was reportedly looking to get from the healthcare giant. Although Actelion's extensive portfolio of treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension were a big draw, some skeptics of the deal thought that <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/12/16/johnson-johnson-wisely-bids-adieu-to-actelion.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">J&amp;J was smart to walk away Opens a New Window.</a>because of the high price tag it would have taken to get Actelion to accept.</p>
<p>After only a short time, however, <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/12/23/its-official-johnson-johnsons-management-has-lost.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">J&amp;J and Actelion said they were back in talks Opens a New Window.</a>. According to most recent reports, the two companies have figured out a valuation that both can agree with, and now, Johnson &amp; Johnson and Actelion are trying to determine a way to spin-off research and development assets to give Actelion CEO Jean-Paul Clozel a continuing operation to run. Even now, there's no assurance that the two parties will find a resolution to the issue, but some believe that a final agreement could come before the end of January.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Johnson &amp; Johnson still faces some challenges throughout its business. Sluggish results in its consumer and medical devices segments don't appear likely to improve, and the biggest purpose that they're serving for J&amp;J right now is to provide ballast in case something happens to the pharma business. At the same time, some of Johnson &amp; Johnson's pharmaceutical rivals have seen recent FDA approvals, and have pipelines with arguably greater potential for success in the immediate future. Still, <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2017/01/18/5-most-important-drugs-to-johnson-johnson-in-2017.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">J&amp;J is optimistic about key drugs Opens a New Window.</a> like autoimmune treatment Remicade, anticoagulant Xarelto, and Crohn's disease drug Stelara.</p>
<p>In the Johnson &amp; Johnson earnings report, it will be interesting to see how the timing of any announcement related to Actelion plays into the conglomerate's earnings results. With some investors looking for J&amp;J to pursue growth opportunities, an acquisition might be an expensive way to move forward. But until the deal's terms are set, it won't be obvious whether Johnson &amp; Johnson paid too much for a risky proposition going forward.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Johnson and Johnson 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=c09e5f14-f71f-4b0e-b368-efaa88094d13&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 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%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=c09e5f14-f71f-4b0e-b368-efaa88094d13&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/TMFGalagan/info.aspx" type="external">Dan Caplinger Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Johnson and Johnson. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | johnson amp johnson nyse jnj become colossus healthcare industry exposure pharmaceutical medical device consumer overthecounter healthproducts markets combining make company force reckoned yet although stock performed well 2016 gaining 15 year jampj shares lost ground second half year investors worried harsher drugpricing regulations could eat profits jampjs biggest source growth recently continue reading coming tuesdays fourthquarter financial report johnson amp johnson shareholders hope company produce solid growth give favorable guidance 2017 lets take early look johnson amp johnson likely tell us earnings report image source johnson amp johnson data source yahoo finance advertisement recent months investors largely kept focus johnson amp johnson earnings small 001 pershare reduction predictions fourthquarter fullyear 2017 results stock however lost upward momentum falling 2 since midoctober johnson amp johnson told investors similar story thirdquarter results numerous occasions past revenue climbed moderate 4 pace net income growth managed accelerate 12 yearago levels weve seen many times pharmaceutical segment showed largest growth sales climbing 9 contrast medical device revenue growth minimal jampjs consumer division posted slight decrease nearly 2 top line strength us dollar hurt companys performance nevertheless made favorable comments earnings guiding investors toward upper end previous range yet biggest news recent months johnson amp johnson potential acquisition actelion november jampj confirmed negotiations possible purchase swiss drugmaker according reports johnson amp johnsons first bid 26 billion wasnt enough satisfy actelion wanted despite apparently making 1 billion 2 billion increase opening bid johnson amp johnson initially chose make even larger boost toward 30 billion 32 billion range actelion reportedly looking get healthcare giant although actelions extensive portfolio treatments pulmonary arterial hypertension big draw skeptics deal thought jampj smart walk away opens new windowbecause high price tag would taken get actelion accept short time however jampj actelion said back talks opens new window according recent reports two companies figured valuation agree johnson amp johnson actelion trying determine way spinoff research development assets give actelion ceo jeanpaul clozel continuing operation run even theres assurance two parties find resolution issue believe final agreement could come end january meanwhile johnson amp johnson still faces challenges throughout business sluggish results consumer medical devices segments dont appear likely improve biggest purpose theyre serving jampj right provide ballast case something happens pharma business time johnson amp johnsons pharmaceutical rivals seen recent fda approvals pipelines arguably greater potential success immediate future still jampj optimistic key drugs opens new window like autoimmune treatment remicade anticoagulant xarelto crohns disease drug stelara johnson amp johnson earnings report interesting see timing announcement related actelion plays conglomerates earnings results investors looking jampj pursue growth opportunities acquisition might expensive way move forward deals terms set wont obvious whether johnson amp johnson paid much risky proposition going forward 10 stocks like better johnson johnson investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right johnson johnson wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns january 4 2017 dan caplinger opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool recommends johnson johnson motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 527 |
<p />
<p>Everything old is new again. For years, we've read stories about how people aren't buying PCs anymore, and how that was lousy news for computer hard drive makers like Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC) and Seagate Technology (NASDAQ: STX) -- but no more. Yesterday, Wall Street analysts at Longbow Research and JPMorgan simultaneously decided to recommend buying shares of both of these big hard drive makers.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Here are three things you need to know about why they did that.</p>
<p>Hard disk drives (HDDs) are in focus on Wall Street this week. Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>We begin our story with Seagate, upgraded on Tuesday from neutral to buy at Longbow Research, with a $55 price target. Last month, as you may recall, we talked a bit about Goldman Sachs and its upgrade of Seagate storage rival Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU), which Goldman said would benefit from <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/01/goldman-sachs-upgrades-micron-stock-what-you-need.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">"tight" supplies of NAND Opens a New Window.</a> flash memory around the globe.</p>
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<p>That was good news for Micron, which makes a lot of money from NAND. It may also be good news for Seagate, though (which like Micron -- and like Western Digital -- also makes NAND memory). This is because, as <a href="http://thefly.com/news.php?symbol=STX" type="external">TheFly.com Opens a New Window.</a> reports, "shortages of NAND are causing demand for hard disk drives to rise" as an alternative to flash memory. Longbow believes this demand will obey the laws of supply and demand, by driving hard disk drive prices up -- boosting profits at Seagate.</p>
<p>And not only at Seagate. JPMorgan sees this dynamic of rising hard disk prices benefiting Western Digital stock as well -- maybe even more than Seagate. Additionally, JPMorgan points out that sales of personal computers are "stabilizing," according to TheFly.com, while at the same time Western Digital's costs are falling as the company finds "synergies" among its recent acquisitions.</p>
<p>Stable PC sales, falling costs, and widening profit margins on hard drives -- that all adds up to higher profits for Seagate, in JPMorgan's view, and justifies an overweight rating and a $116 price target on the stock.</p>
<p>Doing a bit of quick pencil work, JPMorgan estimates that Western Digital stock will produce profits of $8.31 per share this year (3% better than previously expected). 2018 profits could be even better -- as much as $11.13 per share. Both those numbers would be significant improvements over the $1.59 per share that Western Digital lost last year. Even the lower number -- $8.31 -- would be enough to make 2017 the most profitable year Western Digital has booked in a single calendar year this millennium.</p>
<p>But would that be enough to make Western Digital a buy?</p>
<p>Because when you get right down to it, that's what matters to investors: Yeah, 2017 (and 2018) might be very profitable years for Seagate stock, and might be even better for Western Digital. But if the stocks cost too much relative to the profits, then neither stock would make for a good investment.</p>
<p>Fortunately, that looks to be not the case. At JPMorgan's projected profits, Western Digital stock looks likely to both earn great profits, and offer great value to investors as well. Here's how the numbers work:</p>
<p>JPMorgan is saying Western Digital will earn $8.13 this year. But Western Digital stock only costs about $85 a share. That works out to about a current-year price-to-earnings ratio of 10 on Western Digital stock. And with most analysts on <a href="http://marketintelligence.spglobal.com/" type="external">S&amp;P Global Market Intelligence Opens a New Window.</a> predicting Western Digital will grow profits at 13.5% annually over the next five years, that works out to a price-to-earnings-to-growth ( <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/peg-ratio.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">PEG Opens a New Window.</a>) ratio of less than 0.8. Throw in a modest 2.4% dividend yield, and Western Digital stock is looking quite attractively valued indeed.</p>
<p>And Seagate? The story there is even better, because whereas JPMorgan bases its Western Digital valuation on projected profits, Seagate is already earning actual profits -- $514 million last year, and more than twice what it earned in 2015. S&amp;P estimates show Seagate growing its earnings fourfold this year, to $3.22 per share. If they're right, that works out to about a current-year earnings valuation of 15 times on the stock. And again, between Seagate's projected growth rate (15%) and its dividend (5.3%), that looks like a very good deal for investors, indeed.</p>
<p>Long story short, I'm fully onboard with both these analysts' upgrades this week. Longbow Research may lean toward Seagate, while JPMorgan prefers Western Digital. I think either stock should perform just fine.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Seagate TechnologyWhen 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=9e026026-2f6e-4d9e-849b-86f1f05d660a&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 Seagate Technology 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/TMFDitty/info.aspx" type="external">Rich Smith Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Western Digital. 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 | everything old new years weve read stories people arent buying pcs anymore lousy news computer hard drive makers like western digital nasdaq wdc seagate technology nasdaq stx yesterday wall street analysts longbow research jpmorgan simultaneously decided recommend buying shares big hard drive makers continue reading three things need know hard disk drives hdds focus wall street week image source getty images begin story seagate upgraded tuesday neutral buy longbow research 55 price target last month may recall talked bit goldman sachs upgrade seagate storage rival micron technology nasdaq mu goldman said would benefit tight supplies nand opens new window flash memory around globe advertisement good news micron makes lot money nand may also good news seagate though like micron like western digital also makes nand memory theflycom opens new window reports shortages nand causing demand hard disk drives rise alternative flash memory longbow believes demand obey laws supply demand driving hard disk drive prices boosting profits seagate seagate jpmorgan sees dynamic rising hard disk prices benefiting western digital stock well maybe even seagate additionally jpmorgan points sales personal computers stabilizing according theflycom time western digitals costs falling company finds synergies among recent acquisitions stable pc sales falling costs widening profit margins hard drives adds higher profits seagate jpmorgans view justifies overweight rating 116 price target stock bit quick pencil work jpmorgan estimates western digital stock produce profits 831 per share year 3 better previously expected 2018 profits could even better much 1113 per share numbers would significant improvements 159 per share western digital lost last year even lower number 831 would enough make 2017 profitable year western digital booked single calendar year millennium would enough make western digital buy get right thats matters investors yeah 2017 2018 might profitable years seagate stock might even better western digital stocks cost much relative profits neither stock would make good investment fortunately looks case jpmorgans projected profits western digital stock looks likely earn great profits offer great value investors well heres numbers work jpmorgan saying western digital earn 813 year western digital stock costs 85 share works currentyear pricetoearnings ratio 10 western digital stock analysts sampp global market intelligence opens new window predicting western digital grow profits 135 annually next five years works pricetoearningstogrowth peg opens new window ratio less 08 throw modest 24 dividend yield western digital stock looking quite attractively valued indeed seagate story even better whereas jpmorgan bases western digital valuation projected profits seagate already earning actual profits 514 million last year twice earned 2015 sampp estimates show seagate growing earnings fourfold year 322 per share theyre right works currentyear earnings valuation 15 times stock seagates projected growth rate 15 dividend 53 looks like good deal investors indeed long story short im fully onboard analysts upgrades week longbow research may lean toward seagate jpmorgan prefers western digital think either stock perform fine 10 stocks like better seagate technologywhen 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 seagate technology wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns april 3 2017 rich smith opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares western digital motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 554 |
<p />
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Though there are certainly some challengers, it's hard to find a hotter tech stock than Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD). Heading into the finish line for 2016, AMD stock has risen an astronomical 275% in 2016, roughly 34 times the Nasdaq Composite's respectable 8% uptick for the year:</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/AMD" type="external">AMD</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>No stock rises so fast without an underlying catalyst, and that is indeed the case with AMD shares. The company has done an admirable job making the most of its unique exposure to the computer microprocessor (CPU) and graphics (GPU) markets. So if AMD is doing so well, why is this article about better alternatives to its stock?</p>
<p>Despite its recent renaissance, AMD's business model isn't necessarily as bulletproof as its 2016 rally might imply. As you'll see, other semiconductor makers hold stronger competitive positions in the two core markets where AMD hopes to gain market share. Consequently, here are two better semiconductor stocks than AMD today.</p>
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<p>After struggling to find a place in the mobile revolution, graphics processing unit (GPU) leader NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) has found itself unexpectedly at the heart of some of the most exciting growth markets in tech today. Self-driving cars, artificial intelligence, and big data might sound like buzz words to some, but to NVIDIA, they're core markets for its high-end graphics chips. In fact, NVIDIA saw double-digit growth in the three business segments that cater to these markets. In terms of being more attractive than AMD, this leadership position in higher-growth semiconductor markets would be enough to make NVIDIA the better buy.</p>
<p>Image source: NVIDIA.</p>
<p>However, NVIDIA remains better positioned in the market where it competes directly with AMD, despite recent success on AMD's part. It's no secret that AMD has stolen some of NVIDIA's market share for desktop GPUs, but this overlooks two important facts. First, the overall market for PC graphics chips is shrinking in terms of unit shipments, making AMD's success in this space somewhat less appealing. What is more, NVIDIA's popularity among gamers, an enthusiast market that covets top-notch performance, has allowed it to continue to increase costs in the face of falling PC sales. Furthermore, NVIDIA <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/09/26/nvidia-corporation-preps-two-low-cost-desktop-grap.aspx?source=isesitlnk0000001&amp;mrr=1.00&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">is rumored Opens a New Window.</a> to be preparing a lower-cost graphics chip to defend its market share from AMD next year. So for long-term investors comparing the two, NVIDIA is a better choice.</p>
<p>Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) dominates the market for PC and server microprocessors, and a meaningful part of AMD's recent rally has been fueled by the assumption that AMD can steal some market share from Intel in one or both of these industries.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/12/09/5-reasons-advanced-micro-devices-inc-stock-could-r.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Much has been made Opens a New Window.</a> of AMD's forthcoming Zen CPU, which could offer graphics advantages over Intel's current chips, as Intel's chip roadmap appears focused on driving computing-performance improvements as usual. It still seems more likely that consumer preferences will be biased toward valuing faster computing power over moderately improved graphics.</p>
<p>Looking at the bigger picture, Intel's massive resource advantage over AMD -- Intel's research-and-development budget is larger than AMD's total revenues -- should insulate it from individual design wins that might translate into a longer-term shift away from its chips. Intel might not be the growth giant that it was a generation ago, but in my eyes its financial muscle and strong tradition of execution still make it a safer long-term bet than AMD's high-flying shares.</p>
<p>In many ways, this article is as much an argument for NVIDIA and Intel shares as it is a caution against AMD stock. As a company, AMD is undoubtedly improving. AMD has adeptly tapped into its core opportunity in the console gaming market, while looking to position its mix of computing and graphics know-how as an alternative to NVIDIA and Intel in their respective markets.</p>
<p>Though this strategy could certainly work, it will be hard to dislodge either NVIDIA or Intel from their respective positions of strength. As we've seen in other consumer-hardware verticals like the PC market, cost advantages rarely trump performance advantages, so in this way AMD remains at a disadvantage to both Intel and NVIDIA.</p>
<p>What's more, we're still early in AMD's comeback story, and the company has fallen badly on its face in the past. So while AMD shares have eviscerated the market over the past 12 months, it's far less clear that the company can do so again over the next 12.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Intel When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of Nov. 7, 2016</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTheDude/info.aspx" type="external">Andrew Tonner Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends Intel. 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 though certainly challengers hard find hotter tech stock advanced micro devices nasdaq amd heading finish line 2016 amd stock risen astronomical 275 2016 roughly 34 times nasdaq composites respectable 8 uptick year amd data ycharts opens new window stock rises fast without underlying catalyst indeed case amd shares company done admirable job making unique exposure computer microprocessor cpu graphics gpu markets amd well article better alternatives stock despite recent renaissance amds business model isnt necessarily bulletproof 2016 rally might imply youll see semiconductor makers hold stronger competitive positions two core markets amd hopes gain market share consequently two better semiconductor stocks amd today advertisement struggling find place mobile revolution graphics processing unit gpu leader nvidia nasdaq nvda found unexpectedly heart exciting growth markets tech today selfdriving cars artificial intelligence big data might sound like buzz words nvidia theyre core markets highend graphics chips fact nvidia saw doubledigit growth three business segments cater markets terms attractive amd leadership position highergrowth semiconductor markets would enough make nvidia better buy image source nvidia however nvidia remains better positioned market competes directly amd despite recent success amds part secret amd stolen nvidias market share desktop gpus overlooks two important facts first overall market pc graphics chips shrinking terms unit shipments making amds success space somewhat less appealing nvidias popularity among gamers enthusiast market covets topnotch performance allowed continue increase costs face falling pc sales furthermore nvidia rumored opens new window preparing lowercost graphics chip defend market share amd next year longterm investors comparing two nvidia better choice intel nasdaq intc dominates market pc server microprocessors meaningful part amds recent rally fueled assumption amd steal market share intel one industries much made opens new window amds forthcoming zen cpu could offer graphics advantages intels current chips intels chip roadmap appears focused driving computingperformance improvements usual still seems likely consumer preferences biased toward valuing faster computing power moderately improved graphics looking bigger picture intels massive resource advantage amd intels researchanddevelopment budget larger amds total revenues insulate individual design wins might translate longerterm shift away chips intel might growth giant generation ago eyes financial muscle strong tradition execution still make safer longterm bet amds highflying shares many ways article much argument nvidia intel shares caution amd stock company amd undoubtedly improving amd adeptly tapped core opportunity console gaming market looking position mix computing graphics knowhow alternative nvidia intel respective markets though strategy could certainly work hard dislodge either nvidia intel respective positions strength weve seen consumerhardware verticals like pc market cost advantages rarely trump performance advantages way amd remains disadvantage intel nvidia whats still early amds comeback story company fallen badly face past amd shares eviscerated market past 12 months far less clear company next 12 10 stocks like better intel 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 intel wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns nov 7 2016 andrew tonner opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends 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 | 565 |
<p>Social media giant Twitter told congressional investigators Thursday it has suspended at least two dozen accounts that may have been tied to Russia, but the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee was anything but satisfied.</p>
<p>Virginia Sen. Mark Warner said Twitter's explanations of its actions against Russia-linked accounts were "deeply disappointing," and he suggested the company doesn't understand the seriousness of Congress' investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Warner made the comments after company executives met behind closed doors with staff members of both the Senate and House intelligence committees for several hours.</p>
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<p>Warner said the information Twitter shared "was frankly inadequate on almost every level."</p>
<p>The disclosures by Twitter follow Facebook revelations that some 3,000 ads were purchased by entities with likely ties to Russia and as congressional investigators are examining the spread of false news stories and propaganda on social media during the campaign.</p>
<p>The committees have been investigating Russia's election meddling and any possible coordination with associates of Republican Donald Trump in his campaign against Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. They have specifically been looking at Twitter and Facebook and their roles in the spread of misinformation and propaganda during the campaign.</p>
<p>The company said in a blog post that it found 22 accounts corresponding to about 450 Facebook accounts that were likely operated out of Russia and pushed divisive social and political issues during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Facebook has said those accounts were responsible for buying about 3,000 ads worth about $100,000.</p>
<p>Twitter says it also found an additional 179 related accounts and took action against ones that violated its rules. The company didn't specific how many of those accounts were suspended or the type of action taken. A person familiar with Twitter's response to the accounts says that most of those accounts were found to have violated the platform's rules. The person did not know if all 179 had been suspended from the service. The person spoke only on condition of anonymity because the person wasn't authorized to discuss the information publicly.</p>
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<p>Warner said that Twitter's findings were merely "derivative" of Facebook's work, and "showed an enormous lack of understanding from the Twitter team of how serious this issue is, the threat it poses to democratic institutions."</p>
<p>He said the meeting underscored the need for the company to come forward in a public hearing. Both the House and Senate intelligence panels are inviting Twitter, Facebook and Google to testify this fall.</p>
<p>Thursday's closed meetings lasted several hours. The company's executives included Colin Crowell, a vice president of public policy, government and corporate philanthropy; Carlos Monje, director of public policy and philanthropy; attorney Elizabeth Banker, and Emily Horne, global policy communications director.</p>
<p>Twitter said it also provided congressional investigators with a "roundup" of ads from accounts used by Russia's state-sponsored news network, RT. The company said in a blog post that RT spent $274,100 on ads targeted to markets in the U.S. during 2016. Twitter provided the ads, which came from three handles used by RT, to the congressional investigators. Most tweets from the accounts promoted news stories.</p>
<p>In its blog post, Twitter said it has worked harder to detect and prevent spam and "malicious automation." The company said it removed tweets that were attempting to suppress legitimate votes by telling people they could vote for Clinton by texting. The company said that its automated systems catch more than 3.2 million suspicious accounts globally per week, which is more than double the amount the company detected this time last year.</p>
<p>The top Democrat on the House intelligence panel, California Rep. Adam Schiff, showed less frustration after his own panel's staff was briefed by Twitter, saying the meeting was "good but preliminary."</p>
<p>"I think there are challenges to Twitter in its forensic investigation because Twitter users don't provide the same background information that Facebook users do," Schiff said. "At the same time I don't think we've more than scratched the surface in terms of our understanding how the Russians may have used that platform."</p>
<p>Unlike Facebook, which has said phony accounts on its platform attempted to stir up divisiveness in the election, Twitter has remained mostly silent. Twitter allows users to register anonymously and has more public accounts than Facebook. Many lawmakers have expressed concerns about the proliferation of the anonymous "bots."</p>
<p>Lawmakers have been interested in Twitter's potential vulnerabilities in terms of tracing potential foreign intrusions. There have been concerns that the company doesn't move quickly enough to remove posts and isn't able to track the original postings that were spread and retweeted.</p>
<p>Twitter, Facebook and Google haven't yet said whether they will accept the invitations to testify publicly before both intelligence panels. The House committee is planning a hearing in October and the Senate committee has invited witnesses to appear on Nov. 1.</p>
<p>Facebook acknowledged in earlier briefings with the intelligence panels that the hundreds of phony Facebook accounts, likely run from Russia, spent about $100,000 on ads aimed at stirring up divisive issues such as gun control and race relations during the 2016 campaign.</p>
<p>Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said last week that the company will provide congressional investigators with the contents of the 3,000 ads bought by a Russian agency, and he pledged to make political advertising on its platform more transparent.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writers Matthew Daly and Tom LoBianco contributed to this report.</p> | true | 0 | social media giant twitter told congressional investigators thursday suspended least two dozen accounts may tied russia top democrat senate intelligence committee anything satisfied virginia sen mark warner said twitters explanations actions russialinked accounts deeply disappointing suggested company doesnt understand seriousness congress investigation russian interference 2016 election warner made comments company executives met behind closed doors staff members senate house intelligence committees several hours continue reading warner said information twitter shared frankly inadequate almost every level disclosures twitter follow facebook revelations 3000 ads purchased entities likely ties russia congressional investigators examining spread false news stories propaganda social media campaign committees investigating russias election meddling possible coordination associates republican donald trump campaign democratic rival hillary clinton specifically looking twitter facebook roles spread misinformation propaganda campaign company said blog post found 22 accounts corresponding 450 facebook accounts likely operated russia pushed divisive social political issues 2016 us presidential election facebook said accounts responsible buying 3000 ads worth 100000 twitter says also found additional 179 related accounts took action ones violated rules company didnt specific many accounts suspended type action taken person familiar twitters response accounts says accounts found violated platforms rules person know 179 suspended service person spoke condition anonymity person wasnt authorized discuss information publicly advertisement warner said twitters findings merely derivative facebooks work showed enormous lack understanding twitter team serious issue threat poses democratic institutions said meeting underscored need company come forward public hearing house senate intelligence panels inviting twitter facebook google testify fall thursdays closed meetings lasted several hours companys executives included colin crowell vice president public policy government corporate philanthropy carlos monje director public policy philanthropy attorney elizabeth banker emily horne global policy communications director twitter said also provided congressional investigators roundup ads accounts used russias statesponsored news network rt company said blog post rt spent 274100 ads targeted markets us 2016 twitter provided ads came three handles used rt congressional investigators tweets accounts promoted news stories blog post twitter said worked harder detect prevent spam malicious automation company said removed tweets attempting suppress legitimate votes telling people could vote clinton texting company said automated systems catch 32 million suspicious accounts globally per week double amount company detected time last year top democrat house intelligence panel california rep adam schiff showed less frustration panels staff briefed twitter saying meeting good preliminary think challenges twitter forensic investigation twitter users dont provide background information facebook users schiff said time dont think weve scratched surface terms understanding russians may used platform unlike facebook said phony accounts platform attempted stir divisiveness election twitter remained mostly silent twitter allows users register anonymously public accounts facebook many lawmakers expressed concerns proliferation anonymous bots lawmakers interested twitters potential vulnerabilities terms tracing potential foreign intrusions concerns company doesnt move quickly enough remove posts isnt able track original postings spread retweeted twitter facebook google havent yet said whether accept invitations testify publicly intelligence panels house committee planning hearing october senate committee invited witnesses appear nov 1 facebook acknowledged earlier briefings intelligence panels hundreds phony facebook accounts likely run russia spent 100000 ads aimed stirring divisive issues gun control race relations 2016 campaign facebook ceo mark zuckerberg said last week company provide congressional investigators contents 3000 ads bought russian agency pledged make political advertising platform transparent ___ associated press writers matthew daly tom lobianco contributed report | 547 |
<p>An interesting collaboration between Apple and News Corp to launch an iPad only newspaper may wind up hastening the demise of the printed page.</p>
<p>From the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/22/business/media/22carr.html?_r=1&amp;scp=1&amp;sq=ipad%20newspaper&amp;st=cse" type="external">New York Times</a></p>
<p>People who own an <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/i/ipad/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier" type="external">iPad</a> will tell you it makes everything look sexier. Maybe even a newspaper.</p>
<p><a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/rupert_murdoch/index.html?inline=nyt-per" type="external">Rupert Murdoch</a>, an old-timey newspaper romantic, has nonetheless deputized himself as the digital savior of paid content. Mr. Murdoch is currently leading the charge to build The Daily, an iPad-centered newspaper under construction in the <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/news_corporation/index.html?inline=nyt-org" type="external">News Corporation</a>’s Manhattan offices that is scheduled to appear at the beginning of next year.</p>
<p>With an investment of $30 million and a staff of around 100, The Daily will be the first of a kind — a “newspaper” with rich media and photography built especially for the iPad.</p>
<p>The enterprise has made some surprising hires from the ranks of the mainstream — Sasha Frere-Jones, the music critic of <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/n/the_new_yorker/index.html?inline=nyt-org" type="external">The New Yorker</a>; Steve Alperin, a high-profile television producer; and Richard Johnson, the former king of Page Six. The Daily will incorporate some material from the rest of the News Corporation — Fox Sports will provide some video, according to people putting together the prototype — but the plan is that a vast majority of the content will be original.</p>
<p>Mr. Murdoch told Fox Business this week that The Daily was his “No. 1 most exciting project,” a sentiment that was echoed an ocean away by his son James who called tablet newspapers “our flagship project.”</p>
<p>Leaving aside some elephant-size editorial questions — how do you put out an original national newspaper every day with a staff of only 100? — there’s an argument to be made for the News Corporation’s app-centric approach. Newspapers have been so busy trying to come to grips with the Web, but there may be a better opportunity on tablets and other mobile devices on which consumers are used to paying for at least some content.</p>
<p>The News Corporation clearly sees the iPad as a way to bring consumer revenue back to the publication of news, in part because the company has had some success in building a relationship with <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/apple_computer_inc/index.html?inline=nyt-org" type="external">Apple</a>. Consumers who download The Wall Street Journal’s iPad application buy their subscription from <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/dow_jones_and_company_inc/index.html?inline=nyt-org" type="external">Dow Jones</a>. (The Economist recently announced a similar arrangement because, like The Journal, it was already charging for content online.) Other publishers have complained that they have been locked out of selling such “in-app subscriptions” and left to sell single issues.</p>
<p>(The Los Angeles Times <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2010/aug/30/business/la-fi-ct-itunes-20100830" type="external">reported last summer</a> that Mr. Murdoch was agreeing to let Apple sell Fox TV shows on iTunes for 99 cents each — over the objections of some News Corporation executives — perhaps in return for most-favored-nation status for its newspaper applications on the iPad. Executives at the News Corporation say that the two initiatives are distinct and that no consideration was asked for or given. An Apple spokeswoman said the company would not comment on rumors or speculation.)</p>
<p>If you want a good look at the past and future of the News Corporation, compare <a href="http://www.nypost.com/" type="external">the Web site of The New York Post</a> — surely one of the ugliest, least functional in the business — with its snappy new iPad app. It’s a charming product, one that well reflects and amplifies the spice and excesses of the mother brand.</p>
<p>The night-and-day bifurcation is understandable given that Mr. Murdoch has never entirely trusted the Web, with its terrible advertising economics and brutal fight for revenue from consumers.</p>
<p>In July, The Times of London and The Sunday Times — both owned by the News Corporation — went behind a pay wall, and the company recently reported about 100,000 payments in the first four months of the effort, only half of which were for more than one-off purchases of a story.</p>
<p>Subtract out subscribers to the print product, as well as Kindle and iPad users — <a href="http://www.shirky.com/weblog/2010/11/the-times-paywall-and-newsletter-economics/" type="external">as the digital thinker and writer Clay Shirky recently did</a> — and the number of actual opt-in customers could be in the low tens of thousands. That compares with a pre-paywall audience of six million unique visitors, according to estimates from the research firm <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/comscore-inc/index.html?inline=nyt-org" type="external">comScore</a>.</p>
<p>With The Daily, the News Corporation can enter the digital newsstand business in earnest with a new product that was never free on the Web and in a format for which payments are easily made. When I am on a Web browser and I bump into a pay wall, I reflexively pull back unless it is in front of something I really must have. But when I’m in the App Store on an iPad, I’m already in a commercial environment: pushing the button to spend small money on something I’d like to see or play with doesn’t seem like such a sucker’s bet.</p>
<p>But Mr. Murdoch’s view that <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/j/steven_p_jobs/index.html?inline=nyt-per" type="external">Steven Jobs</a>’s device is some kind of magical kingdom for news is up against some hard realities. As innovative as it seems, The Daily will be a newspaper, an ancient motif on a modern device. It will be produced into the evening, and then a button will be pushed and it will be “printed” for the next morning. There will be updates — the number of which is still under discussion — but not at the velocity or with the urgency of a news Web site.</p>
<p>And at a time when the ecosystem of news is driven by links, The Daily will have no inbound links from other sites, and nothing outbound either. (Initially, there will be a mirror site on the Web to market some of its wares outside the high-walled kingdom of apps.)</p>
<p>It seems sensible to wonder: who is going to bring old habits to a new environment? The people who own or will buy an iPad have become used to a Web browser as their prism on the news, not a newspaper and its editors. The Daily will have a separate opinion section, which will seem wildly anachronistic to readers who have grown up reading news and point-of-view analysis in the same piece of digital journalism.</p>
<p>Beyond editorial challenges, the path to a real business with real profits seems a lot less clear than the display on an iPad. If, as Mr. Murdoch is said to hope, half a million people eventually subscribe over the first five years, that would be almost 5 percent of all current tablet users, which seems wildly optimistic. (Then again, by some estimates, the number of tablet users will grow to more than 100 million in the same period.)</p>
<p>In the meantime, reaching about 100,000 people seems far more likely, which would yield less than $20 million annually, even before Apple gets a cut. And the discrete market for advertising within applications seems promising, but it is largely untested.</p>
<p>In the short run at least, The Daily will be like a number of Mr. Murdoch’s other newspapers in this respect: It will be depending on money earned by other parts of the News Corporation.</p>
<p>There is plenty of skepticism in the tech community as to whether or not this venture will succeed with most opinions on the negative side.&#160; At the same time they are intrigued by the idea of placing a newspaper on the iPad without an accompanying website its heavy expenses.</p>
<p>At. 99 cents a week the paper would be a bargain for those that are tired of paying up to $800 a year for major newspapers like the New York Times but with a small staff would likely resemble a slimmed down version of USA Today if anything.</p>
<p>With a fairly large installed base of users and the now widespread availability of the iPad this new venture is a serious threat to print newspapers which have already been buffeted by the internet.</p>
<p>As Carr points out there will be multiple challenges to The Daily but with Murdoch and Jobs teaming up critics shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss the paper before it launches.</p> | true | 0 | interesting collaboration apple news corp launch ipad newspaper may wind hastening demise printed page new york times people ipad tell makes everything look sexier maybe even newspaper rupert murdoch oldtimey newspaper romantic nonetheless deputized digital savior paid content mr murdoch currently leading charge build daily ipadcentered newspaper construction news corporations manhattan offices scheduled appear beginning next year investment 30 million staff around 100 daily first kind newspaper rich media photography built especially ipad enterprise made surprising hires ranks mainstream sasha frerejones music critic new yorker steve alperin highprofile television producer richard johnson former king page six daily incorporate material rest news corporation fox sports provide video according people putting together prototype plan vast majority content original mr murdoch told fox business week daily 1 exciting project sentiment echoed ocean away son james called tablet newspapers flagship project leaving aside elephantsize editorial questions put original national newspaper every day staff 100 theres argument made news corporations appcentric approach newspapers busy trying come grips web may better opportunity tablets mobile devices consumers used paying least content news corporation clearly sees ipad way bring consumer revenue back publication news part company success building relationship apple consumers download wall street journals ipad application buy subscription dow jones economist recently announced similar arrangement like journal already charging content online publishers complained locked selling inapp subscriptions left sell single issues los angeles times reported last summer mr murdoch agreeing let apple sell fox tv shows itunes 99 cents objections news corporation executives perhaps return mostfavorednation status newspaper applications ipad executives news corporation say two initiatives distinct consideration asked given apple spokeswoman said company would comment rumors speculation want good look past future news corporation compare web site new york post surely one ugliest least functional business snappy new ipad app charming product one well reflects amplifies spice excesses mother brand nightandday bifurcation understandable given mr murdoch never entirely trusted web terrible advertising economics brutal fight revenue consumers july times london sunday times owned news corporation went behind pay wall company recently reported 100000 payments first four months effort half oneoff purchases story subtract subscribers print product well kindle ipad users digital thinker writer clay shirky recently number actual optin customers could low tens thousands compares prepaywall audience six million unique visitors according estimates research firm comscore daily news corporation enter digital newsstand business earnest new product never free web format payments easily made web browser bump pay wall reflexively pull back unless front something really must im app store ipad im already commercial environment pushing button spend small money something id like see play doesnt seem like suckers bet mr murdochs view steven jobss device kind magical kingdom news hard realities innovative seems daily newspaper ancient motif modern device produced evening button pushed printed next morning updates number still discussion velocity urgency news web site time ecosystem news driven links daily inbound links sites nothing outbound either initially mirror site web market wares outside highwalled kingdom apps seems sensible wonder going bring old habits new environment people buy ipad become used web browser prism news newspaper editors daily separate opinion section seem wildly anachronistic readers grown reading news pointofview analysis piece digital journalism beyond editorial challenges path real business real profits seems lot less clear display ipad mr murdoch said hope half million people eventually subscribe first five years would almost 5 percent current tablet users seems wildly optimistic estimates number tablet users grow 100 million period meantime reaching 100000 people seems far likely would yield less 20 million annually even apple gets cut discrete market advertising within applications seems promising largely untested short run least daily like number mr murdochs newspapers respect depending money earned parts news corporation plenty skepticism tech community whether venture succeed opinions negative side160 time intrigued idea placing newspaper ipad without accompanying website heavy expenses 99 cents week paper would bargain tired paying 800 year major newspapers like new york times small staff would likely resemble slimmed version usa today anything fairly large installed base users widespread availability ipad new venture serious threat print newspapers already buffeted internet carr points multiple challenges daily murdoch jobs teaming critics shouldnt quick dismiss paper launches | 691 |
<p />
<p>RUSH: Trump sent out a tweet today, and he meant to write “network coverage” and he instead wrote network c-o-v-f-e-f-e. It was a typo later deleted. The media and Twitter went absolutely nuts. Here is one sound bite example of a montage. Cut 15 in three, two, one.</p>
<p>AMY ROBACH: President Trump’s mysterious message overnight taking on the press in a tweet and then ending with a typo.</p>
<p>CHRISTINE ROMANS: It appears to be an unfinished tweet with a typo. “Covfefe” is not a word.</p>
<p>SAVANNAH GUTHRIE: Let’s go back to this tweet for a minute. Does it signal any larger concern?</p>
<p>PETER ALEXANDER: Was it the president? Was it his social media director? And then, what if he’d been announcing something a bit more serious?</p>
<p>GAYLE KING: The President’s incomplete tweet overnight.</p>
<p>ALISYN CAMEROTA: I think that one is peculiar.</p>
<p>CHRIS CUOMO: This is not working for you.</p>
<p>MAJOR GARRETT: In all seriousness, the president’s Twitter handle this time cannot be blamed on his communications team.</p>
<p>CECILIA VEGA: Covfefe, covfefe? None of us really know how to say this. This was a total head scratcher.</p>
<p>RUSH: That’s just the beginning. There’s more hysteria to this that will make my point.</p>
<p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p>
<p>RUSH: Bill Carter, formally of the New York Times, talking about Trump’s tweet actually speculated that the country’s on edge and that typo makes you wonder if Trump had a stroke. Now, I think half of this is manufactured because they’ve made an editorial decision to be in this position.</p>
<p>RUSH: No, I may be trying to make too fine a point of this. It’s just that CNN, New York Times, Washington Post, everything about Trump is opposed. Everything they try to fit into their narrative that Trump is illegitimate and corrupt. I have no doubt they really believe it. I don’t want anybody to think… I don’t believe they’re acting. But I do think some of it is phony for the simple reason that it’s all hysteria, all the time. That’s not natural. Now, you might say, “Yeah, Rush, but liberals aren’t natural.” And they aren’t. I agree with you.</p>
<p>But this is something gnawing at me since it’s been going on. Some of it seemed so contrived and so forced. I have no doubt that the anti-Trump Democrat voting public is insane. I have no doubt of that. I don’t think those people are anywhere near normal or sane. I think they’re deranged. They have been made unhinged by the media and the Democrats, who have been lying to them and stoking them and fueling them up ever since the war in Iraq (in the modern era) and, of course, prior to that.</p>
<p>But they have been systematically turning people into unhinged hysterical lunatics. Mainstream Democrat voters. And now they’re on the judiciary. These judges writing some of these opinions in rejecting Trump’s executive orders? It’s no different than if any Tom, Dick, or Harry off the street in LA been put on a court and given a robe and told, “Write an opinion.” The left has so corrupted everything it’s touched. Even its highest ranking intellectual members are loony. And since that audience exists — since the media and the Democrat Party have created that portion of our population — they’ve gotta be served.</p>
<p>They have to be serviced. And if your audience demands Trump hatred 24/7, and that’s what you have determined as a network that you’re gonna be known for — that’s your brand — then you’ve got to feed them. You have got to give them Trump hatred 24/7, and you’ve gotta have everybody on board for it. And in the process, they’re going overboard with it to the point they’re not persuading anybody. They’re keeping their base locked in, of course, with this lunacy, but they’re not persuading.</p>
<p>They’re doing the exact opposite. They are turning average, ordinary people who are not immersed in the news all the time — they’re turning them away! I’m totally confident. That’s why I think this is beginning to unravel. Now, here’s the Bill Carter sound bite. He’s a former New York Times television reporter, and he’s on a roundtable today to discuss this typo. Trump meant to type “network coverage,” and instead the word came out “covfefe” or something. It’s something that makes no sense.</p>
<p>Here it is. The word is C-O-V-F-E-F-E. I don’t even know how to pronounce that. Co-feef? Cov-fee-fee? Co-feh-fee? Covfeh? It sounds like, you know, you talk el jefe, the big drug lord, or what have you. But they went nuts, folks. The Drive-By Media went over the top in trying to attach a meaning to this that would lead people to believe Trump is insane. It’s not Trump who is insane. It’s everybody who is predisposed to hate him. Listen to Bill Carter. This was on CNN’s New Day, Alisyn Camerota. She said, “Bill, how do you see this typo in that Trump tweet?”</p>
<p>CARTER: The country’s kind of on edge about a whole lot of things and what was interesting last night (snickering) was watching a lot of people trying to say, well, does this mean anything, did he have a stroke, people are interpreting in these really outrageous kind of ways as well as making fun of it. You know, it’s just risky. This is the guy who blurted on the classified intel to the Russians in the Oval Office. The idea that he has a phone and he’s falling asleep should make some people nervous.</p>
<p>RUSH: Now, folks, I’m telling you, this is just… Barack Obama, without a teleprompter, was a disaster waiting to happen. Do yu remember? Barack Obama without a teleprompter, do remember all those blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, all the constant stutters, the Daffy Duck-type stutters? Barack Obama without his teleprompter was a dangerous proposition. They excused it. “Nothing to see here!” Here’s a typo that Trump deleted. “Did he have a stroke? You know, this guy blurted out secret information to the Russians.”</p>
<p>Don’t make me laugh, Mr. Carter. You people in the media have been giving up classified information for nine or 10 months now. You have been reporting it! You’ve been eagerly seeking it out. You’ve had deranged embeds in the deep state funneling this stuff to you. You’ve been trafficking in classified information! That’s where real crimes have occurred, by the way. The leaking of classified information, the unmasking of American citizens.</p>
<p>We’ve got felonious behavior here that has been engaged in by sources for the Drive-By Media and perhaps others in the Democrat Party apparatus. That’s where… If any crimes have taken place, that’s where they really are. And when this stuff all winds down, I sure as hell hope that Trump turns this investigation around on a 180 and starts looking at the Clinton Foundation and all these real ties to Russia that the Democrat Party has had all these years.</p>
<p>And this leak circumstance! Who it is, who they are, where are they, why they’ve been doing it, who’s been doing the unmasking. There’s a real investigation waiting to happen here.</p> | true | 0 | rush trump sent tweet today meant write network coverage instead wrote network covfefe typo later deleted media twitter went absolutely nuts one sound bite example montage cut 15 three two one amy robach president trumps mysterious message overnight taking press tweet ending typo christine romans appears unfinished tweet typo covfefe word savannah guthrie lets go back tweet minute signal larger concern peter alexander president social media director hed announcing something bit serious gayle king presidents incomplete tweet overnight alisyn camerota think one peculiar chris cuomo working major garrett seriousness presidents twitter handle time blamed communications team cecilia vega covfefe covfefe none us really know say total head scratcher rush thats beginning theres hysteria make point break transcript rush bill carter formally new york times talking trumps tweet actually speculated countrys edge typo makes wonder trump stroke think half manufactured theyve made editorial decision position rush may trying make fine point cnn new york times washington post everything trump opposed everything try fit narrative trump illegitimate corrupt doubt really believe dont want anybody think dont believe theyre acting think phony simple reason hysteria time thats natural might say yeah rush liberals arent natural arent agree something gnawing since going seemed contrived forced doubt antitrump democrat voting public insane doubt dont think people anywhere near normal sane think theyre deranged made unhinged media democrats lying stoking fueling ever since war iraq modern era course prior systematically turning people unhinged hysterical lunatics mainstream democrat voters theyre judiciary judges writing opinions rejecting trumps executive orders different tom dick harry street la put court given robe told write opinion left corrupted everything touched even highest ranking intellectual members loony since audience exists since media democrat party created portion population theyve got ta served serviced audience demands trump hatred 247 thats determined network youre gon na known thats brand youve got feed got give trump hatred 247 youve got ta everybody board process theyre going overboard point theyre persuading anybody theyre keeping base locked course lunacy theyre persuading theyre exact opposite turning average ordinary people immersed news time theyre turning away im totally confident thats think beginning unravel heres bill carter sound bite hes former new york times television reporter hes roundtable today discuss typo trump meant type network coverage instead word came covfefe something something makes sense word covfefe dont even know pronounce cofeef covfeefee cofehfee covfeh sounds like know talk el jefe big drug lord went nuts folks driveby media went top trying attach meaning would lead people believe trump insane trump insane everybody predisposed hate listen bill carter cnns new day alisyn camerota said bill see typo trump tweet carter countrys kind edge whole lot things interesting last night snickering watching lot people trying say well mean anything stroke people interpreting really outrageous kind ways well making fun know risky guy blurted classified intel russians oval office idea phone hes falling asleep make people nervous rush folks im telling barack obama without teleprompter disaster waiting happen yu remember barack obama without teleprompter remember blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah constant stutters daffy ducktype stutters barack obama without teleprompter dangerous proposition excused nothing see heres typo trump deleted stroke know guy blurted secret information russians dont make laugh mr carter people media giving classified information nine 10 months reporting youve eagerly seeking youve deranged embeds deep state funneling stuff youve trafficking classified information thats real crimes occurred way leaking classified information unmasking american citizens weve got felonious behavior engaged sources driveby media perhaps others democrat party apparatus thats crimes taken place thats really stuff winds sure hell hope trump turns investigation around 180 starts looking clinton foundation real ties russia democrat party years leak circumstance theyve whos unmasking theres real investigation waiting happen | 621 |
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<p>Workers benefit as US businesses struggle to fill jobs</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — More American employers are struggling to find enough workers to fill jobs, which might have contributed to slower hiring last month. And workers are benefiting in the meantime: More people who had given up looking for work are renewing their job hunts, more employees are confident enough to quit to look for other jobs and pay is gradually picking up. U.S. employers added just 103,000 jobs in March, the Labor Department said Friday, the fewest in six months.</p>
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<p>Powell says Fed expects to stick with gradual rate hikes</p>
<p>CHICAGO (AP) — Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Friday painted a mostly sunny view of the U.S. economy and said the Fed remains committed to raising its key interest rate gradually unless events change. He said it was too soon to determine how a trade fight with China could affect the U.S. economy.</p>
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<p>Stocks dive as US proposes more China tariffs; Dow falls 572</p>
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks ended the week the way they began it: tumbling as investors worry that tariffs and harsh words between the U.S. and China will touch off a trade war that derails the global economy. That came with the U.S. considering duties on an additional $100 billion in goods imported from China.</p>
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<p>China vows to 'counterattack' US as trade spat worsens</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — China vows to 'counterattack with great strength' if President Donald Trump hikes tariffs on an additional $100 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods in an escalating trade dispute between the world's two largest economies. Trump's surprise directive for the U.S. trade representative to consider more tariffs came a day after Beijing announced planned increases in duties on U.S. soybeans, aircraft and other items in response to American tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese imports.</p>
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<p>Did Cambridge Analytica get your data? You'll know soon</p>
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — Facebook will begin alerting users whose private data may have been compromised in the Cambridge Analytica scandal starting Monday. All 2.2 billion Facebook users will receive a notice with a link to information on which Facebook apps they use and what information they have shared with those apps. In addition, 87 million users whose data might have been shared with Cambridge Analytica will get a more detailed message informing them of that fact.</p>
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<p>Nine West files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection</p>
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — Nine West Holdings Inc. has become the latest retailer to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in an attempt to restructure its debt. The shoe chain says the move was made to help with the sale of its Nine West and Bandolino footwear and handbag business and so it can focus more on its profitable businesses, which include One Jeanswear Group, The Jewelry Group, the Kasper Group and Anne Klein.</p>
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<p>Boss buzzing you after hours? NYC might let you say buzz off</p>
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — Technology that offered the promise of freedom from the confines of an office has instead become a ball and chain in its own right, blurring the lines between work hours and well, any other hours. A New York City Council member wants to put a stop to that with a proposal that would bar employers from requiring employees to check and respond to non-emergency electronic communications sent outside of regular work hours.</p>
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<p>US consumer debt rose a slight 3.3 percent in February</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — US consumers increased their debt by just 3.3 percent in February, the weakest monthly change in nearly seven years despite an otherwise healthy economy. The Federal Reserve said Friday that consumer borrowing rose $10.6 billion in March to nearly $3.9 trillion. The gains have slowed sharply from a 10.3 percent jump in debt levels in November. February's increase was the smallest since August 2011, when consumer credit levels declined.</p>
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<p>Foreign worker saves 7 lives as Hawaii fishing boat sinks</p>
<p>HONOLULU (AP) — A federal contractor who was aboard the fishing vessel Princess Hawaii when it sank off the Big Island credits a Vietnamese crewman with saving his life. Khanh Huynh was acting as the de facto captain of the doomed fishing boat. The 28-year-old fisherman is one of hundreds of foreigners who work aboard American-owned fishing vessels in Hawaii. The workers lack visas and live on the boats for the duration of their contracts — often for years at a time.</p>
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<p>The Standard &amp; Poor's 500 lost 58.37 points, or 2.2 percent, to 2,604.47. The Dow Jones industrial average dropped 572.46 points, or 2.3 percent, to 23,932.76. The Nasdaq composite slid 161.44 points, or 2.3 percent, to 6,915.11. The Russell 2000 index of smaller-company stocks dipped 29.63 points, or 1.9 percent, to 1,513.30.</p>
<p>Benchmark U.S. crude dropped $1.48, or 2.3 percent, to $62.06 a barrel in New York while Brent crude, used to price international oils, lost $1.22, or 1.8 percent, to $67.11 per barrel in London. In other energy trading, wholesale gasoline dipped 3 cents to $1.95 a gallon. Heating oil lost 2 cents to $1.96 a gallon. Natural gas rose 3 cents to $2.70 per 1,000 cubic feet.</p> | true | 0 | ___ workers benefit us businesses struggle fill jobs continue reading washington ap american employers struggling find enough workers fill jobs might contributed slower hiring last month workers benefiting meantime people given looking work renewing job hunts employees confident enough quit look jobs pay gradually picking us employers added 103000 jobs march labor department said friday fewest six months ___ powell says fed expects stick gradual rate hikes chicago ap federal reserve chairman jerome powell friday painted mostly sunny view us economy said fed remains committed raising key interest rate gradually unless events change said soon determine trade fight china could affect us economy ___ advertisement stocks dive us proposes china tariffs dow falls 572 new york ap stocks ended week way began tumbling investors worry tariffs harsh words us china touch trade war derails global economy came us considering duties additional 100 billion goods imported china ___ china vows counterattack us trade spat worsens washington ap china vows counterattack great strength president donald trump hikes tariffs additional 100 billion tariffs chinese goods escalating trade dispute worlds two largest economies trumps surprise directive us trade representative consider tariffs came day beijing announced planned increases duties us soybeans aircraft items response american tariffs 50 billion chinese imports ___ cambridge analytica get data youll know soon new york ap facebook begin alerting users whose private data may compromised cambridge analytica scandal starting monday 22 billion facebook users receive notice link information facebook apps use information shared apps addition 87 million users whose data might shared cambridge analytica get detailed message informing fact ___ nine west files chapter 11 bankruptcy protection new york ap nine west holdings inc become latest retailer file chapter 11 bankruptcy protection attempt restructure debt shoe chain says move made help sale nine west bandolino footwear handbag business focus profitable businesses include one jeanswear group jewelry group kasper group anne klein ___ boss buzzing hours nyc might let say buzz new york ap technology offered promise freedom confines office instead become ball chain right blurring lines work hours well hours new york city council member wants put stop proposal would bar employers requiring employees check respond nonemergency electronic communications sent outside regular work hours ___ us consumer debt rose slight 33 percent february washington ap us consumers increased debt 33 percent february weakest monthly change nearly seven years despite otherwise healthy economy federal reserve said friday consumer borrowing rose 106 billion march nearly 39 trillion gains slowed sharply 103 percent jump debt levels november februarys increase smallest since august 2011 consumer credit levels declined ___ foreign worker saves 7 lives hawaii fishing boat sinks honolulu ap federal contractor aboard fishing vessel princess hawaii sank big island credits vietnamese crewman saving life khanh huynh acting de facto captain doomed fishing boat 28yearold fisherman one hundreds foreigners work aboard americanowned fishing vessels hawaii workers lack visas live boats duration contracts often years time ___ standard amp poors 500 lost 5837 points 22 percent 260447 dow jones industrial average dropped 57246 points 23 percent 2393276 nasdaq composite slid 16144 points 23 percent 691511 russell 2000 index smallercompany stocks dipped 2963 points 19 percent 151330 benchmark us crude dropped 148 23 percent 6206 barrel new york brent crude used price international oils lost 122 18 percent 6711 per barrel london energy trading wholesale gasoline dipped 3 cents 195 gallon heating oil lost 2 cents 196 gallon natural gas rose 3 cents 270 per 1000 cubic feet | 572 |
<p />
<p>Love is blind, so it’s said, but it might also be mute when it comes to money discussions.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Couples rarely talk finances during, or even before, their engagement, according to experts, but to increase the odds of making happily ever after a reality, talking about finances needs to be done prior to&#160; saying “I do.”</p>
<p>According to a recent <a href="http://www.nfcc.org/" type="external">National Foundation for Credit Counseling Opens a New Window.</a> (NFCC) poll, discussions about take-home pay, debt-load or credit scores are often overlooked by couples. In fact, more than two-thirds of respondents hold negative attitudes toward discussing money with their fiancé, the poll says.</p>
<p>Talking about money can be uncomfortable and can likely lead to a fight or reveal financial issues they weren’t aware of, respondents admit, making them shy away from the talk. Another 5% say it could well cause them to call off the wedding.</p>
<p>Talking frankly about money and financial planning can help couples from becoming part of the 50% of marriages that end in divorce and might well be worth that 5% risk, says <a href="http://www.koonsfuller.com/" type="external">KoonsFuller Opens a New Window.</a> family law and divorce attorney Sherri Evans, chair of the family law section of the state bar of Texas.</p>
<p>While money can’t be blamed as the sole cause of divorces, experts agree it is often at the core of marital issues.</p>
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<p>“It’s fascinating that couples get naked before they get married but not reveal their financial circumstances,” says Susan Reach Winters, a family law and divorce attorney at <a href="http://www.buddlarner.com/" type="external">Budd Larner Opens a New Window.</a>. “Despite the high divorce rate, people don’t think.”</p>
<p>Meshing Money Personalities&#160;</p>
<p>How you’re financially wired makes a huge difference on how money will be handled in the partnerships. Individuals may hold different attitudes about spending and saving and a marriage between a tight-wad and a spendthrift could be headed for disaster, says NFCC’s Gail Cunningham.</p>
<p>Couples may be so in love they are willing to look the other way over money differences, but they will eventually surface. “They say ‘everyone’s dysfunctional; I can live with dysfunction.’ We can figure out a way to co-exist,’” Cunningham says.</p>
<p>The person who saves versus one who spends has a different set of expectations and goals, claims Evans. The young lawyer who wines and dines people to bring in clients may spend like crazy and is okay with working until she’s 75. But what happens if her husband makes a nice living and actively puts money aside to leave the workforce early? “Whose American dream are we talking about anyway?” claims Evans. “A couple should have the same dreams and the same expectations.”</p>
<p>How to Start the Money Talk Flow</p>
<p>People want to get married, says Winters, and don’t want to acknowledge any potential red flags. Clients often say: “I saw the warning signs,” then admit they thought they could have changed their future mate.</p>
<p>“Couples are in the early rush of new hormones and believe they’ve finally found someone who understands them,” says <a href="http://www.tinatessina.com/" type="external">Dr. Tina Tessina Opens a New Window.</a>, a psychotherapist and author of Money, Sex and Kids: Stop Fighting About the Three Things That Can Ruin Your Marriage. “But the realities of life are different.”</p>
<p>We put a lot of emotion into it, when we need to use business skills and do the math, says Tessina. “Most couples know how to talk to their bosses about money.”</p>
<p>Couples also avoid talking about money over fears of insulting the other, according to Winters. “It’s not until years later when they’re sitting in front of a divorce lawyer that they start talking about financial infidelity.”</p>
<p>Financial infidelity constitutes withholding any financial information—whether it’s a large bill from a shopping spree, to excessive credit card debt or a hidden gambling habit. “People who get into deep debt are often in deep denial, says Tessina. “They pretend debt doesn’t exist in their own head—never mind telling their potential life partner.”</p>
<p>Winters and Evans also advocate prenuptial agreements to help protect personal assets coming into a relationship. Prenups are often frowned upon for favoring one partner, but the duo emphasizes these premarital agreements can help both parties by forcing them to face and think through potentially challenging future life issues like staying home to raise children or sending them to daycare, helping aging parents or other relatives in financial need, building a retirement nest egg or ownership rights of certain inherited assets like a family business.</p>
<p>Couples have to realize life gets harder, not easier after they walk down the aisle, says Evans. Early on, they may need to pay off a little credit card debt or a small student loan. “That’s a simple discussion, but it’s not so simple if you start at the end and work backwards.”</p>
<p>Here are some tips for a pre wedding money talk:</p>
<p>Set a convenient time to talk. Don’t spring the conversation on the other party.</p>
<p>Talk to a credit or financial counselor. Bring pay checks, credit reports, student loan obligations and forthrightness to the meeting so you can work up a budget.</p>
<p>Respect each other’s opinions and concerns. Pointing the finger of blame is counterproductive and a real conversation stopper.</p>
<p>Probe to understand financial attitudes. How your partner’s parents addressed money issues will either coincide or conflict with your financial preferences and impact your future marriage. Habits ingrained since childhood are typically cemented for life, says Cunningham.</p>
<p>Talk turkey. Before you get to the wedding planning, let your partner in on your deal breakers, says Tessina. Then let him/her make the choice, “It may sound harsh, but you’ll protect yourself from being dragged down the hole later in life.”</p> | true | 0 | love blind said might also mute comes money discussions continue reading couples rarely talk finances even engagement according experts increase odds making happily ever reality talking finances needs done prior to160 saying according recent national foundation credit counseling opens new window nfcc poll discussions takehome pay debtload credit scores often overlooked couples fact twothirds respondents hold negative attitudes toward discussing money fiancé poll says talking money uncomfortable likely lead fight reveal financial issues werent aware respondents admit making shy away talk another 5 say could well cause call wedding talking frankly money financial planning help couples becoming part 50 marriages end divorce might well worth 5 risk says koonsfuller opens new window family law divorce attorney sherri evans chair family law section state bar texas money cant blamed sole cause divorces experts agree often core marital issues advertisement fascinating couples get naked get married reveal financial circumstances says susan reach winters family law divorce attorney budd larner opens new window despite high divorce rate people dont think meshing money personalities160 youre financially wired makes huge difference money handled partnerships individuals may hold different attitudes spending saving marriage tightwad spendthrift could headed disaster says nfccs gail cunningham couples may love willing look way money differences eventually surface say everyones dysfunctional live dysfunction figure way coexist cunningham says person saves versus one spends different set expectations goals claims evans young lawyer wines dines people bring clients may spend like crazy okay working shes 75 happens husband makes nice living actively puts money aside leave workforce early whose american dream talking anyway claims evans couple dreams expectations start money talk flow people want get married says winters dont want acknowledge potential red flags clients often say saw warning signs admit thought could changed future mate couples early rush new hormones believe theyve finally found someone understands says dr tina tessina opens new window psychotherapist author money sex kids stop fighting three things ruin marriage realities life different put lot emotion need use business skills math says tessina couples know talk bosses money couples also avoid talking money fears insulting according winters years later theyre sitting front divorce lawyer start talking financial infidelity financial infidelity constitutes withholding financial informationwhether large bill shopping spree excessive credit card debt hidden gambling habit people get deep debt often deep denial says tessina pretend debt doesnt exist headnever mind telling potential life partner winters evans also advocate prenuptial agreements help protect personal assets coming relationship prenups often frowned upon favoring one partner duo emphasizes premarital agreements help parties forcing face think potentially challenging future life issues like staying home raise children sending daycare helping aging parents relatives financial need building retirement nest egg ownership rights certain inherited assets like family business couples realize life gets harder easier walk aisle says evans early may need pay little credit card debt small student loan thats simple discussion simple start end work backwards tips pre wedding money talk set convenient time talk dont spring conversation party talk credit financial counselor bring pay checks credit reports student loan obligations forthrightness meeting work budget respect others opinions concerns pointing finger blame counterproductive real conversation stopper probe understand financial attitudes partners parents addressed money issues either coincide conflict financial preferences impact future marriage habits ingrained since childhood typically cemented life says cunningham talk turkey get wedding planning let partner deal breakers says tessina let himher make choice may sound harsh youll protect dragged hole later life | 572 |
<p>These tyrants just can’t let it go. They can’t make their case to the jury to find these men guilty so they are going to try them a third time and push other defendants’ court date back further into the future!</p>
<p><a href="http://freedomoutpost.com/2-acquitted-charges-bundy-ranch-trial/" type="external">After the jury acquitted two defendants in the Bundy Ranch case of all charges against them, they were deadlocked on two others, O. Scott Drexler and Eric Parker, both of Idaho.</a></p>
<p>Still, they were released from prison on Tuesday evening, but discovered on Wednesday that the government, who could not make their case to the jury, wants to try them again.</p>
<p>“Surprised? No. Disappointed? Yes,” said Parker’s lawyer, Jess Marchese. “It’s clear at this point the prosecution is taking this personally now.”</p>
<p>Marchese said Acting Nevada U.S. Attorney Steven Myhre twice called Parker a coward during a court hearing Wednesday.</p>
<p>Marchese said it was unprofessional and unnecessary. “This is a business,” he said. “And there’s no need for emotion in a business.”</p>
<p>It’s actually pretty cowardly what Mr. Myhre has been involved in, in attempts to bring in situation and conduct that occurred well after Bundy Ranch against defendants to make his case, as well as being just fine with holding defendants up to five years without worrying about violating their right to a speedy trial.</p>
<p>Consider that Mr. Myhre is the same man who would not include the men found guilty in the first trial in the retrial for the charges they were not found guilty on because of time and expenses, but he will not let these men go to save money and time and actually give the other men their day in court in a timely manner.</p>
<p>AZ Central <a href="http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-investigations/2017/08/23/prosecutors-retry-bundy-ranch-standoff-defendants-third-time/594842001/" type="external">reports</a>:</p>
<p>The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Las Vegas confirmed Wednesday it will go back to court for the third time in an attempt to convict two men accused of taking up arms against federal agents.</p>
<p>Less than 24 hours earlier, a jury had acquitted two standoff defendants and dismissed the most serious charges against two others. Now federal prosecutors say they will retry the men next month on outstanding weapons and assault charges.</p>
<p>The move pushes back the trials for 11 other defendants in the 2014 Bundy Ranch standoff, including Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy and his sons Ammon and Ryan Bundy, who have spent 18 months in prison while awaiting their court date.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>Parker and Drexler face one count each of assaulting a federal officer and carrying a firearm in the commission of a crime. Parker faces two additional counts of using a firearm to threaten a federal officer.</p>
<p>Nevermind that the keeping and bearing of arms is a right protected under the Second Amendment.</p>
<p>Nevermind that the position of the men and their weapons was a defensive position in the face of hundreds of armed, tactically trained federal agents and snipers with their weapons targeting innocent Americans who were simply engaged in protesting the lawless actions of the Bureau of Land Management.</p>
<p />
<p>To demonstrate just how crooked Judge Gloria Navarro’s court is and how in lock step it is with the tyrannical central government it works for, even AZ Central saw what was going on.</p>
<p>Navarro’s rulings, aimed at trying to avoid jury nullification, severely limited defense arguments. Jury nullification occurs when a jury returns a verdict based on its shared belief rather than on the evidence in a case.</p>
<p>Navarro barred defendants from discussing why they traveled thousands of miles to join protesters at the Bundy Ranch. She did not allow them to testify about perceived abuses by federal authorities during the cattle roundup that might have motivated them to participate.</p>
<p>Navarro also restricted defendants from raising constitutional arguments, or mounting any defense based on their First Amendment rights to free speech and their Second Amendment rights to bear arms. In her rulings, Navarro said those were not applicable arguments in the case.</p>
<p>Federal officials did not face the same restrictions. To show defendants were part of a conspiracy, they referenced events that happened months, or years, after the standoff.</p>
<p>Federal prosecutors, led by Myhre, argued in court the case wasn’t about the First or Second Amendments; that the Constitution doesn’t give people the right to threaten federal officers.</p>
<p>And the Constitution doesn’t give the right for members of an unconstitutional agency to threaten American citizens either, Mr. Myhre.</p>
<p>Because of Myhre’s and Navarro’s reckless and lawless behavior, now Drexler and Parker will have to face another trial and the Bundys and reporter Pete Santilli will have their court date delayed well into October or possibly November.</p>
<p>And why? Because for Myhre this is not about justice, it’s personal. That was demonstrated in his attacks on the defendants and their attorneys.</p>
<p>Indeed, it is personal, but it should be about justice.</p>
<p>There are still 11 defendants who remain incarcerated for the past 19 months without a trial and the court’s actions continue to infringe on the rights of these men.</p>
<p>“Those guys want their day in court,” said Marchese.</p>
<p>As for at least one of the defendants awaiting trial, Pete Santilli’s attorney, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Debrjordan/posts/1315282651930983" type="external">Chris Rasmussen has filed a motion for pre-trial release</a>.</p>
<p>Sadly, I can tell you they aren’t going to grant it. They haven’t done so thus far. There’s no way the government is going to give an inch here. They have too much to lose.</p>
<p>If you are able and would like to help the Bundy Ranch political prisoners win their case against the tyranny of the central government or would like to write them, <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Up9AI84tBWAvAanK885Rr3B6wa1tugD29AnVMpOk9Zw/edit?usp=drivesdk" type="external">please click here</a>. If you would like to support a house in Nevada that is caring for wives and children of these men as they attend the trials, please <a href="http://thepetesantillishow.com/donate" type="external">click here</a>.</p>
<p>Courtesy of <a href="http://freedomoutpost.com/unbelievable-government-retry-bundy-ranch-defendants-third-time/" 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="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 | tyrants cant let go cant make case jury find men guilty going try third time push defendants court date back future jury acquitted two defendants bundy ranch case charges deadlocked two others scott drexler eric parker idaho still released prison tuesday evening discovered wednesday government could make case jury wants try surprised disappointed yes said parkers lawyer jess marchese clear point prosecution taking personally marchese said acting nevada us attorney steven myhre twice called parker coward court hearing wednesday marchese said unprofessional unnecessary business said theres need emotion business actually pretty cowardly mr myhre involved attempts bring situation conduct occurred well bundy ranch defendants make case well fine holding defendants five years without worrying violating right speedy trial consider mr myhre man would include men found guilty first trial retrial charges found guilty time expenses let men go save money time actually give men day court timely manner az central reports us attorneys office las vegas confirmed wednesday go back court third time attempt convict two men accused taking arms federal agents less 24 hours earlier jury acquitted two standoff defendants dismissed serious charges two others federal prosecutors say retry men next month outstanding weapons assault charges move pushes back trials 11 defendants 2014 bundy ranch standoff including nevada rancher cliven bundy sons ammon ryan bundy spent 18 months prison awaiting court date parker drexler face one count assaulting federal officer carrying firearm commission crime parker faces two additional counts using firearm threaten federal officer nevermind keeping bearing arms right protected second amendment nevermind position men weapons defensive position face hundreds armed tactically trained federal agents snipers weapons targeting innocent americans simply engaged protesting lawless actions bureau land management demonstrate crooked judge gloria navarros court lock step tyrannical central government works even az central saw going navarros rulings aimed trying avoid jury nullification severely limited defense arguments jury nullification occurs jury returns verdict based shared belief rather evidence case navarro barred defendants discussing traveled thousands miles join protesters bundy ranch allow testify perceived abuses federal authorities cattle roundup might motivated participate navarro also restricted defendants raising constitutional arguments mounting defense based first amendment rights free speech second amendment rights bear arms rulings navarro said applicable arguments case federal officials face restrictions show defendants part conspiracy referenced events happened months years standoff federal prosecutors led myhre argued court case wasnt first second amendments constitution doesnt give people right threaten federal officers constitution doesnt give right members unconstitutional agency threaten american citizens either mr myhre myhres navarros reckless lawless behavior drexler parker face another trial bundys reporter pete santilli court date delayed well october possibly november myhre justice personal demonstrated attacks defendants attorneys indeed personal justice still 11 defendants remain incarcerated past 19 months without trial courts actions continue infringe rights men guys want day court said marchese least one defendants awaiting trial pete santillis attorney chris rasmussen filed motion pretrial release sadly tell arent going grant havent done thus far theres way government going give inch much lose able would like help bundy ranch political prisoners win case tyranny central government would like write please click would like support house nevada caring wives children men attend trials please click 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 | 572 |
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<p>There was a time when the circus coming to town represented a major event, and even though there were others, for many, "circus," meant the Ringling Bros. Barnum &amp; Bailey version.</p>
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<p>It was only a few years ago that the company would announce its arrival in major cities like New York or Baltimore with a parade of elephants through downtown on the way to whatever major arena the company would take over for weeks. The circus was such an event that major National Basketball Association and National Hockey League teams went on long road trips so their home arenas could host extended engagements of "The Greatest Show on Earth."</p>
<p>Now, of course, Feld Entertainment, the owner of the iconic brand has <a href="https://www.feldentertainment.com/PressRoom/DisplayPressRelease/85085/" type="external">announced Opens a New Window.</a> that the Ringling Bros. circus will have its final performances now through May. It's the end of a nearly 150-year tradition, but it may not be the end of the art form, even though it's a stunning loss.</p>
<p>The Ringling Bros. circus features clowns. Image source: Feld Entertainment.</p>
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<p>Feld blamed the closing on a combination of rising costs coupled with declining attendance. Specifically, the circus' owner cited dropping elephants from the circus -- something it did in response to activist pressure -- as causing steeper-than-expected ticket sales declines.</p>
<p>"This was a difficult business decision to make," said Juliette Feld, Feld Entertainment's Chief Operating Officer in a <a href="https://www.feldentertainment.com/PressRoom/DisplayPressRelease/85085/" type="external">press release Opens a New Window.</a>. "Now that we have made this decision, as a company, and as a family, we will strive to support our circus performers and crew in making the transition to new opportunities," she added.</p>
<p>Joe Gold, Principal of The Gold Group, a marketing company that also runs museums and exhibits across the country, laid out the challenging economics in an interview with The Motley Fool. "I don't have any inside knowledge," the one-time Feld vice president made clear regarding the actual shutdown, but having worked for the company and in the industry, Gold does have an insider's understanding of the economics.</p>
<p>"Their cost structure was extremely high," he told the Fool. "The circus travels on 60 railroad cars."</p>
<p>To put that into perspective, the former-circus executive explained that a rock-and-roll show travels with eight trucks, while the exhibits his company produces use 13 trucks at most, and even Disney On Ice uses only 11 or 12 trucks. "The equivalent of 60 railroad cars is 120 trucks," he explained.</p>
<p>Gold also noted that Feld had fought costly battles with animal rights activists in every city it operated in. "There's competition from a hundred different places for family entertainment and it's just, how do you make it go?" he added.</p>
<p>At roughly the same time the Ringling Bros. news was made public, an auction was announced for the assets of the bankrupt Big Apple Circus -- a regional touring group that filed for bankruptcy in November. That brand, which Gold's company did marketing for in the 2000s, offered a smaller version of what Ringling Bros. did, often setting up a big top in a mall parking lot or other similar large, open space, and it hopes to bring back the circus at least to New York, <a href="http://nypost.com/2017/01/15/big-apple-circus-to-sell-off-assets-in-bankruptcy-auction/" type="external">The New York Post Opens a New Window.</a> reported.</p>
<p>There are still a number of regional circuses performing with perhaps the best-known being UniverSoul Circus, which currently has two tours operating (as did Ringling Bros.). A UniverSoul representative declined to comment when contacted for this story.</p>
<p>Gold said that while the loss of Ringling Bros. was a blow to the industry, there are regional circuses and new takes on the art form that are thriving. He cited the success of Cirque du Soleil, a very different execution that can be considered in the circus tradition.</p>
<p>"It's a tremendous opportunity for smaller shows," said Gold. "Circuses are thriving. There's a company that's doing circuses in theaters that's doing great. There are smaller shows, one called Circus Symphony, that goes out for three, four weeks at a time. They do business."</p>
<p>So, rather than the end of Ringling Bros. being the end of an American tradition, Gold sees it as a time for something new to emerge. He explained that a successful show has to evolve, change with the times, and present something the public can't experience anywhere else.</p>
<p>"Cirque du Soleil came out of nowhere 30 years ago, and it was a different way of looking at circuses, a different way of touring it, because it wasn't on a train, it didn't have animals," he said. "I think there is a future for circuses. It just has to be done differently going forward."</p>
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<p>Daniel Kline has never cared for the circus, but he likes zoos. 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 | time circus coming town represented major event even though others many circus meant ringling bros barnum amp bailey version continue reading years ago company would announce arrival major cities like new york baltimore parade elephants downtown way whatever major arena company would take weeks circus event major national basketball association national hockey league teams went long road trips home arenas could host extended engagements greatest show earth course feld entertainment owner iconic brand announced opens new window ringling bros circus final performances may end nearly 150year tradition may end art form even though stunning loss ringling bros circus features clowns image source feld entertainment advertisement feld blamed closing combination rising costs coupled declining attendance specifically circus owner cited dropping elephants circus something response activist pressure causing steeperthanexpected ticket sales declines difficult business decision make said juliette feld feld entertainments chief operating officer press release opens new window made decision company family strive support circus performers crew making transition new opportunities added joe gold principal gold group marketing company also runs museums exhibits across country laid challenging economics interview motley fool dont inside knowledge onetime feld vice president made clear regarding actual shutdown worked company industry gold insiders understanding economics cost structure extremely high told fool circus travels 60 railroad cars put perspective formercircus executive explained rockandroll show travels eight trucks exhibits company produces use 13 trucks even disney ice uses 11 12 trucks equivalent 60 railroad cars 120 trucks explained gold also noted feld fought costly battles animal rights activists every city operated theres competition hundred different places family entertainment make go added roughly time ringling bros news made public auction announced assets bankrupt big apple circus regional touring group filed bankruptcy november brand golds company marketing 2000s offered smaller version ringling bros often setting big top mall parking lot similar large open space hopes bring back circus least new york new york post opens new window reported still number regional circuses performing perhaps bestknown universoul circus currently two tours operating ringling bros universoul representative declined comment contacted story gold said loss ringling bros blow industry regional circuses new takes art form thriving cited success cirque du soleil different execution considered circus tradition tremendous opportunity smaller shows said gold circuses thriving theres company thats circuses theaters thats great smaller shows one called circus symphony goes three four weeks time business rather end ringling bros end american tradition gold sees time something new emerge explained successful show evolve change times present something public cant experience anywhere else cirque du soleil came nowhere 30 years ago different way looking circuses different way touring wasnt train didnt animals said think future circuses done differently going forward 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 10 best stocks opens new windowfor investors buy right nowand 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 daniel kline never cared circus likes zoos motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 521 |
<p>Next to Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton may be the most pro-abortion presidential candidate in American history. Clinton, and the Left in general, attempt to mask the heinous nature of the procedure they support by employing euphemisms such as "reproductive health" and "choice," but in reality what they're championing is the termination of innocent life, even at the latest stages of development.</p>
<p>Here are three things you need to know about Hillary Clinton's beliefs regarding abortion:</p>
<p>1. Hillary Wants Taxpayer Funding for Abortions</p>
<p>Clinton has said that she wants to eliminate the Hyde amendment, which prohibits taxpayer dollars being used for abortions--although all money going to Planned Parenthood is fungible, meaning it can be moved around, essentially rendering the Hyde amendment moot.</p>
<p>On January 10, 2016, <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4572858/hillary-clinton-calls-ending-hyde-amendment" type="external">Clinton said</a>:</p>
<p>"First of all, I will always defend Planned Parenthood, and I will say consistently and proudly, Planned Parenthood should be funded, supported, and appreciated, not undermined, misrepresented, and demonized. I believe we need to protect access to safe and legal abortion, not just in principle, but in practice.</p>
<p>Any right that requires you to take extraordinary measures to access it is no right at all...not as long as we have laws on the books like the Hyde amendment, making it harder for low-income women to exercise their full rights."</p>
<p>From July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014, <a href="https://www.conservativereview.com/commentary/2015/09/a-comprehensive-guide-to-planned-parenthood-funding" type="external">Planned Parenthood received approximately $528.4 million in federal funding</a>, roughly $103.6 million of which went to "family planning," which includes abortions. Hillary Clinton wants more, telling <a href="https://newrepublic.com/minutes/127886/hillary-clinton-wants-kill-hyde-amendment-yes-big-deal" type="external">Fusion</a>: "I would like to see Planned Parenthood even get more funding."</p>
<p>Planned Parenthood is the nation's most <a href="http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2015/09/disentangling-the-data-on-planned-parenthood-affiliates-abortion-services-and-receipt-of-taxpayer-funding#_ftn3" type="external">prolific abortion provider</a>, accounting for more than 300,000 abortions a year.</p>
<p>2. Hillary Wants Abortion Available Until Birth</p>
<p>Hillary Clinton is such an extreme advocate for abortion that she refuses to entertain the idea of late-term restrictions unless exceptions are added. On October 8, 2000, <a href="http://www.politifact.com/texas/statements/2016/oct/09/ted-cruz/false-ted-cruz-claim-hillary-clinton-backs-unlimit/" type="external">Clinton said</a>:</p>
<p>"I have said many times that I can support a ban on late-term abortions, including partial-birth abortions, so long as the health and life of the mother is protected. I've met women who faced this heart-wrenching decision toward the end of a pregnancy. Of course it's a horrible procedure. No one would argue with that. But if your life is at stake, if your health is at stake, if the potential for having any more children is at stake, this must be a woman's choice."</p>
<p>This argument is a patent falsity.</p>
<p>In a piece for Fox News, Lila Rose <a href="http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/opinion/2015/07/10/opinion-case-10-year-old-paraguayan-pregnant-girl-and-why-killing-is-not-answer/" type="external">explained</a> that "abortion is never medically necessary to save a mother's life. The Dublin Declaration makes this clear, with more than 1,000 signatures from obstetricians, neonatologists, pediatricians, midwives, and other medical professionals claiming that fact."</p>
<p>Dr. Anthony Levatino, a former OB-GYN who performed over 1,200 abortions in his career, also claims that the "life of the mother argument" is nonsense:</p>
<p>"During my time at Albany Medical Center, I managed hundreds of such cases by "terminating" pregnancies [via live delivery by C-section] to save mothers' lives. In all those hundreds of cases, the number of unborn children that I had to deliberately kill was zero."</p>
<p>During his <a href="https://youtu.be/53tzMV9OmvY" type="external">2013 testimony</a> before Congress, Dr. Levatino said that at 24-weeks gestation, "the dilation of the cervix that's required for a D&amp;E [Dilation and Evacuation] abortion...takes at least 36 hours." Later abortions, he said, "can necessitate almost three days of preparation prior to performance of the procedure."</p>
<p>He continued:</p>
<p>"It was mentioned earlier, the idea that abortion is needed to save women's lives...As a faculty member at the Albany Medical College, I have treated hundreds of women with severe problems with their pregnancies. Pregnancies that were life-threatening to them--cardiac disease, diabetes, cancers, toxemia, elevated blood pressure in pregnancy.</p>
<p>I'll illustrate with one case that I dealt with personally. A patient came in at 27-weeks of gestation, blood pressure 220 over 140. You know a normal blood pressure is 120 over 80. This woman is moments or hours away from a stroke. We stabilized her, delivered her; she had a healthy baby in the end, and she did well as well.</p>
<p>I was able to stabilize and deliver her within an hour... Abortion would be worthless in that situation...at 27-weeks of gestation, it would have taken at least three days to even prepare her to be able to go through the procedure. This is an important point when we talk about abortion in terms of saving women's lives."</p>
<p>Hillary Clinton, however, wants "life-saving" late-term abortions protected, either out of ignorance regarding the time it takes to prepare for the procedure, or for other reasons altogether.</p>
<p>3. Hillary Voted Against the 2003 Partial-Birth Abortion Ban</p>
<p>In 2003, Hillary Clinton <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/108-2003/s51" type="external">voted with 32 other Senators</a> against the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, which prohibited doctors from knowingly performing an "intact dilation and extraction." A physician caught breaking this law can face fines and up to two years in prison.</p>
<p>For the uninitiated, an intact dilation and extraction is a procedure in which an infant, approximately 18-weeks gestation or older, is almost entirely extracted from the mother in breech position, leaving its head inside the uterus. The doctor then makes an incision in the base of the infant's skull, and uses a suction cannula to remove its brain, thus collapsing the head. Prior to the procedure, the doctor administers digoxin via a needle into the infant's head or heart in order to induce cardiac arrest and death.</p>
<p>This following is an illustrated video explaining the procedure (warning: graphic):</p>
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<p>Regarding the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, <a href="http://www.politifact.com/texas/statements/2016/oct/09/ted-cruz/false-ted-cruz-claim-hillary-clinton-backs-unlimit/" type="external">Clinton said</a>:</p>
<p>"Clearly, the administration and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle see this as an opportunity to begin to eliminate Roe v. Wade, and the possibility of safe, legal and rare abortions in this country. And many young women don't seem to understand that this is not an option that they can take for granted."</p>
<p>Hillary Clinton's position on abortion should be viewed as extreme, but it's often glossed over by the press. Euphemisms like "choice," and "women's reproductive freedom" are used to muddy public perception about abortion. Clinton likely takes advantage of these euphemisms in an effort to gain the votes of those who are unaware of the disturbing reality of abortion.</p> | true | 0 | next barack obama hillary clinton may proabortion presidential candidate american history clinton left general attempt mask heinous nature procedure support employing euphemisms reproductive health choice reality theyre championing termination innocent life even latest stages development three things need know hillary clintons beliefs regarding abortion 1 hillary wants taxpayer funding abortions clinton said wants eliminate hyde amendment prohibits taxpayer dollars used abortionsalthough money going planned parenthood fungible meaning moved around essentially rendering hyde amendment moot january 10 2016 clinton said first always defend planned parenthood say consistently proudly planned parenthood funded supported appreciated undermined misrepresented demonized believe need protect access safe legal abortion principle practice right requires take extraordinary measures access right allnot long laws books like hyde amendment making harder lowincome women exercise full rights july 1 2013 june 30 2014 planned parenthood received approximately 5284 million federal funding roughly 1036 million went family planning includes abortions hillary clinton wants telling fusion would like see planned parenthood even get funding planned parenthood nations prolific abortion provider accounting 300000 abortions year 2 hillary wants abortion available birth hillary clinton extreme advocate abortion refuses entertain idea lateterm restrictions unless exceptions added october 8 2000 clinton said said many times support ban lateterm abortions including partialbirth abortions long health life mother protected ive met women faced heartwrenching decision toward end pregnancy course horrible procedure one would argue life stake health stake potential children stake must womans choice argument patent falsity piece fox news lila rose explained abortion never medically necessary save mothers life dublin declaration makes clear 1000 signatures obstetricians neonatologists pediatricians midwives medical professionals claiming fact dr anthony levatino former obgyn performed 1200 abortions career also claims life mother argument nonsense time albany medical center managed hundreds cases terminating pregnancies via live delivery csection save mothers lives hundreds cases number unborn children deliberately kill zero 2013 testimony congress dr levatino said 24weeks gestation dilation cervix thats required dampe dilation evacuation abortiontakes least 36 hours later abortions said necessitate almost three days preparation prior performance procedure continued mentioned earlier idea abortion needed save womens livesas faculty member albany medical college treated hundreds women severe problems pregnancies pregnancies lifethreatening themcardiac disease diabetes cancers toxemia elevated blood pressure pregnancy ill illustrate one case dealt personally patient came 27weeks gestation blood pressure 220 140 know normal blood pressure 120 80 woman moments hours away stroke stabilized delivered healthy baby end well well able stabilize deliver within hour abortion would worthless situationat 27weeks gestation would taken least three days even prepare able go procedure important point talk abortion terms saving womens lives hillary clinton however wants lifesaving lateterm abortions protected either ignorance regarding time takes prepare procedure reasons altogether 3 hillary voted 2003 partialbirth abortion ban 2003 hillary clinton voted 32 senators partialbirth abortion ban act prohibited doctors knowingly performing intact dilation extraction physician caught breaking law face fines two years prison uninitiated intact dilation extraction procedure infant approximately 18weeks gestation older almost entirely extracted mother breech position leaving head inside uterus doctor makes incision base infants skull uses suction cannula remove brain thus collapsing head prior procedure doctor administers digoxin via needle infants head heart order induce cardiac arrest death following illustrated video explaining procedure warning graphic regarding partialbirth abortion ban act clinton said clearly administration colleagues side aisle see opportunity begin eliminate roe v wade possibility safe legal rare abortions country many young women dont seem understand option take granted hillary clintons position abortion viewed extreme often glossed press euphemisms like choice womens reproductive freedom used muddy public perception abortion clinton likely takes advantage euphemisms effort gain votes unaware disturbing reality abortion | 597 |
<p>Officials at the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) observed Russian spies trying to get close to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as early as 2009 to “win access” to her and Bill Clinton as Russia tried to expand their nuclear energy business.</p>
<p>Unsealed documents from the FBI revealed that members of a Russian spy ring were tasked to get close to Clinton while Russia’s state-controlled nuclear energy company lobbied the Obama administration, <a href="http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/356630-fbi-watched-then-acted-as-russian-spy-moved-closer-to-hillary" type="external">The Hill</a> reported.</p>
<p>The Russians, who hired a Washington firm to conduct their lobbying efforts, were already giving hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to the Clinton Foundation which “helped the Russian company secure federal decisions that led to billions in new U.S. commercial nuclear business.”</p>
<p>FBI agents were reportedly stunned by the time and size of a $500,000 check that Bill Clinton received from a Kremlin-linked bank for a single speech in 2010 — the largest single check he has ever received for a speech.</p>
<p>An official who was not authorized to speak with the media told The Hill that the Russians targeted Clinton because she was the “quarterback” for the Obama administration’s efforts to reset relations with Russia and because they believed she would be president after Obama. The source cited as evidence communications that the FBI intercepted where Russian handlers instructed their spies to gather information on the State Department.</p>
<p>The report noted that U.S. officials conducted a 10-year operation monitoring the Russian spy ring:</p>
<p>It was one of the most important U.S. counterintelligence victories against Russia in history, and famous for nabbing the glamorous spy-turned-model Anna Chapman.</p>
<p>While Chapman dominated the headlines surrounding that spy ring, another Russian woman posing as a mundane New Jersey accountant named Cynthia Murphy was closing in on accessing Secretary Clinton’s department, according to records and interviews.</p>
<p>Murphy, living with her husband and kids in the New Jersey suburbs of New York City, reported a major breakthrough in February 2009 in an electronic message sent to her handlers: she had scored access to a major Democrat, FBI records state.</p>
<p>“Murphy had several work-related personal meetings with [a prominent New York-based financier, name omitted] and was assigned his account,” one FBI record from the case read. “The message accurately described the financier as ‘prominent in politics,’ ‘an active fund-raiser’ for [a major political party, name omitted] and a ‘personal friend’ of [a current Cabinet official, name redacted].”</p>
<p>Multiple current and former officials confirmed to The Hill that the Cabinet officer was Hillary Clinton, the fundraiser was New York financier Alan Patricof and the political party was the Democratic National Committee. None of the Americans were ever suspected of illegalities, but the episode made clear the Russian spies were stepping up their operations against the new administration after years of working in a “sleeper” capacity, officials said.</p>
<p>Clinton spokesman Nick Merrill refused to answer questions from The Hill as to whether Clinton knew about the Russian spy effort but he suggested that this entire ordeal was conjured up by “the Right” to distract from the Russia investigation involving the Trump presidential campaign.</p>
<p>“Nothing has changed since the last time this was addressed, including the right’s transparent attempts to distract from their own Russia problems, which are real and a grave threat to our national security,” Merrill wrote in an email to The Hill.</p>
<p>One day after authorities arrested spies in Russia’s sleeper ring, the FBI noticed another event that was of deep concern — Bill Clinton collected a $500,000 check for giving a 90-minute ($5,555 per minute) speech in Moscow:</p>
<p>The check caught the attention of FBI agents, especially with Hillary Clinton having recently returned from meetings in Russia, and her department working on a variety of issues where Moscow had an interest, records show.</p>
<p>One issue was American approval of the Russian nuclear company Rosatom’s purchase of a Canadian company called Uranium One, which controlled 20 percent of America’s strategic uranium reserves. State was one of more than a dozen federal agencies that needed to weigh in, and a Clinton deputy was handling the matter.</p>
<p>The second issue was the Russian company TENEX’s desire to score a new raft of commercial nuclear sales to U.S. companies. TENEX for years was selling uranium recycled from old Soviet warheads to the United States. But that deal was coming to an end and now it needed a new U.S. market.</p>
<p>And the third was a promise Secretary Clinton herself made to Russian leaders to round up support in America’s Silicon Valley for then-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s dream for a new high-tech hub outside Moscow known as Skolkovo. A team of venture capitalists had been dispatched to Moscow just a few weeks before Bill Clinton landed his payday, records show.</p>
<p>Before top U.S. officials, including Obama and Clinton, approved the sale of Uranium One to Russia’s Rosatom, the FBI knew about a Russian bribery scheme that was taking place aimed at influencing the decision by U.S. officials which <a href="https://www.circa.com/story/2017/10/18/judiciary-committee-calls-on-former-fbi-informant-to-testify-about-uranium-one" type="external">included</a> “bribery, kickbacks, money laundering, and extortion.”</p>
<p>The FBI learned of the Russian crimes after a U.S. businessman acted as a voluntary informant for the FBI for years and helped them obtain evidence.</p>
<p>That informant was blocked by then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch’s Justice Department from testifying to Congress about what he knew — which would have “drawn attention to the Russian corruption during the 2016 presidential race,” <a href="http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/355937-fbi-informant-blocked-from-telling-congress-about-russia-nuclear" type="external">The Hill</a> reported.</p>
<p>Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles Grassley (R-IA) <a href="https://www.circa.com/story/2017/10/18/judiciary-committee-calls-on-former-fbi-informant-to-testify-about-uranium-one" type="external">called</a> on the lawyer of the informant to allow her client to testify to Congress what he knows as this story of Russian corruption appears to be unraveling on the Democrats.</p> | true | 0 | officials federal bureau investigations fbi observed russian spies trying get close former secretary state hillary clinton early 2009 win access bill clinton russia tried expand nuclear energy business unsealed documents fbi revealed members russian spy ring tasked get close clinton russias statecontrolled nuclear energy company lobbied obama administration hill reported russians hired washington firm conduct lobbying efforts already giving hundreds thousands dollars year clinton foundation helped russian company secure federal decisions led billions new us commercial nuclear business fbi agents reportedly stunned time size 500000 check bill clinton received kremlinlinked bank single speech 2010 largest single check ever received speech official authorized speak media told hill russians targeted clinton quarterback obama administrations efforts reset relations russia believed would president obama source cited evidence communications fbi intercepted russian handlers instructed spies gather information state department report noted us officials conducted 10year operation monitoring russian spy ring one important us counterintelligence victories russia history famous nabbing glamorous spyturnedmodel anna chapman chapman dominated headlines surrounding spy ring another russian woman posing mundane new jersey accountant named cynthia murphy closing accessing secretary clintons department according records interviews murphy living husband kids new jersey suburbs new york city reported major breakthrough february 2009 electronic message sent handlers scored access major democrat fbi records state murphy several workrelated personal meetings prominent new yorkbased financier name omitted assigned account one fbi record case read message accurately described financier prominent politics active fundraiser major political party name omitted personal friend current cabinet official name redacted multiple current former officials confirmed hill cabinet officer hillary clinton fundraiser new york financier alan patricof political party democratic national committee none americans ever suspected illegalities episode made clear russian spies stepping operations new administration years working sleeper capacity officials said clinton spokesman nick merrill refused answer questions hill whether clinton knew russian spy effort suggested entire ordeal conjured right distract russia investigation involving trump presidential campaign nothing changed since last time addressed including rights transparent attempts distract russia problems real grave threat national security merrill wrote email hill one day authorities arrested spies russias sleeper ring fbi noticed another event deep concern bill clinton collected 500000 check giving 90minute 5555 per minute speech moscow check caught attention fbi agents especially hillary clinton recently returned meetings russia department working variety issues moscow interest records show one issue american approval russian nuclear company rosatoms purchase canadian company called uranium one controlled 20 percent americas strategic uranium reserves state one dozen federal agencies needed weigh clinton deputy handling matter second issue russian company tenexs desire score new raft commercial nuclear sales us companies tenex years selling uranium recycled old soviet warheads united states deal coming end needed new us market third promise secretary clinton made russian leaders round support americas silicon valley thenrussian president dmitry medvedevs dream new hightech hub outside moscow known skolkovo team venture capitalists dispatched moscow weeks bill clinton landed payday records show top us officials including obama clinton approved sale uranium one russias rosatom fbi knew russian bribery scheme taking place aimed influencing decision us officials included bribery kickbacks money laundering extortion fbi learned russian crimes us businessman acted voluntary informant fbi years helped obtain evidence informant blocked thenattorney general loretta lynchs justice department testifying congress knew would drawn attention russian corruption 2016 presidential race hill reported senate judiciary chairman charles grassley ria called lawyer informant allow client testify congress knows story russian corruption appears unraveling democrats | 566 |
<p />
<p>Facebook might be coming to a bigger small screen.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>The social network is developing an app for television set-top boxes, including Apple Inc.'s Apple TV, people familiar with the matter said, giving it a home for video content -- as well as a new vehicle for video advertising.</p>
<p>The app is one of several&#160;Facebook&#160;projects aimed at making it a "video-first" company that can compete for television ad dollars. The social giant has been marketing its live-streaming capabilities, testing a new video ad product and integrating more videos into Instagram, its photo-sharing app.</p>
<p>Facebook&#160;is also in discussions with media companies to license long-form, TV-quality programming, people familiar with the situation said. A set-top box app would be a natural way to distribute that "premium" content and make it accessible on TV sets.</p>
<p>Facebook&#160;is already the second-biggest player in digital advertising, after Alphabet Inc.'s Google. But the social-media giant said last November that its main source of revenue, the news feed, was running out of room for more ads.</p>
<p>As a result, executives warned that revenue growth would "come down meaningfully" starting in the middle of this year.&#160;Facebook&#160;is due to report its fourth-quarter earnings on Wednesday, and analysts expect revenue to have increased 46% -- the slowest rate of growth in five quarters -- to $8.5 billion, according to Thomson Reuters.</p>
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<p>Tapping more of the $70 billion U.S. TV advertising market could help offset its growth plateau. Video ads command a premium over text- and image-based ads within the news feed. Though video ads already contribute to&#160;Facebook's growth, deep-pocketed advertisers still spend the bulk of their marketing budgets on television ads.</p>
<p>Facebook&#160;has competition from other tech companies. YouTube, part of Google parent Alphabet Inc., and Snap Inc.'s Snapchat are also angling to get more TV advertising. Google said last week that ads it sells on YouTube generally cost less than its search-engine ads. Snapchat is pushing more toward a content-licensing model, a move that media executives say&#160; <a type="external" href="" />Facebook&#160;has noticed.</p>
<p>Facebook&#160;started emphasizing video in 2014, reflecting the belief internally that video is becoming a central part of how people communicate. Late last year, some employees at&#160;Facebook&#160;started referring to the platform's future as a type of "mobile TV," one of the people said. The social network is hoping to cut into the time Americans spend watching live television -- around four hours a day on average, according to media measurement firm Nielsen.</p>
<p>Facebook's users world-wide spend an average of 50 minutes a day on its products, regardless of the type of content, according to the company.</p>
<p>The company's video priorities have evolved, from on-demand video to videos broadcast live, and now to higher-quality videos.</p>
<p>Facebook&#160;has been known for short-form video clips. But media companies say they are in talks with&#160;Facebook&#160;to provide it with long-form "TV-like" content upward of 10 minutes in length. That content could include scripted shows and sports and entertainment content created specifically for the platform, according to media executives familiar with the discussions.</p>
<p>Nearly every product team at&#160;Facebook&#160;is working to incorporate more video across its features and apps, according to people familiar with the matter. Last week, it began testing "Facebook&#160;Stories", a photo- and video- montage feature that is a carbon-copy of a popular feature on Instagram.</p>
<p>Facebook&#160;has vowed to avoid pre-roll video ads, the spots popular on YouTube, because it believes it would turn users off. Earlier this month,&#160;Facebook&#160;began testing "mid-roll" ads -- a format that recalls a typical TV spot -- in the middle of live videos, and plans to introduce them in all videos. The ads will be 15 seconds long, and will only appear after a video is played for at least 20 seconds, according to media executives briefed by&#160;Facebook.</p>
<p>Last week,&#160;Facebook&#160;also tweaked its news feed to boost the visibility of videos over 90-seconds long. The move could result in more advertising space for&#160;Facebook&#160;to sell, publishers briefed on the project said.&#160;Facebook&#160;has told publishers that it plans to share revenue from mid-roll ads with them.</p>
<p>A set-top box app would offer another, potentially more promising route for Facebook&#160;to seize a larger portion of TV budgets, the people familiar with its app development said.&#160;Facebook&#160;has been contemplating some version of a set-top box app for years, but the effort was revived last summer when&#160;Facebook&#160;executives decided to double-down on video for the second half of 2016.</p>
<p>The app would be a home for video content, including the original, premium content that&#160;Facebook&#160;currently is trying to attract from major studios, the people said.&#160;Facebook&#160;eventually would sell ads against that content, giving it another way to generate growth to offset the expected decline in ad growth in its core news feed.</p>
<p>"If there's good video content, you'll actually watch a couple thirty-second video ads," one person familiar with the efforts said.</p>
<p>Write to Deepa Seetharaman at [email protected] and Jack Marshall at [email protected]</p> | true | 0 | facebook might coming bigger small screen continue reading social network developing app television settop boxes including apple incs apple tv people familiar matter said giving home video content well new vehicle video advertising app one several160facebook160projects aimed making videofirst company compete television ad dollars social giant marketing livestreaming capabilities testing new video ad product integrating videos instagram photosharing app facebook160is also discussions media companies license longform tvquality programming people familiar situation said settop box app would natural way distribute premium content make accessible tv sets facebook160is already secondbiggest player digital advertising alphabet incs google socialmedia giant said last november main source revenue news feed running room ads result executives warned revenue growth would come meaningfully starting middle year160facebook160is due report fourthquarter earnings wednesday analysts expect revenue increased 46 slowest rate growth five quarters 85 billion according thomson reuters advertisement tapping 70 billion us tv advertising market could help offset growth plateau video ads command premium text imagebased ads within news feed though video ads already contribute to160facebooks growth deeppocketed advertisers still spend bulk marketing budgets television ads facebook160has competition tech companies youtube part google parent alphabet inc snap incs snapchat also angling get tv advertising google said last week ads sells youtube generally cost less searchengine ads snapchat pushing toward contentlicensing model move media executives say160 facebook160has noticed facebook160started emphasizing video 2014 reflecting belief internally video becoming central part people communicate late last year employees at160facebook160started referring platforms future type mobile tv one people said social network hoping cut time americans spend watching live television around four hours day average according media measurement firm nielsen facebooks users worldwide spend average 50 minutes day products regardless type content according company companys video priorities evolved ondemand video videos broadcast live higherquality videos facebook160has known shortform video clips media companies say talks with160facebook160to provide longform tvlike content upward 10 minutes length content could include scripted shows sports entertainment content created specifically platform according media executives familiar discussions nearly every product team at160facebook160is working incorporate video across features apps according people familiar matter last week began testing facebook160stories photo video montage feature carboncopy popular feature instagram facebook160has vowed avoid preroll video ads spots popular youtube believes would turn users earlier month160facebook160began testing midroll ads format recalls typical tv spot middle live videos plans introduce videos ads 15 seconds long appear video played least 20 seconds according media executives briefed by160facebook last week160facebook160also tweaked news feed boost visibility videos 90seconds long move could result advertising space for160facebook160to sell publishers briefed project said160facebook160has told publishers plans share revenue midroll ads settop box app would offer another potentially promising route facebook160to seize larger portion tv budgets people familiar app development said160facebook160has contemplating version settop box app years effort revived last summer when160facebook160executives decided doubledown video second half 2016 app would home video content including original premium content that160facebook160currently trying attract major studios people said160facebook160eventually would sell ads content giving another way generate growth offset expected decline ad growth core news feed theres good video content youll actually watch couple thirtysecond video ads one person familiar efforts said write deepa seetharaman deepaseetharamanwsjcom jack marshall jackmarshallwsjcom | 517 |
<p>WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- Verbatim Text from USDA U.S. Grains Stocks for</p>
<p>month ended September 1, 2017:</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Corn Stocks Up 32 Percent from September 2016</p>
<p>Soybean Stocks Up 53 Percent</p>
<p>All Wheat Stocks Down 11 Percent</p>
<p>Old crop corn stocks in all positions on September 1, 2017 totaled</p>
<p>2.29 billion bushels, up 32 percent from September 1, 2016. Of the total</p>
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<p>stocks, 787 million bushels are stored on farms, up 25 percent from a year</p>
<p>earlier. Off-farm stocks, at 1.51 billion bushels, are up 36 percent from a</p>
<p>year ago. The June - August 2017 indicated disappearance is 2.93 billion</p>
<p>bushels, compared with 2.97 billion bushels during the same period last year.</p>
<p>Old crop soybeans stored in all positions on September 1, 2017 totaled</p>
<p>301 million bushels, up 53 percent from September 1, 2016. Soybean stocks</p>
<p>stored on farms totaled 87.9 million bushels, up 112 percent from a year ago.</p>
<p>Off-farm stocks, at 213 million bushels, are up 38 percent from last</p>
<p>September. Indicated disappearance for June - August 2017 totaled 665 million</p>
<p>bushels, down 2 percent from the same period a year earlier.</p>
<p>Based on an analysis of end-of-marketing year stock estimates, disappearance</p>
<p>data for exports and crushings, and farm program administrative data, the</p>
<p>2016 soybean production is revised down 10.6 million bushels from the</p>
<p>previous estimate. Planted area is unchanged at 83.4 million acres, and</p>
<p>harvested area is revised down 40,000 acres to 82.7 million acres. The 2016</p>
<p>yield, at 52.0 bushels per acre, is down 0.1 bushel from the previous</p>
<p>estimate. A table with 2016 acreage, yield, and production estimates by</p>
<p>States is included on page 17 of this report.</p>
<p>All wheat stored in all positions on September 1, 2017 totaled 2.25 billion</p>
<p>bushels, down 11 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks are estimated at</p>
<p>489 million bushels, down 33 percent from last September. Off-farm stocks, at</p>
<p>1.76 billion bushels, are down 3 percent from a year ago. The</p>
<p>June - August 2017 indicated disappearance is 668 million bushels, down</p>
<p>10 percent from the same period a year earlier.</p>
<p>Durum wheat stocks in all positions on September 1, 2017 totaled 63.9 million</p>
<p>bushels, down 30 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks, at 31.1 million</p>
<p>bushels, are down 53 percent from September 1, 2016. Off-farm stocks totaled</p>
<p>32.8 million bushels, up 24 percent from a year ago. The June - August 2017</p>
<p>indicated disappearance of 27.3 million bushels is down 31 percent from the</p>
<p>same period a year earlier.</p>
<p>Barley stocks in all positions on September 1, 2017 totaled 180 million</p>
<p>bushels, down 22 percent from September 1, 2016. On-farm stocks are estimated</p>
<p>at 89.4 million bushels, 32 percent below a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at</p>
<p>90.2 million bushels, are 10 percent below September 2016. The</p>
<p>June - August 2017 indicated disappearance is 68.7 million bushels, 4 percent</p>
<p>below the same period a year earlier.</p>
<p>Oats stored in all positions on September 1, 2017 totaled 71.8 million</p>
<p>bushels, 9 percent below the stocks on September 1, 2016. Of the total stocks</p>
<p>on hand, 33.7 million bushels are stored on farms, 10 percent lower than a</p>
<p>year ago. Off-farm stocks totaled 38.1 million bushels, 7 percent below the</p>
<p>previous year. Indicated disappearance during June - August 2017 totaled</p>
<p>27.9 million bushels, compared with 43.0 million bushels during the same</p>
<p>period a year ago.</p>
<p>Old crop grain sorghum stored in all positions on September 1, 2017 totaled</p>
<p>33.5 million bushels, down 8 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks, at</p>
<p>4.28 million bushels, are up 14 percent from last year. Off-farm stocks, at</p>
<p>29.3 million bushels, are down 11 percent from September 1, 2016. The</p>
<p>June - August 2017 indicated disappearance from all positions is 51.2 million</p>
<p>bushels, down 5 percent from the same period a year ago.</p>
<p>Old crop sunflower stocks in all positions on September 1, 2017 totaled</p>
<p>649 million pounds, up 57 percent from a year ago. All stocks stored on farms</p>
<p>totaled 134 million pounds and off-farm stocks totaled 515 million pounds.</p>
<p>Stocks of oil type sunflower seed are 495 million pounds; of this total,</p>
<p>115 million pounds are on-farm stocks and 379 million pounds are off-farm</p>
<p>stocks. Non-oil sunflower stocks totaled 154 million pounds, with</p>
<p>18.9 million pounds stored on the farm and 135 million pounds stored off the</p>
<p>farm.</p>
<p>Write to Rodney Christian at [email protected]</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>September 29, 2017 12:15 ET (16:15 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | washington dow jones verbatim text usda us grains stocks month ended september 1 2017 continue reading corn stocks 32 percent september 2016 soybean stocks 53 percent wheat stocks 11 percent old crop corn stocks positions september 1 2017 totaled 229 billion bushels 32 percent september 1 2016 total advertisement stocks 787 million bushels stored farms 25 percent year earlier offfarm stocks 151 billion bushels 36 percent year ago june august 2017 indicated disappearance 293 billion bushels compared 297 billion bushels period last year old crop soybeans stored positions september 1 2017 totaled 301 million bushels 53 percent september 1 2016 soybean stocks stored farms totaled 879 million bushels 112 percent year ago offfarm stocks 213 million bushels 38 percent last september indicated disappearance june august 2017 totaled 665 million bushels 2 percent period year earlier based analysis endofmarketing year stock estimates disappearance data exports crushings farm program administrative data 2016 soybean production revised 106 million bushels previous estimate planted area unchanged 834 million acres harvested area revised 40000 acres 827 million acres 2016 yield 520 bushels per acre 01 bushel previous estimate table 2016 acreage yield production estimates states included page 17 report wheat stored positions september 1 2017 totaled 225 billion bushels 11 percent year ago onfarm stocks estimated 489 million bushels 33 percent last september offfarm stocks 176 billion bushels 3 percent year ago june august 2017 indicated disappearance 668 million bushels 10 percent period year earlier durum wheat stocks positions september 1 2017 totaled 639 million bushels 30 percent year ago onfarm stocks 311 million bushels 53 percent september 1 2016 offfarm stocks totaled 328 million bushels 24 percent year ago june august 2017 indicated disappearance 273 million bushels 31 percent period year earlier barley stocks positions september 1 2017 totaled 180 million bushels 22 percent september 1 2016 onfarm stocks estimated 894 million bushels 32 percent year ago offfarm stocks 902 million bushels 10 percent september 2016 june august 2017 indicated disappearance 687 million bushels 4 percent period year earlier oats stored positions september 1 2017 totaled 718 million bushels 9 percent stocks september 1 2016 total stocks hand 337 million bushels stored farms 10 percent lower year ago offfarm stocks totaled 381 million bushels 7 percent previous year indicated disappearance june august 2017 totaled 279 million bushels compared 430 million bushels period year ago old crop grain sorghum stored positions september 1 2017 totaled 335 million bushels 8 percent year ago onfarm stocks 428 million bushels 14 percent last year offfarm stocks 293 million bushels 11 percent september 1 2016 june august 2017 indicated disappearance positions 512 million bushels 5 percent period year ago old crop sunflower stocks positions september 1 2017 totaled 649 million pounds 57 percent year ago stocks stored farms totaled 134 million pounds offfarm stocks totaled 515 million pounds stocks oil type sunflower seed 495 million pounds total 115 million pounds onfarm stocks 379 million pounds offfarm stocks nonoil sunflower stocks totaled 154 million pounds 189 million pounds stored farm 135 million pounds stored farm write rodney christian csstatdowjonescom end dow jones newswires september 29 2017 1215 et 1615 gmt | 519 |
<p />
<p>The wealthiest Americans are cheapskates, at least as far as their tastes in automobiles goes. Perhaps that is why some rich Americans stay rich.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>24/7 Wall St. asked auto trends research firm Truecar to find the best-selling cars and light trucks that America’s rich drive. Truecar analyzed industry sales data from the 10 wealthiest U.S. ZIP codes by median income, according to the Internal Revenue Service, including neighborhoods in New York City, Greenwich, Conn., and the gated community of Fishers Island, Fla. Based on the 20 top-selling cars from Truecar’s report, 24/7 Wall St. identified the eight cheap cars the richest Americans drive.</p>
<p><a href="http://247wallst.com/2012/08/03/eight-cheap-cars-the-richest-americans-drive/" type="external">This content was originally published on 24/7 Wall St.&#160; Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>Most rich Americans drive affordable cars. The average price of eight of the cars among the top 10 was less than $40,000. 24/7 Wall St. excluded the two most expensive cars because they are considered luxury models, but by the standard of high-end cars, they cost very little.</p>
<p>One model that made the top 10 is the Mercedes E-Class, which had an average price paid of $48,362. Since Mercedes has a number of models that sell for more than $100,000, the E-Class barely makes the middle of the car company’s model line based on price. The second luxury car among the top 10 is the BMW X5 SUV, which has an average price paid of $56,050. The X5 M, the high performance model, costs more than $102,000 fully loaded.</p>
<p><a href="http://247wallst.com/2012/08/03/states-that-get-the-most-federal-money/" type="external">Read: States That Get The Most Federal Money Opens a New Window.</a></p>
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<p>The tastes of the wealthy do not vary much from the average car owner. Five of the cars rich Americans buy are made by either Honda Motor Co. (NYSE: HMC) or Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM). These two brands have consistently done well among American buyers and have taken market share from U.S. manufacturers for years. They continue to offer high quality, relatively low prices and efficient engines that get good gas mileage. Toyota and Honda cars are at the top of quality surveys. Two of the cars on our list are the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The remaining three on the list are from German automakers.</p>
<p>Not a single American car made the list. Even a look beyond the top eight sellers to the top 20 shows that German and Japanese models dominate. The only two American models on the wider list are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler. As further evidence of the frugality of the wealthy car owner, the Grand Cherokee has an average price of $26,158. The Wrangler’s is just $22,510.</p>
<p><a href="http://247wallst.com/2012/08/02/the-11-states-with-the-highest-gas-prices/" type="external">Read: The 11 States with the Highest Gas Prices Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>For those who assume that Americans with median incomes well into the double digits mostly drive $80,000 cars, the fact is otherwise. If anything, the rich drive the same cars most people do.</p>
<p>These are the eight cheap cars the richest Americans drive.</p>
<p>8. Toyota Camry &gt; Average price: $24,237 &gt; Type: Midsized car &gt; Total sold 2012: 243,816 (2)</p>
<p>The Camry was the second best-selling car or light truck in the United States through the first seven months of this year. The inexpensive, high-mileage car has been a staple of the Toyota line-up since 1982. The Camry is sold in both four-door and hatchback models. The Camry relies on a series of four-cylinder engines to keep gas mileage low. Toyota claims 6.8 million people currently drive Camrys in the U.S. The Camry is the fourth most popular car among the wealthy of Chicago.</p>
<p><a href="http://247wallst.com/2012/08/01/nine-great-american-companies-which-will-never-recover/" type="external">Read: Nine Great American Companies That Will Never Recover Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>7. Honda Accord &gt; Average price: $23,168 &gt; Type: Midsized car &gt; Total sold 2012: 183,817 (3)</p>
<p>The Honda Accord is the third best-selling car in America so far this year. The Accord’s base model is a four-door sedan, and the vehicle is also offered as a two-door coupe. The Accord relies on a four-cylinder engine to achieve good gas mileage, but the high-end EX-L comes with a V6. The Accord was the first Japanese car built in the U.S. when production began in Marysville, Ohio, in 1982. This car is the third best-selling car among the wealthy of Manhattan.</p>
<p>6. Honda CR-V &gt; Average price: $30,197 &gt; Type: Midsized SUV &gt; Total sold 2012: 167,236 (12)</p>
<p>The CR-V is Honda’s base SUV model. So far this year, it is the 12th best-selling car in America. The light truck is available in two-wheel and all-wheel drive. All CR-V models run on four-cylinder engines, which allow it to get an EPA estimated 31 MPG on the highway — an extraordinary number for an SUV. The Honda CR-V ranks as the second most popular car among wealthy residents of the Windy City and comes in fifth among the rich of Manhattan.</p>
<p>5. Volkswagen Jetta &gt; Average price: $25,290 &gt; Type: Small car &gt; Total sold 2012: 96,832 (19)</p>
<p>The Jetta is at the heart of Volkswagen’s efforts to revive its sales in the U.S. Those sales faltered in the 1970s and early 1980s, and VW has only begun to regain market share recently. Despite a 34.1% improvement in sales in the first seven months of 2012, VW’s share of the American market is only 3.2%. The Jetta is the least expensive car or light truck that VW sells in the U.S. The base model sells for less than $17,000. The Jetta comes in 13 models, most of which get 34 MPG for highway driving because of the use of four-cylinder engines. Jettas with clean diesel engines are more expensive but have improved mileage numbers. This is the most popular car among Chicago’s wealthy, and the fifth most popular among the rich in Century City, a suburb of Los Angeles.</p>
<p>4. Toyota Prius &gt; Average price: $29,762 &gt; Type: Small car &gt; Total sold 2012: 143,297 (15)</p>
<p>The Toyota Prius was the 15th best-selling car in America through the first seven months of the year. The car is the best-selling hybrid of all time. It was introduced in 1997. Since then, more than 4 million units have been sold. The Prius was also the third best-selling car in the world in the first quarter of 2012. The hybrid-electric vehicle comes in four versions. One is a plug-in, which gets about 95 MPG in highway driving when only the electric motor is being used. The base Prius is a four-door sedan. The Prius is the number one selling car among the wealthy of Century City and Ross, Calif., a suburb north of San Francisco. The only other California city to crack the list of wealthiest ZIP codes in America, Atherton, purchases Priuses only second to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.</p>
<p>3. Lexus RX &gt; Average price: $38,561 &gt; Type: SUV &gt; Total sold 2012: 45,1374 (No. 1 Lexus model)</p>
<p>The Lexus RX is the best-selling vehicle in the Lexus line, despite the fact that it is an SUV. It is also one of the least expensive models Lexus offers. The car company, a division of Toyota, sells two other SUVs — the $53,000 GX and $81,000 LX. The RX comes with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and is powered by a six-cylinder engine. Lexus does have a high-end version of the RX called the F, which has an eight-speed transmission and sells for $47,000. The RX is the second most popular car in Greenwich, Conn., and the third most popular in Medina, Wash.</p>
<p>2. Mercedes C-Class &gt; Average price: $34,064 &gt; Type: Midsized car &gt; Total sold 2012: 43,349 (No. 1 Mercedes model)</p>
<p>Once again, the wealthy go for the least expensive car a luxury brand has to offer. The C-Class is the best-selling Mercedes car. Of the 164,918 cars and light trucks Mercedes sold in the first seven months of 2012, 43,349 were C-Class. The C-Class has six versions. The least expensive is the 250 Sports Sedan. It has a small four-cylinder engine and four doors. The car also can be bought with all-wheel drive and a larger engine. The version built by Mercedes AMG racing division has a 451 HP engine and retails for $59,800. In Palm Beach, Fla., and Century City, Calif., this car ranks as the third most popular.</p>
<p>1. BMW 328 &gt; Average price: $35,146 &gt; Type: Small car &gt; Total sold 2012: 54,415 (No. 1 BMW model)</p>
<p>The BMW 3 Series is the German car manufacturer’s best-selling car in the United States. Of the 147,801 vehicles BMW sold in the U.S. in the first seven months, 54,415 were 3 Series. With the exception of the 1 Series, which sells very few units, the 3 Series is BMW’s cheapest model. The base 328 comes with a four-cylinder 240 HP engine that gets 33 MPG for highway driving — unusually good for a car with such high horsepower. This base model comes with rear-wheel drive. Further up the 3 Series line are versions with all-wheel drive and larger engines.The top of the line is built by BMW’s “M” racing division. The M3 coupe has a 414 HP V8 engine and a base price of $60,100. That does not include the $1,300 gas guzzler tax. In New Vernon, N.J., this car is the second most popular, and it ranks fourth in Ross and Century City, Calif., and in Manhattan.</p> | true | 0 | wealthiest americans cheapskates least far tastes automobiles goes perhaps rich americans stay rich continue reading 247 wall st asked auto trends research firm truecar find bestselling cars light trucks americas rich drive truecar analyzed industry sales data 10 wealthiest us zip codes median income according internal revenue service including neighborhoods new york city greenwich conn gated community fishers island fla based 20 topselling cars truecars report 247 wall st identified eight cheap cars richest americans drive content originally published 247 wall st160 opens new window rich americans drive affordable cars average price eight cars among top 10 less 40000 247 wall st excluded two expensive cars considered luxury models standard highend cars cost little one model made top 10 mercedes eclass average price paid 48362 since mercedes number models sell 100000 eclass barely makes middle car companys model line based price second luxury car among top 10 bmw x5 suv average price paid 56050 x5 high performance model costs 102000 fully loaded read states get federal money opens new window advertisement tastes wealthy vary much average car owner five cars rich americans buy made either honda motor co nyse hmc toyota motor corp nyse tm two brands consistently done well among american buyers taken market share us manufacturers years continue offer high quality relatively low prices efficient engines get good gas mileage toyota honda cars top quality surveys two cars list honda accord toyota camry remaining three list german automakers single american car made list even look beyond top eight sellers top 20 shows german japanese models dominate two american models wider list jeep grand cherokee jeep wrangler evidence frugality wealthy car owner grand cherokee average price 26158 wranglers 22510 read 11 states highest gas prices opens new window assume americans median incomes well double digits mostly drive 80000 cars fact otherwise anything rich drive cars people eight cheap cars richest americans drive 8 toyota camry gt average price 24237 gt type midsized car gt total sold 2012 243816 2 camry second bestselling car light truck united states first seven months year inexpensive highmileage car staple toyota lineup since 1982 camry sold fourdoor hatchback models camry relies series fourcylinder engines keep gas mileage low toyota claims 68 million people currently drive camrys us camry fourth popular car among wealthy chicago read nine great american companies never recover opens new window 7 honda accord gt average price 23168 gt type midsized car gt total sold 2012 183817 3 honda accord third bestselling car america far year accords base model fourdoor sedan vehicle also offered twodoor coupe accord relies fourcylinder engine achieve good gas mileage highend exl comes v6 accord first japanese car built us production began marysville ohio 1982 car third bestselling car among wealthy manhattan 6 honda crv gt average price 30197 gt type midsized suv gt total sold 2012 167236 12 crv hondas base suv model far year 12th bestselling car america light truck available twowheel allwheel drive crv models run fourcylinder engines allow get epa estimated 31 mpg highway extraordinary number suv honda crv ranks second popular car among wealthy residents windy city comes fifth among rich manhattan 5 volkswagen jetta gt average price 25290 gt type small car gt total sold 2012 96832 19 jetta heart volkswagens efforts revive sales us sales faltered 1970s early 1980s vw begun regain market share recently despite 341 improvement sales first seven months 2012 vws share american market 32 jetta least expensive car light truck vw sells us base model sells less 17000 jetta comes 13 models get 34 mpg highway driving use fourcylinder engines jettas clean diesel engines expensive improved mileage numbers popular car among chicagos wealthy fifth popular among rich century city suburb los angeles 4 toyota prius gt average price 29762 gt type small car gt total sold 2012 143297 15 toyota prius 15th bestselling car america first seven months year car bestselling hybrid time introduced 1997 since 4 million units sold prius also third bestselling car world first quarter 2012 hybridelectric vehicle comes four versions one plugin gets 95 mpg highway driving electric motor used base prius fourdoor sedan prius number one selling car among wealthy century city ross calif suburb north san francisco california city crack list wealthiest zip codes america atherton purchases priuses second mercedesbenz eclass 3 lexus rx gt average price 38561 gt type suv gt total sold 2012 451374 1 lexus model lexus rx bestselling vehicle lexus line despite fact suv also one least expensive models lexus offers car company division toyota sells two suvs 53000 gx 81000 lx rx comes rearwheel allwheel drive powered sixcylinder engine lexus highend version rx called f eightspeed transmission sells 47000 rx second popular car greenwich conn third popular medina wash 2 mercedes cclass gt average price 34064 gt type midsized car gt total sold 2012 43349 1 mercedes model wealthy go least expensive car luxury brand offer cclass bestselling mercedes car 164918 cars light trucks mercedes sold first seven months 2012 43349 cclass cclass six versions least expensive 250 sports sedan small fourcylinder engine four doors car also bought allwheel drive larger engine version built mercedes amg racing division 451 hp engine retails 59800 palm beach fla century city calif car ranks third popular 1 bmw 328 gt average price 35146 gt type small car gt total sold 2012 54415 1 bmw model bmw 3 series german car manufacturers bestselling car united states 147801 vehicles bmw sold us first seven months 54415 3 series exception 1 series sells units 3 series bmws cheapest model base 328 comes fourcylinder 240 hp engine gets 33 mpg highway driving unusually good car high horsepower base model comes rearwheel drive 3 series line versions allwheel drive larger enginesthe top line built bmws racing division m3 coupe 414 hp v8 engine base price 60100 include 1300 gas guzzler tax new vernon nj car second popular ranks fourth ross century city calif manhattan | 981 |
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<p>If you're one of the nearly 2 billion people that log into Facebook (NASDAQ: FB) every month, you probably know, at least on some level, how the social network makes money. In between status updates, photos of friends and their puppies, and the latest viral videos, you'll see ads for all sorts of things. Right now, I'm seeing ads for credit cards, The Motley Fool (I visit this site a lot), and something called Wikibuy. Facebook is remarkably good at figuring out what people are interested in.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Facebook brought in nearly $27 billion in ad revenue in 2016. All told, 97% of Facebook's revenue comes from selling ads across Facebook and Instagram. What's more, that percentage ought to climb even higher as Facebook grows its ad business and its payments business (the other 3%) continues to decline.</p>
<p>Diving deeper into where all of Facebook's money comes from can help investors figure out how likely those sources of revenue are to increase, and what kind of impact they'll have on the company as a whole.</p>
<p>Image source: Facebook</p>
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<p>Since Facebook introduced mobile advertising in 2012, it has been a huge revenue growth driver for the company. Last year, mobile advertising accounted for 83% of total advertising revenue. That's up from just 11% in 2012.</p>
<p>From 2012 to 2015, Facebook's desktop ad revenue remained relatively flat, while mobile advertising exploded. Facebook made some changes to its desktop ads in 2014 that improved the quality of the ads but reduced total ad impressions. The focus on improving the ads seems to have worked out, however, as desktop ad revenue returned to meaningful growth in 2016. Still, the growth isn't nearly as spectacular as mobile advertising.</p>
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<p>Data source: Facebook annual reports.</p>
<p>There are several factors behind mobile's stark outperformance. First of all, mobile daily users more than tripled since the end of 2012.The number of mobile-only users has more than doubled in the last two years alone. Perhaps more importantly, users are simply able to spend more time on Facebook with their mobile devices as they're always available -- in the checkout line, during television commercials, or before getting out of bed in the morning. Additionally, Instagram is almost exclusively accessed via mobile devices.</p>
<p>Facebook's ability to dominate mobile bodes well for its future growth. Mobile advertising was a $109 billion market last year, according to eMarketer. The research group expects mobile ad spend to climb to $247 billion by 2020, a 23% annual growth rate.</p>
<p>While Facebook doesn't break out revenue from any of its individual apps, management has made it clear that revenue from its other apps still don't produce a whole lot. "The biggest driver of our business is core Facebook, just in terms of sheer size and even sheer contribution to growth," CFO Dave Wehner told analysts on Facebook's fourth-quarter earnings call. "Instagram is growing quicker on a percentage basis but it's much smaller," he added.</p>
<p>Indeed, Facebook has done a phenomenal job growing the amount of revenue from its core app. But growth may slow down later this year: Wehner warned investors the company is facing ad load saturation in its flagship app. That is, it can't squeeze any more ads in without negatively impacting their efficacy.</p>
<p>As such, Instagram (and other apps like Messenger and WhatsApp) may start accounting for more of Facebook's revenue growth going forward. It also means Facebook's overall growth may slow if other factors like engagement, user growth, and average ad prices don't increase to offset the lack of growth in ad space.</p>
<p>To be sure, it's not something Facebook investors have to worry about too much, as Facebook has plenty of growth drivers. It's also constantly experimenting with new ad formats, which may open up additional inventory or help increase average ad prices on its flagship platform. In the meantime, <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/26/instagram-is-set-to-make-a-killing-in-advertising.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Instagram is growing like crazy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>So, Facebook's revenue comes mostly from mobile ads, and specifically the Facebook app. That's both a good and bad thing, as mobile advertising is expected to grow rapidly through the end of the decade, but Facebook is having trouble finding new places to squeeze in ads. Overall, though, that's a good problem to have.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than FacebookWhen 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=5bfd532f-2b95-4622-9e29-3f56003d6a0d&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 Facebook 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=5bfd532f-2b95-4622-9e29-3f56003d6a0d&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/adamlevy/info.aspx" type="external">Adam Levy Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Facebook. 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 | youre one nearly 2 billion people log facebook nasdaq fb every month probably know least level social network makes money status updates photos friends puppies latest viral videos youll see ads sorts things right im seeing ads credit cards motley fool visit site lot something called wikibuy facebook remarkably good figuring people interested continue reading facebook brought nearly 27 billion ad revenue 2016 told 97 facebooks revenue comes selling ads across facebook instagram whats percentage ought climb even higher facebook grows ad business payments business 3 continues decline diving deeper facebooks money comes help investors figure likely sources revenue increase kind impact theyll company whole image source facebook advertisement since facebook introduced mobile advertising 2012 huge revenue growth driver company last year mobile advertising accounted 83 total advertising revenue thats 11 2012 2012 2015 facebooks desktop ad revenue remained relatively flat mobile advertising exploded facebook made changes desktop ads 2014 improved quality ads reduced total ad impressions focus improving ads seems worked however desktop ad revenue returned meaningful growth 2016 still growth isnt nearly spectacular mobile advertising data source facebook annual reports several factors behind mobiles stark outperformance first mobile daily users tripled since end 2012the number mobileonly users doubled last two years alone perhaps importantly users simply able spend time facebook mobile devices theyre always available checkout line television commercials getting bed morning additionally instagram almost exclusively accessed via mobile devices facebooks ability dominate mobile bodes well future growth mobile advertising 109 billion market last year according emarketer research group expects mobile ad spend climb 247 billion 2020 23 annual growth rate facebook doesnt break revenue individual apps management made clear revenue apps still dont produce whole lot biggest driver business core facebook terms sheer size even sheer contribution growth cfo dave wehner told analysts facebooks fourthquarter earnings call instagram growing quicker percentage basis much smaller added indeed facebook done phenomenal job growing amount revenue core app growth may slow later year wehner warned investors company facing ad load saturation flagship app cant squeeze ads without negatively impacting efficacy instagram apps like messenger whatsapp may start accounting facebooks revenue growth going forward also means facebooks overall growth may slow factors like engagement user growth average ad prices dont increase offset lack growth ad space sure something facebook investors worry much facebook plenty growth drivers also constantly experimenting new ad formats may open additional inventory help increase average ad prices flagship platform meantime instagram growing like crazy opens new window facebooks revenue comes mostly mobile ads specifically facebook app thats good bad thing mobile advertising expected grow rapidly end decade facebook trouble finding new places squeeze ads overall though thats good problem 10 stocks like better facebookwhen 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 facebook wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns april 3 2017 adam levy opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends facebook motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 522 |
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<p>Big pharma stocks have been popular among investors seeking solid dividends for a long time. And for good reason: Large drugmakers historically have generated such tremendous cash flow and earnings that they have been able to reward shareholders with juicy dividends.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) and Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) have been two favorite big pharma stocks for investors over the years. But Pfizer appears to be the better dividend stock now. Here are three reasons why.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>This one's easy. Pfizer's dividend currently yields 3.76%, while Bristol-Myers Squibb's dividend yield stands at 2.95%. Advantage: Pfizer.</p>
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<p>It hasn't always been this way, though. For most of the past several decades, Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) claimed a higher dividend yield than Pfizer did. Although BMS kept its dividend steady for several years in the early part of the 21st century, the drugmaker didn't have to slash its dividend like Pfizer did in 2009.</p>
<p>Pfizer took the lead with a higher dividend in 2013, though, and hasn't looked back since. The company began increasing its dividend payments at a significantly faster pace than BMS.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/BMY/dividend" type="external">BMY Dividend</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>There's a legitimate case to be made that Pfizer's management now views its dividend program as a more important part of its overall investing thesis than Bristol-Myers Squibb's management does. Pfizer clearly has prioritized increasing its dividend more than BMS has. I suspect that Pfizer's edge in dividend yield isn't just a temporary phenomenon, but rather one that should continue for quite a while.</p>
<p>You might compare the two pharmaceutical companies' dividend payout ratios and think that Pfizer's dividend could be in trouble. Pfizer paid out more in dividends than it earned last year. Bristol-Myers Squibb, meanwhile, used less than 58% of its earnings to fund its dividend program.</p>
<p>However, the more important thing to look at is free cash flow.Pfizer had levered free cash flow (the amount of cash available after meeting all financial obligations) of $13 billion over the last 12 months.BMS had levered free cash flow of $2 billion.</p>
<p>The bottom line is that Pfizer has significantly more cash to fund its dividend program than BMS does. Of course, Pfizer can't continue to spend more on dividends than it earns indefinitely. However, that shouldn't be a problem with the company's earnings on track to improve.</p>
<p>There's one other key reason why I think Pfizer is a better dividend stock that could be easily overlooked. Bristol-Myers Squibb is much more dependent on one product than Pfizer is. That increases the risk to the company -- and therefore risk to its dividend.</p>
<p>The extent of this issue might not be evident at first glance. Keytruda was Bristol-Myers Squibb's top-selling product in 2016, but the cancer drug only accounted for 19% of total revenue. That's not too much reliance on one product.However, the expected success of Opdivo could change the picture in the coming years.</p>
<p>Bristol-Myers Squibb's fortunes depend heavily on Opdivo. The drugmaker does have a few other products that are growing sales solidly, but none of them have the peak sales potential that Opdivo does.</p>
<p>Pfizer, on the other hand, has its eggs spread across many baskets. Its top-selling product, Prevnar 13, accounted for less than 11% of total revenue last year. And Pfizer is becoming less dependent on thepneumococcal vaccine with the launches of new products.</p>
<p>If any rival to Opdivo winds up denting the expected sales growth for the drug, BMS could find itself scrambling to keep investors happy. Pfizer should be able to withstand a major challenge for one of its top drugs much more easily.</p>
<p>Thanks in large part to anticipated success for Opdivo, Wall Street analysts think that Bristol-Myers Squibb will enjoy higher earnings growth in the coming years than Pfizer will. Analysts project that BMS will grow earnings by an average annual rate of nearly 12% compared to only 6% for Pfizer.</p>
<p>If these projections pan out, it's possible that Bristol-Myers Squibb will use its higher earnings and cash flow to boost its dividend payments. Maybe BMS will even regain the lead over Pfizer with respect to dividend yield in a few years.</p>
<p>However, my view is that dividend-seeking investors would be better off heeding the old adage that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Pfizer is the better dividend stock now.</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=a8f955e7-0f39-40b2-ac09-9c8839621fd8&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>
<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=a8f955e7-0f39-40b2-ac09-9c8839621fd8&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> owns shares of Pfizer. 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 | big pharma stocks popular among investors seeking solid dividends long time good reason large drugmakers historically generated tremendous cash flow earnings able reward shareholders juicy dividends continue reading bristolmyers squibb nyse bmy pfizer nyse pfe two favorite big pharma stocks investors years pfizer appears better dividend stock three reasons image source getty images ones easy pfizers dividend currently yields 376 bristolmyers squibbs dividend yield stands 295 advantage pfizer advertisement hasnt always way though past several decades bristolmyers squibb bms claimed higher dividend yield pfizer although bms kept dividend steady several years early part 21st century drugmaker didnt slash dividend like pfizer 2009 pfizer took lead higher dividend 2013 though hasnt looked back since company began increasing dividend payments significantly faster pace bms bmy dividend data ycharts opens new window theres legitimate case made pfizers management views dividend program important part overall investing thesis bristolmyers squibbs management pfizer clearly prioritized increasing dividend bms suspect pfizers edge dividend yield isnt temporary phenomenon rather one continue quite might compare two pharmaceutical companies dividend payout ratios think pfizers dividend could trouble pfizer paid dividends earned last year bristolmyers squibb meanwhile used less 58 earnings fund dividend program however important thing look free cash flowpfizer levered free cash flow amount cash available meeting financial obligations 13 billion last 12 monthsbms levered free cash flow 2 billion bottom line pfizer significantly cash fund dividend program bms course pfizer cant continue spend dividends earns indefinitely however shouldnt problem companys earnings track improve theres one key reason think pfizer better dividend stock could easily overlooked bristolmyers squibb much dependent one product pfizer increases risk company therefore risk dividend extent issue might evident first glance keytruda bristolmyers squibbs topselling product 2016 cancer drug accounted 19 total revenue thats much reliance one producthowever expected success opdivo could change picture coming years bristolmyers squibbs fortunes depend heavily opdivo drugmaker products growing sales solidly none peak sales potential opdivo pfizer hand eggs spread across many baskets topselling product prevnar 13 accounted less 11 total revenue last year pfizer becoming less dependent thepneumococcal vaccine launches new products rival opdivo winds denting expected sales growth drug bms could find scrambling keep investors happy pfizer able withstand major challenge one top drugs much easily thanks large part anticipated success opdivo wall street analysts think bristolmyers squibb enjoy higher earnings growth coming years pfizer analysts project bms grow earnings average annual rate nearly 12 compared 6 pfizer projections pan possible bristolmyers squibb use higher earnings cash flow boost dividend payments maybe bms even regain lead pfizer respect dividend yield years however view dividendseeking investors would better heeding old adage bird hand worth two bush pfizer better dividend stock 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 keith speights opens new window owns shares pfizer motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 521 |
<p>Among all of the investing legends, you will find no day traders and penny stock buyers. A buy-and-hold strategy of picking good businesses has proven time and again to be the surest way to investing success.</p>
<p>Three Motley Fool investors have selected Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK-A)(NYSE: BRK-B), McDonald's (NYSE: MCD), and Clorox (NYSE: CLX) as three stocks investors can buy today and hold on to for the next 75 years and come out with a market-beating return at the end.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFishBiz/info.aspx?source=iapsitlnk0000002&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f56d317a-a9e0-11e7-9d36-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Keith Speights Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;(Berkshire Hathaway): The truth is that it's hard to pick a single stock that you can count on performing well for a period as long as 75 years. Companies that seem to be rock solid can go by the wayside as a result of changing technology. Because of this, I like Berkshire Hathaway as a stock to buy and hold for decades. With Berkshire, you don't just get one stock -- you get dozens of stocks.</p>
<p>The reason why, of course, is that Warren Buffett turned a sleep textile company known as Berkshire Hathaway into an investment company years ago. Buying shares of Berkshire give investors exposure to consumer products, energy, financial services, healthcare, industrial, media, retail, technology, and transportation stocks. As the global economy changes, Berkshire's investment portfolio will change with it.</p>
<p>Buffett and Berkshire have achieved compounded annual gains of nearly 21% annually -- for over 50 years. During that period, the S&amp;P 500 notched a compounded annual growth rate of less than half that. Granted, Berkshire's advantage over the broader market has <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/07/23/an-interesting-chart-about-berkshire-hathaway.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f56d317a-a9e0-11e7-9d36-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">declined in recent years Opens a New Window.</a>. Nonetheless, it's an impressive track record.</p>
<p>Some might question whether Berkshire Hathaway can deliver market-beating returns in the future. After all, Warren Buffett is no spring chicken. Could new leadership at Berkshire in the future make the stock less desirable? I doubt it. Buffett has been delegating some investing picks for years to a smart team that he handpicked. The Buffett way of thinking should remain at the core of Berkshire for a long time to come -- and that's good news for investors.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSigma/activity.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f56d317a-a9e0-11e7-9d36-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Demitri Kalogeropoulos Opens a New Window.</a> (McDonald's): The number of things I can specifically predict about the next 75 years rounds down to approximately zero. However, I do feel confident about this forecast: A business with a dominant market position -- one that's built on delivering unbeatable value to customers -- is likely to do well over the long term.</p>
<p>You can't get much more dominant than McDonald's, which processes a whopping 7% of the $1 trillion that people around the world spend each year eating out at fast and fast-casual restaurants. Sure, the chain has endured a rough patch lately, with customer traffic declining in each of the last two fiscal years. But it is demonstrating how the business can (eventually) respond to rapidly shifting consumer tastes. Mickey D's last quarter posted a healthy uptick in traffic that powered its <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/07/31/5-big-numbers-from-mcdonalds-incs-sizzling-quarter.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f56d317a-a9e0-11e7-9d36-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">best overall sales growth in years Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>I'm impressed that the company is attacking the food delivery market, too, given that it worked so hard to establish the profitable drive-thru business model. That willingness to reinvent itself should prove valuable in the decades ahead. Over the shorter term, investors can look forward to a sharp increase in profitability as McDonald's shifts toward an almost exclusively <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/06/03/how-mcdonalds-corporation-makes-most-of-its-money.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f56d317a-a9e0-11e7-9d36-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">franchised business model Opens a New Window.</a> by 2019.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fool.com/about/staff/RichDuprey/author.htm?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f56d317a-a9e0-11e7-9d36-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Rich Duprey Opens a New Window.</a> (Clorox): Dystopian movies like to portray the future as gritty and dirty, but Clorox would likely beg to differ. Although best known for its namesake bleach, Clorox also owns a bevy of other cleaning products brands including Pine-Sol, Formula 409, and Tilex. Cleaning products generate the most revenue for Clorox, some 34% of the total, with home care products like Pine-Sol accounting for almost one-fifth of the $6 billion total.</p>
<p>Fortunately, it also has numerous other household brands under its umbrella, including Glad, Kingsford, Hidden Valley, Burt's Bees, and more.</p>
<p>With such <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/02/20/x-big-brand-stocks-you-dont-have-to-babysit.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f56d317a-a9e0-11e7-9d36-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">powerhouse brands Opens a New Window.</a> like this, Clorox will continue to be a rock-solid investment for decades to come, just as it has for the past 100 years. But because it is now a global leader, it will occasionally run into trouble, such as it has in Venezuela, where the country's strongman forced the company to sell product at below-market prices and then seized control of its assets. Its exit from Venezuela cost it over $90 million in pre-tax losses. But that's a case of where the exception proves the rule, and international markets represent 17% of Clorox's revenues.</p>
<p>Over the past 20 years, the household products company has delivered to shareholders total returns of 567% compared to just 298% for the S&amp;P 500. Looking 75 years out into the future, Clorox, with a dividend of $3.36 that currently yields 3.6%, appears to be likely to continue cleaning up over the broad market indexes.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than The Clorox CompanyWhen 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=e36ce2d0-78f3-4583-8eab-74bab019563d&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f56d317a-a9e0-11e7-9d36-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and The Clorox Company 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 October 9, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSigma/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f56d317a-a9e0-11e7-9d36-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Demitrios Kalogeropoulos Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Berkshire Hathaway (B shares) and McDonald's. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFishBiz/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f56d317a-a9e0-11e7-9d36-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Keith Speights Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFCop/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f56d317a-a9e0-11e7-9d36-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Rich Duprey Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the 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;uuid=f56d317a-a9e0-11e7-9d36-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | among investing legends find day traders penny stock buyers buyandhold strategy picking good businesses proven time surest way investing success three motley fool investors selected berkshire hathaway nyse brkanyse brkb mcdonalds nyse mcd clorox nyse clx three stocks investors buy today hold next 75 years come marketbeating return end continue reading keith speights opens new window160berkshire hathaway truth hard pick single stock count performing well period long 75 years companies seem rock solid go wayside result changing technology like berkshire hathaway stock buy hold decades berkshire dont get one stock get dozens stocks reason course warren buffett turned sleep textile company known berkshire hathaway investment company years ago buying shares berkshire give investors exposure consumer products energy financial services healthcare industrial media retail technology transportation stocks global economy changes berkshires investment portfolio change buffett berkshire achieved compounded annual gains nearly 21 annually 50 years period sampp 500 notched compounded annual growth rate less half granted berkshires advantage broader market declined recent years opens new window nonetheless impressive track record might question whether berkshire hathaway deliver marketbeating returns future warren buffett spring chicken could new leadership berkshire future make stock less desirable doubt buffett delegating investing picks years smart team handpicked buffett way thinking remain core berkshire long time come thats good news investors advertisement demitri kalogeropoulos opens new window mcdonalds number things specifically predict next 75 years rounds approximately zero however feel confident forecast business dominant market position one thats built delivering unbeatable value customers likely well long term cant get much dominant mcdonalds processes whopping 7 1 trillion people around world spend year eating fast fastcasual restaurants sure chain endured rough patch lately customer traffic declining last two fiscal years demonstrating business eventually respond rapidly shifting consumer tastes mickey ds last quarter posted healthy uptick traffic powered best overall sales growth years opens new window im impressed company attacking food delivery market given worked hard establish profitable drivethru business model willingness reinvent prove valuable decades ahead shorter term investors look forward sharp increase profitability mcdonalds shifts toward almost exclusively franchised business model opens new window 2019 rich duprey opens new window clorox dystopian movies like portray future gritty dirty clorox would likely beg differ although best known namesake bleach clorox also owns bevy cleaning products brands including pinesol formula 409 tilex cleaning products generate revenue clorox 34 total home care products like pinesol accounting almost onefifth 6 billion total fortunately also numerous household brands umbrella including glad kingsford hidden valley burts bees powerhouse brands opens new window like clorox continue rocksolid investment decades come past 100 years global leader occasionally run trouble venezuela countrys strongman forced company sell product belowmarket prices seized control assets exit venezuela cost 90 million pretax losses thats case exception proves rule international markets represent 17 cloroxs revenues past 20 years household products company delivered shareholders total returns 567 compared 298 sampp 500 looking 75 years future clorox dividend 336 currently yields 36 appears likely continue cleaning broad market indexes 10 stocks like better clorox companywhen 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 clorox company wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns october 9 2017 demitrios kalogeropoulos opens new window owns shares berkshire hathaway b shares mcdonalds keith speights opens new window position stocks mentioned rich duprey opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends berkshire hathaway b shares motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 600 |
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<p>Fortunes shift in every industry, and the winners in one era often struggle in the next. That's been the story for Whole Foods Market (NASDAQ: WFM) and Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT), both of which have had to deal with changing trends in their respective industry niches that have threatened their once-dominant business models. Whole Foods has faced increased competition in organic and natural foods as its competitive advantage has proven to be fragile, while Wal-Mart has had to deal with rising costs and online competition that have hampered its ability to offer the lowest prices possible. Value-oriented investors see opportunities in both stocks, but they want to know which one looks better right now. Below, we'll compare Whole Foods and Wal-Mart using a number of metrics designed to reveal which is the more attractive stock right now.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Neither Whole Foods nor Wal-Mart has produced huge returns recently, but Wal-Mart has done slightly better. The big-box department store has given investors a 9% total return since February 2016, compared to just 3% for the natural and organic grocer during the same period.</p>
<p>Image source: Wal-Mart.</p>
<p>Yet even though Whole Foods hasn't done as well lately, investors still give it a much higher valuation than they give Wal-Mart. Looking at trailing earnings, Whole Foods stock trades at 22 times what the grocer has brought in on the bottom line over the past 12 months. Wal-Mart carries a lower trailing earnings multiple of just 15. Moreover, given the relatively downbeat expectations for future earnings growth from the two companies, looking at forward-earnings-based metrics doesn't change the picture much. Wal-Mart still has the lead with a forward multiple of 16 compared to Whole Foods' 23. On valuation, Wal-Mart ends up the winner.</p>
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<p>Wal-Mart also has the more impressive record on the dividend front. In terms of current dividend yield, Wal-Mart has a lead of a full percentage point, weighing in at 2.8% compared to Whole Foods' 1.8%.</p>
<p>Wal-Mart has demonstrated a greater commitment to dividends and payout growth over its long history. For 44 straight years, Wal-Mart has increased the annual amount it pays in dividends to its shareholders, with its most recent 2% boost coming earlier this month. The pace of Wal-Mart's dividend increases has slowed in recent years, but the payout has still almost doubled since 2009.</p>
<p>By contrast, Whole Foods has been less reliable with its dividends. The company suspended payouts from mid-2008 to 2010, and increases have been relatively modest, including a $0.005 per share rise in January to $0.14 per share quarterly. Whole Foods simply hasn't been as clear as Wal-Mart has about its commitment to dividends and the importance they have to investors.</p>
<p>Both Wal-Mart and Whole Foods have struggled, but both are trying to bounce back. In its most recent quarter, Wal-Mart managed to post sales growth of 1%, even though net income fell by more than a sixth from year-ago levels. Comparable sales in its U.S. stores climbed 1.8%, with traffic growth accounting for most of the rise, and Wal-Mart's efforts to boost its online presence paid off with a 29% jump in e-commerce sales domestically. The retailer's guidance for the coming year was conservative, with expected revenue growth of 2% to 3% and more or less flat earnings per share compared to the just-completed fiscal year. Yet as Wal-Mart keeps aiming on the online retail space and works at managing its extensive inventory more effectively, investors hope that the retail giant will find ways to use its size and experience to woo shoppers both to its stores and to its mobile app and online portal.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Whole Foods is still trying to figure out where the bottom of its recent downturn might be. In its most recent quarter, the grocer posted a 2% rise in revenue, but comparable-store sales dropped by 2.4% as traffic fell sharply. Whole Foods had to admit that it would see negative comps throughout the fiscal year, and it now thinks sales growth overall could be as little as 1.5%. The company is closing underperforming stores, and even though it's trying to refocus on its best customers, Whole Foods has conceded that it no longer believes that its store network will grow to the 1,200 mark that the company used to pursue. Early results from the 365 store concept, which features more attractive price points for certain shoppers, haven't proven to be the panacea that some investors had hoped to see. For investors, the future remains uncertain for Whole Foods, and more patience will be required to see where the store ends up.</p>
<p>Wal-Mart looks like the better buy right now on all fronts. With a more attractive dividend, cheaper valuation, and clearer growth prospects, Wal-Mart should retain an edge over Whole Foods until the natural and organic specialist figures out how to bounce back from its huge setbacks recently.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Wal-Mart StoresWhen 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=2722b052-fc68-4a29-bab0-cd40fb12ba8e&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 Wal-Mart Stores wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of February 6, 2017</p>
<p>John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFGalagan/info.aspx" type="external">Dan Caplinger Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Whole Foods Market. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Whole Foods Market. 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 | fortunes shift every industry winners one era often struggle next thats story whole foods market nasdaq wfm walmart nyse wmt deal changing trends respective industry niches threatened oncedominant business models whole foods faced increased competition organic natural foods competitive advantage proven fragile walmart deal rising costs online competition hampered ability offer lowest prices possible valueoriented investors see opportunities stocks want know one looks better right well compare whole foods walmart using number metrics designed reveal attractive stock right continue reading neither whole foods walmart produced huge returns recently walmart done slightly better bigbox department store given investors 9 total return since february 2016 compared 3 natural organic grocer period image source walmart yet even though whole foods hasnt done well lately investors still give much higher valuation give walmart looking trailing earnings whole foods stock trades 22 times grocer brought bottom line past 12 months walmart carries lower trailing earnings multiple 15 moreover given relatively downbeat expectations future earnings growth two companies looking forwardearningsbased metrics doesnt change picture much walmart still lead forward multiple 16 compared whole foods 23 valuation walmart ends winner advertisement walmart also impressive record dividend front terms current dividend yield walmart lead full percentage point weighing 28 compared whole foods 18 walmart demonstrated greater commitment dividends payout growth long history 44 straight years walmart increased annual amount pays dividends shareholders recent 2 boost coming earlier month pace walmarts dividend increases slowed recent years payout still almost doubled since 2009 contrast whole foods less reliable dividends company suspended payouts mid2008 2010 increases relatively modest including 0005 per share rise january 014 per share quarterly whole foods simply hasnt clear walmart commitment dividends importance investors walmart whole foods struggled trying bounce back recent quarter walmart managed post sales growth 1 even though net income fell sixth yearago levels comparable sales us stores climbed 18 traffic growth accounting rise walmarts efforts boost online presence paid 29 jump ecommerce sales domestically retailers guidance coming year conservative expected revenue growth 2 3 less flat earnings per share compared justcompleted fiscal year yet walmart keeps aiming online retail space works managing extensive inventory effectively investors hope retail giant find ways use size experience woo shoppers stores mobile app online portal meanwhile whole foods still trying figure bottom recent downturn might recent quarter grocer posted 2 rise revenue comparablestore sales dropped 24 traffic fell sharply whole foods admit would see negative comps throughout fiscal year thinks sales growth overall could little 15 company closing underperforming stores even though trying refocus best customers whole foods conceded longer believes store network grow 1200 mark company used pursue early results 365 store concept features attractive price points certain shoppers havent proven panacea investors hoped see investors future remains uncertain whole foods patience required see store ends walmart looks like better buy right fronts attractive dividend cheaper valuation clearer growth prospects walmart retain edge whole foods natural organic specialist figures bounce back huge setbacks recently 10 stocks like better walmart storeswhen 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 walmart stores wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 john mackey ceo whole foods market member motley fools board directors dan caplinger opens new window owns shares whole foods market motley fool owns shares recommends whole foods market motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 585 |
<p>NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA)&#160;said last week that it participated in a more than $20 million funding round into TuSimple, a Chinese start-up that's developing self-driving technology for long-haul trucks.</p>
<p>The graphics-chip specialist is well known for its <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/06/14/the-2-best-driverless-car-stocks-to-buy-in-2017-an.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=ffb14e38-8702-11e7-b783-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">self-driving car initiatives and partnerships Opens a New Window.</a> with automakers&#160;Tesla,&#160;Toyota, Daimler's Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen's Audi, Volvo, and others. However, it seems to fly under many investors' radars that the artificial intelligence player is plunking down its chips (literally and figuratively) on the driverless trucking space, too.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Here's what you should know.</p>
<p>NVIDIA's investment in TuSimple was part of the more than $20 million funding round, led by Chinese social media company SINA, into the start-up. NVIDIA didn't disclose the amount of its investment, but it's being reported in the Asian press that the company's investment clenched it a 3% stake in the start-up.&#160;NVIDIA isn't a newbie to the self-driving truck space, but the TuSimple investment marks the first time it has invested in a company in this realm.</p>
<p>TuSimple, which was founded in 2015, uses its expertise in computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) to develop autonomous driving systems for trucks. The company's self-driving tech uses eight cameras, three millimeter-wave radar units, computer vision algorithms, and high-definition (HD) mapping. It incorporates several of NVIDIA's technologies, including its graphics processing units (GPUs) and DRIVE PX 2 AI platform, a supercomputer for making sense out of the gads of data taken in by the various sensors about the surroundings of a semi-autonomous or fully autonomous vehicle.</p>
<p>TuSimple claims its "platform's camera and millimeter-​wave radar array allows for sensing distances of up to 200 meters from the vehicle, compared to the standard 80 meters using Lidar arrays." Sensors on autonomous trucks must be more powerful than those on cars because trucks have longer stopping times.</p>
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<p>The company has more than 100 employees at its two locations in Beijing and San Diego. Its business model is similar to that of United States-based autonomous truck company Otto, which was acquired by Uber last year: It mostly teams with transportation companies to customize autonomous driving algorithms and solutions.</p>
<p>In June, TuSimple successfully completed a 200-mile Level 4 test drive from San Diego to Yuma, Arizona, using cameras as the primary sensor. Level 4 refers to the five-level classification for autonomous vehicle systems that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has adopted. <a href="" type="external">Level 4 Opens a New Window.</a> vehicles are fully autonomous, but only within their "operational design domain" -- in this case, on highways -- not in every driving scenario.</p>
<p>The potential market size for self-driving trucks is humongous: There are about 300 million trucks worldwide, driving more than 1.2 trillion miles annually. In the U.S. in 2016, there were 33.8 million trucks registered for business purposes, including 3.68 million heavy-duty Class 8 trucks. Trucking is the lifeblood of the U.S. economy: Last year, trucks moved nearly 71% of all domestic freight tonnage, generating revenue of $676.2 billion, according to the American Trucking Associations.</p>
<p>Transportation companies and other businesses with large delivery trucks are likely to embrace autonomous trucks, as there is a major shortage of truck drivers in both the U.S. and Europe.&#160;Moreover, self-driving trucks should help a company's bottom line, as they promise to be cost-effective in the not-too-distant future. Trucking companies will essentially be forced, in my opinion, to adopt the technology in order to stay competitive with their peers that embrace the tech.</p>
<p>NVIDIA has been positioning itself to profit from this budding market. In January, leading auto and truck parts supplier ZF and NVIDIA announced the launch of ZF ProAI self-driving systems, based on NVIDIA's DRIVE PX 2 AI platform, for cars, trucks, and other commercial vehicles.&#160;In March, the company announced that it's working with global truck maker PACCAR&#160;--&#160;which manufactures the Kenworth, Peterbilt, and DAF truck brands -- on developing automated driving systems for trucks.</p>
<p>Other truck manufacturers working in the driverless truck space include Daimler and Volvo. Moreover, an exciting new entrant is on the horizon: Tesla. CEO Elon Musk said in April that the company plans to unveil an electric semi truck in September. The truck is slated to have some autonomous driving features. Daimler, Volvo, and Tesla are all partnering with NVIDIA on self-driving cars, so it seems likely NVIDIA will be part of their self-driving truck initiatives, too.</p>
<p>In its most recently reported quarter, NVIDIA's auto platform's revenue grew 19% year over year to $142 million, accounting for 6.4% of its total revenue of $2.23 billion. This platform appears poised for robust growth, thanks to the strong position the company is carving out in the burgeoning autonomous car and truck markets.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than NvidiaWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=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=4380c1d0-0347-4aaf-af21-ab48f5a9ae6d&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=ffb14e38-8702-11e7-b783-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Nvidia wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of August 1, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFMcKenna/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=ffb14e38-8702-11e7-b783-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Beth McKenna Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Nvidia. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Nvidia, Paccar, and Tesla. The Motley Fool recommends Sina. 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=ffb14e38-8702-11e7-b783-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | nvidia nasdaq nvda160said last week participated 20 million funding round tusimple chinese startup thats developing selfdriving technology longhaul trucks graphicschip specialist well known selfdriving car initiatives partnerships opens new window automakers160tesla160toyota daimlers mercedesbenz volkswagens audi volvo others however seems fly many investors radars artificial intelligence player plunking chips literally figuratively driverless trucking space continue reading heres know nvidias investment tusimple part 20 million funding round led chinese social media company sina startup nvidia didnt disclose amount investment reported asian press companys investment clenched 3 stake startup160nvidia isnt newbie selfdriving truck space tusimple investment marks first time invested company realm tusimple founded 2015 uses expertise computer vision artificial intelligence ai develop autonomous driving systems trucks companys selfdriving tech uses eight cameras three millimeterwave radar units computer vision algorithms highdefinition hd mapping incorporates several nvidias technologies including graphics processing units gpus drive px 2 ai platform supercomputer making sense gads data taken various sensors surroundings semiautonomous fully autonomous vehicle tusimple claims platforms camera millimeterwave radar array allows sensing distances 200 meters vehicle compared standard 80 meters using lidar arrays sensors autonomous trucks must powerful cars trucks longer stopping times advertisement company 100 employees two locations beijing san diego business model similar united statesbased autonomous truck company otto acquired uber last year mostly teams transportation companies customize autonomous driving algorithms solutions june tusimple successfully completed 200mile level 4 test drive san diego yuma arizona using cameras primary sensor level 4 refers fivelevel classification autonomous vehicle systems national highway traffic safety administration nhtsa adopted level 4 opens new window vehicles fully autonomous within operational design domain case highways every driving scenario potential market size selfdriving trucks humongous 300 million trucks worldwide driving 12 trillion miles annually us 2016 338 million trucks registered business purposes including 368 million heavyduty class 8 trucks trucking lifeblood us economy last year trucks moved nearly 71 domestic freight tonnage generating revenue 6762 billion according american trucking associations transportation companies businesses large delivery trucks likely embrace autonomous trucks major shortage truck drivers us europe160moreover selfdriving trucks help companys bottom line promise costeffective nottoodistant future trucking companies essentially forced opinion adopt technology order stay competitive peers embrace tech nvidia positioning profit budding market january leading auto truck parts supplier zf nvidia announced launch zf proai selfdriving systems based nvidias drive px 2 ai platform cars trucks commercial vehicles160in march company announced working global truck maker paccar160160which manufactures kenworth peterbilt daf truck brands developing automated driving systems trucks truck manufacturers working driverless truck space include daimler volvo moreover exciting new entrant horizon tesla ceo elon musk said april company plans unveil electric semi truck september truck slated autonomous driving features daimler volvo tesla partnering nvidia selfdriving cars seems likely nvidia part selfdriving truck initiatives recently reported quarter nvidias auto platforms revenue grew 19 year year 142 million accounting 64 total revenue 223 billion platform appears poised robust growth thanks strong position company carving burgeoning autonomous car truck markets 10 stocks like better nvidiawhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right nvidia wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns august 1 2017 beth mckenna opens new window owns shares nvidia motley fool owns shares recommends nvidia paccar tesla motley fool recommends sina motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 572 |
<p>Donald Trump has been roundly mocked for his bluster about being surrounded by "the best people" when there has been a merry-go-round of key staffers being hired and then ultimately replaced. However, the fact is that Hillary Clinton has surrounded herself with the worst people, as they are either currently under FBI investigation or have been linked to previous criminal investigations. Clinton and her team act as a leftist mob that are the epitome of sleaze and corruption that the Clintons have engaged in throughout their political careers.</p>
<p>Here is a rundown of the top people in Clinton's orbit.</p>
<p>Huma Abedin. When the FBI seized Anthony Weiner's laptop to investigate his alleged sexting with an underage girl, they found emails belong to Abedin, Weiner's estranged wife, that are related to Clinton's email investigation. She <a href="http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-10-31/huma-abedin-i-have-no-idea-how-emails-got-weiners-computer" type="external">claims</a> to not know how they got there, and Abedin now faces possible perjury charges since she told the FBI that she had handed over all electronic devices related to the investigation.</p>
<p>Abedin is one of Clinton's top confidants, as Clinton herself has even called Abedin her "second daughter." At the Clinton State Department, Abedin wore numerous hats–she stepped down from the State Department in 2012, only to be hired again shortly thereafter as a "special government employee," according to Townhall's <a href="http://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2016/10/31/ms-moneybags-huma-abedin-was-drawing-three-paychecks-from-state-the-foundation-and-clintonaffiliated-consulting-firm-n2238864" type="external">Matt Vespa</a>. Abedin was also being paid by the Clinton Foundation and Teneo, the consulting firm run by Clinton-lackey Doug Band. Emails have shown that Abedin and Band were in constant contact about giving Clinton Foundation donors access to Clinton's State Department.</p>
<p>Abedin is also linked to the Muslim Brotherhood and Saudi Arabia. As <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/presidential-campaign/292310-huma-abedins-ties-to-the-muslim-brotherhood" type="external">Kenneth Timmerman</a> wrote in a column in The Hill:</p>
<p>The New York Post ran a detailed investigative piece over the weekend about Ms. Abedin’s work at the Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs from 1995 through 2008, a Sharia law journal whose editor in chief was Abedin’s own mother.</p>
<p>Her mother, Saleha Abedin, sits on the Presidency Staff Council of the International Islamic Council for Da’wa and Relief, a group that is chaired by the leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi.</p>
<p>Timmerman continued later in his column with more information about Abedin's Islamist ties:</p>
<p>Her father, Syed Zaynul Abedin, was a professor in Saudi Arabia who founded the Institute for Muslim Minority Affairs, an institution established by the Government of Saudi Arabia with the support of the Muslim World League.</p>
<p>The Muslim World League was “perhaps the most significant Muslim Brotherhood organization in the world,” according to former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy. Its then-General Secretary, Umar Nasif, founded the Rabita Trust, “which is formally designated as a foreign terrorist organization under American law due to its support of al Qaeda,” he wrote.</p>
<p>That is not guilt by association but what federal prosecutors would call a “nexus” of like-minded people who shared the same goals.</p>
<p>A Saudi government document inspired by Ms. Abedin’s father explains the concept of “Muslim Minority Affairs,” the title of the Journal Mr. Abedin founded, and its goal to “establish a global Sharia in our modern times.”</p>
<p>As <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/article/426726/ted-cruz-right-muslim-brotherhood-terrorist-organization-andrew-c-mccarthy" type="external">Andrew McCarthy</a> noted in National Review, "where the Brotherhood is active, ISIS and al-Qaeda thrive," pointing to Syria and Libya as poignant examples of this, as the Muslim Brotherhood aids such Islamist terror groups. In the State Department, Abedin lobbied for the overthrow of Libyan dictator Moammar Gaddafi and Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak. Libya is now overrun with Islamists and Mubarak was replaced by Mohammed Morsi, a leader in the Muslim Brotherhood.</p>
<p>Cheryl Mills. Mills is another top confidant to Clinton. Mills claimed to be unaware of Clinton's use of a private email server until she defended Clinton during the legal proceedings of the case, but <a href="http://dailycaller.com/2016/11/01/this-wikileaks-email-proves-cheryl-mills-and-hillary-clinton-lied-to-the-fbi/" type="external">an email unearthed by WikiLeaks</a> shows Mills writing to Clinton campaign chariman John Podesta that "we need to clean this up – he has emails from her – they do not say state.gov"–referencing President Barack Obama's lie that he was kept out of the loop about Clinton's private email server until the news broke about it.</p>
<p>Mills knowing about Clinton's email server before she provided legal defense for her is key, because Mills's attorney objected to a question asking about why Clinton used a private email server, citing "attorney-client privilege." It is odd that Mills, one of the key figures in the FBI investigation, would also be representing Clinton in the same FBI investigation, and the fact that she did know about the private server undermines her attorney's claims of "attorney-client privilege."</p>
<p>When she was in the State Department, Mills kept in close contact with Tim Graham, the chief operating officer of the Clinton Foundation at the time, as Graham left her 150 voicemails. Graham even once referred to Clinton as "our boss" to Mills, according to the <a href="http://freebeacon.com/politics/state-dept-struggles-defend-volume-calls-clinton-foundation-cheryl-mills/" type="external">Washington Free Beacon</a>.</p>
<p>John Podesta. Podesta is "part coach, part gatekeeper, judge and jury, director, fundraiser, policy wonk and strategist" with regard to his role in the Clinton campaign, according to <a href="http://time.com/4308369/hillary-clinton-john-podesta/" type="external">Time</a>. Podesta worked in the Clinton White House to help direct the Clintons through the Travelgate scandal as well as the Monica Lewninsky scandal. He also started the Clinton-aligned think tank Center for American Progress in 2003 and a key figure in the Clinton Foundation until 2012. In the 2016 campaign, Podesta has been the man mapping out Clinton's various strategies toward deflecting her scandals and weaknesses as a candidate.</p>
<p>The WikiLeaks email dump has revealed the following things about Podesta:</p>
<p>The Podesta Group has allegedly "lobbied for the Centre for a Modern Ukraine, a pro-Russian organization that once employed former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort," according to <a href="http://dailycaller.com/2016/09/01/john-podestas-ties-to-russian-and-saudi-money/" type="external">The Daily Caller</a>. Podesta allegedly hasn't been involved with the Podesta Group's lobbying work "for years," but the organization is run by Tony Podesta, Podesta's brother. Tony Podesta has also received $140,000 in monthly pay from Saudi Arabia's government and is a top Clinton donor. The Podesta brothers are very close.</p>
<p>Podesta also has <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/04/08/the-long-strange-history-of-john-podestas-space-alien-obsession/" type="external">a strange obsession with aliens</a>.</p>
<p>Terry McAuliffe. McAuliffe, the current Democratic governor of Virginia, had previously been a board member of the Clinton Foundation and ran Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign. McAuliffe himself is under investigation by the FBI over contributions to his campaign, one of which was <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/23/politics/terry-mcauliffe-fbi-doj-federal-investigation-campaign-contributions/" type="external">$120,000 from Wang Wenliang</a>, a billionaire who used to be a delegate to China's parliament. Wenliang is also a donor to the Clinton Foundation and <a href="http://dailycaller.com/2016/08/11/did-the-fbi-nearly-investigate-the-clinton-foundation-because-of-this-mysterious-chinese-billionaire/" type="external">has met Hillary Clinton in person</a>.</p>
<p>Wenliang may have been at the center of a "visas for sale" operation that McAuliffe's electric vehicle company GreenTech Automotive, according to the <a href="http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/terry-mcauliffes-latest-scandal-just-the-tip-of-the-iceberg/article/2592889" type="external">Washington Examiner</a>:</p>
<p>GreenTech, shortly after its founding, partnered with Gulf Coast Funds Management — run by Anthony Rodham, Hillary Clinton's brother — to recruit EB-5 investors. (Today, Rodham runs the GreenTech EB-5 operation, and the two companies share offices in McLean, Va.) Between 2009 and 2012, EB-5 visas helped GreenTech raise $67 millionfrom over 100 foreign investors. Gulf Coast collected more than $7 million of its own during that time, suggesting a massive "visas for sale" scheme. By early 2013, at least 31 Chinese had received green cards through the McAuliffe/Rodham EB-5 operation. (Keep in mind that, in China, there's no real distinction between the Communist Party, the government and the business elite.)</p>
<p>Gulf Coast attempted to acquire an EB-5 visa for a Chinese telecom executive linked to the Chinese government. Zhenjun Zhang, the Huwaei Technologies executive who coordinated with Gulf Coast, was accused by former CIA Director Michael Hayden of "providing sensitive information about foreign communication systems to Beijing," according to one report. Yet Gulf Coast still made a pay-for-visa deal.</p>
<p>One possible explanation: Foreign nationals with green cards can contribute to elections, thanks to a loophole that McAuliffe is currently exploiting to excuse monies he (and the Clinton Foundation) received from Chinese billionaire Wang Wenliang.</p>
<p>GreenTech also received $5 million in taxpayer dollars from Mississippi's state and local governments, yet fell far short of the promised 1,500 jobs that would supposedly be created by the venture.</p>
<p>McAuliffe has also raised eyebrows by his "$675,000 in cash and in-kind contributions" to the state senate run of Dr. Jill McCabe, the wife of Andrew McCabe, who at the time was associate-deputy FBI director. <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/laptop-may-include-thousands-of-emails-linked-to-hillary-clintons-private-server-1477854957" type="external">McCabe's defenders point out</a> that he didn't oversee the Clinton investigations until after his wife's campaign had ended and he tried to convince a skeptical Department of Justice to probe the Clinton Foundation.</p>
<p>However, <a href="https://www.commentarymagazine.com/american-society/i-have-a-theory-about-james-comey/" type="external">John Podhoretz</a> put forth the following theory at Commentary with regard to the McAuliffe donation and FBi director James Comey re-opening the case into Clinton's private email serer:</p>
<p>Now, recall from three paragraphs ago that the person FBI officials in New York informed about the email cache was one “Andrew McCabe.” Under McCabe’s direction, the FBI somehow neglected to secure a warrant to look at the Abedin emails for three weeks. Why? Because everybody was having lunch?</p>
<p>Last week, we learned that Virginia governor and Clinton intimate Terry McAuliffe had steered an astonishing amount of money into the campaign coffers of McCabe’s wife in a local race in Virginia late last year. McCabe was then the #3 person at the FBI. He is now #2. The amount was so staggering—nearly $500,000 for a state Senate seat—that it immediately raised red flags. Was a senior Justice Department official getting special favors for his wife from a Clinton Guy while Mrs. Clinton was under active investigation by his department, including investigations in which he was materially involved?</p>
<p>The theory is simple: Comey was indeed covering his posterior, but in this case, he was doing so because, if anything came out of the Weiner investigation, he would fry. When called upon to explain himself, he would have to acknowledge his own agency dragged its feet and did nothing about it—due to the behavior of the husband of someone who owed a Clinton intimate a huge debt of gratitude and who is Comey’s own deputy, according to the organization charts.</p>
<p>Doug Band. A <a href="" type="internal">leaked memo</a> revealed Band's plan to make the Clintons wealthy, outlining how he would use clients for his firm Teneo to donate to the Clinton Foundation and provide personal income to the Clintons. Band would also routinely coordinate with Abedin about getting Clinton Foundation donors access to the State Department. Band <a href="http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-10-30/doug-band-john-podesta-if-story-gets-out-we-are-screwed" type="external">wrote to Podesta</a> in 2011 "that if this story gets out, we are screwed" in regards to the Clinton Foundation access.</p>
<p>Sidney Blumenthal. The Daily Wire's <a href="" type="external">Michael Qazvini</a> has written about how Blumenthal is "the main cog in the Clinton attack machine," including his smearing of Lewinsky and pushing <a href="" type="internal">the birther story</a> to the media. Blumenthal <a href="" type="internal">also lobbied the State Department</a> to overthrow Libya dictator Moammar Gaddafi, and his company Osprey Global Solutions profited from selling arms to the Libyan rebels. Blumenthal's son Max is also an "an anti-Semitic, Israel-demonizing, conspiracy-minded nutcase," according to Qazvini.</p>
<p>David Brock. The Daily Wire has previously reported on Brock's nonprofits are a total scam as they're reportedly a money-launding operation that profits. Brock's sleazy background also includes:</p>
<p>In The Daily Caller's expose of the inner workings of Media Matters, they documented how the organization routinely coordinates with the Obama administration, congressional members and various leftist groups to produce smear campaigns against conservatives and would get numerous media outlets from MSNBC to The Washington Post to use their material.</p>
<p>The report paints Brock as a vicious, paranoid man who could be "manic, very reckless and grandiose" and "abusive" towards his employees. Brock also reportedly surrounded himself with armed bodyguards out of fear that "right-wing assassins" would shoot him with a sniper.</p>
<p>Radio host and constitutional scholar Mark Levin has called Media Matters a "criminal front group" due to their status as a nonprofit, meaning they have to be non-partisan. But of course, Media Matters is far from non-partisan, given the fact that Brock has admitted their goal is to circle the wagons around Hillary Clinton.</p>
<p>Sidney Blumenthal, Hillary's top weapon, also receives around $200,000 a year to consult Media Matters and Brock's other organizations.</p>
<p>Brock, like a good Clinton lackey, has a penchant for lying. As Timothy Noah wrote in a 2002 Slate article on Brock's book Blinded By The Right: The Conscience Of An Ex-Conservative, "The further one gets into Brock's book, the more one starts to suspect that Brock wasn't a liar for any larger cause, but simply … a liar." Noah goes onto cite numerous falsehoods in the book as well as moments where Brock admitted to lying to look out for himself.</p>
<p>Philipe Reines. Reines has been an aide to Clinton as well as her spokesman at the State Department. In 2012, <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeedpolitics/hillary-clinton-aide-tells-reporter-to-fuck-off?utm_term=.wioZOBPaog#.fwnjqQP4wW" type="external">he told Buzzfeed's Michael Hastings</a> to "F*** Off" and called him "an unmitigated a**hole" for pressing him over email about the Benghazi terror attack. Reines has also <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2016/09/hillary-clinton-philippe-reines-presidential-debate-prep-228624" type="external">played the role of Trump</a> in Clinton's debate prep.</p>
<p>Reines advised Clinton on IT-related matters and purchased an iPad for her.</p>
<p>(h/t: <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3889994/Influence-peddling-acting-Putin-s-ally-hiding-classified-secrets-sexting-FIVE-separate-FBI-cases-probing-virtually-one-Clinton-s-inner-circle-families.html" type="external">UK Daily Mail</a>)</p> | true | 0 | donald trump roundly mocked bluster surrounded best people merrygoround key staffers hired ultimately replaced however fact hillary clinton surrounded worst people either currently fbi investigation linked previous criminal investigations clinton team act leftist mob epitome sleaze corruption clintons engaged throughout political careers rundown top people clintons orbit huma abedin fbi seized anthony weiners laptop investigate alleged sexting underage girl found emails belong abedin weiners estranged wife related clintons email investigation claims know got abedin faces possible perjury charges since told fbi handed electronic devices related investigation abedin one clintons top confidants clinton even called abedin second daughter clinton state department abedin wore numerous hatsshe stepped state department 2012 hired shortly thereafter special government employee according townhalls matt vespa abedin also paid clinton foundation teneo consulting firm run clintonlackey doug band emails shown abedin band constant contact giving clinton foundation donors access clintons state department abedin also linked muslim brotherhood saudi arabia kenneth timmerman wrote column hill new york post ran detailed investigative piece weekend ms abedins work journal muslim minority affairs 1995 2008 sharia law journal whose editor chief abedins mother mother saleha abedin sits presidency staff council international islamic council dawa relief group chaired leader muslim brotherhood sheikh yusuf alqaradawi timmerman continued later column information abedins islamist ties father syed zaynul abedin professor saudi arabia founded institute muslim minority affairs institution established government saudi arabia support muslim world league muslim world league perhaps significant muslim brotherhood organization world according former federal prosecutor andrew c mccarthy thengeneral secretary umar nasif founded rabita trust formally designated foreign terrorist organization american law due support al qaeda wrote guilt association federal prosecutors would call nexus likeminded people shared goals saudi government document inspired ms abedins father explains concept muslim minority affairs title journal mr abedin founded goal establish global sharia modern times andrew mccarthy noted national review brotherhood active isis alqaeda thrive pointing syria libya poignant examples muslim brotherhood aids islamist terror groups state department abedin lobbied overthrow libyan dictator moammar gaddafi egyptian leader hosni mubarak libya overrun islamists mubarak replaced mohammed morsi leader muslim brotherhood cheryl mills mills another top confidant clinton mills claimed unaware clintons use private email server defended clinton legal proceedings case email unearthed wikileaks shows mills writing clinton campaign chariman john podesta need clean emails say stategovreferencing president barack obamas lie kept loop clintons private email server news broke mills knowing clintons email server provided legal defense key millss attorney objected question asking clinton used private email server citing attorneyclient privilege odd mills one key figures fbi investigation would also representing clinton fbi investigation fact know private server undermines attorneys claims attorneyclient privilege state department mills kept close contact tim graham chief operating officer clinton foundation time graham left 150 voicemails graham even referred clinton boss mills according washington free beacon john podesta podesta part coach part gatekeeper judge jury director fundraiser policy wonk strategist regard role clinton campaign according time podesta worked clinton white house help direct clintons travelgate scandal well monica lewninsky scandal also started clintonaligned think tank center american progress 2003 key figure clinton foundation 2012 2016 campaign podesta man mapping clintons various strategies toward deflecting scandals weaknesses candidate wikileaks email dump revealed following things podesta podesta group allegedly lobbied centre modern ukraine prorussian organization employed former trump campaign manager paul manafort according daily caller podesta allegedly hasnt involved podesta groups lobbying work years organization run tony podesta podestas brother tony podesta also received 140000 monthly pay saudi arabias government top clinton donor podesta brothers close podesta also strange obsession aliens terry mcauliffe mcauliffe current democratic governor virginia previously board member clinton foundation ran clintons 2008 presidential campaign mcauliffe investigation fbi contributions campaign one 120000 wang wenliang billionaire used delegate chinas parliament wenliang also donor clinton foundation met hillary clinton person wenliang may center visas sale operation mcauliffes electric vehicle company greentech automotive according washington examiner greentech shortly founding partnered gulf coast funds management run anthony rodham hillary clintons brother recruit eb5 investors today rodham runs greentech eb5 operation two companies share offices mclean va 2009 2012 eb5 visas helped greentech raise 67 millionfrom 100 foreign investors gulf coast collected 7 million time suggesting massive visas sale scheme early 2013 least 31 chinese received green cards mcaulifferodham eb5 operation keep mind china theres real distinction communist party government business elite gulf coast attempted acquire eb5 visa chinese telecom executive linked chinese government zhenjun zhang huwaei technologies executive coordinated gulf coast accused former cia director michael hayden providing sensitive information foreign communication systems beijing according one report yet gulf coast still made payforvisa deal one possible explanation foreign nationals green cards contribute elections thanks loophole mcauliffe currently exploiting excuse monies clinton foundation received chinese billionaire wang wenliang greentech also received 5 million taxpayer dollars mississippis state local governments yet fell far short promised 1500 jobs would supposedly created venture mcauliffe also raised eyebrows 675000 cash inkind contributions state senate run dr jill mccabe wife andrew mccabe time associatedeputy fbi director mccabes defenders point didnt oversee clinton investigations wifes campaign ended tried convince skeptical department justice probe clinton foundation however john podhoretz put forth following theory commentary regard mcauliffe donation fbi director james comey reopening case clintons private email serer recall three paragraphs ago person fbi officials new york informed email cache one andrew mccabe mccabes direction fbi somehow neglected secure warrant look abedin emails three weeks everybody lunch last week learned virginia governor clinton intimate terry mcauliffe steered astonishing amount money campaign coffers mccabes wife local race virginia late last year mccabe 3 person fbi 2 amount staggeringnearly 500000 state senate seatthat immediately raised red flags senior justice department official getting special favors wife clinton guy mrs clinton active investigation department including investigations materially involved theory simple comey indeed covering posterior case anything came weiner investigation would fry called upon explain would acknowledge agency dragged feet nothing itdue behavior husband someone owed clinton intimate huge debt gratitude comeys deputy according organization charts doug band leaked memo revealed bands plan make clintons wealthy outlining would use clients firm teneo donate clinton foundation provide personal income clintons band would also routinely coordinate abedin getting clinton foundation donors access state department band wrote podesta 2011 story gets screwed regards clinton foundation access sidney blumenthal daily wires michael qazvini written blumenthal main cog clinton attack machine including smearing lewinsky pushing birther story media blumenthal also lobbied state department overthrow libya dictator moammar gaddafi company osprey global solutions profited selling arms libyan rebels blumenthals son max also antisemitic israeldemonizing conspiracyminded nutcase according qazvini david brock daily wire previously reported brocks nonprofits total scam theyre reportedly moneylaunding operation profits brocks sleazy background also includes daily callers expose inner workings media matters documented organization routinely coordinates obama administration congressional members various leftist groups produce smear campaigns conservatives would get numerous media outlets msnbc washington post use material report paints brock vicious paranoid man could manic reckless grandiose abusive towards employees brock also reportedly surrounded armed bodyguards fear rightwing assassins would shoot sniper radio host constitutional scholar mark levin called media matters criminal front group due status nonprofit meaning nonpartisan course media matters far nonpartisan given fact brock admitted goal circle wagons around hillary clinton sidney blumenthal hillarys top weapon also receives around 200000 year consult media matters brocks organizations brock like good clinton lackey penchant lying timothy noah wrote 2002 slate article brocks book blinded right conscience exconservative one gets brocks book one starts suspect brock wasnt liar larger cause simply liar noah goes onto cite numerous falsehoods book well moments brock admitted lying look philipe reines reines aide clinton well spokesman state department 2012 told buzzfeeds michael hastings f called unmitigated ahole pressing email benghazi terror attack reines also played role trump clintons debate prep reines advised clinton itrelated matters purchased ipad ht uk daily mail | 1,294 |
<p>If there's one thing Bill Marvel knows after 40 years of flying light aircraft, it is this: Never leave the controls of your plane to someone else.</p>
<p>"You don't start fiddling with radios or fuel systems and forget to fly the airplane," he said. "You might crash while you are trying to solve some other problem."</p>
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<p>Mr. Marvel, 66 years old, is a careful and methodical man who has flown single-engine aircraft across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Yet in 2004, he handed over control of his real estate investments to DBSI Inc., a Meridian, Idaho, company that went down with the market in 2008.</p>
<p>"DBSI essentially operated like a Ponzi scheme...almost entirely dependent on funds from new investors to pay old investors," according to an indictment from a federal grand jury in Boise, Idaho, last week.</p>
<p>Eighty-three counts allege everything from bank fraud, securities fraud, wire fraud and mail fraud to the transportation of stolen property across state lines. Prosecutors say DBSI executives touted a profitable enterprise worth $105 million, while they lost $3 million a month. Money DBSI collected from real estate investors such as Mr. Marvel often was siphoned off to fund risky technology startups, prosecutors allege.</p>
<p>Former Chief Operating Officer Gary Bringhurst has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud.</p>
<p>Lawyers for co-founder and President Douglas L. Swenson, 64, and co-founder and general counsel Mark Ellison, 64, have said their clients are not guilty, that everything their clients did was disclosed to investors, and that DBSI's spiral into bankruptcy was due to market conditions. Mr. Swenson's sons Jeremy S. Swenson, 40, and David D. Swenson, 35, also were named in the indictment.</p>
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<p>The indictment seeks to recover $169 million in assets that would be returned to thousands of investors like Mr. Marvel--a thin hope after DBSI's 2008 bankruptcy filing.</p>
<p>You know how some people say it doesn't take a rocket scientist to invest in real estate? Well, Mr. Marvel actually is a rocket scientist. He studied astronautics at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. He then went on to Purdue University for a master's degree. Then he became a spacecraft systems engineer, working on spy satellites in the Air Force.</p>
<p>After Mr. Marvel left the military, he moved to Southern California and started buying up apartment buildings, an entrepreneurial career he enjoyed for 30 years while he pursued his hobbies of building and flying small planes.</p>
<p>As long as he kept his hands on the stick, his real estate investments went fine. He took his hands off the stick in 2004 when he learned about an amazing opportunity offered by DBSI.</p>
<p>DBSI bought commercial buildings and sold them to groups of investors it organized. An attractive part of the pitch was that DBSI offered tax-free exchanges, what are known as 1031 Exchanges under the tax code.</p>
<p>Mr. Marvel learned he could sell all of his California apartment buildings and then reinvest the proceeds in DBSI deals without paying taxes on his gains.</p>
<p>The deal allowed Mr. Marvel to quickly diversify his portfolio from a few apartment buildings in one state to 15 office and retail properties in nine states. This alleviated his worries about a softening real estate market in California. Plus, he was no longer a hands-on manager as he approached retirement years. DBSI would operate the properties. All he had to do was sit back and collect monthly checks.</p>
<p>Mr. Marvel said he did exhaustive research on DBSI before taking this leap. He was comforted to learn the company was founded in 1979 and that its executives didn't have rap sheets.</p>
<p>He said he received $3.5 million from the sale of his California apartment buildings and then used the money to purchase fractional interests in shopping centers and office buildings from Georgia to New Mexico through DBSI.</p>
<p>For about three years, DBSI delivered the monthly payments as promised. Nevertheless, Mr. Marvel said he became suspicious in 2005 when he discovered all of the buildings in which he had invested were badly managed and losing money.</p>
<p>He organized an online discussion group with more than 400 other DBSI investors who were having similar experiences. Then he confronted some of the DBSI executives who are now criminal defendants.</p>
<p>He said the DBSI guys warned him he shouldn't be organizing investors and sharing private information. They also told him that while his buildings were indeed losing money, other DBSI properties were doing well, which was why he was still getting paid. So what was the problem?</p>
<p>He was making a reasonable return on his money. And he continued getting paid...up until the day DBSI went bellyup.</p>
<p>Mr. Marvel now lives in Grand Junction, Colo. He takes 4-wheeler tours of the nearby mountains instead of fancier trips to Europe and Australia. He says he'll be lucky to recoup $500,000 of his $3.5 million investment. Letting someone else take the stick is his biggest regret. He would never do that in a plane.</p>
<p>"There's no way any third party is going to take care of your money like you're going to take care of it," he said. "As obvious as that is, thousands of us made this mistake."</p>
<p>(Al's Emporium, written by Dow Jones Newswires columnist Al Lewis, offers commentary and analysis on a wide range of business subjects through an unconventional perspective. The column is published each Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m. ET. Contact Al at [email protected] or <a href="http://newswires-americas.com/tellittoal/" type="external">tellittoal.com Opens a New Window.</a>)</p> | true | 0 | theres one thing bill marvel knows 40 years flying light aircraft never leave controls plane someone else dont start fiddling radios fuel systems forget fly airplane said might crash trying solve problem continue reading mr marvel 66 years old careful methodical man flown singleengine aircraft across pacific atlantic oceans yet 2004 handed control real estate investments dbsi inc meridian idaho company went market 2008 dbsi essentially operated like ponzi schemealmost entirely dependent funds new investors pay old investors according indictment federal grand jury boise idaho last week eightythree counts allege everything bank fraud securities fraud wire fraud mail fraud transportation stolen property across state lines prosecutors say dbsi executives touted profitable enterprise worth 105 million lost 3 million month money dbsi collected real estate investors mr marvel often siphoned fund risky technology startups prosecutors allege former chief operating officer gary bringhurst agreed plead guilty one count conspiracy commit securities fraud lawyers cofounder president douglas l swenson 64 cofounder general counsel mark ellison 64 said clients guilty everything clients disclosed investors dbsis spiral bankruptcy due market conditions mr swensons sons jeremy swenson 40 david swenson 35 also named indictment advertisement indictment seeks recover 169 million assets would returned thousands investors like mr marvela thin hope dbsis 2008 bankruptcy filing know people say doesnt take rocket scientist invest real estate well mr marvel actually rocket scientist studied astronautics us air force academy colorado springs colo went purdue university masters degree became spacecraft systems engineer working spy satellites air force mr marvel left military moved southern california started buying apartment buildings entrepreneurial career enjoyed 30 years pursued hobbies building flying small planes long kept hands stick real estate investments went fine took hands stick 2004 learned amazing opportunity offered dbsi dbsi bought commercial buildings sold groups investors organized attractive part pitch dbsi offered taxfree exchanges known 1031 exchanges tax code mr marvel learned could sell california apartment buildings reinvest proceeds dbsi deals without paying taxes gains deal allowed mr marvel quickly diversify portfolio apartment buildings one state 15 office retail properties nine states alleviated worries softening real estate market california plus longer handson manager approached retirement years dbsi would operate properties sit back collect monthly checks mr marvel said exhaustive research dbsi taking leap comforted learn company founded 1979 executives didnt rap sheets said received 35 million sale california apartment buildings used money purchase fractional interests shopping centers office buildings georgia new mexico dbsi three years dbsi delivered monthly payments promised nevertheless mr marvel said became suspicious 2005 discovered buildings invested badly managed losing money organized online discussion group 400 dbsi investors similar experiences confronted dbsi executives criminal defendants said dbsi guys warned shouldnt organizing investors sharing private information also told buildings indeed losing money dbsi properties well still getting paid problem making reasonable return money continued getting paidup day dbsi went bellyup mr marvel lives grand junction colo takes 4wheeler tours nearby mountains instead fancier trips europe australia says hell lucky recoup 500000 35 million investment letting someone else take stick biggest regret would never plane theres way third party going take care money like youre going take care said obvious thousands us made mistake als emporium written dow jones newswires columnist al lewis offers commentary analysis wide range business subjects unconventional perspective column published tuesday thursday 9 et contact al allewisdowjonescom tellittoalcom opens new window | 554 |
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<p>Everything old is new again.</p>
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<p>About 100 years ago, German industrialist Linde AGsold its American unit, then known as Linde Air Products, to Union Carbide -- which in turn spun off the subsidiary in 1992, naming it Praxair (NYSE: PX). But 100 years later, Linde and Praxair are getting the band back together. Last week, the companies announced plans to join forces in a "merger of equals."</p>
<p>When consummated, the merger should create a new industrial giant with $30 billion in annual sales and a market capitalization in excess of $64 billion.</p>
<p>Here's what you need to know about it.</p>
<p>Oxygen plus hydrogen gases make water. But what does a merger of two gas-makers equal? Image source: Getty Images.</p>
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<p>Broadly speaking, both Linde and Praxair are in the "gas" business, but not by owning your corner filling station. Rather, they're in the business of producing chemicals in gaseous state -- oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and so on -- for use in medicine and industry.</p>
<p>It's a big business ($30 billion annually), and a profitable one. According to data from S&amp;P Global Market Intelligence, Linde generated operating profit margins of 11.5% over the past 12 months, while Praxair is doing closer to 22.1%. Linde does more revenue -- $18 billion annually -- while Praxair at $10.5 billion in sales sells less but makes more profit off each revenue dollar.</p>
<p>Up until the merger was announced, investors liked Praxair's approach a bit better, valuing the stock at $33.5 billion, versus Linde's $30.6 billion market capitalization. But basically, the two companies are pretty closely aligned, both in the business they conduct and the money they make off it.</p>
<p>Accordingly, the companies are structuring this as a true merger of equals, with shareholders in each company ending up owning a 50% interest in the combined company -- which, in a nod to history, will once again go by the name of Linde. Because of the differences in share prices and shares outstanding, however, to get to this 50-50 split will require giving each current Linde shareholder 1.54 shares in the combined company, while Praxair shareholders will have to content themselves with a straight 1-for-1 exchange.</p>
<p>As for when the deal will close, this remains uncertain. The company's expect it will take months to complete their internal approvals, execute, and approve a merger agreement, and obtain regulatory green lights around the world. Potentially, getting regulators to OK the merger will require selling off pieces of either or both companies to defuse antitrust concerns -- and even then, there is no assurance that the merger will ultimately succeed.</p>
<p>But what if it does? Linde and Praxair agree that by merging their operations, they stand to reap $1 billion in annual synergies -- money that can be saved and lead to higher profits. With Praxair earning $2.3 billion a year pre-tax, and Linde $2.2 billion, those savings represent an opportunity to boost profits by as much as 22%, in one fell swoop.</p>
<p>After tax, that should work out to perhaps $3.4 billion in annual profits for the combined company. On a market capitalization of $64.4 billion, that works out to about 19 times earnings for Linde 2.0. The price-to-sales ratio would be 2.1.</p>
<p>And free cash flow? Currently, Linde is generating about $2.1 billion; Praxair, $1.4 billion in cash profits. Assuming free cash rises in proportion to the promised increase in net income, this implies that the new firm could be churning out cash at the rate of $4.3 billion a year -- and selling for a valuation of as little as 15 times free cash flow.</p>
<p>Believe it or not, industrial gas is not the sexiest growth industry on the planet. Current estimates on S&amp;P Global see Praxair growing its smaller business by about 15% annually over the next five years, but Linde is only expected to expand at about an 8% rate. Blend those two numbers, and we're probably only looking at long-term growth rates of about 11% for the firm, after the initial windfall from cost-saving synergies -- <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2010/03/23/keep-your-synergies-show-us-results.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">assuming those ever arrive Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Still, if we further assume that a merged Linde-Praxair will maintain both pre-existing companies' commitment to paying modest dividends -- Linde currently pays 2.2%, and Praxair 2.5% -- then the valuation here looks about right, resulting in about a 13% total return on a stock from growth and income, costing 15 times free cash flow.</p>
<p>It's not a bargain by any stretch, which probably explains why both stocks are down modestly since the merger was announced. In fact, you have to depend pretty heavily on seeing Linde 2.0 deliver the promised synergies even to call the valuation fair.</p>
<p>But if the synergies arrive as promised, then that's what it is: a fair price, and a decent deal.</p>
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<p>The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | everything old new continue reading 100 years ago german industrialist linde agsold american unit known linde air products union carbide turn spun subsidiary 1992 naming praxair nyse px 100 years later linde praxair getting band back together last week companies announced plans join forces merger equals consummated merger create new industrial giant 30 billion annual sales market capitalization excess 64 billion heres need know oxygen plus hydrogen gases make water merger two gasmakers equal image source getty images advertisement broadly speaking linde praxair gas business owning corner filling station rather theyre business producing chemicals gaseous state oxygen nitrogen hydrogen use medicine industry big business 30 billion annually profitable one according data sampp global market intelligence linde generated operating profit margins 115 past 12 months praxair closer 221 linde revenue 18 billion annually praxair 105 billion sales sells less makes profit revenue dollar merger announced investors liked praxairs approach bit better valuing stock 335 billion versus lindes 306 billion market capitalization basically two companies pretty closely aligned business conduct money make accordingly companies structuring true merger equals shareholders company ending owning 50 interest combined company nod history go name linde differences share prices shares outstanding however get 5050 split require giving current linde shareholder 154 shares combined company praxair shareholders content straight 1for1 exchange deal close remains uncertain companys expect take months complete internal approvals execute approve merger agreement obtain regulatory green lights around world potentially getting regulators ok merger require selling pieces either companies defuse antitrust concerns even assurance merger ultimately succeed linde praxair agree merging operations stand reap 1 billion annual synergies money saved lead higher profits praxair earning 23 billion year pretax linde 22 billion savings represent opportunity boost profits much 22 one fell swoop tax work perhaps 34 billion annual profits combined company market capitalization 644 billion works 19 times earnings linde 20 pricetosales ratio would 21 free cash flow currently linde generating 21 billion praxair 14 billion cash profits assuming free cash rises proportion promised increase net income implies new firm could churning cash rate 43 billion year selling valuation little 15 times free cash flow believe industrial gas sexiest growth industry planet current estimates sampp global see praxair growing smaller business 15 annually next five years linde expected expand 8 rate blend two numbers probably looking longterm growth rates 11 firm initial windfall costsaving synergies assuming ever arrive opens new window still assume merged lindepraxair maintain preexisting companies commitment paying modest dividends linde currently pays 22 praxair 25 valuation looks right resulting 13 total return stock growth income costing 15 times free cash flow bargain stretch probably explains stocks modestly since merger announced fact depend pretty heavily seeing linde 20 deliver promised synergies even call valuation fair synergies arrive promised thats fair price decent deal 10 stocks like better praxair 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 praxair wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns nov 7 2016 fool contributor rich smith opens new windowdoes shares short company named find motley fool caps opens new window publicly pontificating handle tmfditty opens new window hes currently ranked 346 75000 rated members motley fool position stocks mentioned try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 589 |
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<p>Doctor Richard <a href="http://www.darkgovernment.com/news/x-22a-fighter-disk/" type="external">Boylan</a>, and numerous others have already let the cat out of the bag when it comes to anti-gravity space flight, so why do Boeing and Lockheed, two of America’s largest military industrial contractors, and the recipient of trillions in tax payer ‘ <a href="http://www.wakingtimes.com/2015/08/06/quantum-spacecraft-other-hidden-truths-snowdens-black-budgets/" type="external">black budget</a>’ dollars still hide that they are operating at least 12 anti-gravity aerospace platforms?</p>
<p>It seems that Boeing <a href="http://www.drboylan.com/colbirb2.html" type="external">hides</a> this advanced aerospace technology because it would prove what many free energy enthusiasts have said about <a href="" type="internal">Nikola Tesla</a> – that he discovered anti-gravity, and learned how to utilize it as an abundant, if not free, <a href="http://www.nottaughtinschools.com/John-Hutchison/Antigravity.html" type="external">energy source</a>.&#160;Objects can even be levitated easily with anti-gravity, and its numerous applications are just beginning to be understood by the public at large.</p>
<p>The late genius and inventor even explained the fact prior to his death. William R. Lynewrites in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0985452714/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=wakitime09-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0985452714&amp;linkId=13b9068b1be40e26c379f3958f948b13" type="external">Occult Ether Physics</a> (Creatopia Productions), that a lecture Tesla prepared for the Institute of Immigrant Welfare (May. 12, 1938), dealt with his Dynamic Theory of Gravity. Tesla said in his lecture that he had developed, “one of two far-reaching discoveries, which I worked out in all details in the years 1893 and 1894.” Indeed, Tesla held a&#160; <a href="http://electrical-engineering-portal.com/did-tesla-discover-the-secrets-of-antigravity" type="external">patent</a>&#160;in 1928, for a flying machine which resembled both a helicopter and an airplane and&#160;is thought to have run with the benefit of anti-gravity.</p>
<p>Boeing has loosely <a href="http://www.ufoevidence.org/documents/doc1064.htm" type="external">revealed</a> that they have already developed this technology in a veiled admittance that “it is working on experimental anti-gravity projects that could overturn a century of conventional aerospace propulsion technology.” And <a href="https://xenophilius.wordpress.com/2010/09/14/ben-rich-lockheed-ceo-admits-on-deathbed-et-ufo-are-real/" type="external">Ben Rich</a>, once the CEO of Lockheed Martin, admitted on his deathbed that “aliens were real,” and the “US military already travels to the stars, ”explaining where this technology could have been sourced, aside from terrestrial beings like Tesla.</p>
<p>This means that for more than 130 years we have been kept in the dark about a known free energy source so that the powers-that-be can profit from our ignorance. Every time you see a ‘ <a href="http://www.nasamoonhoax.com/chinese-get-in-on-the-fakery-laughably-fake-rocket-launch/" type="external">rocket ship</a>’ go up in space, it is essentially no different from the&#160; <a href="http://www.rense.com/general76/flagd.htm" type="external">false flag</a> attempts orchestrated by <a href="http://www.wakingtimes.com/2015/08/28/the-illusion-of-choice-90-of-american-media-controlled-by-6-corporations/" type="external">six&#160;media companies&#160;controlling the media</a> to alter your perception of reality.</p>
<p>Theodore C. Loder, PhD, posits in one <a href="http://www.spiritofmaat.com/archive/mar2/loder.htm" type="external">paper</a> that since the 1950’s (known to some as the&#160; <a href="http://exopolitics.org/tag/german-secret-socieities/" type="external">brain drain era</a>) almost all research into anti-gravity seems to have disappeared.</p>
<p>None other than Professor Hermann Oberth, considered by some to be one of the fathers of the space age (and who later worked in the US with Wernher von Braun, the Army Ballistic Missile Agency and NASA), stated the following in 1954: <a href="http://www.spiritofmaat.com/archive/mar2/loder_fn.htm" type="external">[3]</a> “It is my thesis that flying saucers are real and that they are space ships from another solar system.”</p>
<p>Perhaps of more interest to our present discussion on the secrets Boeing and Lockheed have kept, Oberth states:</p>
<p>“They are flying by the means of artificial fields of gravity. .&#160;.&#160;. They produce high-tension electric charges in order to push the air out of their paths, so it does not start glowing, and strong magnetic fields to influence the ionized air at higher altitudes. First, this would explain their luminosity .&#160;.&#160;. Secondly, it would explain the noiselessness of UFO flight.”</p>
<p>Indeed, you can see the crumbs of government contractor’s special operatives at work when you look into the work of John Hutchison. He discovered, “highly-anomalous electromagnetic effect which causes the jellification of metals, spontaneous levitation of common substances, and other effects,” which echo Tesla’s findings. These strange effects were later dubbed the Hutchison effect.</p>
<p>As is usually the case when silencing the curious, a Vancouver businessman, George Hathaway heard of the Hutchison effect around 1980, and hired an engineer from <a href="http://www.hutchisoneffect.com/" type="external">Boeing Aerospace</a> to work with the Canadian government to form a company that would promote technology developed from the effect. They called this company Pharos’ Technology. You likely haven’t heard of what they have created since then.</p>
<p>Dr. Boylan <a href="http://www.metatech.org/wp/ufos/secret-government-anti-gravity-fleet/" type="external">explain</a>s:</p>
<p>“At this time, I am aware of the existence of 12 kinds of special-technology advanced aerospace platforms [mil-speak for craft], all incorporating antigravity technology in some form. These 12 are: the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, the F-22 Raptor advanced stealth fighter, and its successor, the F-35 Lightning II advanced stealth fighter; the Aurora, Lockheed-Martin’s X-33A, the Lockheed X-22A two-man antigravity disc fighter, Boeing and Airbus Industries’ Nautilus, the TR3-A Pumpkinseed , the TR3-B Triangle , Northrop’s “Great Pumpkin” disc, Teledyne Ryan Aeronautical’s XH-75D Shark antigravity helicopter, and the Northrop Quantum Teleportation Disc.”</p>
<p>Since <a href="http://www.spiritofmaat.com/archive/mar2/loder.htm" type="external">at least</a> 1956, the press has been trying to manage public awareness by staying hush-hush about anti-gravity research, or discounting those who attempted to show that it was real. However, a trade press magazine, the Aviation Report, made numerous references to anti-gravity projects, and listed many of the companies pursuing research into anti-gravity technologies. Quotes from the Aviation Report listed in the Aviation Studies (International) Ltd. report <a href="http://www.spiritofmaat.com/archive/mar2/loder_fn.htm" type="external">[8]</a> are suggestive of what was truly going on at Boeing, Lockheed and other agencies despite what the public was being told.</p>
<p>Anti-gravity, first and foremost would make petrol-guzzling cars, crumbling electric grids, and other outdated and dirty fuels a total waste of time. Anti-gravity, as <a href="" type="internal">Nikola Tesla</a> made clear, would make space flight to other heavenly bodies as simple as driving your car to a nearby city, today. It would also turn Einstein’s E=MC2 <a href="http://www.ancient-code.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-teslas-antigravity-technology-creating-the-perfect-ufo/" type="external">theory on its head</a>, and it&#160;also suggests, as Tesla explained, that the ether is given to us to use responsibly by a life-giving creative force.</p>
<p>In short, everything we need is already out there, in abundant supply. We just need to tap into it and free these technologies from the grip of the military industrial complex.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.wakingtimes.com/contributors/christina-sarich/" type="external">Christina Sarich</a> is a staff writer for <a href="http://www.wakingtimes.com/" type="external">Waking Times</a>. She is a writer, musician, yogi, and humanitarian with an expansive repertoire. Her thousands of articles can be found all over the Internet, and her insights also appear in magazines as diverse as <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/category/journal/" type="external">Weston A. Price</a>, <a type="external" href="">Nexus</a>,&#160; <a href="http://www.atlantisrising.com/" type="external">Atlantis Rising</a>, and the&#160; <a href="http://www.cuyamungueinstitute.com/" type="external">Cuyamungue Institute</a>, among others. She was recently a featured author in the Journal, “Wise Traditions in Food, Farming, and Healing Arts,” and her commentary on healing, ascension, and human potential inform a large body of the alternative news lexicon. She has been invited to appear on numerous radio shows, including Health Conspiracy Radio, Dr. Gregory Smith’s Show, and dozens more. The second edition of her book, Pharma Sutra, will be released soon.</p>
<p>This article ( <a href="http://www.wakingtimes.com/2016/08/15/teslas-anti-gravity-research-in-use-in-dozens-of-secretive-military-projects/" type="external">Tesla’s Anti-Gravity Research in Use in Dozens of Secretive Military Projects</a>) was originally created and published by <a href="http://www.wakingtimes.com/" type="external">Waking Times</a> and is published here under a&#160; <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" type="external">Creative Commons</a> license with attribution to&#160; <a href="http://www.wakingtimes.com/?s=Christina+Sarich" type="external">Christina Sarich</a> and <a href="http://www.wakingtimes.com/" type="external">WakingTimes.com</a>. It may be re-posted freely with proper attribution, author bio, and this copyright statement. Please contact [email protected] for more info.</p>
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<p /> | true | 0 | doctor richard boylan numerous others already let cat bag comes antigravity space flight boeing lockheed two americas largest military industrial contractors recipient trillions tax payer black budget dollars still hide operating least 12 antigravity aerospace platforms seems boeing hides advanced aerospace technology would prove many free energy enthusiasts said nikola tesla discovered antigravity learned utilize abundant free energy source160objects even levitated easily antigravity numerous applications beginning understood public large late genius inventor even explained fact prior death william r lynewrites occult ether physics creatopia productions lecture tesla prepared institute immigrant welfare may 12 1938 dealt dynamic theory gravity tesla said lecture developed one two farreaching discoveries worked details years 1893 1894 indeed tesla held a160 patent160in 1928 flying machine resembled helicopter airplane and160is thought run benefit antigravity boeing loosely revealed already developed technology veiled admittance working experimental antigravity projects could overturn century conventional aerospace propulsion technology ben rich ceo lockheed martin admitted deathbed aliens real us military already travels stars explaining technology could sourced aside terrestrial beings like tesla means 130 years kept dark known free energy source powersthatbe profit ignorance every time see rocket ship go space essentially different the160 false flag attempts orchestrated six160media companies160controlling media alter perception reality theodore c loder phd posits one paper since 1950s known the160 brain drain era almost research antigravity seems disappeared none professor hermann oberth considered one fathers space age later worked us wernher von braun army ballistic missile agency nasa stated following 1954 3 thesis flying saucers real space ships another solar system perhaps interest present discussion secrets boeing lockheed kept oberth states flying means artificial fields gravity 160160 produce hightension electric charges order push air paths start glowing strong magnetic fields influence ionized air higher altitudes first would explain luminosity 160160 secondly would explain noiselessness ufo flight indeed see crumbs government contractors special operatives work look work john hutchison discovered highlyanomalous electromagnetic effect causes jellification metals spontaneous levitation common substances effects echo teslas findings strange effects later dubbed hutchison effect usually case silencing curious vancouver businessman george hathaway heard hutchison effect around 1980 hired engineer boeing aerospace work canadian government form company would promote technology developed effect called company pharos technology likely havent heard created since dr boylan explains time aware existence 12 kinds specialtechnology advanced aerospace platforms milspeak craft incorporating antigravity technology form 12 northrop grumman b2 spirit stealth bomber f22 raptor advanced stealth fighter successor f35 lightning ii advanced stealth fighter aurora lockheedmartins x33a lockheed x22a twoman antigravity disc fighter boeing airbus industries nautilus tr3a pumpkinseed tr3b triangle northrops great pumpkin disc teledyne ryan aeronauticals xh75d shark antigravity helicopter northrop quantum teleportation disc since least 1956 press trying manage public awareness staying hushhush antigravity research discounting attempted show real however trade press magazine aviation report made numerous references antigravity projects listed many companies pursuing research antigravity technologies quotes aviation report listed aviation studies international ltd report 8 suggestive truly going boeing lockheed agencies despite public told antigravity first foremost would make petrolguzzling cars crumbling electric grids outdated dirty fuels total waste time antigravity nikola tesla made clear would make space flight heavenly bodies simple driving car nearby city today would also turn einsteins emc2 theory head it160also suggests tesla explained ether given us use responsibly lifegiving creative force short everything need already abundant supply need tap free technologies grip military industrial complex 160 christina sarich staff writer waking times writer musician yogi humanitarian expansive repertoire thousands articles found internet insights also appear magazines diverse weston price nexus160 atlantis rising the160 cuyamungue institute among others recently featured author journal wise traditions food farming healing arts commentary healing ascension human potential inform large body alternative news lexicon invited appear numerous radio shows including health conspiracy radio dr gregory smiths show dozens second edition book pharma sutra released soon article teslas antigravity research use dozens secretive military projects originally created published waking times published a160 creative commons license attribution to160 christina sarich wakingtimescom may reposted freely proper attribution author bio copyright statement please contact wakingtimesgmailcom info | 666 |
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<p>FOX Business: The Power to Prosper</p>
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<p>Wall Street extended sizeable losses as European leaders frantically tried to quell the region's sovereign debt crisis that is now threatening to engulf Italy, its highest-profile victim yet.</p>
<p>Today's Markets</p>
<p>As of 2:50 p.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 375 points, or 3.3%, to 11,772, the S&amp;P 500 slid 44.7 points, or 3.5%, to 1,231 and the Nasdaq Composite slumped 100 points, or 3.7%, to 2,628.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Wall Street</a> has been fixated on developments from across the Atlantic for months as the euro zone's sovereign debt crisis has spread, posing an increased risk to the global financial system, and threatening to tip the region's economy back into a recession.</p>
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<p>Volatility spiked more than 24%, while the yields on U.S. government debt tumbled as fears mounted. &#160;The benchmark 10-year Treasury note yields 1.969% from 2.084%.</p>
<p>Every major sector was in the red, but financial stocks took the biggest beating by a wide margin.</p>
<p>Italy, with its public debt of roughly $2.6 trillion, or 120% of its total economic output, has become the latest focus. &#160;The yield on the country's debt has ballooned since the summer and the benchmark 10-year note hit a fresh euro-era high of 7.495% on Wednesday, according to an analysis by FOX Business, as traders have fled out of fear that the value of the debt will continue declining, and that the country may not be able to honor its commitments. &#160;Greece, Portugal and Ireland, much smaller economies with smaller absolute levels of debt, needed international bailouts when their debt yields topped 7%.</p>
<p>The problem for Italy is twofold. The higher the yield it needs to pay, the more expensive it becomes for the embattled nation to refinance its debt years down the line, increasing its overall debt level. &#160;Second, as yields climb and prices tumble, traders become more wary of purchasing the debt, and Italy could have trouble finding sufficient levels of lending on the private market, meaning it would need international support to refinance.</p>
<p>The country has begun putting in place economic reforms to cut back its debt level, but it isn't clear whether those reforms will be sufficient to cut down the debt, or convince the markets that it is on a sustainable path.</p>
<p>Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi agreed to resign on Tuesday after a budget vote that is expected to be held next week, which market participants initially hoped would pave the way for reforms to pass through parliament, but the situation has become murkier. &#160;It isn't certain who will take over the country, and if that person, or group, will be able to get the reforms passed.</p>
<p>For Europe as a whole, Italy is particularly problematic because it is a such a major economy, so many banks hold its debt, and because its debt level is so high any potential bailout may be larger than the continent can handle on its own. &#160;Additionally, it has become much more difficult politically to pass rescue packages as countries like Germany have grown unwilling to spend to bailout other countries.</p>
<p>However, an Italian default, analysts say, could be catastrophic.</p>
<p>On top of the woes from Italy, the Greek situation is still not under control. &#160;The Mediterranean country's prime minister agreed to resign over the weekend, but also isn't clear who will fill the power vacuum there and assure financial markets that it will take measures to receive a much-needed bailout.</p>
<p>European blue chips tumbled 2.3%, Italian shares plunged more than 3% and the euro plummeted 1.8% to $1.359. &#160;The U.S. dollar, meanwhile, soared 1.1% against a basket of six world currencies.</p>
<p>Despite the heavy selling, some market participants saw the weakness as a buying opportunity.</p>
<p>"We're coming off of the highs," Larry Levin, founder of Trading Advantage told FOX Business in an interview. "Traders will step in and buy."</p>
<p>A bullish weekly inventory report from the Energy Department helped temper the losses in energy markets. &#160;The benchmark New York oil contract fell $1.06, or 1.1%, to $95.74 a barrel. &#160;Wholesale RBOB gasoline tumbled 6 cents, or 2.3%, to $2.64 a gallon.</p>
<p>In metals, gold fell $6.60, or 0.37%, to $1,792 a troy ounce. &#160;Yields on U.S. government debt fell as traders piled into the safe-haven asset.</p>
<p>The economic calendar is quite light on Wednesday, with a report on wholesale inventories being the only major release. &#160;Inventories were down 0.1% in September, smaller than the 0.1% increase in August, and the 0.5% jump economists had forecast.</p>
<p>Corporate News</p>
<p>General Motors (NYSE:GM) posted quarterly results that beat Wall Street's expectations on the top and bottom line, but the American automaker pared back its European outlook, sending shares plunging.</p>
<p>Macy's (NYSE:M) revealed third-quarter results that easily topped forecasts, but its glum view on the key holiday season spooked traders.</p>
<p>Foreign Markets</p>
<p>European blue chips tumbled 2.3%, the English FTSE 100 fell 1.9% to 5,460 and the <a href="" type="internal">German DAX</a> slid 2.2% to 5,830.</p>
<p>In Asia, the Japanese Nikkei 225 jumped 1.25 to 8,755 and the Chinese Hang Seng rallied 1.7% to 20,014.</p> | true | 0 | fox business power prosper continue reading wall street extended sizeable losses european leaders frantically tried quell regions sovereign debt crisis threatening engulf italy highestprofile victim yet todays markets 250 pm et dow jones industrial average tumbled 375 points 33 11772 sampp 500 slid 447 points 35 1231 nasdaq composite slumped 100 points 37 2628 wall street fixated developments across atlantic months euro zones sovereign debt crisis spread posing increased risk global financial system threatening tip regions economy back recession advertisement volatility spiked 24 yields us government debt tumbled fears mounted 160the benchmark 10year treasury note yields 1969 2084 every major sector red financial stocks took biggest beating wide margin italy public debt roughly 26 trillion 120 total economic output become latest focus 160the yield countrys debt ballooned since summer benchmark 10year note hit fresh euroera high 7495 wednesday according analysis fox business traders fled fear value debt continue declining country may able honor commitments 160greece portugal ireland much smaller economies smaller absolute levels debt needed international bailouts debt yields topped 7 problem italy twofold higher yield needs pay expensive becomes embattled nation refinance debt years line increasing overall debt level 160second yields climb prices tumble traders become wary purchasing debt italy could trouble finding sufficient levels lending private market meaning would need international support refinance country begun putting place economic reforms cut back debt level isnt clear whether reforms sufficient cut debt convince markets sustainable path italys prime minister silvio berlusconi agreed resign tuesday budget vote expected held next week market participants initially hoped would pave way reforms pass parliament situation become murkier 160it isnt certain take country person group able get reforms passed europe whole italy particularly problematic major economy many banks hold debt debt level high potential bailout may larger continent handle 160additionally become much difficult politically pass rescue packages countries like germany grown unwilling spend bailout countries however italian default analysts say could catastrophic top woes italy greek situation still control 160the mediterranean countrys prime minister agreed resign weekend also isnt clear fill power vacuum assure financial markets take measures receive muchneeded bailout european blue chips tumbled 23 italian shares plunged 3 euro plummeted 18 1359 160the us dollar meanwhile soared 11 basket six world currencies despite heavy selling market participants saw weakness buying opportunity coming highs larry levin founder trading advantage told fox business interview traders step buy bullish weekly inventory report energy department helped temper losses energy markets 160the benchmark new york oil contract fell 106 11 9574 barrel 160wholesale rbob gasoline tumbled 6 cents 23 264 gallon metals gold fell 660 037 1792 troy ounce 160yields us government debt fell traders piled safehaven asset economic calendar quite light wednesday report wholesale inventories major release 160inventories 01 september smaller 01 increase august 05 jump economists forecast corporate news general motors nysegm posted quarterly results beat wall streets expectations top bottom line american automaker pared back european outlook sending shares plunging macys nysem revealed thirdquarter results easily topped forecasts glum view key holiday season spooked traders foreign markets european blue chips tumbled 23 english ftse 100 fell 19 5460 german dax slid 22 5830 asia japanese nikkei 225 jumped 125 8755 chinese hang seng rallied 17 20014 | 531 |
<p>The U.S. natural gas business has historically been a regional affair, but the move to create liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals has started to change that situation. Cheniere Energy, Inc. (NYSEMKT: LNG) has been at the forefront of this effort. However, it has gone about the business in a somewhat complex manner, using partnerships to facilitate its building plans. That's where Cheniere Energy Partners LP (NYSEMKT: CQP) comes into play. Here's what you need to know to decide which Cheniere you'd be better off owning.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>The basic idea behind exporting LNG is pretty easy to understand: You use pipelines to move gas to a facility that can liquefy it and then put it on a ship for export. But Cheniere itself isn't nearly as simple to get your head around.</p>
<p>The parent company is Cheniere Energy. First, the easy stuff. Cheniere Energy owns a marketing business, some smaller assets, and an investment in a Corpus Christi, Texas, LNG project that it's building out. The Corpus Christi asset is a big growth opportunity.</p>
<p>Now for the harder stuff. Cheniere Energy also owns an 80% interest in Cheniere Energy Partners LP Holdings (NYSEMKT: CQH) and a 2% general-partner interest in Cheniere Energy Partners LP.&#160; &#160;</p>
<p>We're not done yet. Cheniere Energy Partners LP Holdings' primary asset is its roughly 56% stake in Cheniere Energy Partners. Cheniere Energy Partners, meanwhile, owns a 100% stake in the Sabine Pass terminal, the Sabine Pass liquefaction business, and the Creole Trail Pipeline.</p>
<p>If you're having a difficult time getting your head around all of this, don't be too hard on yourself -- it's a very complex set-up.</p>
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<p>Cheniere Energy Partners LP makes money by operating the Sabine Pass LNG export facility and the Creole Trail pipeline. Now that Sabine Pass is up and running, it's a fairly stable business driven by long-term contracts. There are growth opportunities, too, since there's additional liquefaction capacity being built.&#160; &#160;</p>
<p>Sabine Pass only started shipping LNG last year, and more of the project has been completed since it opened its port to the world. As you might expect, results have been pretty impressive. Cheniere Energy Partners had $992 million in revenue in the second quarter, compared with just $151 million in the second quarter of 2016. Adjusted EBITDA was $283 million in the 2017 quarter, compared with $51 million in the prior-year period.&#160; &#160;</p>
<p>The partnership has paid a $0.43 quarterly distribution ($1.72 annually) through most of the construction phase of Sabine Pass. The current yield is roughly 6%. But management provided high-end distribution guidance of $1.90 a share annually when it reported second-quarter earnings. That suggests that a distribution increase could be in the cards.&#160; &#160;</p>
<p>A distribution increase makes sense given the strength of year-over-year results. And don't forget that there's more opportunity for growth as the Sabine Pass facility expands. If you're an income investor, Cheniere Energy Partners is worth a deep dive.</p>
<p>Cheniere Energy, meanwhile, <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/08/16/how-cheniere-energy-inc-makes-most-of-its-money.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=7ed29390-ba4b-11e7-a013-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">primarily makes money Opens a New Window.</a> from fees and incentives for operating Cheniere Energy Partners (the general-partner interest) and from distributions collected from its ownership interest in Cheniere Energy Partners LP Holdings (which has an ownership stake in Cheniere Energy Partners). <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/05/08/cheniere-energys-first-quarter-profits-reflect-pro.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=7ed29390-ba4b-11e7-a013-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Results have been good at Cheniere Energy, too Opens a New Window.</a>, as you might expect.</p>
<p>In the second quarter, Cheniere Energy had revenue of $1.241 billion, compared with just $177 million in the same quarter last year. Adjusted EBITDA, meanwhile, was $371 million, compared with negative-$4 million.&#160; &#160;</p>
<p>That said, the big story at Cheniere Energy is the Corpus Christi project. Cheniere will be spending most of its cash on the first two LNG facilities there until 2020. In other words, Cheniere Energy is a growth story, not an income story. If you're looking to benefit from the expanding role of the United States in the global LNG trade and don't particularly care about income, Cheniere Energy is worth a look.&#160; &#160;</p>
<p>To be honest, I find the corporate relationships here unnecessarily complex. For that reason alone, I wouldn't buy any of the Cheniere names. However, if you're looking specifically for exposure to LNG, Cheniere Energy and Cheniere Energy Partners are both worth a look. Which one you decide on will probably boil down to your desire for income or growth. For the former, Cheniere Energy Partners is your pick. For the latter, Cheniere Energy.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Cheniere 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-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=0087548a-aba9-49d5-81ce-7a2a57efedec&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=7ed29390-ba4b-11e7-a013-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Cheniere 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-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=0087548a-aba9-49d5-81ce-7a2a57efedec&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=7ed29390-ba4b-11e7-a013-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of October 9, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFReubenGBrewer/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=7ed29390-ba4b-11e7-a013-0050569d4be0&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 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=7ed29390-ba4b-11e7-a013-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | us natural gas business historically regional affair move create liquefied natural gas lng export terminals started change situation cheniere energy inc nysemkt lng forefront effort however gone business somewhat complex manner using partnerships facilitate building plans thats cheniere energy partners lp nysemkt cqp comes play heres need know decide cheniere youd better owning continue reading basic idea behind exporting lng pretty easy understand use pipelines move gas facility liquefy put ship export cheniere isnt nearly simple get head around parent company cheniere energy first easy stuff cheniere energy owns marketing business smaller assets investment corpus christi texas lng project building corpus christi asset big growth opportunity harder stuff cheniere energy also owns 80 interest cheniere energy partners lp holdings nysemkt cqh 2 generalpartner interest cheniere energy partners lp160 160 done yet cheniere energy partners lp holdings primary asset roughly 56 stake cheniere energy partners cheniere energy partners meanwhile owns 100 stake sabine pass terminal sabine pass liquefaction business creole trail pipeline youre difficult time getting head around dont hard complex setup advertisement cheniere energy partners lp makes money operating sabine pass lng export facility creole trail pipeline sabine pass running fairly stable business driven longterm contracts growth opportunities since theres additional liquefaction capacity built160 160 sabine pass started shipping lng last year project completed since opened port world might expect results pretty impressive cheniere energy partners 992 million revenue second quarter compared 151 million second quarter 2016 adjusted ebitda 283 million 2017 quarter compared 51 million prioryear period160 160 partnership paid 043 quarterly distribution 172 annually construction phase sabine pass current yield roughly 6 management provided highend distribution guidance 190 share annually reported secondquarter earnings suggests distribution increase could cards160 160 distribution increase makes sense given strength yearoveryear results dont forget theres opportunity growth sabine pass facility expands youre income investor cheniere energy partners worth deep dive cheniere energy meanwhile primarily makes money opens new window fees incentives operating cheniere energy partners generalpartner interest distributions collected ownership interest cheniere energy partners lp holdings ownership stake cheniere energy partners results good cheniere energy opens new window might expect second quarter cheniere energy revenue 1241 billion compared 177 million quarter last year adjusted ebitda meanwhile 371 million compared negative4 million160 160 said big story cheniere energy corpus christi project cheniere spending cash first two lng facilities 2020 words cheniere energy growth story income story youre looking benefit expanding role united states global lng trade dont particularly care income cheniere energy worth look160 160 honest find corporate relationships unnecessarily complex reason alone wouldnt buy cheniere names however youre looking specifically exposure lng cheniere energy cheniere energy partners worth look one decide probably boil desire income growth former cheniere energy partners pick latter cheniere energy 10 stocks like better cheniere 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 cheniere energy partners wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns october 9 2017 reuben gregg brewer opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 535 |
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<p>We all knew the Affordable Care Act was going to affect more than the type of medical insurance we can have, and if you are in one of the top two tax brackets, you’re among the lucky ones paying for much of the ACA through two new taxes. The new Medicare tax is an additional 0.9% taken from the paychecks of everyone who earns more than the threshold amount, and the tax on Net Investment Income (NII) takes an extra 3.8% on profits from investments. (The latter is in addition to the higher capital gains tax that upper-income taxpayers are already paying.) (1)</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>What's more, because the threshold amounts for both the additional Medicare tax and the NII tax are not going to increase based upon inflation, like the Alternative Minimum Tax, more taxpayers will find themselves subject to these new taxes as time goes by and incomes rise.</p>
<p>The additional 0.9% Medicare tax applies once your income from a job (“wages”) exceeds a certain amount:</p>
<p>“A lot of people didn’t fully understand the new tax laws,” says Karen Goodfriend, a CPA and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) who works in Los Altos, Calif. “It’s complicated. There are new taxes and new thresholds."</p>
<p>As more and more Americans are completing their 2013 tax returns, they are waking up to just how big a bite these taxes can have.</p>
<p>The additional 3.8% Net Investment Income tax applies if: a) you have net investment income, and 2) your modified adjusted gross income exceeds the following thresholds. Note that with the exception of “qualifying widow(er) with dependent child,” these are the same dollar amounts as above.</p>
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<p>Note: the thresholds for both new taxes are not indexed to increase with inflation.</p>
<p>Reducing the impact of the additional Medicare tax is difficult unless you're your own boss. One advantage of being self-employed is that you can often control the timing of your income. If you’re able to push income into the following year, you might be able to keep your wages from exceeding the threshold for your filing status. If you work for someone else, then the best you can hope is that your company gives you some flexibility to delay receipt of your bonus until Jan. 1.</p>
<p>By law, your employer must automatically withhold the extra Medicare tax when your income exceeds the threshold. The problem is that if you and your spouse both work outside the home and neither of you individually earns more than the threshold, you will still be liable for this tax if your joint income is more than $250,000. If you haven’t had this taken out of your paychecks, you’ll need to write a check for this amount when you file your tax return. Additionally, you might be subject to a penalty for underpaying your taxes for the previous year. To avoid this, the American Institute of CPAs recommends you increase your payroll withholding or make quarterly estimated tax payments.</p>
<p>Max Out Your Retirement Contributions</p>
<p>Since money you contribute to your employer-sponsored retirement plan is deductible, you might be wondering if this is a way to reduce your wages so they are below the level where the additional 0.9% Medicare tax kicks in. Nice try. Medicare and Social Security taxes are calculated before your retirement plan contributions are taken into account.</p>
<p>But that’s no reason to slack off on your 401(k). Contributions to company-sponsored plans as well as traditional IRAs will still reduce your taxable income. And, that will impact whether you are subject to the Net Investment Income tax.</p>
<p>“The sooner you make a contribution to a tax-deferred retirement account, the better. Not only does this reduce your taxable income, it helps build retirement income,” says John Sweeney, executive vice president at Fidelity Investments. If you have a 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plan through work, in addition to the maximum amount you can contribute is $17,500. However, if you are age 50 or older, the maximum is $23,000 thanks to the $5,500 “catch-up contribution.”</p>
<p>The most you can contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA is $5,500, plus another $1,000 if you qualify for a catch-up contribution.</p>
<p>Last Hope (for 2013)</p>
<p>At this point, says Sweeney, ”you can’t do a lot to affect your 2013 return other than make an IRA contribution.” But instead of waiting until this time next year to come up with the money for your 2014 IRA contribution, he suggests you get started now. “Put a couple of hundred bucks a month in [your IRA].” Virtually every mutual fund company has a free, automatic investing plan and will deduct whatever amount you specify from your bank account on a certain date each month.</p>
<p>The benefit of this approach, called “dollar cost averaging,” is two-fold: not only do you reap whatever gains the markets deliver throughout this year, you also start to live on less income. “You figure out how to make small adjustments so you are saving 10-15% of your income,” says Sweeney. He maintains that if you can learn to live on 85% to 90% of what you earn, “you’ll be better off in the long run. By the time you’re retired, your spending level will be adjusted lower and you’ll have a nice nest egg.”</p>
<p>Got HSA?</p>
<p>If your employer gives you the choice of contributing to a Health Savings Account, this can also help reduce your taxable income. Think of an HSA as an IRA for medical expenses. It reduces your current tax bill because contributions are deductible and it reduces your future taxes because withdrawals are tax-free, provided they are used for qualified medical expenses. &#160;If you are still working and can afford it, Sweeney recommends not using your HSA account to cover smaller medical expenses such as prescriptions and co-pays. The less you withdraw from your HSA today, the more money you’ll potentially have in the future. Medical expenses tend to increase as you age. When you’re retired and no longer getting a paycheck, he says your HSA represents “a pool of money that has grown tax-free.”</p>
<p>Think of the Kids (or Grandkids)</p>
<p>While it won’t have any impact on the amount of income that is currently subject to tax, Goodfriend encourages clients--many of whom come from the wealthy Silicon Valley area--to consider a 529-college savings plan. &#160;The money invested inside these accounts grows tax free if it’s used for qualified expenses and as she points out, “you minimize the income that can be subject to investment income tax” in the future.</p>
<p>Give It Away- Smartly</p>
<p>If you are charitably inclined, don’t write a check! Instead, donate appreciated property to the charity instead of selling it yourself. This prevents you from being pushed into a higher tax bracket and potentially over the threshold for the investment income tax. And, since a charity does not pay tax when it sells securities, it receives all of the proceeds--not just the after-tax amount.</p> | true | 0 | knew affordable care act going affect type medical insurance one top two tax brackets youre among lucky ones paying much aca two new taxes new medicare tax additional 09 taken paychecks everyone earns threshold amount tax net investment income nii takes extra 38 profits investments latter addition higher capital gains tax upperincome taxpayers already paying 1 continue reading whats threshold amounts additional medicare tax nii tax going increase based upon inflation like alternative minimum tax taxpayers find subject new taxes time goes incomes rise additional 09 medicare tax applies income job wages exceeds certain amount lot people didnt fully understand new tax laws says karen goodfriend cpa personal financial specialist pfs works los altos calif complicated new taxes new thresholds americans completing 2013 tax returns waking big bite taxes additional 38 net investment income tax applies net investment income 2 modified adjusted gross income exceeds following thresholds note exception qualifying widower dependent child dollar amounts advertisement note thresholds new taxes indexed increase inflation reducing impact additional medicare tax difficult unless youre boss one advantage selfemployed often control timing income youre able push income following year might able keep wages exceeding threshold filing status work someone else best hope company gives flexibility delay receipt bonus jan 1 law employer must automatically withhold extra medicare tax income exceeds threshold problem spouse work outside home neither individually earns threshold still liable tax joint income 250000 havent taken paychecks youll need write check amount file tax return additionally might subject penalty underpaying taxes previous year avoid american institute cpas recommends increase payroll withholding make quarterly estimated tax payments max retirement contributions since money contribute employersponsored retirement plan deductible might wondering way reduce wages level additional 09 medicare tax kicks nice try medicare social security taxes calculated retirement plan contributions taken account thats reason slack 401k contributions companysponsored plans well traditional iras still reduce taxable income impact whether subject net investment income tax sooner make contribution taxdeferred retirement account better reduce taxable income helps build retirement income says john sweeney executive vice president fidelity investments 401k 403b 457 plan work addition maximum amount contribute 17500 however age 50 older maximum 23000 thanks 5500 catchup contribution contribute traditional roth ira 5500 plus another 1000 qualify catchup contribution last hope 2013 point says sweeney cant lot affect 2013 return make ira contribution instead waiting time next year come money 2014 ira contribution suggests get started put couple hundred bucks month ira virtually every mutual fund company free automatic investing plan deduct whatever amount specify bank account certain date month benefit approach called dollar cost averaging twofold reap whatever gains markets deliver throughout year also start live less income figure make small adjustments saving 1015 income says sweeney maintains learn live 85 90 earn youll better long run time youre retired spending level adjusted lower youll nice nest egg got hsa employer gives choice contributing health savings account also help reduce taxable income think hsa ira medical expenses reduces current tax bill contributions deductible reduces future taxes withdrawals taxfree provided used qualified medical expenses 160if still working afford sweeney recommends using hsa account cover smaller medical expenses prescriptions copays less withdraw hsa today money youll potentially future medical expenses tend increase age youre retired longer getting paycheck says hsa represents pool money grown taxfree think kids grandkids wont impact amount income currently subject tax goodfriend encourages clientsmany come wealthy silicon valley areato consider 529college savings plan 160the money invested inside accounts grows tax free used qualified expenses points minimize income subject investment income tax future give away smartly charitably inclined dont write check instead donate appreciated property charity instead selling prevents pushed higher tax bracket potentially threshold investment income tax since charity pay tax sells securities receives proceedsnot aftertax amount | 622 |
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<p>IDF spokesperson says IAF warplane shot down the object, probably a balloon, in south; official says it flew over the Dimona nuclear reactor, a no-fly zone. An Israel Air Force warplane on Thursday shot down an apparently unmanned balloon that flew over the Dimona nuclear reactor, a security official said. "It definitely flew over Dimona, although we are still trying to determine what that entailed and the military is now handling the matter," the official said. An IDF spokeswoman said an Israeli warplane "shot down a suspicious flying object, probably a balloon, in southern Israel". Israeli media reports said the balloon was unmanned but powered by an engine. Airspace over the reactor, where Israel is believed to have built more than 200 nuclear warheads, is a no-fly zone. Last October, IDF warplanes intercepted an Israeli ultralight aircraft that accidentally flew into the area and forced it to land at an airstrip in southern Israel." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">source- Haaretz</a></p>
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<p>JERUSALEM - Israel's leader dismissed on Sunday a top ally's call to share the holy city of Jerusalem with the Palestinians, another reminder of the challenges the U.S. faces as it shifts gears on its troubled Mideast peacemaking strategy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reaffirmation of his intention to hold on to east Jerusalem was liable to escalate friction between the two sides and with the Americans. The White House Mideast envoy is scheduled to arrive this week in another attempt to push peace efforts forward. The conflicting claims to east Jerusalem lie at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The dispute over the area, home to sensitive Jewish, Muslim and Christian holy sites, has derailed past peace talks and spilled into violence. Since Netanyahu came to power nearly two years ago, Israelis and Palestinians have not gotten anywhere close to tackling the major obstacles to peace such as the status of Jerusalem, borders between Israel and a future Palestinian state, or the fate of millions of Palestinian refugees from the war surrounding Israel's 1948 creation. In her speech Friday, Clinton urged both sides to lay out their positions on these core issues "without delay and with real specificity." She pointedly called for compromise on the contested holy city, observing that "there will surely be no peace without an agreement" on Jerusalem -- "the most sensitive of all the issues."</p>
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<p>After initial recognition by Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay follow suit, recognize "free and independent" Palestine with 1967 borders; Israel: recognition contradicts road map. Israel Monday night expressed "regret and disappointment" at South American countries' decision to recognize an independent Palestinian state. "Recognition of a Palestinian state is a violation of the interim agreement signed by Israel and the Palestinian Authority in 1995, which established that the status of the West Bank and Gaza Strip will be discussed and solved through negotiations," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The statement said that recognition of a Palestinian state also contradicts the road map. "All attempts to bypass negotiations and to unilaterally determine issues in dispute will only harm the trust of the sides and their commitment to agreed upon frameworks for negotiations," the statement read. Following in Brazil's footsteps, Argentina and Uruguay said Monday they recognized a "free and independent" Palestinian state, to the criticism of Israeli, as well as American leaders. Argentina's President Cristina Kirchner told Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in a letter that her country recognizes a Palestine defined by 1967 borders, Argentine officials said. "The Argentine government recognizes Palestine as a free and independent state within the borders defined in 1967," Argentine Foreign Minister Hector Timerman said, reading from the letter. "Uruguay will surely follow the same path as Argentina in 2011," Uruguayan Deputy Foreign Minister Roberto Conde told AFP. "We are working towards opening a diplomatic representation in Palestine, most likely in Ramallah," he said. <a href="javascript:;" type="external">source - JPost</a></p>
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<p>Netanyahu warns public to keep clear of Carmel fire; 40 prison guards are killed after being trapped in bus; Haifa police chief critically injured; fire-fighting crews, planes attempt to control fire in North amidst heavy winds. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu addressed the fire that was spreading in the Carmel forest area, leaving 40 prison wardens dead and dozens injured on Thursdsay. "I will declare this a day of mourning, however at this time we do not have time to mourn and start investigating," he said. Netanyahu pleaded with the public to stay away from the area of the fire, which was spreading in the Carmel area and to listen for emergency instructions. As the fires raged, 40 prison wardens en route to the Damon Prison burned to death in a bus caught up in the blaze . The wardens were meant to assist in evacuating some 500 prisoners from the facility, situated near Kibbutz Beit Oren. Their vehicle was engulfed in fast moving flames which had spread to the narrow mountain road linking Atlit to Kibbutz Bet Oren. A firefighter spokesman said the blaze had traveled 1500 meters in less than three minutes, adding, "the bus had no chance. They tried to escape but were burned alive. It was a horrific scene." The spokesman added that the fire was very far from the road on which the bus was traveling when it first set off towards the prison, but had spread far faster than expected. The IDF Home Front Command established a command center near the scene of the blaze and was coordinating relief efforts together with the Northern District Police. Forces were assisting in evacuating neighborhoods in Tirat Hacarmel after the fire began to surround the eastern part of the city. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were also diverted to the scene of the fire to assist fire fighters in tracking its direction. <a href="javascript:;" type="external">source - JPost</a> Accident or act of terror? The fire in the Carmel Mountains may turn out to be the worst terror act in Israel's history, but major news outlets appear resolute in their will to ignore this possibility and its implications. Israel's left-oriented major news media are on the whole defining the fire as a "disaster," spending most of their broadcast time discussing the insufficient preparation for a disaster of this magnitude and downplaying the fact that Arab arson is likely to be behind the blaze. MK Yaakov Katz (Ketzaleh) of the National Union was the first leader Thursday to publicly give voice the possibility that the fire was a terror attack - "an act of arson that turned into a massacre," in his words. Most of the large forest fires in Israel are set by hostile Arabs, Katz said. He noted that he had proposed a bill for minimum punishment of terror arsonists nine months ago, and blamed Justice Minister Yaakov Ne'eman for torpedoing it. Member of Knesset Michael Ben-Ari (National Union) called on Prime Minister Netanyahu Thursday evening to recruit "the entire Shin Bet" (Israel Security Agency) to investigate the Carmel Mountain fire and what he described as "the ongoing arson activity in the Galilee in general." MK Ben-Ari said, "Fires are not decrees from above and the people of Israel must receive an answer regarding what's behind this great tragedy." The fire spread from three locations simultaneously - making arson a likely possibility. <a href="javascript:;" type="external">source - Arutz Sheva</a></p>
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<p>By a margin of one, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is expected to pass his proposal for a 90-day settlement freeze when he brings the matter before the 15-member security cabinet. US President Barack Obama on Sunday said the proposed freeze was a "very constructive step" that he hoped would lead to serious peace negotiations soon. Obama dream of dismantling Israel to give to the Palestinians grows closer every day "I think it's a signal that he [Netanyahu] is serious," Obama said. But before those talks with the Palestinian Authority begin, Netanyahu must defeat stiff resistance by right-wing opponents who believe they can overcome his narrow margin in the security cabinet. According to a count done by The Jerusalem Post, right now, seven security cabinet members support the measures, and six oppose it. It would not apply to east Jerusalem." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">source - JPost</a></p>
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<p>BUCHAREST, Romania -- A Holocaust-era mass grave containing the bodies of an estimated 100 Jews killed by Romanian troops has been discovered in a forest, researchers said Friday, offering further evidence of the country's involvement in wartime crimes. The find in a forest near the town of Popricani, about 350 kilometers (220 kilometers) northeast of Bucharest, contains the bodies of men, women and children who were shot in 1941, the Elie Wiesel National Institute for the Study of the Holocaust in Romania said in a statement. On Friday, riot police sealed off the area, not allowing anyone near the site, local reporters told The Associated Press. The find offers evidence of pogroms against Jews in the region, scholars say, campaigns that were long minimized in a country whose official history taught that Germans were the sole perpetrators of the Holocaust." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">source - Yahoo News</a></p>
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<p>JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel, despite perennial fears of war, has emerged as one of the hottest - and least likely - property markets in the world: Since real estate collapsed around the globe in 2008, at least one industry watchdog lists it as the fastest-rising property market on earth. But with global economic meltdown - and the subprime mortgage fiasco that precipitated it - still fresh in people's minds, officials are stepping up efforts to rein in its overheated property sector. The fear is that a property bubble could shake confidence in an economy that withstood the worst of the world's financial crisis. In the span of months, the central bank has raised interest rates several times and the government is rallying to build new units in this land-strapped country. "The housing market has set off enough crises, and we're not going to let that happen in Israel," Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer said earlier this month in announcing his sixth rate hike in just over a year. According to Global Property Guide, a trade magazine that monitors the housing market, Israeli housing prices in the second quarter of 2010 rose sixth-fastest in a ranking of 36 countries. Four of the top five, including Singapore and Latvia, were rebounding from sharp price drops. So looking at the past two years ended in June - the last period for which there is data - Israeli real estate clocks in at No. 1." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">source - My Way</a></p>
<p>Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat addressed a crowd in Atlanta on Monday at the annual Jewish National Fund Conference. Barkat discussed the Palestinian Authority's demand that Israel hand over all parts of the city that were under Jordanian occupation between 1948 and 1967 to become the capital of a new Arab state. During this period, Jordan did not respect UN decisions that called for free access to religious sites in the city to all religions and did not allow Jews to visit the Western Wall, vandalized the Mount of Olives cemetery, and blew up the Hurvah synagogue. Barkat offered a straightforward solution: "We just have to say a simple 'No' about Jerusalem to the Palestinians and move on," he said. PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas demands control over all formerly Jordanian parts of Israel's capital city, including the Old City and other historically Jewish areas. The city has been unified for decades, since it was annexed following the Six Day War of 1967. Jerusalem must remain "the united, undivided capital of Israel," Barkat told his audience." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">source - Arutz Sheva</a></p>
<p>A Cabinet-level committee Monday put teeth into last July's law requiring a plebiscite before any surrender of parts of Jerusalem or the Golan Heights. The bill is a victory for nationalists, who hope to expend the referendum provision for the approximately 300,000 Jews living in Judea and Samaria. Likud MK Ofir Akunis said he will submit a bill next week to require a plebiscite before Israel could give up parts of Judea and Samaria to the Palestinian Authority. Benjamin Netanyahu told the voters He would continue to build in Judea and Samaria. Monday's approval by the Ministerial Committee on Legislation of the Knesset involves procedural issues that allow implementation of the recently-passed law. A provision allows for circumventing a referendum in the event that 80 percent of the legislators agree, a virtually impossible circumstance given the nationalist stance of the Knesset. If Israel reaches any agreement with Syria for surrendering the Golan Heights or with the Palestinian Authority for giving up parts of Jerusalem, the public would vote on the question, "Are you in favor of or opposed to the agreement approved by the Knesset?" The only two ministers opposing the bill were Yitzchak Herzog of Labor and Dan Meridor of Likud and who is considered the head of the left-wing of his party. He previously has gone on record of favoring surrender of the Golan Heights in return for a peace pact with Syria." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">source - Arutz Sheva</a></p>
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<p>Turkey held military drill with China, after canceling with Israel; cooperation also reflected in weapons deals, with Iran buying from China mainly missile technology. Someone must be reading the 38th chapter of Ezekiel again... "The United States and Israel are watching with concern the growing military cooperation among Turkey, China and Iran, especially following a joint Turkish-Chinese air-force exercise last week. Until two years ago Israel was Turkey's main partner for air combat training. In 2001 the Turkish air force inaugurated a tactical air warfare center in Konya with Israel and the United States. Until 2008 the Israel Air Force was a frequent guest in Turkey's sky and a regular participant in the country's big annual exercise, Anatolian Eagle. In the wake of Operation Cast Lead and the subsequent deterioration of bilateral relations Turkey last year revoked Israel's participation in the maneuvers. The United States decided not to take part in the exercise this year because of that decision. A number of other NATO members followed suit. Turkey replaced the Israel Air Force with its Chinese counterpart. China sent Sukhoi SU-27 fighter aircraft and pilots to train with Turkey's F-16 fighters. In the past these exercises were held in relatively openness, but last week they were held covertly, with only a brief report appearing in the Turkish media after the exercise." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">source - Haaretz</a></p>
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<p>"So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">Esther 7:10</a> Deep inside the computer worm that some specialists suspect is aimed at slowing Iran's race for a nuclear weapon lies what could be a fleeting reference to the Book of Esther, the Old Testament tale in which the Jews pre-empt a Persian plot to destroy them. For such a time as this? Iran would do well to remember that Haman was hung on the very same gallows he had built for Mordeci That use of the word "Myrtus" - which can be read as an allusion to Esther - to name a file inside the code is one of several murky clues that have emerged as computer experts try to trace the origin and purpose of the rogue Stuxnet program, which seeks out a specific kind of command module for industrial equipment. Not surprisingly, the Israelis are not saying whether Stuxnet has any connection to the secretive cyberwar unit it has built inside Israel's intelligence service. Nor is the Obama administration, which while talking about cyberdefenses has also rapidly ramped up a broad covert program, inherited from the Bush administration, to undermine Iran's nuclear program. In interviews in several countries, experts in both cyberwar and nuclear enrichment technology say the Stuxnet mystery may never be solved. <a href="javascript:;" type="external">source - NY Times</a> If any of the Iranian leaders would read the Bible, they would see that in the 38th chapter of Ezekiel, Russia and Iran lead a group of nations to attack Israel. Funny thing, though, Ezekiel says that when they fire their weapons (nukes), that Almighty God turns their own weapons back on them and blows them to bits. Ahhh, the misery that could be avoid if them would only read the prophetic Word of Scripture. So go on, Iran, keep building those nukes, but just remember Haman. <a href="pages/israel/world_war_3_ezekiel_38.htm" type="external">Click here</a> to read about the coming battle of Gog and Magog.</p>
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<p>Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is under no obligation to honor any of the commitments that former prime minister Ehud Olmert made to the Palestinians, Netanyahu's associates said on Saturday night, reiterating statements Netanyahu made throughout his campaign for the premiership a year and a half ago. Olmert wrote an opinion piece for Friday's Jerusalem Post in which he called on Netanyahu to offer the Palestinians what he did, which he first revealed to the public in a June 2009 interview with Newsweek's Kevin Peraino "There is no situation in which Netanyahu or any Likud leader could offer the Palestinians what Olmert offered, especially regarding Jerusalem," said Likud faction chairman Ze'ev Elkin, who is close to Netanyahu. "I don't think any Likud MK would vote for it, and the public would be overwhelmingly against it as well." Likud hawk MK Danny Danon said the problem was not with Netanyahu but with the president of the United States, Barack Obama. "I don't believe Netanyahu would have considered Olmert's conditions but there is no doubt that Obama sees them as obligatory," Danon said. "They don't understand that we had an election that changed the reality in Israel." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">source - JPost</a></p>
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<p>Israel should agree to an international trusteeship in Jerusalem's Holy Basin, should allow non-Jewish neighborhoods of Jerusalem to serve as the capital of a Palestinian state, and should offer to solve the Palestinian refugee problem within the framework of the Arab peace initiative, former prime minister Ehud Olmert urges in an op-ed article in today's Jerusalem Post. "If [Israel] takes a clear stance on these issues and presents them as its position for the negotiations," Olmert writes, it would "transform the atmosphere" surrounding the direct talks with the Palestinian Authority. The source confirmed that Olmert's reference to an international trusteeship in the Holy Basin, which "will not be a sovereign part of either the State of Israel or the state of Palestine," would involve Israel relinquishing sovereignty at the Western Wall and the Temple Mount. "There would be complete and unlimited access for all believers - of course, for Jews - to these sites. Basically," the source said, "this would represent a maintenance of the status quo, but under international trusteeship." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">source - JPost</a> So my first thought is - is he crazy?? Perhaps he has forgotton what happened to the last two leader of Israel who thought they should give up the Temple Mount. <a href="pages/israel/how-a-two-state-solution-fulfills-end-times-bible-prophecy.htm" type="external">Click here</a> to read what happened to them.</p>
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<p /> Bible Prophecy News Out Of Israel Now The End Begins Headline News Standing for America • Standing with Israel | true | 0 | 160 idf spokesperson says iaf warplane shot object probably balloon south official says flew dimona nuclear reactor nofly zone israel air force warplane thursday shot apparently unmanned balloon flew dimona nuclear reactor security official said definitely flew dimona although still trying determine entailed military handling matter official said idf spokeswoman said israeli warplane shot suspicious flying object probably balloon southern israel israeli media reports said balloon unmanned powered engine airspace reactor israel believed built 200 nuclear warheads nofly zone last october idf warplanes intercepted israeli ultralight aircraft accidentally flew area forced land airstrip southern israel source haaretz jerusalem israels leader dismissed sunday top allys call share holy city jerusalem palestinians another reminder challenges us faces shifts gears troubled mideast peacemaking strategy prime minister benjamin netanyahus reaffirmation intention hold east jerusalem liable escalate friction two sides americans white house mideast envoy scheduled arrive week another attempt push peace efforts forward conflicting claims east jerusalem lie heart israelipalestinian conflict dispute area home sensitive jewish muslim christian holy sites derailed past peace talks spilled violence since netanyahu came power nearly two years ago israelis palestinians gotten anywhere close tackling major obstacles peace status jerusalem borders israel future palestinian state fate millions palestinian refugees war surrounding israels 1948 creation speech friday clinton urged sides lay positions core issues without delay real specificity pointedly called compromise contested holy city observing surely peace without agreement jerusalem sensitive issues initial recognition brazil argentina uruguay follow suit recognize free independent palestine 1967 borders israel recognition contradicts road map israel monday night expressed regret disappointment south american countries decision recognize independent palestinian state recognition palestinian state violation interim agreement signed israel palestinian authority 1995 established status west bank gaza strip discussed solved negotiations foreign ministry said statement statement said recognition palestinian state also contradicts road map attempts bypass negotiations unilaterally determine issues dispute harm trust sides commitment agreed upon frameworks negotiations statement read following brazils footsteps argentina uruguay said monday recognized free independent palestinian state criticism israeli well american leaders argentinas president cristina kirchner told palestinian authority president mahmoud abbas letter country recognizes palestine defined 1967 borders argentine officials said argentine government recognizes palestine free independent state within borders defined 1967 argentine foreign minister hector timerman said reading letter uruguay surely follow path argentina 2011 uruguayan deputy foreign minister roberto conde told afp working towards opening diplomatic representation palestine likely ramallah said source jpost netanyahu warns public keep clear carmel fire 40 prison guards killed trapped bus haifa police chief critically injured firefighting crews planes attempt control fire north amidst heavy winds prime minister binyamin netanyahu addressed fire spreading carmel forest area leaving 40 prison wardens dead dozens injured thursdsay declare day mourning however time time mourn start investigating said netanyahu pleaded public stay away area fire spreading carmel area listen emergency instructions fires raged 40 prison wardens en route damon prison burned death bus caught blaze wardens meant assist evacuating 500 prisoners facility situated near kibbutz beit oren vehicle engulfed fast moving flames spread narrow mountain road linking atlit kibbutz bet oren firefighter spokesman said blaze traveled 1500 meters less three minutes adding bus chance tried escape burned alive horrific scene spokesman added fire far road bus traveling first set towards prison spread far faster expected idf home front command established command center near scene blaze coordinating relief efforts together northern district police forces assisting evacuating neighborhoods tirat hacarmel fire began surround eastern part city unmanned aerial vehicles uavs also diverted scene fire assist fire fighters tracking direction source jpost accident act terror fire carmel mountains may turn worst terror act israels history major news outlets appear resolute ignore possibility implications israels leftoriented major news media whole defining fire disaster spending broadcast time discussing insufficient preparation disaster magnitude downplaying fact arab arson likely behind blaze mk yaakov katz ketzaleh national union first leader thursday publicly give voice possibility fire terror attack act arson turned massacre words large forest fires israel set hostile arabs katz said noted proposed bill minimum punishment terror arsonists nine months ago blamed justice minister yaakov neeman torpedoing member knesset michael benari national union called prime minister netanyahu thursday evening recruit entire shin bet israel security agency investigate carmel mountain fire described ongoing arson activity galilee general mk benari said fires decrees people israel must receive answer regarding whats behind great tragedy fire spread three locations simultaneously making arson likely possibility source arutz sheva margin one prime minister binyamin netanyahu expected pass proposal 90day settlement freeze brings matter 15member security cabinet us president barack obama sunday said proposed freeze constructive step hoped would lead serious peace negotiations soon obama dream dismantling israel give palestinians grows closer every day think signal netanyahu serious obama said talks palestinian authority begin netanyahu must defeat stiff resistance rightwing opponents believe overcome narrow margin security cabinet according count done jerusalem post right seven security cabinet members support measures six oppose would apply east jerusalem source jpost bucharest romania holocaustera mass grave containing bodies estimated 100 jews killed romanian troops discovered forest researchers said friday offering evidence countrys involvement wartime crimes find forest near town popricani 350 kilometers 220 kilometers northeast bucharest contains bodies men women children shot 1941 elie wiesel national institute study holocaust romania said statement friday riot police sealed area allowing anyone near site local reporters told associated press find offers evidence pogroms jews region scholars say campaigns long minimized country whose official history taught germans sole perpetrators holocaust source yahoo news jerusalem ap israel despite perennial fears war emerged one hottest least likely property markets world since real estate collapsed around globe 2008 least one industry watchdog lists fastestrising property market earth global economic meltdown subprime mortgage fiasco precipitated still fresh peoples minds officials stepping efforts rein overheated property sector fear property bubble could shake confidence economy withstood worst worlds financial crisis span months central bank raised interest rates several times government rallying build new units landstrapped country housing market set enough crises going let happen israel bank israel governor stanley fischer said earlier month announcing sixth rate hike year according global property guide trade magazine monitors housing market israeli housing prices second quarter 2010 rose sixthfastest ranking 36 countries four top five including singapore latvia rebounding sharp price drops looking past two years ended june last period data israeli real estate clocks 1 source way jerusalem mayor nir barkat addressed crowd atlanta monday annual jewish national fund conference barkat discussed palestinian authoritys demand israel hand parts city jordanian occupation 1948 1967 become capital new arab state period jordan respect un decisions called free access religious sites city religions allow jews visit western wall vandalized mount olives cemetery blew hurvah synagogue barkat offered straightforward solution say simple jerusalem palestinians move said pa chairman mahmoud abbas demands control formerly jordanian parts israels capital city including old city historically jewish areas city unified decades since annexed following six day war 1967 jerusalem must remain united undivided capital israel barkat told audience source arutz sheva cabinetlevel committee monday put teeth last julys law requiring plebiscite surrender parts jerusalem golan heights bill victory nationalists hope expend referendum provision approximately 300000 jews living judea samaria likud mk ofir akunis said submit bill next week require plebiscite israel could give parts judea samaria palestinian authority benjamin netanyahu told voters would continue build judea samaria mondays approval ministerial committee legislation knesset involves procedural issues allow implementation recentlypassed law provision allows circumventing referendum event 80 percent legislators agree virtually impossible circumstance given nationalist stance knesset israel reaches agreement syria surrendering golan heights palestinian authority giving parts jerusalem public would vote question favor opposed agreement approved knesset two ministers opposing bill yitzchak herzog labor dan meridor likud considered head leftwing party previously gone record favoring surrender golan heights return peace pact syria source arutz sheva turkey held military drill china canceling israel cooperation also reflected weapons deals iran buying china mainly missile technology someone must reading 38th chapter ezekiel united states israel watching concern growing military cooperation among turkey china iran especially following joint turkishchinese airforce exercise last week two years ago israel turkeys main partner air combat training 2001 turkish air force inaugurated tactical air warfare center konya israel united states 2008 israel air force frequent guest turkeys sky regular participant countrys big annual exercise anatolian eagle wake operation cast lead subsequent deterioration bilateral relations turkey last year revoked israels participation maneuvers united states decided take part exercise year decision number nato members followed suit turkey replaced israel air force chinese counterpart china sent sukhoi su27 fighter aircraft pilots train turkeys f16 fighters past exercises held relatively openness last week held covertly brief report appearing turkish media exercise source haaretz hanged haman gallows prepared mordecai kings wrath pacified esther 710 deep inside computer worm specialists suspect aimed slowing irans race nuclear weapon lies could fleeting reference book esther old testament tale jews preempt persian plot destroy time iran would well remember haman hung gallows built mordeci use word myrtus read allusion esther name file inside code one several murky clues emerged computer experts try trace origin purpose rogue stuxnet program seeks specific kind command module industrial equipment surprisingly israelis saying whether stuxnet connection secretive cyberwar unit built inside israels intelligence service obama administration talking cyberdefenses also rapidly ramped broad covert program inherited bush administration undermine irans nuclear program interviews several countries experts cyberwar nuclear enrichment technology say stuxnet mystery may never solved source ny times iranian leaders would read bible would see 38th chapter ezekiel russia iran lead group nations attack israel funny thing though ezekiel says fire weapons nukes almighty god turns weapons back blows bits ahhh misery could avoid would read prophetic word scripture go iran keep building nukes remember haman click read coming battle gog magog prime minister binyamin netanyahu obligation honor commitments former prime minister ehud olmert made palestinians netanyahus associates said saturday night reiterating statements netanyahu made throughout campaign premiership year half ago olmert wrote opinion piece fridays jerusalem post called netanyahu offer palestinians first revealed public june 2009 interview newsweeks kevin peraino situation netanyahu likud leader could offer palestinians olmert offered especially regarding jerusalem said likud faction chairman zeev elkin close netanyahu dont think likud mk would vote public would overwhelmingly well likud hawk mk danny danon said problem netanyahu president united states barack obama dont believe netanyahu would considered olmerts conditions doubt obama sees obligatory danon said dont understand election changed reality israel source jpost israel agree international trusteeship jerusalems holy basin allow nonjewish neighborhoods jerusalem serve capital palestinian state offer solve palestinian refugee problem within framework arab peace initiative former prime minister ehud olmert urges oped article todays jerusalem post israel takes clear stance issues presents position negotiations olmert writes would transform atmosphere surrounding direct talks palestinian authority source confirmed olmerts reference international trusteeship holy basin sovereign part either state israel state palestine would involve israel relinquishing sovereignty western wall temple mount would complete unlimited access believers course jews sites basically source said would represent maintenance status quo international trusteeship source jpost first thought crazy perhaps forgotton happened last two leader israel thought give temple mount click read happened bible prophecy news israel end begins headline news standing america standing israel | 1,854 |
<p>Ronald Reagan / AP</p>
<p>BY: <a href="" type="internal">Ted Lawrence</a>August 2, 2014 5:00 am</p>
<p>Though America has had quite a few great presidents, iconic presidents are much rarer. Icons appear only in hindsight and are created in a very specific fashion. First, one party will hail the president as great, while the other claims he has wrecked the country. Then the opposing faction realizes the president wasn’t that bad, and reckons with his policies and broader influence, changing its own policies in the process. And finally, both parties fight to claim the president as their own, that they are his true heirs.</p>
<p>So, who makes the cut? Washington, Jefferson, Jackson (maybe), Lincoln (definitely), both Roosevelts, and … Reagan. Deceased barely a decade, he is already in the second stage of iconographic development. Liberal Democrats, who despised him and everything he stood for, are reckoning with Reagan and his legacy. Bill Clinton made "the era of big government is over" his cri de coeur, reformed welfare, and deregulated Wall Street. Barack Obama called Reagan a "transformational president." And Rick Perlstein has written&#160;The&#160;Invisible Bridge.</p>
<p>Yes, the last is a big slide down the world-historical food chain. But Perlstein’s work is worth noting, because he is one of the few liberal writers to take conservatism seriously.&#160;The Invisible Bridge&#160;follows Perlstein’s&#160;Before the Storm&#160;and Nixonland, which, respectively, charted the presidential campaigns of Barry Goldwater (his first, in 1964) and Richard Nixon (his second, in 1968). Both books were provocative and fair-minded. If conservatives needed a guide to the liberal reckoning with Reagan, Perlstein seemed to be the man to do it.</p>
<p>But he isn’t.&#160;The Invisible Bridge&#160;is intensely frustrating and ultimately flawed.</p>
<p>The Invisible Bridge&#160;is divided into three parts: Nixon’s second term, biographical sketches of Ronald Reagan, and a social-cultural history of mid-1970s America. The chapters on Nixon are a slog. Every literate person knows the story, and Perlstein’s version adds nothing new.</p>
<p>But Perlstein needs Nixon’s fall for the sake of his broader argument, which ties the otherwise disparate sections of his book together. Put simply, he thinks that Watergate, Vietnam, and Nixonian sleaze led many Americans to a "new definition of patriotism, one built upon questioning authority and unsettling ossified norms." This approach involved "question[ing] leaders ruthlessly … throw[ing] aside the silly notion that American power was always innocent, and think[ing] like grown-ups."</p>
<p>According to Perlstein, this new conception of patriotism was on the verge of national acceptance in the mid-1970s. And he thinks that was a wonderful thing. Unfortunately, one man messed it all up: Ronald Reagan. In the aftermath of Watergate and defeat in Vietnam, he encouraged "citizens to think like children, waiting for a man on horseback to rescue them" from these national calamities.</p>
<p>The remainder of&#160;The Invisible Bridge&#160;is all about Reagan, and the societal divisions Perlstein believes he exploited and helped deepen. Biographical chapters are interspersed throughout the books’ narrative on the social and cultural history of the mid 1970s. These sections span Reagan’s boyhood and acting career, continue with his work for GE and governorship, and end at his failure to unseat Gerald Ford as the 1976 Republican nominee.</p>
<p>Perlstein’s portrait is not kind. Reagan fibs about his past, lurches from one business-appeasing policy to the next, and uses homespun (and inaccurate) anecdotes to hoodwink Middle America into hating government. While he is in awe of Reagan’s political abilities, Perlstein loathes what they have wrought, and he keeps lamenting the America that might have been—the America of the "new definition of patriotism," where Americans "unsettl[e] ossified norms," "question authority," and "think like grown-ups."</p>
<p>Perlstein gives Reagan both too much and too little credit.&#160;Too much because Reagan didn't destroy the "new definition of patriotism"—most Americans hated it from the moment of conception. And too little because Reagan also "unsettled ossified norms" and "questioned authority" in his quest to save the nation.</p>
<p>Liberal Democrats were the main purveyors of Perlstein's "new definition of patriotism" during the 1970s—not the happiest time for the party or the nation. This sentiment was actually a liability, because most Americans viewed "question[ing] leaders ruthlessly" and "throw[ing] aside the silly notion that American power was always innocent" as blame-America-first nonsense. And they felt this way well before Reagan, as evinced by the almost 61 percent majority that pulled the lever for Nixon-Agnew in 1972.</p>
<p>Perlstein avers that Watergate changed everything. And, once again, he is wrong. Yes, Watergate gave the&#160;Democrats a massive congressional majority in 1974, and (barely) delivered Carter the presidential election in 1976. But these victories were wavelets in a conservative tide. The same issues that gave Nixon his landslide—anger at the failures of the Great Society, fear of rising crime, and disgust at the for-thee-but-not-for-me noblesse oblige of the limousine liberals—remained issues after Watergate and his resignation, and hobbled Democratic candidates all over the country.</p>
<p>The American people were thus predisposed to like any politician who wasn’t a left-wing Democrat. Reagan’s genius was to turn this anti-liberal conservatism into pro-conservatism conservatism. His effort to do so was derided by establishment figures on all sides. They sniffed at his tax-cutting economic policy, laughed at his unironic invocation of American exceptionalism, and scorned his full-throated denunciation of Soviet communism. But many more Americans listened to Reagan, and liked what they heard.</p>
<p>This is where&#160;The Invisible Bridge&#160;falls down. Reagan didn’t destroy Perlstein’s "new conception of patriotism" because that version of patriotism never had popular acceptance. And left-wing flower children weren’t the only people "questioning authority" and "unsettling ossified norms" in 1970s America. Ronald Reagan was too. But he did so by suggesting new ways for vital institutions to function, not the wholesale destruction of those institutions. Perlstein recognizes this tension—in fact, he repeatedly acknowledges the arrogance of the chattering class, and their blindness to the popularity of Reagan’s new approach—yet he won’t bend his thesis to reality.</p>
<p>In spite of Perlstein’s obsession with Reagan’s supposedly malign influence,&#160;The Invisible Bridge&#160;does have some merits. The writing is excellent. Some sections are well drawn and exciting. Perlstein has a journalist’s feel for place and character, and paints set pieces—from race riots in Boston to school-curriculum meetings in Charleston—with ease.</p>
<p>But technical skill can only get one so far. To paraphrase his bête noir, the trouble with Perlstein isn’t that he’s ignorant, he just knows so much that isn’t so. He ends&#160;The Invisible Bridge&#160;on the last night of the 1976 Republican convention. Reagan gave the final speech, one of the best of his career. Perlstein reveals that the address, long viewed as impromptu, was actually scripted. Does it matter? Reagan, ever the actor, dealt in illusions—that America’s economy could be revived, her military strength recovered, her totalitarian enemy vanquished. Those seemed impossible aims in the 1970s. But the American people believed. And under Reagan’s leadership, they made the illusion real.</p> | true | 0 | ronald reagan ap ted lawrenceaugust 2 2014 500 though america quite great presidents iconic presidents much rarer icons appear hindsight created specific fashion first one party hail president great claims wrecked country opposing faction realizes president wasnt bad reckons policies broader influence changing policies process finally parties fight claim president true heirs makes cut washington jefferson jackson maybe lincoln definitely roosevelts reagan deceased barely decade already second stage iconographic development liberal democrats despised everything stood reckoning reagan legacy bill clinton made era big government cri de coeur reformed welfare deregulated wall street barack obama called reagan transformational president rick perlstein written160the160invisible bridge yes last big slide worldhistorical food chain perlsteins work worth noting one liberal writers take conservatism seriously160the invisible bridge160follows perlsteins160before storm160and nixonland respectively charted presidential campaigns barry goldwater first 1964 richard nixon second 1968 books provocative fairminded conservatives needed guide liberal reckoning reagan perlstein seemed man isnt160the invisible bridge160is intensely frustrating ultimately flawed invisible bridge160is divided three parts nixons second term biographical sketches ronald reagan socialcultural history mid1970s america chapters nixon slog every literate person knows story perlsteins version adds nothing new perlstein needs nixons fall sake broader argument ties otherwise disparate sections book together put simply thinks watergate vietnam nixonian sleaze led many americans new definition patriotism one built upon questioning authority unsettling ossified norms approach involved questioning leaders ruthlessly throwing aside silly notion american power always innocent thinking like grownups according perlstein new conception patriotism verge national acceptance mid1970s thinks wonderful thing unfortunately one man messed ronald reagan aftermath watergate defeat vietnam encouraged citizens think like children waiting man horseback rescue national calamities remainder of160the invisible bridge160is reagan societal divisions perlstein believes exploited helped deepen biographical chapters interspersed throughout books narrative social cultural history mid 1970s sections span reagans boyhood acting career continue work ge governorship end failure unseat gerald ford 1976 republican nominee perlsteins portrait kind reagan fibs past lurches one businessappeasing policy next uses homespun inaccurate anecdotes hoodwink middle america hating government awe reagans political abilities perlstein loathes wrought keeps lamenting america might beenthe america new definition patriotism americans unsettle ossified norms question authority think like grownups perlstein gives reagan much little credit160too much reagan didnt destroy new definition patriotismmost americans hated moment conception little reagan also unsettled ossified norms questioned authority quest save nation liberal democrats main purveyors perlsteins new definition patriotism 1970snot happiest time party nation sentiment actually liability americans viewed questioning leaders ruthlessly throwing aside silly notion american power always innocent blameamericafirst nonsense felt way well reagan evinced almost 61 percent majority pulled lever nixonagnew 1972 perlstein avers watergate changed everything wrong yes watergate gave the160democrats massive congressional majority 1974 barely delivered carter presidential election 1976 victories wavelets conservative tide issues gave nixon landslideanger failures great society fear rising crime disgust fortheebutnotforme noblesse oblige limousine liberalsremained issues watergate resignation hobbled democratic candidates country american people thus predisposed like politician wasnt leftwing democrat reagans genius turn antiliberal conservatism proconservatism conservatism effort derided establishment figures sides sniffed taxcutting economic policy laughed unironic invocation american exceptionalism scorned fullthroated denunciation soviet communism many americans listened reagan liked heard where160the invisible bridge160falls reagan didnt destroy perlsteins new conception patriotism version patriotism never popular acceptance leftwing flower children werent people questioning authority unsettling ossified norms 1970s america ronald reagan suggesting new ways vital institutions function wholesale destruction institutions perlstein recognizes tensionin fact repeatedly acknowledges arrogance chattering class blindness popularity reagans new approachyet wont bend thesis reality spite perlsteins obsession reagans supposedly malign influence160the invisible bridge160does merits writing excellent sections well drawn exciting perlstein journalists feel place character paints set piecesfrom race riots boston schoolcurriculum meetings charlestonwith ease technical skill get one far paraphrase bête noir trouble perlstein isnt hes ignorant knows much isnt ends160the invisible bridge160on last night 1976 republican convention reagan gave final speech one best career perlstein reveals address long viewed impromptu actually scripted matter reagan ever actor dealt illusionsthat americas economy could revived military strength recovered totalitarian enemy vanquished seemed impossible aims 1970s american people believed reagans leadership made illusion real | 667 |
<p>Ziopharm Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZIOP) and&#160;Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLDX) are both clinical-stage biotechs that could make you rich, but they'll need to carry at least one of their new cancer drug candidates across the finish line first. Let's look at some of the opportunities in front of these companies, and challenges they'll face along the way, to see which one is the better stock to buy at the moment.</p>
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<p>This stock popped in August when Gilead Sciences offered $11.9 billion to Kite Pharma, which is another clinical-stage biotech developing CAR-T therapies. Kite's lead candidate, axi-cel, is basically an infusion of a patient's own immune cells trained to hunt for cancer cells that display the CD19 protein on their surface.</p>
<p>Ziopharm claims its own CD19 directed cells can be ready to go just two days after they're withdrawn, which would give it a big edge over the competition. Kite has whittled axi-cel's manufacturing process down to about 17 days from the time patient cells are removed until they're ready to be reinfused. Kymriah from Novartis&#160;was quick to earn the first Food and Drug Administration approval for this treatment class, but its turnaround time is about 22 days.</p>
<p>Investors getting excited about Ziopharm's speedy CAR-T candidates need to understand that there isn't a lot of data. At the moment, MD Anderson Cancer Center is enrolling patients in a phase 1 trial with an earlier generation of Ziopharm's CD19 directed therapy that takes a couple of weeks to manufacture. So far, one patient with an aggressive form of lymphoma achieved a complete remission lasting approximately six months, but the company hasn't even started dosing patients with a version created in under two days.</p>
<p>The company's most advanced candidate is a complicated combination that has produced interesting results for patients with recurrent glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer with few treatment options. Investigators inject ad-RTS-hIL-12 directly into brain tumors then give patients veledimex pills in order to control the expression of interleukin-12 (IL-12), a protein that stimulates anti-cancer immune responses.</p>
<p>Median overall survival among 15 patients treated with Ziopharm's IL-12 candidate and given 20 mg of veledimex reached 12.5 months. Historically, patients meeting this group's criteria would reach median overall survival of six to seven months. Investors should know that historical survival data isn't the best predictor of success in subsequent studies with control groups, especially with brain cancer.</p>
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<p>Sadly, it looks like Ziopharm isn't in a hurry to find out if its lead candidate can actually outperform anything. The company announced a successful conclusion to its end of phase 2 meeting with the FDA in March&#160;but hasn't even announced a protocol for an upcoming pivotal trial yet.</p>
<p>This biotech probably understands Ziopharm's current situation better than most. The stock <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/01/09/why-celldex-therapeutics-imploded-in-2016.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=44bfdbc4-b265-11e7-9bdb-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">imploded last year Opens a New Window.</a> after brain cancer patients in the first control group tested against its former lead candidate outperformed historical survival data by a wide margin.</p>
<p>When Rintega failed spectacularly, Celldex was lucky enough to have another candidate ready for a pivotal trial. The company's new lead candidate, glemba, is a far more conventional drug that delivers fun-sized chemo bombs directly to cancer cells that have a protein called gpNMB on their surface.</p>
<p>Glemba's gpNMB target is overexpressed in the tumors of roughly half of all breast cancer patients who also lack three important targets that current treatments aim for. Progression-free survival among a small group of triple-negative patients treated with glemba was more than twice as long as the group receiving standard chemo drugs, but these results were extrapolated from a much larger study.</p>
<p>Investors have been driving up shares of Celldex <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/06/whats-behind-celldex-therapeutics-incs-16-rally-in.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=44bfdbc4-b265-11e7-9bdb-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">in anticipation Opens a New Window.</a> of results from an ongoing 327-patient pivotal trial that will determine glemba's fate. If the results fall in line with previous observations, the stock will soar.</p>
<p>Should glemba lead to another shocking upset, though, the company could fall back yet again on a growing stable of novel oncology candidates in clinical-stage clinical development. Varlilumab is in mid-stage combination studies with glemba and Opdivo, plus it four additional candidates are in a handful of&#160;clinical trials, some of which are independently sponsored.</p>
<p>Novartis' Kymriah is expected to generate about $2 billion in sales each year at its peak, and it stands to reason a more convenient CD19 directed CAR-T therapy could do as well, if not better. Unfortunately, we just don't have enough data for Ziopharm's CD19 program, or any of its CAR-T candidates to assume more than a fleeting chance of eventual approval.</p>
<p>Single-arm results suggest Ziopharm's IL-12 directed combination has potential to generate more than $1 billion in peak annual sales as the first improvement for underserved brain cancer patients in years. Until we have some evidence it can outperform standard chemotherapy, however, Ziopharm stock seems awfully expensive at a recent <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/what-is-enterprise-value-and-why-is-it-important.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=44bfdbc4-b265-11e7-9bdb-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">enterprise value Opens a New Window.</a> of $825 million.</p>
<p>Celldex, on the other hand, sports a sprightly $240 million enterprise value which is even less than the $400 million in annual sales glemba is expected to generate at its peak each year if approved for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer patients alone. Remember, the candidate already has data pointing to a significant survival benefit in this group, and a pivotal trial is well underway.</p>
<p>Glemba might be heading toward a smaller prize, but its chances of success are much higher than any Zioppharm program. That makes Celldex the better stock to buy right now.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than Celldex TherapeuticsWhen 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=8924ee8c-aa9e-4c28-985d-a1fc3de1359a&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=44bfdbc4-b265-11e7-9bdb-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Celldex Therapeutics 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=8924ee8c-aa9e-4c28-985d-a1fc3de1359a&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=44bfdbc4-b265-11e7-9bdb-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/TMFang4apples/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=44bfdbc4-b265-11e7-9bdb-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Cory Renauer Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Gilead Sciences. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Gilead Sciences. The Motley Fool has the following options: short October 2017 $86 calls on Gilead Sciences. The Motley Fool recommends Celldex Therapeutics. 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=44bfdbc4-b265-11e7-9bdb-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | ziopharm oncology inc nasdaq ziop and160celldex therapeutics inc nasdaq cldx clinicalstage biotechs could make rich theyll need carry least one new cancer drug candidates across finish line first lets look opportunities front companies challenges theyll face along way see one better stock buy moment continue reading stock popped august gilead sciences offered 119 billion kite pharma another clinicalstage biotech developing cart therapies kites lead candidate axicel basically infusion patients immune cells trained hunt cancer cells display cd19 protein surface ziopharm claims cd19 directed cells ready go two days theyre withdrawn would give big edge competition kite whittled axicels manufacturing process 17 days time patient cells removed theyre ready reinfused kymriah novartis160was quick earn first food drug administration approval treatment class turnaround time 22 days investors getting excited ziopharms speedy cart candidates need understand isnt lot data moment md anderson cancer center enrolling patients phase 1 trial earlier generation ziopharms cd19 directed therapy takes couple weeks manufacture far one patient aggressive form lymphoma achieved complete remission lasting approximately six months company hasnt even started dosing patients version created two days companys advanced candidate complicated combination produced interesting results patients recurrent glioblastoma aggressive form brain cancer treatment options investigators inject adrtshil12 directly brain tumors give patients veledimex pills order control expression interleukin12 il12 protein stimulates anticancer immune responses median overall survival among 15 patients treated ziopharms il12 candidate given 20 mg veledimex reached 125 months historically patients meeting groups criteria would reach median overall survival six seven months investors know historical survival data isnt best predictor success subsequent studies control groups especially brain cancer advertisement sadly looks like ziopharm isnt hurry find lead candidate actually outperform anything company announced successful conclusion end phase 2 meeting fda march160but hasnt even announced protocol upcoming pivotal trial yet biotech probably understands ziopharms current situation better stock imploded last year opens new window brain cancer patients first control group tested former lead candidate outperformed historical survival data wide margin rintega failed spectacularly celldex lucky enough another candidate ready pivotal trial companys new lead candidate glemba far conventional drug delivers funsized chemo bombs directly cancer cells protein called gpnmb surface glembas gpnmb target overexpressed tumors roughly half breast cancer patients also lack three important targets current treatments aim progressionfree survival among small group triplenegative patients treated glemba twice long group receiving standard chemo drugs results extrapolated much larger study investors driving shares celldex anticipation opens new window results ongoing 327patient pivotal trial determine glembas fate results fall line previous observations stock soar glemba lead another shocking upset though company could fall back yet growing stable novel oncology candidates clinicalstage clinical development varlilumab midstage combination studies glemba opdivo plus four additional candidates handful of160clinical trials independently sponsored novartis kymriah expected generate 2 billion sales year peak stands reason convenient cd19 directed cart therapy could well better unfortunately dont enough data ziopharms cd19 program cart candidates assume fleeting chance eventual approval singlearm results suggest ziopharms il12 directed combination potential generate 1 billion peak annual sales first improvement underserved brain cancer patients years evidence outperform standard chemotherapy however ziopharm stock seems awfully expensive recent enterprise value opens new window 825 million celldex hand sports sprightly 240 million enterprise value even less 400 million annual sales glemba expected generate peak year approved treatment triplenegative breast cancer patients alone remember candidate already data pointing significant survival benefit group pivotal trial well underway glemba might heading toward smaller prize chances success much higher zioppharm program makes celldex better stock buy right 10 stocks like better celldex therapeuticswhen 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 celldex therapeutics wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns october 9 2017 cory renauer opens new window owns shares gilead sciences motley fool owns shares recommends gilead sciences motley fool following options short october 2017 86 calls gilead sciences motley fool recommends celldex therapeutics motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 678 |
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<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
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<p>Williams Companies (NYSE: WMB) has announced several strategic initiatives designed to mitigate some of the risks that have impacted the company in recent years. However, there is one significant risk that remains: the gap between the capital resources and projected growth spending at its master limited partnership,Williams Partners (NYSE: WPZ). The company needs to close this gap without diluting its growth by overpaying for the money it needs so that it gets the most value from that growth going forward.</p>
<p>Williams Companies has made three important strategic decisions since its merger with Energy Transfer Equity (NYSE: ETE) fell through a couple of months ago. First, it cut its dividend and plans to reinvest that cash to support Williams Partners. Second, both companies sold their Canadian operations, which brought in roughly $1 billion in cash to fund capex. Finally, both companies are exploring strategic options for their stake in the Geismar plant, which could bring in additional capital or stabilize that plant's cash flow.</p>
<p>Despite all this progress, Williams Partners still has a pretty wide gap between its capital resources and growth capex over the next two years:</p>
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<p>Data source: Williams Companies investor presentation.</p>
<p>As that slide notes, Williams Partners has roughly $2.5 billion in annual capex requirements. After factoring in Williams' support, it still needs to find another $1.2 billion in capital annually to cover that spending, though the recent Canadian asset sale reduced that gap quite a bit. That said, the company still projects to have a pretty wide shortfall between capital and capex in 2017. The risk is that the company will not be able to source that capital on attractive terms.</p>
<p>Williams Partners intends to use several options to fund this gap over the next year. One of the primary vehicles is its recently established distribution reinvestment program (DRIP), which would allow common unitholders to join Williams Companies in taking additional units instead of cash. If a significant portion of unitholders take this option, it will enable Williams Partners to retain more of its internally generated cash flow to fund growth. Another option is to use its at-the-money (ATM) program to issue equity to outside investors strategically. Finally, the company would like to tap the debt markets to issue additional bonds as long as it can maintain its investment-grade credit rating.</p>
<p>The concern with these options is the price the company has to pay for this funding. For example, given its current unit price Williams Partners is paying a high price to issue equity, even if that equity is to existing investors. Furthermore, its weaker credit rating compared to rivals forces it to pay a higher interest rate on new debt. For example, earlier this year, the company's Transco subsidiary needed to pay a 7.875% interest rate to issue $1 billion of 10-year senior notes to fund growth projects and repay maturing debt. Contrast this with Energy Transfer Equity's MLP Energy Transfer Partners (NYSE: ETP), which was able to issue $1 billion 10-year debt in mid-2015 at just 4.75%. Theincreased cost of capital at Williams is a concern because more of the cash flow from its growth projects will go toward interest payments instead of shareholder distributions.</p>
<p>Because of this, Williams Partners might need to get creative to fund some of its growth projects. That is something Energy Transfer Partners did earlier this year by obtaining project-level financing from a syndicate of banks for one of its primary pipeline projects to provide it with all the remaining capital it needed to complete the project. Also, Energy Transfer Partners sold a stake in that project to additional joint venture partners, which will allow it to redeploy that capital toward debt reduction as well as funding its other growth projects. Creative options such as these could help Williams Partners lower its cost of capital as it closes its funding gap.</p>
<p>Williams Companies' greatest risk right now is that its MLP pays too high a cost to obtain capital for growth projects. Doing so would not only dilute its stake in the entity but result in too much of the incremental cash flow from these projects going to credit investors or outside unitholders instead of Williams. To mitigate this risk, Williams Companies needs to get creative to find funding for its MLP so that it can keep more of the value created by its future growth.</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=2692&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/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. 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 williams companies nyse wmb announced several strategic initiatives designed mitigate risks impacted company recent years however one significant risk remains gap capital resources projected growth spending master limited partnershipwilliams partners nyse wpz company needs close gap without diluting growth overpaying money needs gets value growth going forward williams companies made three important strategic decisions since merger energy transfer equity nyse ete fell couple months ago first cut dividend plans reinvest cash support williams partners second companies sold canadian operations brought roughly 1 billion cash fund capex finally companies exploring strategic options stake geismar plant could bring additional capital stabilize plants cash flow despite progress williams partners still pretty wide gap capital resources growth capex next two years advertisement data source williams companies investor presentation slide notes williams partners roughly 25 billion annual capex requirements factoring williams support still needs find another 12 billion capital annually cover spending though recent canadian asset sale reduced gap quite bit said company still projects pretty wide shortfall capital capex 2017 risk company able source capital attractive terms williams partners intends use several options fund gap next year one primary vehicles recently established distribution reinvestment program drip would allow common unitholders join williams companies taking additional units instead cash significant portion unitholders take option enable williams partners retain internally generated cash flow fund growth another option use atthemoney atm program issue equity outside investors strategically finally company would like tap debt markets issue additional bonds long maintain investmentgrade credit rating concern options price company pay funding example given current unit price williams partners paying high price issue equity even equity existing investors furthermore weaker credit rating compared rivals forces pay higher interest rate new debt example earlier year companys transco subsidiary needed pay 7875 interest rate issue 1 billion 10year senior notes fund growth projects repay maturing debt contrast energy transfer equitys mlp energy transfer partners nyse etp able issue 1 billion 10year debt mid2015 475 theincreased cost capital williams concern cash flow growth projects go toward interest payments instead shareholder distributions williams partners might need get creative fund growth projects something energy transfer partners earlier year obtaining projectlevel financing syndicate banks one primary pipeline projects provide remaining capital needed complete project also energy transfer partners sold stake project additional joint venture partners allow redeploy capital toward debt reduction well funding growth projects creative options could help williams partners lower cost capital closes funding gap williams companies greatest risk right mlp pays high cost obtain capital growth projects would dilute stake entity result much incremental cash flow projects going credit investors outside unitholders instead williams mitigate risk williams companies needs get creative find funding mlp keep value created future growth 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 matt dilallo 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 | 540 |
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<p>Under Armour (NYSE: UA) (NYSE: UA-C) has declined nearly 20% over the past 12 months <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/08/30/how-risky-is-under-armour-inc-stock.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">due to concerns Opens a New Window.</a> about its slowing sales growth, declining margins, high valuations, and fierce competition from bigger rivals like Nike (NYSE: NKE). But even after that slump, UA still trades at 34 times earnings, compared to the industry average of 27 for apparel makers.</p>
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<p>Image source: Under Armour.</p>
<p>UA's sales rose 27.6% annually last quarter, butthat represented a slowdown from 30.4% growth in the previous quarter and 28.5% growth in the prior year quarter. On the bottom line, UA posted a loss of $0.12 due to the bankruptcy of retailer Sports Authority and the payment of a special dividend toClass C shareholders to settle a class action lawsuit. UA is also expected to boost its marketing spend significantly to keep pace with high-profile rivals like Nike and Adidas. To top that off, UA CEO Kevin Plank recently disclosed that he would sell upto 2.1 million of his non-voting Class C shares over a nine month period starting in October.</p>
<p>These red flags all indicate that Under Armour isn't a great buy at current prices. Instead, investors should check out two of UA's more reasonably priced peers: Nike and VF Corp (NYSE: VFC).</p>
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<p>Shares of Nike have fallen 5% over the past 12 months, but the stock trades with a lower P/E of 27 and pays a forward dividend yield of 1.1%. Like UA, Nike has been weighed down by slowing sales growth and the bankruptcy of Sports Authority.</p>
<p>Sales rose 5.9% annually to $8.24 billion lastquarter.That represented a slowdown from 7.6% growth in the previous quarter, but compared favorably to 4.9% growth in the prior year quarter. On a constant currency basis, Nike brand revenues rose 8% to $7.73 million, while Converse brand revenues rose 18% to $513 million. Robust overseas sales offset weaker demand in the North American market.</p>
<p>Worldwide futures orders rose just 11% on a constant currency basis, missing expectations for 13% growth. Gross margin contracted 30 basis points annually to 45.9% due to higher product costs, the clearing of excess North American inventory, and unfavorable foreign exchange rates. However, Nike's gross margin decline wasn't as steep as UA's 70 basis point decline to 47.7% last quarter. Nike's inventory rose 12%, but that was also better than UA's 30% jump in inventory last quarter.</p>
<p>Analysts believe that Nike will grow its revenues by 8% to $35 billion this year. Earnings are expected to rise 11% this year and grow at an average annual rate of 14% over the next five years. That forecast gives Nike a 5-year PEG ratio of 1.7, compared to UA's PEG ratio of 2.4 -- indicating that Nike is cheaper relative to its earnings growth potential than Under Armour.</p>
<p>Image source: Pixabay.</p>
<p>VF owns a wide portfolio of major apparel and footwear brands, including The North Face, Timberland, Wrangler, Lee, and Vans. It's also a <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/05/12/2-beaten-up-dividend-aristocrats-are-they-bargains.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">dividend aristocrat Opens a New Window.</a> which has raised its dividend annually for over four decades. The stock currently trades at 24 times earnings and pays a forward yield of 2.5%.</p>
<p>VF shares have fallen 16% over the past 12 months due to weak sales growth. Revenue from continuing operations rose just1% annually last quarter, compared to flat growth in the previous quarter and 5% growth in the prior year quarter. Outdoor &amp; Action (Timberland, North Face, Vans) revenue rose 2% to $1.4 billion, Jeanswear revenue rose 3% to $629 million, and Imagewear (workwear and licensed sportswear) revenue improved 3% to $255 million. Unfortunately, those gains were mostly offset by a 19% decline in its Sportswear (Nautica, Kipling, and others) revenues to $115 million.</p>
<p>Earnings also fell 10% to $0.35 per share due to inventory management and foreign currency impacts. On the bright side, inventories rose just 6% annually during the quarter and gross margin improved 10 basis points to 48.1%, thanks to lower product costs, better pricing, and a more favorable product mix. VF recently divested three non-core brands (7 for All Mankind, Ella Moss, and Splendid) for $120 million, and could soon sell its licensed sports group. These moves should boost VF's cash flow and bolster its margins.</p>
<p>Analysts expect VF's sales to rise just 0.5% this year before improving 7% next year. Earnings are expected to improve 5% this year and grow 10% annually over the next five years, giving VF a price/earning to growth ratio of 1.8 -- which is comparable to Nike's and also lower than Under Armour's.</p>
<p>I believe that Under Armour still has room to grow, but the stock seems too expensive relative to its growth potential. Therefore, investors might be better off sticking with mature footwear and apparel plays like Nike and VF Corp until UA stock cools down to more reasonable levels.</p>
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<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 Nike, Under Armour (A Shares), and Under Armour (C Shares). 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 | armour nyse ua nyse uac declined nearly 20 past 12 months due concerns opens new window slowing sales growth declining margins high valuations fierce competition bigger rivals like nike nyse nke even slump ua still trades 34 times earnings compared industry average 27 apparel makers continue reading image source armour uas sales rose 276 annually last quarter butthat represented slowdown 304 growth previous quarter 285 growth prior year quarter bottom line ua posted loss 012 due bankruptcy retailer sports authority payment special dividend toclass c shareholders settle class action lawsuit ua also expected boost marketing spend significantly keep pace highprofile rivals like nike adidas top ua ceo kevin plank recently disclosed would sell upto 21 million nonvoting class c shares nine month period starting october red flags indicate armour isnt great buy current prices instead investors check two uas reasonably priced peers nike vf corp nyse vfc advertisement shares nike fallen 5 past 12 months stock trades lower pe 27 pays forward dividend yield 11 like ua nike weighed slowing sales growth bankruptcy sports authority sales rose 59 annually 824 billion lastquarterthat represented slowdown 76 growth previous quarter compared favorably 49 growth prior year quarter constant currency basis nike brand revenues rose 8 773 million converse brand revenues rose 18 513 million robust overseas sales offset weaker demand north american market worldwide futures orders rose 11 constant currency basis missing expectations 13 growth gross margin contracted 30 basis points annually 459 due higher product costs clearing excess north american inventory unfavorable foreign exchange rates however nikes gross margin decline wasnt steep uas 70 basis point decline 477 last quarter nikes inventory rose 12 also better uas 30 jump inventory last quarter analysts believe nike grow revenues 8 35 billion year earnings expected rise 11 year grow average annual rate 14 next five years forecast gives nike 5year peg ratio 17 compared uas peg ratio 24 indicating nike cheaper relative earnings growth potential armour image source pixabay vf owns wide portfolio major apparel footwear brands including north face timberland wrangler lee vans also dividend aristocrat opens new window raised dividend annually four decades stock currently trades 24 times earnings pays forward yield 25 vf shares fallen 16 past 12 months due weak sales growth revenue continuing operations rose just1 annually last quarter compared flat growth previous quarter 5 growth prior year quarter outdoor amp action timberland north face vans revenue rose 2 14 billion jeanswear revenue rose 3 629 million imagewear workwear licensed sportswear revenue improved 3 255 million unfortunately gains mostly offset 19 decline sportswear nautica kipling others revenues 115 million earnings also fell 10 035 per share due inventory management foreign currency impacts bright side inventories rose 6 annually quarter gross margin improved 10 basis points 481 thanks lower product costs better pricing favorable product mix vf recently divested three noncore brands 7 mankind ella moss splendid 120 million could soon sell licensed sports group moves boost vfs cash flow bolster margins analysts expect vfs sales rise 05 year improving 7 next year earnings expected improve 5 year grow 10 annually next five years giving vf priceearning growth ratio 18 comparable nikes also lower armours believe armour still room grow stock seems expensive relative growth potential therefore investors might better sticking mature footwear apparel plays like nike vf corp ua stock cools reasonable levels secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window leo sun opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends nike armour shares armour c shares 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 | 650 |
<p>President-elect Donald Trump has been hard at work selecting individuals to fill various government positions when he takes office on January 20, 2017. Kansas secretary of state, Kris Kobach, appears to be in the running for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.</p>
<p>Here are six things you need to know about Kris Kobach:</p>
<p>1. He has degrees from Harvard, Oxford, and Yale.</p>
<p>In 1988, Kris Kobach graduated summa cum laude from <a href="https://www.kssos.org/forms/administration/Kobach_Bio_Resume.pdf" type="external">Harvard University</a> with a bachelor's degree in Government. He then attended <a href="https://www.kssos.org/forms/administration/Kobach_Bio_Resume.pdf" type="external">Oxford University</a> on a Marshall Scholarship, graduating in 1992 with a PhD in Political Science. Kobach then attended <a href="https://www.kssos.org/forms/administration/Kobach_Bio_Resume.pdf" type="external">Yale</a>, where he received his Juris Doctorate (J.D.) in law.</p>
<p>Speaking with Politico's Glenn Thrush, Kobach <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2016/10/kris-kobach-donald-trump-immigration-rigged-230000" type="external">said</a> that the ideological opposition he faced in college helped him sharpen his debate chops:</p>
<p>"There is a conceit on the left that because professors are overwhelmingly liberal then evidently that's the intellectually correct position. But, inevitably, as a debater--and I debated at Harvard as well--in most issues, when you get down to it, many of the liberal positions, when you strip away like the layers of an onion, the superficial reasons they give, at the core it's just an emotional basis, whereas many of the conservative positions on the same issues are much more based in facts and in data."</p>
<p>2. He helped author Arizona's controversial SB-1070 illegal immigration bill.</p>
<p>Kobach was one of the principle authors of Arizona's SB-1070, which was a bill designed to crack down on illegal immigrants. <a href="http://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/trailguide/la-na-updates-trail-guide-he-s-an-immigration-hard-liner-and-is-1478811283-htmlstory.html" type="external">The Los Angeles Times</a> writes that SB-1070 "contained four major elements aimed at reducing the number of immigrants in the state illegally through attrition. It compelled police to ask for papers and allowed officers to make arrests without warrants if they believed the suspect committed an offense that made them eligible for deportation."</p>
<p>Although the Supreme Court <a href="http://www.scotusblog.com/2012/06/courts-strikes-down-much-of-arizona-immigration-law/" type="external">gutted the law</a> in 2012, removing several key provisions that are preempted by federal law, one crucial piece of the legislation remained. While questioning individuals who have been arrested, stopped, or detained for other purposes, officers are allowed to ask them about their immigration status if there is reasonable suspicion that they may be in the state illegally.</p>
<p>Kobach helped author a similar law in Alabama.</p>
<p>3. He spearheaded the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System after 9/11.</p>
<p>After the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, Kobach, who was working in George W. Bush's Justice Department at the time, spearheaded the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS). The program offered an enhanced screening for immigrants who were coming from a set list of nations, most of which were predominantly Muslim. Immigrants from those countries would be registered, fingerprinted, and assessed through an in-depth cross-examination.</p>
<p>According to <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2016/11/donald-trump-muslim-registry-constitution-231527" type="external">Politico</a>, NSEERS "was criticized by civil rights groups for targeting a religious group and was phased out in 2011 because it was found to be redundant with other immigration systems."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/white-house/article116231858.html" type="external">McClatchy</a> reports that Kobach wants to reinstate a form of NSEERS:</p>
<p>Kobach’s plan includes the use of “extreme vetting” for immigrants from countries that are considered high risk, asking them whether they support “shariah Law, jihad, equality of men and women, the United States Constitution.” Kobach would also reduce the number of refugees from Syria to zero.</p>
<p>4. He was the architect of Mitt Romney's "self-deportation" plan.</p>
<p>During the 2012 presidential race, Mitt Romney was mocked for his "self-deportation," or "attrition through enforcement" idea.</p>
<p><a href="https://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/24/romneys-plan-for-self-deportation-has-conservative-support/" type="external">The New York Times</a> wrote in 2012:</p>
<p>...the idea is to make it so difficult for illegal immigrants to live in this country--by denying them work, driver’s licenses and any public benefits and by stepping up enforcement--that they will give up and go home...Mr. Romney’s plan is to issue a card identifying legal workers, which they would submit to a national verification system at the time of hiring. After a transition period...illegal immigrants who have no cards would not find work.</p>
<p>Romney may have lost the 2012 race to Obama, but the idea of self-deportation remains alive and well, and may be a new policy of the Donald Trump administration if Kris Kobach becomes Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.</p>
<p>5. He's made a few controversial comments.</p>
<p>In 2015, during his weekly radio show, Kobach responded to a caller's question in a manner that generated controversy. According to the <a href="http://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article12610361.html" type="external">Kansas City Star</a>, the caller "asked if Kobach thought that, based on President Obama’s instruction against the enforcement of some immigration laws, it would be possible that one day the president would announce that 'any black person accused of a crime, charged with a crime, is not going to be prosecuted, regardless of the crime.'"</p>
<p>Referencing a dropped 2008 case against a group of Black Panthers in Philadelphia, Kobach replied: "Well, it’s already happened more or less in the case of civil rights laws...So I guess it’s not a huge jump. I think it’s unlikely--but you know, I’ve learned to say with this president, never say never."</p>
<p>Kobach later clarified, saying:</p>
<p>"My point was to bring attention to the Obama Justice Department’s position that some civil rights statutes can’t be enforced against people of color. For example, one of the Obama administration’s first actions it took in 2009 was to drop the slam-dunk charges against the New Black Panther Party for voter intimidation."</p>
<p>During another radio show, a caller asked: "What happens, if you know your history, when one culture or one race or one religion overwhelms another culture or race? When one race or culture overwhelms another culture, they run them out or they kill them."</p>
<p>Kobach <a href="http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/kris-kobach-obama-ethnic-cleansing" type="external">responded</a>:</p>
<p>"What protects us in America from any kind of ethnic cleansing is the rule of law, of course. And the rule of law used to be unassailable, used to be taken for granted in America. And now, of course, we have a President who disregards the law when it suits his interests. And, so, you know, while I normally would answer that by saying, 'Steve, of course we have the rule of law, that could never happen in America,' I wonder what could happen. I still don't think it’s going to happen in America, but I have to admit, that things are, things are strange and they're happening."</p>
<p>It seems clear that Kobach's answers about ethnic cleansing and crime were somewhat hyperbolic. Despite that, in the face of indelicate questions, one shouldn't jump to hyperbole, as it could embolden peculiar ideas. On that front, Kobach made a mistake. That said, this "controversy" is sort of a nothing-burger.</p>
<p>6. Immigration is a top priority for Kobach.</p>
<p>Speaking with <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2016/10/kris-kobach-donald-trump-immigration-rigged-230000" type="external">Politico</a> in October, Kobach said that immigration is the centerpiece of all political policy:</p>
<p>"Immigration policy affects your national security. Your immigration policy will affect your taxes. It will affect the welfare systems of the country. It will affect crime statistics in the country. It will affect culture, broadly defined. And so, it's one of those issues that touches everything else, and it's also an issue that people--a lot of people have an opinion on, so it’s a fascinating issue to work in as a lawyer, and it's a fascinating issue to work in as someone who’s in the political field."</p>
<p>Time will tell if Kobach is appointed as the new head of the Department of Homeland Security. For now, these are the facts you need to know.</p> | true | 0 | presidentelect donald trump hard work selecting individuals fill various government positions takes office january 20 2017 kansas secretary state kris kobach appears running secretary department homeland security six things need know kris kobach 1 degrees harvard oxford yale 1988 kris kobach graduated summa cum laude harvard university bachelors degree government attended oxford university marshall scholarship graduating 1992 phd political science kobach attended yale received juris doctorate jd law speaking politicos glenn thrush kobach said ideological opposition faced college helped sharpen debate chops conceit left professors overwhelmingly liberal evidently thats intellectually correct position inevitably debaterand debated harvard wellin issues get many liberal positions strip away like layers onion superficial reasons give core emotional basis whereas many conservative positions issues much based facts data 2 helped author arizonas controversial sb1070 illegal immigration bill kobach one principle authors arizonas sb1070 bill designed crack illegal immigrants los angeles times writes sb1070 contained four major elements aimed reducing number immigrants state illegally attrition compelled police ask papers allowed officers make arrests without warrants believed suspect committed offense made eligible deportation although supreme court gutted law 2012 removing several key provisions preempted federal law one crucial piece legislation remained questioning individuals arrested stopped detained purposes officers allowed ask immigration status reasonable suspicion may state illegally kobach helped author similar law alabama 3 spearheaded national security entryexit registration system 911 terror attacks september 11 2001 kobach working george w bushs justice department time spearheaded national security entryexit registration system nseers program offered enhanced screening immigrants coming set list nations predominantly muslim immigrants countries would registered fingerprinted assessed indepth crossexamination according politico nseers criticized civil rights groups targeting religious group phased 2011 found redundant immigration systems mcclatchy reports kobach wants reinstate form nseers kobachs plan includes use extreme vetting immigrants countries considered high risk asking whether support shariah law jihad equality men women united states constitution kobach would also reduce number refugees syria zero 4 architect mitt romneys selfdeportation plan 2012 presidential race mitt romney mocked selfdeportation attrition enforcement idea new york times wrote 2012 idea make difficult illegal immigrants live countryby denying work drivers licenses public benefits stepping enforcementthat give go homemr romneys plan issue card identifying legal workers would submit national verification system time hiring transition periodillegal immigrants cards would find work romney may lost 2012 race obama idea selfdeportation remains alive well may new policy donald trump administration kris kobach becomes secretary department homeland security 5 hes made controversial comments 2015 weekly radio show kobach responded callers question manner generated controversy according kansas city star caller asked kobach thought based president obamas instruction enforcement immigration laws would possible one day president would announce black person accused crime charged crime going prosecuted regardless crime referencing dropped 2008 case group black panthers philadelphia kobach replied well already happened less case civil rights lawsso guess huge jump think unlikelybut know ive learned say president never say never kobach later clarified saying point bring attention obama justice departments position civil rights statutes cant enforced people color example one obama administrations first actions took 2009 drop slamdunk charges new black panther party voter intimidation another radio show caller asked happens know history one culture one race one religion overwhelms another culture race one race culture overwhelms another culture run kill kobach responded protects us america kind ethnic cleansing rule law course rule law used unassailable used taken granted america course president disregards law suits interests know normally would answer saying steve course rule law could never happen america wonder could happen still dont think going happen america admit things things strange theyre happening seems clear kobachs answers ethnic cleansing crime somewhat hyperbolic despite face indelicate questions one shouldnt jump hyperbole could embolden peculiar ideas front kobach made mistake said controversy sort nothingburger 6 immigration top priority kobach speaking politico october kobach said immigration centerpiece political policy immigration policy affects national security immigration policy affect taxes affect welfare systems country affect crime statistics country affect culture broadly defined one issues touches everything else also issue peoplea lot people opinion fascinating issue work lawyer fascinating issue work someone whos political field time tell kobach appointed new head department homeland security facts need know | 691 |
<p>In this <a href="https://www.fool.com/podcasts/marketfoolery/?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=1665a2e4-77b5-11e7-a235-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">MarketFoolery</a> segment, host Chris Hill, Million Dollar Portfolio's Jason Moser, and Stock Advisor Canada's Taylor Muckerman dip into the Fool mailbag and find a question about a marketing promotion. Costco (NASDAQ: COST)&#160;may have a minor worry based on Amazon's&#160;purchase of Whole Foods. And it may be headed toward less aggressive growth. But using Groupon (NASDAQ: GRPN) to attract some new members isn't necessarily a bad idea.</p>
<p>A full transcript follows the video.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of August 1, 2017</p>
<p>This video was recorded on July 31, 2017.</p>
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<p>Chris Hill: From Matt Holzman, who&#160;forwarded an email and wrote, "I&#160;just saw this&#160;Groupon&#160;and couldn't help but wonder if discounting the&#160;Costco&#160;membership is a new signal of&#160;decline. Would love your thoughts." As&#160;I said, he forwarded a&#160;Groupon email that he got, and&#160;the main promotion that was featured there was a one-year Costco Gold Star membership that comes with a $20 Costco Cash Card&#160;and exclusive coupons, and&#160;you can get all of this for $60. A Gold Star membership at Costco for one year on its own costs $55. This can cut both ways. You can look at this and say, if&#160;Costco gets a whole bunch of new members and&#160;gets people who wouldn't otherwise consider a Costco membership, and&#160;it locks them in, because we know they're so good at retention, then&#160;this is totally worth it.</p>
<p>Taylor Muckerman: That's&#160;the way I'm looking at it.</p>
<p>Hill: Is&#160;that how you're looking at it?</p>
<p>Muckerman: That's&#160;how I'm looking at it, yeah.</p>
<p>Hill: Go on.&#160;[laughs] Please continue.</p>
<p>Muckerman: They're doing well.&#160;I think this is a better deal for Groupon, because it's actually a compelling offer. It's a gift that keeps on giving, a Costco membership. You get in there,&#160;if you've never been in, and all of a sudden for $20 you get the chance to stroll in there and see what it's all about. They have a very hard sell when you go in there. It's easy&#160;to be completely blown away by the difference of the availability in there&#160;from your traditional store. And&#160;it's doing well. I looked at the sell-off&#160;from the&#160;Amazon-Whole Foods&#160;deal as a potential entry point for myself. I don't own the stock, but when I saw that stock sell off the way it did ...&#160;I've been wanting some of it for myself for a little while now.&#160;I haven't pulled the trigger yet, but&#160;it's still selling at that reasonable price, compared to historical numbers. Yeah, this doesn't worry me&#160;from a Costco perspective at all.</p>
<p>Hill: Jason?</p>
<p>Jason Moser:&#160;Yeah.&#160;I think the knee-jerk reaction for the skeptic would be, "This is the&#160;beginning of the end. We told you so; Costco is on the way out." You&#160;can't look at it that way at all.</p>
<p>Hill: I'll just say, I didn't think it was the beginning of the end, but I did make that, [groans].</p>
<p>Muckerman: I do like the thought process.</p>
<p>Moser: Like, "I don't like that."</p>
<p>Muckerman: You're being&#160;associated with Groupon.</p>
<p>Hill: Groupon?</p>
<p>Moser: So this is marketing, plain and simple, for Costco. It's a way for them to&#160;reach out to an audience they have yet to capture. And&#160;you both made the point -- this really gives them a chance to bring new members in and&#160;then do what they do best in retaining them. Now,&#160;whether it works,&#160;that's the question. It's not going to cost them anything to try. But&#160;I do think this at least makes the question mark&#160;as to how attractive a model this is going forward for younger generations of shoppers. I think it makes that question mark&#160;the little bit more pronounced,&#160;because there are obviously&#160;plenty of different options out there today. You don't necessarily need to be a member to do warehouse-style shopping. There are more convenient ways to do it.</p>
<p>So Costco is a very good, very customer-centric business&#160;that has done something well for a really long time, and I don't expect that to change at all. But the growth prospects for the company going forward aren't&#160;the most attractive in the world. If I have $1,000 to plunk down on&#160;Amazon&#160;or Costco,&#160;I'm going to take Amazon 10 times out of 10. But I think Costco has a place in the portfolio, if you're looking for some sort of defensive play there,&#160;a little bit of a less volatile holding. They are a very&#160;customer-centric company. I really wish that ... man, they buy back shares, and&#160;with a company like this, that share count needs to come down and it goes up. That's just&#160;something I can't get past for whatever reason.</p>
<p>Hill: That&#160;seems like you're doing it wrong, if you're&#160;buying back shares and the share count goes up.</p>
<p>Moser: You know, you can't really tell that as shareholder-friendly.</p>
<p>Muckerman: No.</p>
<p>Moser: And the fact that they took out $3 billion in debt&#160;to pay that dividend. I&#160;think that's an acknowledgment from management that&#160;it's going to be tough times in the days ahead&#160;for capital appreciation on the stock, so&#160;they are rewarding those shareholders today. But yeah,&#160;this is a way to reach out to an audience that they haven't really been able to crack yet, and if it brings a few people in, that's great. They'll probably retain a lot of them.</p>
<p>Hill: And&#160;if you're on Groupon's mailing list,&#160;you're going to know pretty quickly whether or not this is working for Costco,&#160;because if it is, you can probably expect to see a lot more of them.</p>
<p>John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFWizard/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=1665a2e4-77b5-11e7-a235-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Chris Hill</a> owns shares of Amazon and Whole Foods Market. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFJMo/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=1665a2e4-77b5-11e7-a235-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Jason Moser</a> owns shares of Whole Foods Market. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFrunAMuck/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=1665a2e4-77b5-11e7-a235-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Taylor Muckerman</a> owns shares of Amazon. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool owns shares of Whole Foods Market. 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=1665a2e4-77b5-11e7-a235-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy</a>.</p> | true | 0 | marketfoolery segment host chris hill million dollar portfolios jason moser stock advisor canadas taylor muckerman dip fool mailbag find question marketing promotion costco nasdaq cost160may minor worry based amazons160purchase whole foods may headed toward less aggressive growth using groupon nasdaq grpn attract new members isnt necessarily bad idea full transcript follows video continue reading 10 stocks like better costco wholesalewhen 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 costco wholesale wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click learn picks stock advisor returns august 1 2017 video recorded july 31 2017 advertisement chris hill matt holzman who160forwarded email wrote i160just saw this160groupon160and couldnt help wonder discounting the160costco160membership new signal of160decline would love thoughts as160i said forwarded a160groupon email got and160the main promotion featured oneyear costco gold star membership comes 20 costco cash card160and exclusive coupons and160you get 60 gold star membership costco one year costs 55 cut ways look say if160costco gets whole bunch new members and160gets people wouldnt otherwise consider costco membership and160it locks know theyre good retention then160this totally worth taylor muckerman thats160the way im looking hill is160that youre looking muckerman thats160how im looking yeah hill go on160laughs please continue muckerman theyre well160i think better deal groupon actually compelling offer gift keeps giving costco membership get there160if youve never sudden 20 get chance stroll see hard sell go easy160to completely blown away difference availability there160from traditional store and160its well looked selloff160from the160amazonwhole foods160deal potential entry point dont stock saw stock sell way 160ive wanting little now160i havent pulled trigger yet but160its still selling reasonable price compared historical numbers yeah doesnt worry me160from costco perspective hill jason jason moser160yeah160i think kneejerk reaction skeptic would the160beginning end told costco way you160cant look way hill ill say didnt think beginning end make groans muckerman like thought process moser like dont like muckerman youre being160associated groupon hill groupon moser marketing plain simple costco way to160reach audience yet capture and160you made point really gives chance bring new members and160then best retaining now160whether works160thats question going cost anything try but160i think least makes question mark160as attractive model going forward younger generations shoppers think makes question mark160the little bit pronounced160because obviously160plenty different options today dont necessarily need member warehousestyle shopping convenient ways costco good customercentric business160that done something well really long time dont expect change growth prospects company going forward arent160the attractive world 1000 plunk on160amazon160or costco160im going take amazon 10 times 10 think costco place portfolio youre looking sort defensive play there160a little bit less volatile holding very160customercentric company really wish man buy back shares and160with company like share count needs come goes thats just160something cant get past whatever reason hill that160seems like youre wrong youre160buying back shares share count goes moser know cant really tell shareholderfriendly muckerman moser fact took 3 billion debt160to pay dividend i160think thats acknowledgment management that160its going tough times days ahead160for capital appreciation stock so160they rewarding shareholders today yeah160this way reach audience havent really able crack yet brings people thats great theyll probably retain lot hill and160if youre groupons mailing list160youre going know pretty quickly whether working costco160because probably expect see lot john mackey ceo whole foods market member motley fools board directors chris hill owns shares amazon whole foods market jason moser owns shares whole foods market taylor muckerman owns shares amazon motley fool owns shares recommends amazon costco wholesale motley fool owns shares whole foods market motley fool disclosure policy | 586 |
<p />
<p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-8KbXqVIP8/UcdNycLD5_I/AAAAAAAAHq0/jwJGLBu3Fns/s1600/patriot+act2.jpg" type="external" />It was the OJ car chase revisited…Snowden was in the air…he was going to Moscow…he was going to Cuba…he was going to Iceland…he was going to Ecuador…he circled and went back to Hong Kong…stay tuned as the circus continues.</p>
<p>And the infamous WikiLeaks was the ringmaster of this circus, a role they happily took on when issuing this statement:</p>
<p>“Mr Edward Snowden, the American whistleblower who exposed evidence of a global surveillance regime conducted by US and UK intelligence agencies, has left Hong Kong legally. He is bound for a democratic nation via a safe route for the purposes of asylum, and is being escorted by diplomats and legal advisors from WikiLeaks”</p>
<p />
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>“Mr Snowden requested that WikiLeaks use its legal expertise and experience to secure his safety. Once Mr. Snowden arrives at his final destination his request will be formally processed.”</p>
<p>NOW there’s a real trusted source of information and protection for you (gag).</p>
<p>And while we had asked Hong Kong to issue a provisional arrest warrant for Snowden, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region said there were problems with the request.</p>
<p>“Since the documents provided by the U.S. government did not fully comply with the legal requirements under Hong Kong law, the HKSAR government has requested the U.S. government to provide additional information,” Hong Kong officials said.</p>
<p>Adding because Hong Kong didn’t have enough information,“there is no legal basis to restrict Mr. Snowden from leaving Hong Kong,” and so Snowden supposedly left the country.</p>
<p>Yeah right…how about he was let go because that was the plan all along…for what Snowden supposedly ‘exposed’ was made public long ago.</p>
<p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QSuP_SK7XJk/UcdNhb-iZrI/AAAAAAAAHqo/QjjRQR1aJsk/s1600/patriot+act.png" type="external" />On October 4, 2001 in the aftermath of 9/11, President Bush authorized the NSA to track suspected terrorists by monitoring domestic communications without a warrant. However, the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act prohibited the government from eavesdropping inside the United States without first getting a warrant from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (known as the FISA court), so he had to work around this and thus the Patriot Act came into being…well intentions turned into a nightmare.</p>
<p>And on October 26, 2001, Bush signed the Patriot Act into law, thus expanded the government’s electronic surveillance powers. Bush said, “The existing law was written in the era of rotary telephones. This new law that I sign today will allow surveillance of all communications used by terrorists, including emails, the internet, and cellphones”.</p>
<p>Notice the word ‘terrorists’ NOT American citizens…NOT ‘We the People’.</p>
<p>And none of that was ever kept hidden from the public. In fact, in February 2002, The New York Times reported that the Information Awareness Office, a Pentagon agency, “is developing technologies to give federal officials instant access to vast new surveillance and information-analysis systems” and in November they reported on “a vast electronic dragnet” that could sweep up electronic and voice communications as well as financial data.</p>
<p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bCISBK6MN_I/UcdN2cJkBgI/AAAAAAAAHq4/quWQi4kesis/s1600/patriot+act3.jpg" type="external" />Fast forward to 2006 when USA Today reported that the NSA has diverted from Bush’s original intent, and had been tracking tens of millions of Americans’ phone calls using data provided by AT&amp;T, Verizon, and BellSouth…data they claimed was needed if they had even an inkling of a reason to believe those ‘targeted’ were connected to foreign terrorists or terrorist organizations.</p>
<p>And major newspapers reported on other incidents like this over the years including a New York Times report back in May 2006 stating that immunity had been given to phone companies that had participated in the NSA’s warrantless wiretapping program, and in June 2009 the New York Times reported that private information was being disseminated by Facebook and Google among others.</p>
<p>The difference now from what Bush did then is that Barack HUSSEIN Obama is willfully and deliberately misapplying the intent of the Patriot Act to allow expanded domestic surveillance…spying…on people they know in NO way have connections to terrorists or terrorist organizations.</p>
<p>So Snowden did NOT report…expose… whistleblow…on anything that wasn’t already known and reported on, therefore, NO acts of treason have been committed and NO damage has been done to the United States by his supposed disclosures making this entire situation a ruse of the first degree…a ruse to divert us away from a truth that has been almost a year in coming…a diversion to keep us focused on a scandal that was NEVER a scandal to begin with.</p>
<p>And as events unfold, I now believe Snowden is working for ‘someone’…was sent to Hong Kong by ‘someone’…is being paid by ‘someone’…will get asylum (it seems like in Ecuador) with the help of ‘someone’…all to keep us baited and focused on leaks that are NOT leaks at all for all this information was always out there…one just had to search newspaper archives or the internet to find it.</p>
<p>And who is that ‘someone’…who has the major amount of money and power needed to pull this off…only one name comes to mind…the ‘puppet master’ himself…Mr. George Soros…for the ‘anointed one’ must be protected at all costs.</p>
<p>NO leaks NO scandal…yet someone is obviously being being protected…so what is behind all this…what would cause such a scandal to be concocted…the one and only scandal that must permanently be made to go away is…in a word…Benghazi.&#160; Benghazi…the stuff of murder…cover-ups…aiding and abetting the enemy…orders to ‘stand down’… gun and weapons running…true treason committed by this president of the United States and his former secretary of state.</p>
<p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PXC1kMxSKs/UcdO6fJXHXI/AAAAAAAAHrI/6JvlckNu2yg/s1600/benghzi-ghosts.jpg" type="external" />Benghazi…the Obama called ‘bump in the road’…the only thing that can actually take down this president and his administration, and they know it…and thus the NSA leaks were born so that the word ‘treason’ would be shouldered by another…willingly it seems…willingly and for a high price I would assume…someone who didn’t mind taking the heat off Barack HUSSEIN Obama and Hillary Clinton for as long as possible so that attention would be diverted away from the fact that on June 26th General Carter Ham, head of AFRICOM during the Benghazi attack, testifies before the House Armed Services Committee on the events of that night (in a closed hearing and there would only be one reason for it to be held behind closed doors), and I’m willing to bet that it won’t be pretty…and notice NOT a mention of it in the media.</p>
<p>Benghazi…the ghosts of four dead Americans taint everything this miserable excuse of a president and his administration do, concoct, and cover-up, but maybe now those ghosts will finally be able to Rest in Peace…and it might just take this phony scandal to do it.</p>
<p><a href="http://thepatriotfactor.blogspot.com/2013/06/op-ed-nsa-leaks-are-not-leaks-but.html" type="external">http://thepatriotfactor.blogspot.com/2013/06/op-ed-nsa-leaks-are-not-leaks-but.ht</a></p> | true | 0 | oj car chase revisitedsnowden airhe going moscowhe going cubahe going icelandhe going ecuadorhe circled went back hong kongstay tuned circus continues infamous wikileaks ringmaster circus role happily took issuing statement mr edward snowden american whistleblower exposed evidence global surveillance regime conducted us uk intelligence agencies left hong kong legally bound democratic nation via safe route purposes asylum escorted diplomats legal advisors wikileaks 160 mr snowden requested wikileaks use legal expertise experience secure safety mr snowden arrives final destination request formally processed theres real trusted source information protection gag asked hong kong issue provisional arrest warrant snowden hong kong special administrative region said problems request since documents provided us government fully comply legal requirements hong kong law hksar government requested us government provide additional information hong kong officials said adding hong kong didnt enough informationthere legal basis restrict mr snowden leaving hong kong snowden supposedly left country yeah righthow let go plan alongfor snowden supposedly exposed made public long ago october 4 2001 aftermath 911 president bush authorized nsa track suspected terrorists monitoring domestic communications without warrant however 1978 foreign intelligence surveillance act prohibited government eavesdropping inside united states without first getting warrant foreign intelligence surveillance court known fisa court work around thus patriot act came beingwell intentions turned nightmare october 26 2001 bush signed patriot act law thus expanded governments electronic surveillance powers bush said existing law written era rotary telephones new law sign today allow surveillance communications used terrorists including emails internet cellphones notice word terrorists american citizensnot people none ever kept hidden public fact february 2002 new york times reported information awareness office pentagon agency developing technologies give federal officials instant access vast new surveillance informationanalysis systems november reported vast electronic dragnet could sweep electronic voice communications well financial data fast forward 2006 usa today reported nsa diverted bushs original intent tracking tens millions americans phone calls using data provided atampt verizon bellsouthdata claimed needed even inkling reason believe targeted connected foreign terrorists terrorist organizations major newspapers reported incidents like years including new york times report back may 2006 stating immunity given phone companies participated nsas warrantless wiretapping program june 2009 new york times reported private information disseminated facebook google among others difference bush barack hussein obama willfully deliberately misapplying intent patriot act allow expanded domestic surveillancespyingon people know way connections terrorists terrorist organizations snowden reportexpose whistleblowon anything wasnt already known reported therefore acts treason committed damage done united states supposed disclosures making entire situation ruse first degreea ruse divert us away truth almost year cominga diversion keep us focused scandal never scandal begin events unfold believe snowden working someonewas sent hong kong someoneis paid someonewill get asylum seems like ecuador help someoneall keep us baited focused leaks leaks information always thereone search newspaper archives internet find someonewho major amount money power needed pull offonly one name comes mindthe puppet master himselfmr george sorosfor anointed one must protected costs leaks scandalyet someone obviously protectedso behind thiswhat would cause scandal concoctedthe one scandal must permanently made go away isin wordbenghazi160 benghazithe stuff murdercoverupsaiding abetting enemyorders stand gun weapons runningtrue treason committed president united states former secretary state benghazithe obama called bump roadthe thing actually take president administration know itand thus nsa leaks born word treason would shouldered anotherwillingly seemswillingly high price would assumesomeone didnt mind taking heat barack hussein obama hillary clinton long possible attention would diverted away fact june 26th general carter ham head africom benghazi attack testifies house armed services committee events night closed hearing would one reason held behind closed doors im willing bet wont prettyand notice mention media benghazithe ghosts four dead americans taint everything miserable excuse president administration concoct coverup maybe ghosts finally able rest peaceand might take phony scandal httpthepatriotfactorblogspotcom201306opednsaleaksarenotleaksbutht | 617 |
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<p>Nobody decides to sell a home overnight. Getting the best price for your home, with the least amount of stress, takes time and planning.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Here are the five steps you should follow as you prepare to put your home on the market.</p>
<p>1. Learn Your Home’s Market Value</p>
<p>Most homeowners have a relatively good idea of their home’s value. They get fliers in the mail, look at nearby homes for sale online, or even go to open houses. Maybe they recently refinanced and saw an appraisal.</p>
<p>But when it comes time to think about selling, you need a firm idea of your home’s “market” value. Market value is what a buyer is willing to pay on the open market.</p>
<p>Having a local agent look at your home is the first step toward getting a practical idea of your home’s value. Any good agent would welcome the opportunity to meet a potential seller and put together what insiders call a&#160; <a href="http://www.zillow.com/wikipages/Comparative-Market-Analysis-(CMA)/" type="external">Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) Opens a New Window.</a>. After touring your home, the agent will get back to you with some information about the market, recent comparable sales and an opinion of your&#160;home’s value. Even if you’re months or years away from selling, having an agent over early on engages you in the process and allows you to start gathering information.</p>
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<p>2. Assess Your Home’s Physical Condition</p>
<p>Every homeowner thinks of their home as simply their home: a place to live and make memories. But when you look to sell, you should start thinking like a seller. That means seeing your home as a ‘product’ and its potential for sale on the open market. By looking at it this way, you’ll understand that the deep purple living room paint or the overly cluttered office, which doubles as a guest room, may not look enticing to buyers.</p>
<p>In most cases, you’ll have some work to do to sell your home. A good agent, along with a CMA, will give you ideas for home improvements to consider. This could be as minor as moving things into storage or as major as a full paint job with kitchen and bathroom renovations.</p>
<p>Additionally, you need to know your home’s overall condition. A&#160; <a href="http://www.zillow.com/home-buying-guide/home-inspection-checklist/" type="external">property inspection Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;could be an excellent investment. If you discover you need a new roof or that the furnace is about to expire, you’ll have time to address it before a buyer catches it. Ultimately, this can save you time and money. Knowing what your home needs, early in the process, will help orient you towards a successful sale.</p>
<p>3. Start Watching the Comps</p>
<p>The train to a successful home sale truly pulls out of the station once you’ve gathered all of the information. Armed with knowledge about your home’s current market value and what you would need to make it “market ready,” you should start watching the comps, going to open houses and fully engaging with the local real estate market. The more homes you see, either in person or via your agent (who should be keeping you in the loop), the better you’ll understand what it will take to get your home sold. Pay attention to how homes that go before yours fare on the market. Get a sense for what the highest and best price would be for your home in your neighborhood.</p>
<p>4. Do Your Homework</p>
<p>After speaking to a good local agent, you may have any number of assignments or things to do before you can list your home for sale. Start speaking to painters, general ‘fix-it’ contractors, landscapers, and stagers. Ask your agent for referrals. Get bids for what would need to be done. Start understanding how much work you’re willing to do, what needs to be fixed and how much you want to spend. Working with your agent, prioritize the work and get things lined up.</p>
<p>In this next generation of real estate, sellers need to stay one step ahead of buyers. Google your address, check your home’s records with the building department, check your title report and find out as much as a buyer would if they were about to make an offer on your home. Things come up, and it’s better to find and fix them now — before you get into contract with the buyer.</p>
<p>5. Set a Deadline and Get to Work</p>
<p>You and your agent should pick a date to get the property officially “listed” and then work back from there to plan the work. Your home should be “open house ready” for the photo shoot. Listing photos are people’s first impression of your home today. While&#160;curb appeal&#160;still matters, photos are the single most important part. Plan to get all the work done before the photo shoot. The hardest part for most sellers is these weeks and months leading up to a sale. Once the home is on the market, the home is out there, in its full glory for all the buyers to see.</p>
<p>No two homeowners or sellers are alike, of course. The process is filled with bumps along the way, and red flags can appear out of nowhere. Engaging with a good local real estate agent early on in the process is the best first step to becoming a successful home seller. Take your time and do your due diligence. The more you plan, the better off you’ll be and the quicker your home will sell — and for top dollar.</p>
<p>Read More Zillow:</p>
<p>Brendon DeSimone is the author of&#160; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Next-Generation-Estate-Brendon-DeSimone-ebook/dp/B00HZ4DZ2E" type="external">Next Generation Real Estate: New Rules for Smarter Home Buying &amp; Faster Selling Opens a New Window.</a>, the go-to insider’s guide for navigating and better understanding the complex and ever-evolving world of buying and selling a home. DeSimone is the founder and principal of DeSimone &amp; Co, an independent&#160; <a href="http://www.brendondesimone.com/real-estate-nyc/" type="external">NYC real estate Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;brokerage providing individualized services and a fresh, hands-on approach. Bringing more than a decade of residential real estate experience, DeSimone is a recognized national real estate expert and has appeared on top media outlets including CNBC, Good Morning America, HGTV, FOX News, Bloomberg and FOX Business. Consumers often call on Brendon for advice and to help them&#160; <a href="http://www.brendondesimone.com/how-to-find-a-real-estate-agent/" type="external">find a real estate agent Opens a New Window.</a>. You can follow him on&#160; <a href="http://www.twitter.com/brendondesimone" type="external">Twitter Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;or&#160; <a href="https://plus.google.com/107245760115680999593" type="external">Google Plus Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | nobody decides sell home overnight getting best price home least amount stress takes time planning continue reading five steps follow prepare put home market 1 learn homes market value homeowners relatively good idea homes value get fliers mail look nearby homes sale online even go open houses maybe recently refinanced saw appraisal comes time think selling need firm idea homes market value market value buyer willing pay open market local agent look home first step toward getting practical idea homes value good agent would welcome opportunity meet potential seller put together insiders call a160 comparative market analysis cma opens new window touring home agent get back information market recent comparable sales opinion your160homes value even youre months years away selling agent early engages process allows start gathering information advertisement 2 assess homes physical condition every homeowner thinks home simply home place live make memories look sell start thinking like seller means seeing home product potential sale open market looking way youll understand deep purple living room paint overly cluttered office doubles guest room may look enticing buyers cases youll work sell home good agent along cma give ideas home improvements consider could minor moving things storage major full paint job kitchen bathroom renovations additionally need know homes overall condition a160 property inspection opens new window160could excellent investment discover need new roof furnace expire youll time address buyer catches ultimately save time money knowing home needs early process help orient towards successful sale 3 start watching comps train successful home sale truly pulls station youve gathered information armed knowledge homes current market value would need make market ready start watching comps going open houses fully engaging local real estate market homes see either person via agent keeping loop better youll understand take get home sold pay attention homes go fare market get sense highest best price would home neighborhood 4 homework speaking good local agent may number assignments things list home sale start speaking painters general fixit contractors landscapers stagers ask agent referrals get bids would need done start understanding much work youre willing needs fixed much want spend working agent prioritize work get things lined next generation real estate sellers need stay one step ahead buyers google address check homes records building department check title report find much buyer would make offer home things come better find fix get contract buyer 5 set deadline get work agent pick date get property officially listed work back plan work home open house ready photo shoot listing photos peoples first impression home today while160curb appeal160still matters photos single important part plan get work done photo shoot hardest part sellers weeks months leading sale home market home full glory buyers see two homeowners sellers alike course process filled bumps along way red flags appear nowhere engaging good local real estate agent early process best first step becoming successful home seller take time due diligence plan better youll quicker home sell top dollar read zillow brendon desimone author of160 next generation real estate new rules smarter home buying amp faster selling opens new window goto insiders guide navigating better understanding complex everevolving world buying selling home desimone founder principal desimone amp co independent160 nyc real estate opens new window160brokerage providing individualized services fresh handson approach bringing decade residential real estate experience desimone recognized national real estate expert appeared top media outlets including cnbc good morning america hgtv fox news bloomberg fox business consumers often call brendon advice help them160 find real estate agent opens new window follow on160 twitter opens new window160or160 google plus opens new window | 592 |
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<p>Next month Americans will experience the fifteenth anniversary of the time that the President of the United States shook his finger at the country and informed it, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky. I never told anybody to lie, not a single time; never."</p>
<p>Bill Clinton was lying. But the lie was more significant than the thing that he was lying about.</p>
<p>When the lie came crashing down, Clinton and his defenders deconstructed the English language, questioning the meaning of every word in his sentence rather than admit that the lie was a lie.&#160;</p>
<p>Given a choice between telling the truth or challenging the definitions of such words as "sex" and "is," they decided to burn their dictionary.</p>
<p>Clinton's antics set the stage for a current administration which can never be caught in a lie because it's lying all the time. <a href="https://freedomoutpost.com/2014/11/900-documented-examples-obamas-lawbreaking-lying-corruption-cronyism-hypocrisy-waste/" type="external">Obama and his people don't just lie</a>, they <a href="https://freedomoutpost.com/2014/11/really-surprised-lies-obamacare/" type="external">lie about the lies</a> and then they <a href="https://freedomoutpost.com/2014/11/democrats-lie-theyre-too-arrogant-not-to/" type="external">lie about those lies</a>. Bringing them in to testify just clogs the filters with an <a href="https://freedomoutpost.com/2014/12/obamacare-architect-gruber-gets-gowdyed/" type="external">extra layer of lies</a>.</p>
<p>Invite Gruber to testify about the time that he admitted that the administration had been lying and the only thing that will happen is more lies being told by a man who is there only because he lied.&#160;</p>
<p>Like the old lady who explained her cosmology to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bertrand-Russell/e/B000AP6YJG/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;qid=1418655683&amp;sr=8-2-ent&amp;tag=freedomoutpos-20&amp;linkId=ZQGPLRRZATLLQ7AG" type="external">Bertrand Russell</a> as being "turtles all the way down," with modern progressives it's lies all the way down.</p>
<p>Lena Dunham served up a rape accusation against a conservative Republican named Barry only to hide behind the ambiguity of being an unreliable narrator. The unreliable narrator likewise takes the stage at the University of Virginia where a high profile case has dissolved into contradictory stories in which it becomes difficult to tell whether it was the reporter or her subject who was doing the lying.</p>
<p>The unreliable narrator has crossed over from a fictional device in novels to memoirs, journalism and into politics. Journalists repeatedly dismissed ObamaCare scandals by arguing that no one could have taken Obama's claims at face value anyway. When <a href="https://freedomoutpost.com/2013/05/obamacare-about-that-whole-if-you-like-your-health-care-plan-you-can-keep-it-thing/" type="external">Obama promised Americans that they could keep their doctors</a>, the housewife in Topeka, the freelance programmer in San Francisco and the geologist in Tulsa were supposed to be as knowing as the Washington press corps and realize that he didn't mean it.</p>
<p>Like Lena Dunham, Obama was an unreliable narrator. No one was ever supposed to expect the truth from him. The significance of Bill Clinton was not in his affairs, but in his cynicism. He got away with lying by dismissing the idea that anyone should have ever expected the truth from him. Obama expanded on his work by eliminating the base truth underneath the lies.</p>
<p>The device of the unreliable narrator puts truth out of reach. It says that there is no such thing as truth, only various perspectives on an event.</p>
<p>Lena Dunham doesn't claim to be providing facts, only different versions of a story. The facts themselves cannot be retrieved because there are no facts. The man in question is no longer named Barry. Every descriptive detail about him might be equally false. The whole thing may never have happened, but it's important to believe that it happened without ever expecting it to be true.</p>
<p>This is the Doublethink state of our progressive Oceania. We are expected to believe a lie while remembering that it's a lie and therefore never really fooled us or caused anyone any harm.&#160;</p>
<p>We were supposed to believe Obama's assurances about ObamaCare while knowing them not to be true. We are supposed to believe Lena Dunham and Jackie and <a href="http://sonsoflibertymedia.com/2014/11/obamacare-architect-stupidity-american-voter-helped-us-pass-law/" type="external">Gruber</a> while disbelieving them. "The essential act of the Party is to use conscious deception while retaining the firmness of purpose that goes with complete honesty," <a href="http://www.amazon.com/George-Orwell/e/B000AQ0KKY/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;qid=1418655943&amp;sr=8-2-ent&amp;tag=freedomoutpos-20&amp;linkId=Q7QRGZ7TGO6PHP4G" type="external">Orwell</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451524934/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0451524934&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=freedomoutpos-20&amp;linkId=LIIXNPISZ72WEUDJ" type="external">wrote</a>.</p>
<p>The conscious deceptions of the modern Doublethinkers depend on them telling a lie in the service of the greater truth. That pursuit of a greater truth built out of lies is what motivated a Rolling Stone article about fraternity rapists that even Mike Nifong would have turned his nose up at or Gruber's arrogant truths about lying. The greater truth gives them the firmness of purpose and the complete honesty.</p>
<p>Lena Dunham in BuzzFeed, the apologists for ObamaCare and the <a href="" type="internal">activist cheerleaders for Rolling Stone</a>, insist that the facts are a technicality that is obstructing the greater truth. And the greater truth is a worldview that is out of the reach of facts and can never be disproven.</p>
<p>Bill Clinton and his allies deconstructed the English language rather than admit a lie. Their successors deconstruct reality. They deny that objective truth exists or even matters. They didn't lie because there is no such thing as truth. There are perspectives, some of which agree with Bill Clinton's version of reality or Lena Dunham's version of reality. And then there is Obama's version of reality.&#160;</p>
<p>Obama is the nexus of Doublethink. He is the man whom reporters have denounced as the greatest enemy of press freedom in a generation and whom they compulsively defend with every possible lie. Why do journalists protect and serve the man who threatened them, bugged and even tried to lock them up? They too have long ago become unreliable narrators of their own profession.</p>
<p>In the absence of facts, there can be no reality. There is only ideology.</p>
<p>Obama doesn't simply lie. He exists in a truth-free zone. He doesn't stumble with any construction as clumsy as Kerry's "I actually did vote for the $87 billion, before I voted against it." He does not start with truthful facts. His starting point is in an imaginary territory. It ends in an imaginary territory. If the two imaginary territories are different, it scarcely matters because neither place was ever real.</p>
<p>When he came into office, Obama insisted that we had to pivot to fighting Al Qaeda in Afghanistan even though it was no longer in Afghanistan. He went on claiming victory over an enemy that didn't exist while dismissing <a href="https://freedomoutpost.com/2014/08/white-house-press-secretary-dodges-question-whether-isis-jv-team/" type="external">ISIS as a jayvee team</a> even when it was capturing entire cities in Iraq.</p>
<p>These weren't mere lies. This was a foreign policy being conducted in an imaginary territory. It was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0780622561/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0780622561&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=freedomoutpos-20&amp;linkId=MWSWUIC4S4WTUF3O" type="external">Wag the Dog</a> being played out in real life. But then again what is real around Obama anyway?</p>
<p>Bill Clinton lied. Obama tells stories. None of these stories have anything to do with reality. Lena Dunham's biography is a peek into a disordered mind that is incapable of grasping the concept of truth. In her world there are no facts, only stories that elicit emotional reactions. Obama's entire career rests on the same technique of telling stories for emotional effect without any regard for reality.</p>
<p>ObamaCare was an ugly, collectivist, bureaucratic dinosaur clothed in imaginary stories. The stories about it, about the economy, about the war are still being told. Added to it are <a href="http://sonsoflibertymedia.com/2014/11/ferguson-conspiracy-exposed/" type="external">new stories about racism</a>. The stories are passionate, compelling and appealing. They are also completely unreal.&#160;</p>
<p>Progressives don't only live in a post-American world; they live in a post-Truth world. A world without facts and without truth is one in which the America that was cannot exist.&#160;</p>
<p>America had prospered because of a firm belief in a discoverable and exploitable reality. That was the country that could build skyscrapers and fleets in a year. Post-Truth America has little interest in big buildings because it's too busy enacting a psychodrama in which the earth is about to be destroyed. And fleets, like horses and bayonets and facts, are 19th century toys that are much less interesting than the manipulation of people through lies and deceit.</p>
<p>Lena Dunham's Barry and Obama's Barry are both imaginary creatures. They are the sophisticated products of disordered minds and a disordered civilization whose leading figures lie as instinctively and as shamelessly as any pre-rational culture that could not distinguish between lies and truth.</p>
<p><a href="http://sultanknish.blogspot.com/2014/12/life-in-post-truth-america.html" type="external">Source</a></p> | true | 0 | next month americans experience fifteenth anniversary time president united states shook finger country informed sexual relations woman miss lewinsky never told anybody lie single time never bill clinton lying lie significant thing lying lie came crashing clinton defenders deconstructed english language questioning meaning every word sentence rather admit lie lie160 given choice telling truth challenging definitions words sex decided burn dictionary clintons antics set stage current administration never caught lie lying time obama people dont lie lie lies lie lies bringing testify clogs filters extra layer lies invite gruber testify time admitted administration lying thing happen lies told man lied160 like old lady explained cosmology bertrand russell turtles way modern progressives lies way lena dunham served rape accusation conservative republican named barry hide behind ambiguity unreliable narrator unreliable narrator likewise takes stage university virginia high profile case dissolved contradictory stories becomes difficult tell whether reporter subject lying unreliable narrator crossed fictional device novels memoirs journalism politics journalists repeatedly dismissed obamacare scandals arguing one could taken obamas claims face value anyway obama promised americans could keep doctors housewife topeka freelance programmer san francisco geologist tulsa supposed knowing washington press corps realize didnt mean like lena dunham obama unreliable narrator one ever supposed expect truth significance bill clinton affairs cynicism got away lying dismissing idea anyone ever expected truth obama expanded work eliminating base truth underneath lies device unreliable narrator puts truth reach says thing truth various perspectives event lena dunham doesnt claim providing facts different versions story facts retrieved facts man question longer named barry every descriptive detail might equally false whole thing may never happened important believe happened without ever expecting true doublethink state progressive oceania expected believe lie remembering lie therefore never really fooled us caused anyone harm160 supposed believe obamas assurances obamacare knowing true supposed believe lena dunham jackie gruber disbelieving essential act party use conscious deception retaining firmness purpose goes complete honesty orwell wrote conscious deceptions modern doublethinkers depend telling lie service greater truth pursuit greater truth built lies motivated rolling stone article fraternity rapists even mike nifong would turned nose grubers arrogant truths lying greater truth gives firmness purpose complete honesty lena dunham buzzfeed apologists obamacare activist cheerleaders rolling stone insist facts technicality obstructing greater truth greater truth worldview reach facts never disproven bill clinton allies deconstructed english language rather admit lie successors deconstruct reality deny objective truth exists even matters didnt lie thing truth perspectives agree bill clintons version reality lena dunhams version reality obamas version reality160 obama nexus doublethink man reporters denounced greatest enemy press freedom generation compulsively defend every possible lie journalists protect serve man threatened bugged even tried lock long ago become unreliable narrators profession absence facts reality ideology obama doesnt simply lie exists truthfree zone doesnt stumble construction clumsy kerrys actually vote 87 billion voted start truthful facts starting point imaginary territory ends imaginary territory two imaginary territories different scarcely matters neither place ever real came office obama insisted pivot fighting al qaeda afghanistan even though longer afghanistan went claiming victory enemy didnt exist dismissing isis jayvee team even capturing entire cities iraq werent mere lies foreign policy conducted imaginary territory wag dog played real life real around obama anyway bill clinton lied obama tells stories none stories anything reality lena dunhams biography peek disordered mind incapable grasping concept truth world facts stories elicit emotional reactions obamas entire career rests technique telling stories emotional effect without regard reality obamacare ugly collectivist bureaucratic dinosaur clothed imaginary stories stories economy war still told added new stories racism stories passionate compelling appealing also completely unreal160 progressives dont live postamerican world live posttruth world world without facts without truth one america exist160 america prospered firm belief discoverable exploitable reality country could build skyscrapers fleets year posttruth america little interest big buildings busy enacting psychodrama earth destroyed fleets like horses bayonets facts 19th century toys much less interesting manipulation people lies deceit lena dunhams barry obamas barry imaginary creatures sophisticated products disordered minds disordered civilization whose leading figures lie instinctively shamelessly prerational culture could distinguish lies truth source | 672 |
<p>Paul Ryan, Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush, John McCain, John Kasich, Lindsey Graham <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/02/06/records-soros-fund-execs-funded-paul-ryan-marco-rubio-jeb-bush-john-mccain-john-kasich-lindsey-graham-in-2016/" type="external">in 2016 all received funding from Soros.</a> This might not come as a shock to you, due to the character of these candidates. These jacka**es should never be called Republicans ever again. Let them wonder over to the other side.</p>
<p>Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) 10,800</p>
<p>John McCain (R-AZ) $2,500,</p>
<p>John Kasich (R-OH) 2,700</p>
<p>Lindsey Graham (R-SC) 3,500</p>
<p>Jeb Bush (R) 2,700</p>
<p>Marco Rubio (R-FL) 2,700</p>
<p>by&#160; <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/author/matthew-boyle/" type="external">MATTHEW BOYLE</a></p>
<p>Employees of a hedge fund founded by the king of the Institutional Left, billionaire and Democratic Party mega-donor George Soros, donated tens of thousands of dollars to top Republicans who fought against President Donald Trump in 2016,&#160; <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/recips.php?id=D000000306&amp;type=P&amp;state=&amp;sort=A&amp;cycle=2016" type="external">donation records compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics</a>&#160;show.</p>
<p>Soros Fund Management, a former hedge fund that serves now as an investment management firm, was founded by progressive billionaire George Soros in 1969. It has risen to become one of the most profitable hedge funds in the industry. Employees of the firm are heavily involved in backing political candidates giving millions upon millions to groups that were supporting failed 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton for the presidency.</p>
<p>But more importantly, perhaps, than the unsurprising giant lump sums of cash funneled into Democratic Party and Clinton coffers is the revelation thanks to the Center for Responsive Politics that employees of the Soros firm—now run by his son Robert Soros—pumped tens of thousands of dollars into the campaigns of top anti-Trump Republicans over the course of 2016.</p>
<p>In total, executives with the Soros-founded company pushed $36,800 into the coffers of these GOP candidates just this past cycle. That does not include Super PACs or campaign committees, which saw tens of thousands of dollars more. While these numbers for Republicans pale in comparison to the millions upon millions poured into Democratic groups, causes, and candidates, it is significant that Soros executives are making a play inside the GOP. Perhaps even more significant is the type of Republican they aim to prop up: pro-amnesty, pro-open borders on trade, and generally speaking anti-Trump. A pattern emerges when looking at the policies of the Republicans that these Soros Fund Management executives support financially.</p>
<p>The biggest recipient of Soros-connected cash in the GOP was none other than House Speaker Paul Ryan, who repeatedly attempted to undermine Trump over the course of the election. According to the records available online, the Soros firm’s workers gave $10,800 to Ryan. Included in that are&#160; <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/indivs/search.php?&amp;name=&amp;employ=Soros%20Fund%20Management&amp;cand=&amp;state=&amp;cycle=2016&amp;soft=&amp;zip=&amp;sort=R&amp;page=2" type="external">two separate</a>&#160; <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/indivs/search.php?&amp;name=&amp;employ=Soros%20Fund%20Management&amp;cand=&amp;state=&amp;cycle=2016&amp;soft=&amp;zip=&amp;sort=R&amp;page=3" type="external">May 2, 2016, donations</a>&#160;from David Rogers, a then-employee of Soros Fund Management who lives in New York City. Rogers left the Soros Fund Management firm right around that time.</p>
<p>Bloomberg&#160; <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-19/soros-traders-rogers-donfeld-leave-after-disagreeing-with-cio" type="external">reported</a>&#160;in late April 2016, just before these two separate donations to Ryan:</p>
<p>David Rogers and Joshua Donfeld, two portfolio managers at billionaire George Soros’s family office, are leaving the firm over disagreements with its new chief investment officer about the direction of global markets, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Rogers, a protege of Soros’s former chief investment strategist Stan Druckenmiller, managed a portfolio of about $3 billion at the $28 billion Soros Fund Management, said the people, who asked not to be named because the matter is private. Rogers, 38, made his name as a commodities trader, while Donfeld, 40, focuses on stock investing, said the people, adding that both men are expected to leave the family office next month.</p>
<p>Another&#160; <a href="http://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/fecimg/?201607139020437142" type="external">two separate</a>&#160; <a href="http://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/fecimg/?201607139020436465" type="external">donations to Ryan</a>&#160;came from Donfeld, both on May 2, 2016 and totaling $2,700 each. In total, that adds up to $10,800—between both Rogers and Donfeld, who were working for Soros Fund Management at the time—that they gave to Paul Ryan.</p>
<p>Ryan’s chief spokesman, Brendan Buck, has not responded to a Breitbart News’s inquiry about the donations from the Soros firm’s employees. But Ryan’s support for open borders when it comes to immigration and trade, and his backing of so-called “criminal justice reform” legislation, is in line with Soros’ worldview—and he regularly bashed Trump over the course of the 2016 election.</p>
<p>But he was hardly the only anti-Trump Republican who received cash from Soros Fund Management employees over the course of 2016. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), a failed presidential candidate, received $3,500 from the firm’s employees, according to the Center for Responsive Politics data. That includes&#160; <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/indivs/search.php?&amp;name=&amp;employ=Soros%20Fund%20Management&amp;cand=&amp;state=&amp;cycle=2016&amp;soft=&amp;zip=&amp;sort=R&amp;page=3" type="external">a $1,500 donation&#160;</a>from Soros Fund Management executive Scott Bessent. Bessent has since left the firm to work at a different hedge fund, but “oversaw George Soros’s $30 billion fortune for the last four years”&#160; <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-01-05/ex-soros-s-bessent-raises-4-5-billion-for-new-hedge-fund-firm" type="external">according to</a>&#160;an early January 2016 article in Bloomberg. The other two donations to Graham from the firm’s employees—both worth $1,000, with one on March 17, 2015, and the other on July 29, 2015—came from Alexander Cohen, an executive with Soros Fund Management.</p>
<p>Graham spokesman Kevin Bishop argues that since Soros himself didn’t give Graham money that this is not controversial.</p> | true | 0 | paul ryan marco rubio jeb bush john mccain john kasich lindsey graham 2016 received funding soros might come shock due character candidates jackaes never called republicans ever let wonder side rep paul ryan rwi 10800 john mccain raz 2500 john kasich roh 2700 lindsey graham rsc 3500 jeb bush r 2700 marco rubio rfl 2700 by160 matthew boyle employees hedge fund founded king institutional left billionaire democratic party megadonor george soros donated tens thousands dollars top republicans fought president donald trump 2016160 donation records compiled center responsive politics160show soros fund management former hedge fund serves investment management firm founded progressive billionaire george soros 1969 risen become one profitable hedge funds industry employees firm heavily involved backing political candidates giving millions upon millions groups supporting failed 2016 democratic presidential nominee hillary rodham clinton presidency importantly perhaps unsurprising giant lump sums cash funneled democratic party clinton coffers revelation thanks center responsive politics employees soros firmnow run son robert sorospumped tens thousands dollars campaigns top antitrump republicans course 2016 total executives sorosfounded company pushed 36800 coffers gop candidates past cycle include super pacs campaign committees saw tens thousands dollars numbers republicans pale comparison millions upon millions poured democratic groups causes candidates significant soros executives making play inside gop perhaps even significant type republican aim prop proamnesty proopen borders trade generally speaking antitrump pattern emerges looking policies republicans soros fund management executives support financially biggest recipient sorosconnected cash gop none house speaker paul ryan repeatedly attempted undermine trump course election according records available online soros firms workers gave 10800 ryan included are160 two separate160 may 2 2016 donations160from david rogers thenemployee soros fund management lives new york city rogers left soros fund management firm right around time bloomberg160 reported160in late april 2016 two separate donations ryan david rogers joshua donfeld two portfolio managers billionaire george soross family office leaving firm disagreements new chief investment officer direction global markets according people knowledge matter rogers protege soross former chief investment strategist stan druckenmiller managed portfolio 3 billion 28 billion soros fund management said people asked named matter private rogers 38 made name commodities trader donfeld 40 focuses stock investing said people adding men expected leave family office next month another160 two separate160 donations ryan160came donfeld may 2 2016 totaling 2700 total adds 10800between rogers donfeld working soros fund management timethat gave paul ryan ryans chief spokesman brendan buck responded breitbart newss inquiry donations soros firms employees ryans support open borders comes immigration trade backing socalled criminal justice reform legislation line soros worldviewand regularly bashed trump course 2016 election hardly antitrump republican received cash soros fund management employees course 2016 sen lindsey graham rsc failed presidential candidate received 3500 firms employees according center responsive politics data includes160 1500 donation160from soros fund management executive scott bessent bessent since left firm work different hedge fund oversaw george soross 30 billion fortune last four years160 according to160an early january 2016 article bloomberg two donations graham firms employeesboth worth 1000 one march 17 2015 july 29 2015came alexander cohen executive soros fund management graham spokesman kevin bishop argues since soros didnt give graham money controversial | 514 |
<p>Douglas MacArthur in 1945 / AP</p>
<p>BY: <a href="" type="internal">Joseph Bottum</a> June 18, 2016 5:00 am</p>
<p>To read about Douglas MacArthur, to think about the life and achievements of the American general, is to be forced to two conclusions. First, that he really was a great man. And second, that the nation was lucky to survive him.</p>
<p>Perhaps it’s a testament to the strength of America’s republican traditions, at least through those mid-twentieth-century years in which MacArthur flourished, that we didn’t collapse into constitutional crisis simply from the fact of his outsized existence. Or perhaps the nation’s survival is a testament to MacArthur’s own deeply American character and political virtues. The popular historian Arthur Herman certainly thinks so, and to prove his point, he’s penned a 900-page biography, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Douglas-MacArthur-American-Arthur-Herman/dp/0812994884/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1466188331&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=douglas+macarthur" type="external">Douglas MacArthur: American Warrior</a>.</p>
<p>These days, seventy years after&#160;the Second World War, we can forget what a figure MacArthur seemed at the time and how large was the stage on which he strode. At the end of the war, leading the Allied forces in the Pacific and assuming military governorship of Japan, he had personal command of more than a million men at arms and absolute rule over an entire country. It made him, Herman insists, "the most powerful American in history"—and given the damaged state of the rest of the world at that moment, together with the relative firepower that America deployed in 1945, one could even argue that he was the most powerful person in the history of any nation. Yes, he had checks on his command and domestic opponents happy to employ them (as his 1951 clash with President Truman proves). But no great commander has ever been entirely free from constraints, and for a moment, in the late 1940s, General Douglas MacArthur controlled power that few, if any, have ever matched.</p>
<p>It’s not surprising that many words would have been spilled over the years, trying to make sense of such a man. MacArthur’s own Reminiscences appeared in 1964, followed by Clayton James’s scholarly three-volume biography The Years of MacArthur, published from 1975 to 1985. William Manchester’s unsympathetic portrait in his 1978 American Caesar remains the most influential view, but Geoffrey Perret’s 1996 volume Old Soldiers Never Die was an important contribution.</p>
<p>Add in all the rest of what has been written about the man—2014 alone gave us&#160;Mark Perry’s The Most Dangerous Man in America and Seymour Morris’s Supreme Commander—and it’s hard to imagine what is left to be said. Nonetheless, readers in 2016 have already seen three attempts to reassess MacArthur’s role on the world stage: James P. Duffy’s War at the End of the World in January, Walter Borneman’s MacArthur at War in May, and now, for June, Arthur Herman’s book.</p>
<p>Of them all, Herman’s is the most revisionist—the most determined to replace Manchester’s disparaging account with a paean. In his introduction and conclusion, Herman is willing to admit that MacArthur was a mixture of good and bad, success and failure. As he writes, "In the end, the flaws that detractors pointed out sprang from the same larger-than-life frame as the virtues that admirers celebrated. The same man who could make some of the most monstrous mistakes in the history of American arms was also capable of some of the most inspired."</p>
<p>But&#160;under the pressure of describing each of MacArthur’s actions through the bulk of the book, the mistakes are oddly downplayed.&#160;Herman recognizes that the received account dismisses the man as a fool—"a dumb son of a bitch," in Truman’s words. And he understands that, as Truman’s reputation has risen in the decades since his presidency, so MacArthur’s has fallen, as though they were joined together on history’s seesaw. But, determined to raise MacArthur back up, Herman finds himself defending nearly all of his subject’s actual deeds.</p>
<p>Thus, for example,&#160;Herman praises&#160;MacArthur’s train-stealing adventure during the American occupation of Vera Cruz in 1914—which is probably right. It was a stunt, but exactly the kind of stunt a rising young officer with a lot of moxie would be expected to pull off. With equal reasonableness, Herman lauds MacArthur’s command of the Rainbow Division in the First World War. Things get a little more tendentious, however, when the biography reaches the next stage of his subject’s career, the command of West Point.</p>
<p>MacArthur may have accepted the academy posting simply because it allowed him to keep his wartime rank of brigadier general, but during his command he undertook needed reforms at the school.&#160;Unfortunately, he did so at the cost of alienating nearly everyone with whom he came in contact. It was the clearest early proof that he was incapable of having subordinates and equals who did not agree with him. Or worship him, for that matter.</p>
<p>Promoted to major general, he was working as Army chief of staff when President Hoover used the military to expel the Bonus Army of unemployed veterans from Washington in 1932. Herman works hard to exculpate him, and maybe fairly, but the incident tarnished his reputation—as did his assignment as a judge in the 1925 court martial of Brigadier General Billy Mitchell ("one of the most distasteful orders I ever received," he would write).</p>
<p>MacArthur’s adventures in the Philippines are the least defensible of his actions. His friendships and political dealings there led him to accept a huge (and probably illegal) payment and, after the war, to excuse politicians and businessmen who collaborated with the Japanese. It was in the Philippines, as well, that he committed his worst military blunder: first rejecting the plan to concentrate his forces in the Bataan peninsula in anticipation of a Japanese attack in 1941, and then, when the attack finally came on December 8, wasting hours that might have saved his planes and his Philippine allies.</p>
<p>Of course, after this retreat there came his New Guinea campaign, in which he made some mistakes but learned to handle a theater-wide campaign as well as anyone. Then came his masterful retaking of the Philippines, and the surrender of Japan—which he ruled from 1945 to 1949. And then came Korea.</p>
<p>What remains to be&#160;said about MacArthur and Korea? Herman is judicious in pointing out that the Inchon Landing may have been the single-most successful large American military maneuver ever attempted, a daring plan brilliantly executed—with much of its brilliance frittered away in the two weeks MacArthur’s forces took to advance the twenty miles inland to Seoul, where they&#160;might have trapped a large portion of the North Korean forces.</p>
<p>In any event, MacArthur won the Korean War, until, suddenly, he didn’t. Herman rightly points out that almost no one in the American military or intelligence communities predicted the massive influx of Chinese forces. But MacArthur was not no one. His carefully cultivated aura—from early on, he employed press agents and publicity managers—was injured by his mistake, and Truman took the miscalculation as an opportunity to rid himself of a general who was increasingly (and ridiculously) criticizing American policy.</p>
<p>In the end, it’s all too much. Douglas MacArthur was talented, decisive, and forceful as an American military commander, and incident after incident proves that he was physically brave beyond measure. But he was not some impossible combination of Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S Grant. If we have to seek a historical model, he was basically George Custer—or, rather, a competent Custer, if that’s not too much of an oxymoron. Yes, MacArthur succeeded when the nation needed him to, but, like Custer, he was vainglorious, conceited, pigheaded, weirdly opinionated, and politically disastrous. America was fortunate that the level-headed Eisenhower, rather than the mercurial MacArthur, was the five-star general who gained the presidency after the Second World War.</p>
<p>The problem, really, is that Arthur Herman likes his subject too much. Every historian faces a constant temptation to be a revisionist simply for the sake of revisionism—especially when, as in the case of Herman and MacArthur, the historian has conservative leanings and the subject is a favorite whipping boy of a liberal academic establishment. I’ve been&#160;an admirer of Herman’s work since his wonderful 1997 volume, The Idea of Decline in Western History, but when he asks us to pronounce Douglas MacArthur a maltreated pawn of history and a nearly flawless American hero? No, that’s a bridge too far.</p> | true | 0 | douglas macarthur 1945 ap joseph bottum june 18 2016 500 read douglas macarthur think life achievements american general forced two conclusions first really great man second nation lucky survive perhaps testament strength americas republican traditions least midtwentiethcentury years macarthur flourished didnt collapse constitutional crisis simply fact outsized existence perhaps nations survival testament macarthurs deeply american character political virtues popular historian arthur herman certainly thinks prove point hes penned 900page biography douglas macarthur american warrior days seventy years after160the second world war forget figure macarthur seemed time large stage strode end war leading allied forces pacific assuming military governorship japan personal command million men arms absolute rule entire country made herman insists powerful american historyand given damaged state rest world moment together relative firepower america deployed 1945 one could even argue powerful person history nation yes checks command domestic opponents happy employ 1951 clash president truman proves great commander ever entirely free constraints moment late 1940s general douglas macarthur controlled power ever matched surprising many words would spilled years trying make sense man macarthurs reminiscences appeared 1964 followed clayton jamess scholarly threevolume biography years macarthur published 1975 1985 william manchesters unsympathetic portrait 1978 american caesar remains influential view geoffrey perrets 1996 volume old soldiers never die important contribution add rest written man2014 alone gave us160mark perrys dangerous man america seymour morriss supreme commanderand hard imagine left said nonetheless readers 2016 already seen three attempts reassess macarthurs role world stage james p duffys war end world january walter bornemans macarthur war may june arthur hermans book hermans revisionistthe determined replace manchesters disparaging account paean introduction conclusion herman willing admit macarthur mixture good bad success failure writes end flaws detractors pointed sprang largerthanlife frame virtues admirers celebrated man could make monstrous mistakes history american arms also capable inspired but160under pressure describing macarthurs actions bulk book mistakes oddly downplayed160herman recognizes received account dismisses man foola dumb son bitch trumans words understands trumans reputation risen decades since presidency macarthurs fallen though joined together historys seesaw determined raise macarthur back herman finds defending nearly subjects actual deeds thus example160herman praises160macarthurs trainstealing adventure american occupation vera cruz 1914which probably right stunt exactly kind stunt rising young officer lot moxie would expected pull equal reasonableness herman lauds macarthurs command rainbow division first world war things get little tendentious however biography reaches next stage subjects career command west point macarthur may accepted academy posting simply allowed keep wartime rank brigadier general command undertook needed reforms school160unfortunately cost alienating nearly everyone came contact clearest early proof incapable subordinates equals agree worship matter promoted major general working army chief staff president hoover used military expel bonus army unemployed veterans washington 1932 herman works hard exculpate maybe fairly incident tarnished reputationas assignment judge 1925 court martial brigadier general billy mitchell one distasteful orders ever received would write macarthurs adventures philippines least defensible actions friendships political dealings led accept huge probably illegal payment war excuse politicians businessmen collaborated japanese philippines well committed worst military blunder first rejecting plan concentrate forces bataan peninsula anticipation japanese attack 1941 attack finally came december 8 wasting hours might saved planes philippine allies course retreat came new guinea campaign made mistakes learned handle theaterwide campaign well anyone came masterful retaking philippines surrender japanwhich ruled 1945 1949 came korea remains be160said macarthur korea herman judicious pointing inchon landing may singlemost successful large american military maneuver ever attempted daring plan brilliantly executedwith much brilliance frittered away two weeks macarthurs forces took advance twenty miles inland seoul they160might trapped large portion north korean forces event macarthur korean war suddenly didnt herman rightly points almost one american military intelligence communities predicted massive influx chinese forces macarthur one carefully cultivated aurafrom early employed press agents publicity managerswas injured mistake truman took miscalculation opportunity rid general increasingly ridiculously criticizing american policy end much douglas macarthur talented decisive forceful american military commander incident incident proves physically brave beyond measure impossible combination robert e lee ulysses grant seek historical model basically george custeror rather competent custer thats much oxymoron yes macarthur succeeded nation needed like custer vainglorious conceited pigheaded weirdly opinionated politically disastrous america fortunate levelheaded eisenhower rather mercurial macarthur fivestar general gained presidency second world war problem really arthur herman likes subject much every historian faces constant temptation revisionist simply sake revisionismespecially case herman macarthur historian conservative leanings subject favorite whipping boy liberal academic establishment ive been160an admirer hermans work since wonderful 1997 volume idea decline western history asks us pronounce douglas macarthur maltreated pawn history nearly flawless american hero thats bridge far | 748 |
<p>For many Americans, reaching their 60s is often the point where they transition out of the labor force and into retirement. It means putting that alarm clock to bed for good and putting your feet up on lawn chairs instead.</p>
<p>However, one thing seniors should never consider retiring from investing. The average 65-year-old, according to the Social Security Administration, is set to live nearly two more decades, which is a result of improved health education, better access to medical care, and improved medicines.&#160;In fact, the average life expectancy since 1960 has increased by a shade over nine years. That means now more than ever seniors need to ensure that they won't outlive their money -- and the easiest way to do that is to remain an active participant in what's arguably the best long-term wealth creator, the stock market.</p>
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<p>Historically, the stock market has returned 7% a year, inclusive of dividend reinvestment. While that may not sound like a lot, it handily tops the long-term inflation rate, bonds, gold, and pretty much any other asset you can throw into the mix.</p>
<p>Of course, investors in their 60s usually have very different goals and objectives from those in their 20s, 30s, or 40s. If you're in your 60s, capital preservation takes on considerably higher significance, as does income generation. That means you're probably going to be a bit pickier with the stock selection process than you were during your working years. If you're in your 60s and looking to add high-quality, low-volatility income stocks to your portfolio, here are three you might want to buy.</p>
<p>Tired of high prescription-drug costs? Stop fighting the trend and instead profit from it by owning one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world:&#160;Pfizer (NYSE: PFE).</p>
<p>The first half of this decade was a rough one for Pfizer, with a number of its blockbuster drugs -- those with $1 billion or more in annual sales -- facing the patent cliff head-on. As an example, cholesterol-fighting drug Lipitor, which was generating more than $13 billion in annual sales at one time, has been reduced to annual sales of less than $2 billion a year as of today. Pfizer simply couldn't bring new drugs to market, or acquire businesses fast enough, to offset the loss in revenue from the entrance of generic drugs.</p>
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<p>Now here's the good news for seniors: Pfizer is well past the patent cliff, and it has a host of new therapies to lead another decade of strong growth -- not to mention that Pfizer also had 96 clinical-stage trials or registration reviews ongoing as of May 2, 2017. &#160;That included 32 pivotal phase 3 studies, and the discontinuation of just a single study since its Jan. 31, 2017, pipeline update.</p>
<p>The newest star for Pfizer continues to be advanced breast cancer drug Ibrance, which totaled $853 million in worldwide sales in the second quarter, up 67% year over year on a constant currency basis.&#160;If Ibrance continues to grow organically on a volume and price basis, and it finds expansion label opportunities, there's no reason it couldn't eclipse $5 billion in annual sales for Pfizer. Anti-inflammatory Xeljanz has also performed well, with sales growth of 56% in the second quarter.</p>
<p>Pfizer brings a nearly 4% dividend yield to the table for investors, as well as a beta that's very close to 1. (Beta is a measure of volatility relative to the S&amp;P 500.) Essentially, seniors get a high-yield pharmaceutical company with strong pricing power that's no more volatile than the broad-based S&amp;P 500.</p>
<p>A few months ago I'd <a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/06/22/3-perfect-stocks-for-retirees-in-their-70s-to-cons.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f5c68c8a-877a-11e7-920e-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">opined Opens a New Window.</a> that investors in their 70s would be smart to consider adding electric utility NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE), the largest electric utility by market cap in the U.S., to their portfolios. But it dawned on me that with investors in their 60s and 70s probably having similar goals, NextEra would also be a strong consideration here as well.</p>
<p>It's no secret that electric utilities are a commonly sought-after industry for retirees because of the income they generate -- and NextEra Energy is no exception. The company offers a 2.6% dividend yield, which is nicely above the roughly 2% average for the S&amp;P 500, and its beta of 0.28 implies that it's far less volatile than the broader market, which should allow investors to sleep well at night. But there's far more intrigue here than just some surface-scratching numbers and the fact that NextEra sells a basic-need good, electricity.</p>
<p>The most exciting aspect of NextEra Energy is its focus on renewable sources of electricity generation. In 2015, no company in the world generated more power from wind or solar than NextEra Energy. Last year, the company's electricity generation breakdown showed that 95% came from a combination of natural gas (49%), nuclear (26%), and wind power (20%).&#160;While the company's focus on alternative-energy platforms isn't cheap, it sets NextEra and its customers up for <a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/07/24/4-stocks-to-keep-you-invested-after-retirement.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f5c68c8a-877a-11e7-920e-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">significantly lower costs Opens a New Window.</a> over the long term, and thus more expansive margins.</p>
<p>A large portion of NextEra's business also falls under the umbrella of being regulated. Essentially, that means NextEra needs to get approval from state energy commissions before it can pass along price increases to its customers. Though that might seem like a pain, it's actually great news since it significantly reduces the company's exposure to wholesale electricity price fluctuations. That means Wall Street and investors have a very clear picture each quarter of what to expect in terms of revenue and profit from NextEra.</p>
<p>Considering its focus on wind and solar, mid- to high-single-digit annual EPS growth would be a reasonable expectation over the next five to 10 years.</p>
<p>Another strong consideration for folks in their 60s is the largest waste-management services provider in North America:&#160;Waste Management (NYSE: WM).</p>
<p>Like NextEra Energy, one of the main allures of a company like Waste Management is that it offers a basic-need service. If you own a home, you almost certainly need a trash pick-up service, which is where Waste Management comes in. Most waste-management services operate as monopolies or oligopolies, meaning there's significant pricing power on Waste Management's part that allows it to stay well ahead of the inflation curve. In the company's most recent quarterly results, price and volume increases were key to helping revenue jump better than 7% year over year.</p>
<p>However, it's important that investors understand that Waste Management isn't just a solid stock story. Its allure is that it's created other channels of revenue that help to supplement its core waste business. These alternative channels include its recycling operations, which generate revenue and/or profits based on the fluctuating prices of base metals, as well as landfill gas-to-energy facilities, which harness the gases produced in landfills to generate electricity. While these are just secondary channels of revenue next to its core collection business, they can still provide a surprising growth spark for the company over the long run.</p>
<p>With Waste Management, investors in their 60s get a stock that has a beta of just 0.65 (ergo, 65% as volatile as the S&amp;P 500), and a dividend yield of 2.3%, which is slightly higher than the average yield of the S&amp;P 500. Further, Waste Management has consistently increased its payout since 2004 from $0.1875 per quarter to a current quarterly dividend of $0.425.&#160;One person's trash could be your portfolio's treasure in this instance.</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=e2f8cb07-d340-4cce-b0c7-d698553c895d&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f5c68c8a-877a-11e7-920e-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=e2f8cb07-d340-4cce-b0c7-d698553c895d&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f5c68c8a-877a-11e7-920e-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 August 1, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFUltraLong/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=f5c68c8a-877a-11e7-920e-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=f5c68c8a-877a-11e7-920e-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | many americans reaching 60s often point transition labor force retirement means putting alarm clock bed good putting feet lawn chairs instead however one thing seniors never consider retiring investing average 65yearold according social security administration set live nearly two decades result improved health education better access medical care improved medicines160in fact average life expectancy since 1960 increased shade nine years means ever seniors need ensure wont outlive money easiest way remain active participant whats arguably best longterm wealth creator stock market continue reading historically stock market returned 7 year inclusive dividend reinvestment may sound like lot handily tops longterm inflation rate bonds gold pretty much asset throw mix course investors 60s usually different goals objectives 20s 30s 40s youre 60s capital preservation takes considerably higher significance income generation means youre probably going bit pickier stock selection process working years youre 60s looking add highquality lowvolatility income stocks portfolio three might want buy tired high prescriptiondrug costs stop fighting trend instead profit owning one largest pharmaceutical companies world160pfizer nyse pfe first half decade rough one pfizer number blockbuster drugs 1 billion annual sales facing patent cliff headon example cholesterolfighting drug lipitor generating 13 billion annual sales one time reduced annual sales less 2 billion year today pfizer simply couldnt bring new drugs market acquire businesses fast enough offset loss revenue entrance generic drugs advertisement heres good news seniors pfizer well past patent cliff host new therapies lead another decade strong growth mention pfizer also 96 clinicalstage trials registration reviews ongoing may 2 2017 160that included 32 pivotal phase 3 studies discontinuation single study since jan 31 2017 pipeline update newest star pfizer continues advanced breast cancer drug ibrance totaled 853 million worldwide sales second quarter 67 year year constant currency basis160if ibrance continues grow organically volume price basis finds expansion label opportunities theres reason couldnt eclipse 5 billion annual sales pfizer antiinflammatory xeljanz also performed well sales growth 56 second quarter pfizer brings nearly 4 dividend yield table investors well beta thats close 1 beta measure volatility relative sampp 500 essentially seniors get highyield pharmaceutical company strong pricing power thats volatile broadbased sampp 500 months ago id opined opens new window investors 70s would smart consider adding electric utility nextera energy nyse nee largest electric utility market cap us portfolios dawned investors 60s 70s probably similar goals nextera would also strong consideration well secret electric utilities commonly soughtafter industry retirees income generate nextera energy exception company offers 26 dividend yield nicely roughly 2 average sampp 500 beta 028 implies far less volatile broader market allow investors sleep well night theres far intrigue surfacescratching numbers fact nextera sells basicneed good electricity exciting aspect nextera energy focus renewable sources electricity generation 2015 company world generated power wind solar nextera energy last year companys electricity generation breakdown showed 95 came combination natural gas 49 nuclear 26 wind power 20160while companys focus alternativeenergy platforms isnt cheap sets nextera customers significantly lower costs opens new window long term thus expansive margins large portion nexteras business also falls umbrella regulated essentially means nextera needs get approval state energy commissions pass along price increases customers though might seem like pain actually great news since significantly reduces companys exposure wholesale electricity price fluctuations means wall street investors clear picture quarter expect terms revenue profit nextera considering focus wind solar mid highsingledigit annual eps growth would reasonable expectation next five 10 years another strong consideration folks 60s largest wastemanagement services provider north america160waste management nyse wm like nextera energy one main allures company like waste management offers basicneed service home almost certainly need trash pickup service waste management comes wastemanagement services operate monopolies oligopolies meaning theres significant pricing power waste managements part allows stay well ahead inflation curve companys recent quarterly results price volume increases key helping revenue jump better 7 year year however important investors understand waste management isnt solid stock story allure created channels revenue help supplement core waste business alternative channels include recycling operations generate revenue andor profits based fluctuating prices base metals well landfill gastoenergy facilities harness gases produced landfills generate electricity secondary channels revenue next core collection business still provide surprising growth spark company long run waste management investors 60s get stock beta 065 ergo 65 volatile sampp 500 dividend yield 23 slightly higher average yield sampp 500 waste management consistently increased payout since 2004 01875 per quarter current quarterly dividend 0425160one persons trash could portfolios treasure instance 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 august 1 2017 sean williams opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 812 |
<p>Dollar flat as investors await Federal Reserve call</p>
<p>U.S. stock benchmarks switched between small gains and losses Wednesday morning as investors traded skittishly ahead of the Federal Reserve's monetary-policy update.</p>
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<p>Although Wall Street isn't expecting any change to rates, investors will be looking for clarity on the Fed's projection for futures rates and what's expected to be the launch of its $4.5 trillion asset-portfolio unwind.</p>
<p>The Dow Jones Industrial Average was little changed, up 19 points, or less than 0.1%, at 22,389, with shares of Apple Inc. (AAPL), weighing on the benchmark after it reportedly admitted (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/apple-admits-issues-with-apple-watch-connectivity-stock-falls-2017-09-20) there are issues with connectivity of its new Apple Watch Series 3. Shares of Boeing Co. (BA) and McDonald's Corp. (MCD) were helping offset some of that decline to a fresh intraday record at 22,399.33.</p>
<p>The S&amp;P 500 index was up about a point at 2,508, after briefly touching its own fresh intraday day record at 2,508.85. Gains in financials, up 0.5% and telecommunication, 0.6% higher, helped lift the broad-market gauge, while technology, off 0.9% and consumer staples, down 0.2%, were the only sectors firmly trading in the red.</p>
<p>The Nasdaq Composite Index , meanwhile, was 9 points, or 0.%, lower at 6,453, pressured, in part, by Apple's slide.</p>
<p>The mostly subdued trading environment, marked by low trading volumes, comes after all three main benchmark posted small gains and ended at all-time highs on Tuesday (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-stocks-aim-for-fresh-records-as-fed-meeting-steals-focus-2017-09-19). The Dow average climbed 0.2%, while the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq Composite Index both ended 0.1% higher.</p>
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<p>"Financial markets are consolidating this morning, with all eyes on the Fed as the [Federal Open Market Committee] conclude their two-day meeting with the announcement of monetary policy," said Richard Perry, market analyst at Hantec Markets, said in a note.</p>
<p>The wait for Fed news also comes as investors gear up for third-quarter results at the end of the month, which could provide further direction for markets.</p>
<p>"To me, the muted markets of the last few days are mainly a result of a lack of new market moving news. We're in between [third-quarter] earnings seasons so corporate news flow is light," said Colin Cieszynski, chief market strategist at CMC Markets.</p>
<p>Read:Why stock market investors shouldn't sweat a shrinking Fed balance sheet (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-stock-market-investors-shouldnt-sweat-a-shrinking-fed-balance-sheet-2017-09-19)</p>
<p>The announcement is due at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, followed by a news conference with Chairwoman Janet Yellen at 2:30 p.m. Eastern.</p>
<p>Any announcement about reducing the Fed's balance-sheet normalization should have only a relatively muted impact on markets, given that the market largely expects it, said analysts at Rabobank in a note.</p>
<p>Some industry participants, however, have been describing the asset reduction as the "great unwind (https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-fed-a-decade-after-the-crisis-is-about-to-embark-on-the-great-unwinding-1505746843)" and worrying that it might roil markets. "It is the start of something unknown, it is going to start jitters. It is going to make us tremble," said John Manley, chief equity strategist at Wells Fargo Funds Management.</p>
<p>However, the Fed is aiming to offer as little disruption as possible, he noted.</p>
<p>"I expect Janet Yellen to have as little impact on sentiment as she can," " think what she's going to give us a sense of is that she's very much aware of the risks involved," Manley said.</p>
<p>Several central-bank officials already wanted to start winding down the Fed's portfolio of government securities in July, but the majority wanted to hold until a later date. Traders now expect the FOMC on Wednesday to reveal details on a balance-sheet reduction (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/feds-balance-sheet-unwind-will-be-moment-of-truth-for-financial-markets-2017-09-18) that could start as early as October.</p>
<p>The dollar traded slightly lower against most other currencies ahead of the announcement. The ICE Dollar Index was flat at 91.753, trying to snap a two-day skid.</p>
<p>In other economic news on Wednesday, a reading on existing-home sales for August showed that sales dropped for the fourth time in five months as real-estate agents continue to blame a lack of available homes to buy. The National Association of Realtors said existing home sales fell (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/existing-home-sales-fall-in-august-for-the-fourth-time-in-five-months-2017-09-20)1.7% to a seasonally adjusted rate of 5.35 million.</p>
<p>See:MarketWatch's economic calendar (http://www.marketwatch.com/economy-politics/calendars/economic).</p>
<p>Stock movers: Shares of General Mills Inc.(GIS) slid 5% after the food company, which brands include Cheerios, Haagen-Dazs and Betty Crocker, missed profit and sales expectations (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/general-mills-stock-tumbles-after-profit-and-sales-miss-2017-09-20).</p>
<p>Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ALNY) soared 40% after positive results in a late-stage trial (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/sanofi-alnylam-report-positive-results-from-late-stage-trial-of-hattr-amyloidosis-treatment-2017-09-20).</p>
<p>Shares of American Outdoor Brands Corp.(AOBC) declined 3.6%, despite reports late Tuesday that President Donald Trump will ease rules on gun exports.</p>
<p>Bed Bath &amp; Beyond Inc.(BBBY) slumped more than 14% ahead of the bell after the retailer late on Tuesday released earnings that widely missed forecasts (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/bed-bath-beyond-earnings-miss-widely-stock-halted-2017-09-19).</p>
<p>FedEx Corp.(FDX) added 2.2% after the logistics company late Tuesday reported earnings below forecasts (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/fedex-shares-down-after-earnings-company-pins-miss-on-cyberattack-hurricane-harvey-2017-09-19), saying the quarter offered "significantly operational challenges" due to a cyberattack and Hurricane Harvey.</p>
<p>Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) slipped less than 0.8%, even as the software major late Tuesday increased its dividend to 42 cents a share (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/microsoft-hikes-quarterly-dividend-announces-changes-to-board-of-directors-2017-09-19).</p>
<p>Other markets: Stocks in Europe were mostly higher, although the U.K.'s FTSE 100 index (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ftse-100-edges-up-as-fed-decision-takes-center-stage-2017-09-20)underperformed due to a rise in the pound. Sterling strengthened after U.K. retail sales for August showed a bigger rise than expected (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/uk-retail-sales-rise-faster-than-expected-2017-09-20).</p>
<p>Asian stocks closed mixed (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/asian-markets-press-pause-ahead-of-fed-announcement-2017-09-19) as traders there remained cautious ahead of the Fed call.</p>
<p>Crude-oil prices rose firmly (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/crude-prices-rise-on-signs-of-drop-in-global-inventories-2017-09-20) to $50.81 a barrel, while metals gained across the board, with gold futures trading at around $1,316 an ounce, heading for the first gain in the past four session (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/gold-prices-pause-losing-skid-as-fed-signals-awaited-2017-09-20)s.</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>September 20, 2017 13:10 ET (17:10 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | dollar flat investors await federal reserve call us stock benchmarks switched small gains losses wednesday morning investors traded skittishly ahead federal reserves monetarypolicy update continue reading although wall street isnt expecting change rates investors looking clarity feds projection futures rates whats expected launch 45 trillion assetportfolio unwind dow jones industrial average little changed 19 points less 01 22389 shares apple inc aapl weighing benchmark reportedly admitted httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryappleadmitsissueswithapplewatchconnectivitystockfalls20170920 issues connectivity new apple watch series 3 shares boeing co ba mcdonalds corp mcd helping offset decline fresh intraday record 2239933 sampp 500 index point 2508 briefly touching fresh intraday day record 250885 gains financials 05 telecommunication 06 higher helped lift broadmarket gauge technology 09 consumer staples 02 sectors firmly trading red nasdaq composite index meanwhile 9 points 0 lower 6453 pressured part apples slide mostly subdued trading environment marked low trading volumes comes three main benchmark posted small gains ended alltime highs tuesday httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryusstocksaimforfreshrecordsasfedmeetingstealsfocus20170919 dow average climbed 02 sampp 500 nasdaq composite index ended 01 higher advertisement financial markets consolidating morning eyes fed federal open market committee conclude twoday meeting announcement monetary policy said richard perry market analyst hantec markets said note wait fed news also comes investors gear thirdquarter results end month could provide direction markets muted markets last days mainly result lack new market moving news thirdquarter earnings seasons corporate news flow light said colin cieszynski chief market strategist cmc markets readwhy stock market investors shouldnt sweat shrinking fed balance sheet httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorywhystockmarketinvestorsshouldntsweatashrinkingfedbalancesheet20170919 announcement due 2 pm eastern time followed news conference chairwoman janet yellen 230 pm eastern announcement reducing feds balancesheet normalization relatively muted impact markets given market largely expects said analysts rabobank note industry participants however describing asset reduction great unwind httpswwwwsjcomarticlesthefedadecadeafterthecrisisisabouttoembarkonthegreatunwinding1505746843 worrying might roil markets start something unknown going start jitters going make us tremble said john manley chief equity strategist wells fargo funds management however fed aiming offer little disruption possible noted expect janet yellen little impact sentiment think shes going give us sense shes much aware risks involved manley said several centralbank officials already wanted start winding feds portfolio government securities july majority wanted hold later date traders expect fomc wednesday reveal details balancesheet reduction httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryfedsbalancesheetunwindwillbemomentoftruthforfinancialmarkets20170918 could start early october dollar traded slightly lower currencies ahead announcement ice dollar index flat 91753 trying snap twoday skid economic news wednesday reading existinghome sales august showed sales dropped fourth time five months realestate agents continue blame lack available homes buy national association realtors said existing home sales fell httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryexistinghomesalesfallinaugustforthefourthtimeinfivemonths2017092017 seasonally adjusted rate 535 million seemarketwatchs economic calendar httpwwwmarketwatchcomeconomypoliticscalendarseconomic stock movers shares general mills incgis slid 5 food company brands include cheerios haagendazs betty crocker missed profit sales expectations httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorygeneralmillsstocktumblesafterprofitandsalesmiss20170920 alnylam pharmaceuticals inc alny soared 40 positive results latestage trial httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorysanofialnylamreportpositiveresultsfromlatestagetrialofhattramyloidosistreatment20170920 shares american outdoor brands corpaobc declined 36 despite reports late tuesday president donald trump ease rules gun exports bed bath amp beyond incbbby slumped 14 ahead bell retailer late tuesday released earnings widely missed forecasts httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorybedbathbeyondearningsmisswidelystockhalted20170919 fedex corpfdx added 22 logistics company late tuesday reported earnings forecasts httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryfedexsharesdownafterearningscompanypinsmissoncyberattackhurricaneharvey20170919 saying quarter offered significantly operational challenges due cyberattack hurricane harvey microsoft corp msft slipped less 08 even software major late tuesday increased dividend 42 cents share httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorymicrosofthikesquarterlydividendannounceschangestoboardofdirectors20170919 markets stocks europe mostly higher although uks ftse 100 index httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryftse100edgesupasfeddecisiontakescenterstage20170920underperformed due rise pound sterling strengthened uk retail sales august showed bigger rise expected httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryukretailsalesrisefasterthanexpected20170920 asian stocks closed mixed httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryasianmarketspresspauseaheadoffedannouncement20170919 traders remained cautious ahead fed call crudeoil prices rose firmly httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorycrudepricesriseonsignsofdropinglobalinventories20170920 5081 barrel metals gained across board gold futures trading around 1316 ounce heading first gain past four session httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorygoldpricespauselosingskidasfedsignalsawaited20170920s end dow jones newswires september 20 2017 1310 et 1710 gmt | 598 |
<p />
<p>Welcome to Recruiter QA, where we pose employment-related questions to the experts and share their answers! Have a question you'd like to ask? Leave it in the comments, and you might just see it in the next installment of Recruiter QA!</p>
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<p>Today's Question: At Recruiter.com, we're wondering what the future of <a href="https://www.recruiter.com/mobile-recruiting.html" type="external">mobile recruiting Opens a New Window.</a> will look like. What do you think? What tips, tools, technologies, or tactics will dominate the mobile recruiting space in the coming years – and why?</p>
<p>1. Geo-Conquesting Will Help Employers Target Candidates</p>
<p>The key to finding candidates for hard-to-fill jobs such as nursing and truck driving is to concentrate on passive candidates since most people in these professions already have jobs. What makes mobile so valuable is that third-party data provides so much information about the candidates. No other medium has ever had the ability to match job titles and interests with available openings.</p>
<p>One tactic that is working very well for our agency customers is geo-conquesting. With geo-conquesting, we can bid high to programmatically show up in apps and on mobile websites at a specific geographic location. So, for instance, if we are recruiting nurses for a hospital, we may decide to geo-conquest nurses working the night shift at competing hospitals in the area. In the case of recruiting truck drivers, we geo-conquest truck stops in the region since truckers will inevitably be looking at their Facebook pages and checking sports scores during their rest periods.</p>
<p>— Bob Bentz, <a href="http://www.purplegator.com/" type="external">Purplegator Opens a New Window.</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=@BobBentz" type="external">Twitter Social Network Opens a New Window.</a></p>
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<p>2. Search Engine Results Rankings Will Become Even More Important</p>
<p>The future of mobile recruiting will follow much the same pattern as the rest of mobile search. While I'm no prophet, I think the signs are clear that mobile search is becoming more and more streamlined for user speed and ease. This goes far deeper than just having the fastest Wi-Fi or 3-4-5-6-7-8G network. It also means that search engines themselves are optimizing their formats and algorithms to account for an even shorter user attention spans on the mobile scale.</p>
<p>We can see this in developments like the <a href="https://blog.google/products/search/gboard-search-gifs-emojis-keyboard/" type="external">Gboard Opens a New Window.</a>. The Gboard's single results panel for mobile usage revolutionizes mobile search (if it really catches on) because it limits search results to a single result. It's like the featured snippet, but on steroids. That means that if you are really looking for success in the mobile market, you are going to have to be aiming for the No. 1 search engine results page (SERP) ranking for your given mobile search campaign, as opposed to the top eight to get onto the first page of the SERP previously. It not only makes the market more competitive by nature, but also makes advertising (which will inevitably be introduced, even if it hasn't been yet) a very daunting cloud off on the horizon of single results panels.</p>
<p>— Sean Martin, <a href="https://directiveconsulting.com/" type="external">Directive Consulting Opens a New Window.</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=@DirectiveAgency" type="external">Twitter Social Network Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>3. Candidates Will Demand Simple Interfaces</p>
<p>Recruiters and developers should recognize that mobile is not an exotic animal to be chained, but a fact of everyday life. Many are overthinking mobile. Developers should simply put themselves in the shoes of users to optimize mobile platforms.</p>
<p>For example, while job seekers will run searches on mobile devices, when it comes time to submit a resume or fill out an application, many choose to use a laptop or desktop. Perhaps they prefer the full-size keyboard or the larger screen.</p>
<p>However, there are job seekers who don't have regular access to a laptop or desktop or don't have a resume. Developers should continue to work toward simple and easy interfaces, but also consider providing a way for a job seeker to express interest without first filling out the full application. A savvy recruiter could then engage the candidate in a timely manner and ask them to follow through on the resume/application piece.</p>
<p>Another way to make it easy for job seekers is to make it possible to apply using a social profile, particularly as we see more and more merging of social profiles. It's fairly simple to incorporate a button for "Apply with LinkedIn," for example.</p>
<p>— Dominick Bernal, <a href="http://www.dtoolbox.com/" type="external">Decision Toolbox</a></p>
<p>4. Recruiters Will Host Web Chats to Catch Candidate Attention</p>
<p>As business owners struggle to reach the most talented millennials and new graduates, mobile recruiting techniques will continue to increase. The newest technique I've heard of in Chicago is to host huge web chat events via WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Like any recruiting technique, there are mixed reviews on how candidates respond to being contacted on their personal social media profiles.</p>
<p>— Christy Hopkins, <a href="http://fitsmallbusiness.com/" type="external">Fit Small Business Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>5. Recruiters Will Have to Pay Close Attention to Job Seekers' Basic Needs</p>
<p>With so many ways to connect job seekers with employers, the future of mobile recruiting has the potential to look overwhelming. <a href="http://www.getrake.io/job-seeker-behavior-2016/" type="external">Recent research Opens a New Window.</a> from my company, Rake, shows 87 percent of job seekers currently find it difficult to keep track of their job search efforts. This is most likely because 48 percent of job seekers use 4-6 job boards at a time. Now, add mobile recruiting efforts coming at them on top of that.</p>
<p>The spreadsheet is quickly becoming a thing of the past as mobile recruiting apps and tactics require job seekers to keep in stride with mobile-optimized tracking strategies. With technology always evolving, it will become more and more essential for recruiters to keep in mind the way job seekers track and apply to jobs and ensure they are offering easily trackable opportunities that communicate with organizational applications. No matter how advanced mobile recruiting technology gets, it's futile if it leaves basic job seeker needs behind.</p>
<p>— Michael Iacona, <a href="http://getrake.io/" type="external">Rake Opens a New Window.</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=@getrake" type="external">Twitter Social Network</a></p> | true | 0 | welcome recruiter qa pose employmentrelated questions experts share answers question youd like ask leave comments might see next installment recruiter qa continue reading todays question recruitercom wondering future mobile recruiting opens new window look like think tips tools technologies tactics dominate mobile recruiting space coming years 1 geoconquesting help employers target candidates key finding candidates hardtofill jobs nursing truck driving concentrate passive candidates since people professions already jobs makes mobile valuable thirdparty data provides much information candidates medium ever ability match job titles interests available openings one tactic working well agency customers geoconquesting geoconquesting bid high programmatically show apps mobile websites specific geographic location instance recruiting nurses hospital may decide geoconquest nurses working night shift competing hospitals area case recruiting truck drivers geoconquest truck stops region since truckers inevitably looking facebook pages checking sports scores rest periods bob bentz purplegator opens new window twitter social network opens new window advertisement 2 search engine results rankings become even important future mobile recruiting follow much pattern rest mobile search im prophet think signs clear mobile search becoming streamlined user speed ease goes far deeper fastest wifi 345678g network also means search engines optimizing formats algorithms account even shorter user attention spans mobile scale see developments like gboard opens new window gboards single results panel mobile usage revolutionizes mobile search really catches limits search results single result like featured snippet steroids means really looking success mobile market going aiming 1 search engine results page serp ranking given mobile search campaign opposed top eight get onto first page serp previously makes market competitive nature also makes advertising inevitably introduced even hasnt yet daunting cloud horizon single results panels sean martin directive consulting opens new window twitter social network opens new window 3 candidates demand simple interfaces recruiters developers recognize mobile exotic animal chained fact everyday life many overthinking mobile developers simply put shoes users optimize mobile platforms example job seekers run searches mobile devices comes time submit resume fill application many choose use laptop desktop perhaps prefer fullsize keyboard larger screen however job seekers dont regular access laptop desktop dont resume developers continue work toward simple easy interfaces also consider providing way job seeker express interest without first filling full application savvy recruiter could engage candidate timely manner ask follow resumeapplication piece another way make easy job seekers make possible apply using social profile particularly see merging social profiles fairly simple incorporate button apply linkedin example dominick bernal decision toolbox 4 recruiters host web chats catch candidate attention business owners struggle reach talented millennials new graduates mobile recruiting techniques continue increase newest technique ive heard chicago host huge web chat events via whatsapp facebook messenger like recruiting technique mixed reviews candidates respond contacted personal social media profiles christy hopkins fit small business opens new window 5 recruiters pay close attention job seekers basic needs many ways connect job seekers employers future mobile recruiting potential look overwhelming recent research opens new window company rake shows 87 percent job seekers currently find difficult keep track job search efforts likely 48 percent job seekers use 46 job boards time add mobile recruiting efforts coming top spreadsheet quickly becoming thing past mobile recruiting apps tactics require job seekers keep stride mobileoptimized tracking strategies technology always evolving become essential recruiters keep mind way job seekers track apply jobs ensure offering easily trackable opportunities communicate organizational applications matter advanced mobile recruiting technology gets futile leaves basic job seeker needs behind michael iacona rake opens new window twitter social network | 579 |
<p>Women face a lot of unique hurdles when it comes to planning for their retirement, and understanding and managing them accordingly can make all the difference between a comfortable retirement and barely scraping by.</p>
<p>In this episode of <a href="https://www.fool.com/podcasts/answers/?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=cdacc150-6c00-11e7-9eed-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Motley Fool Answers Opens a New Window.</a>, hosts Alison Southwick and Robert Brokamp go over the six biggest headwinds that women face with retirement planning -- living longer, the wage gap, earlier retirement, and more -- and what men and women can do to smooth that bumpy road.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Also, <a href="https://www.fool.com/podcasts/marketfoolery?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=cdacc150-6c00-11e7-9eed-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Market Foolery Opens a New Window.</a> hosts Chris Hill and Jason Moser stop by to talk about the hyper-variety trend we're seeing in the Oreo snack line, and taste-test some of their newest and weirdest flavors on air.</p>
<p>A full transcript follows the video.</p>
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<p>This video was recorded on May 23, 2017.</p>
<p>Alison Southwick: This is Motley Fool Answers. I'm Alison Southwick and I'm joined, as always, by Robert Brokamp, personal finance expert here at The Motley Fool.</p>
<p>Robert Brokamp: Hello, everyone out there in podcast land!</p>
<p>Southwick: In today's episode, we're going to discuss some of the headwinds facing women on the road to retirement and what women, and men, can do to help. We'll also answer your question about where to put your cash in retirement and see if Chris Hill and Jason Moser really know their stuff when it comes to Oreos. Double Stuf.</p>
<p>Brokamp: I got that. That was good.</p>
<p>[...]</p>
<p>Southwick: It's time for Answers, Answers and today's question comes from L.A. I think they just had their initials in the email. L.A. writes: "I am 62, so my retirement horizon is within the next 10 years. In a recent podcast, Bro said that the closer you get to retirement, you should be pulling part of your money out of the stock market. What are some options for where to place the money?"</p>
<p>Brokamp: Well, L.A. that's really a tough question these days, because the classic alternatives to stocks are cash and bonds, and despite the fact that the Federal Reserve tried to boost rates a little bit earlier this year, the rates are near historical lows.</p>
<p>Still, that's where I'd start. I would create a mix of regular, old cash; high-yielding CDs -- which you can find on sites like Bankrate and NerdWallet; as well as some low-cost bond funds. Some bond funds to consider would be Dodge &amp; Cox Income, TCW Total Return, DoubleLine Total Return, as well as Vanguard's short- and intermediate-term bond index funds and their ETF siblings.</p>
<p>Now how much should you keep out of the stock market? In my Rule Your Retirement service, in our model portfolio for people within a decade of retirement, we have the allocation as 75% stocks, 25% bonds. And for those who are in or near retirement, we also talk a lot about what we call creating an income cushion, which is basically five years' worth of expenses you need to cover from your portfolio out of the stock market -- again, in cash, CDs, and short-term bonds. And if you're a relatively aggressive investor, maybe that's all you need out of the stock market and you can put all the rest in stocks.</p>
<p>A lot of this has to do with what your other resources are, though, so if you have one of those classically defined benefit pensions, you can actually have more in the stock market. If you're relying completely on your portfolio, you should probably play it a little safer.</p>
<p>Now I know there are lots of people who do want to play it a little safer, but they can't stand the idea of investing in cash or bonds because the rates are so low, so I think it's actually a great idea you use some of your safe money to pay off any debt you have, including the mortgage. If you pay off some of your mortgage, you are increasing your net worth because you're lowering your liabilities. You're creating more home equity, which you can tap later on in retirement, maybe through a reverse mortgage, and you're also lowering your expenses, which means you don't have to take as much out of your portfolio when you retire.</p>
<p>And then finally, for those who are actually in retirement, I think it's worth considering a classic, plain-vanilla annuity. You hand over a lump sum of money and you get a check in the mail for the rest of your life. Studies have shown that for some retirees, an annuity is a much better choice than cash or bonds.</p>
<p>But for L.A., since he or she is not retired, don't worry about the annuity yet, and also the longer you wait to buy an annuity, the bigger payout you'll get because it's based on your life expectancy. So L.A., don't worry about that until later. For now, just choose bonds and cash, which I know is no fun, but also watching an all-stock portfolio go down 25%-50% right before you retire is also no fun.</p>
<p>[...]</p>
<p>Southwick: Women! If you aren't one, chances are there's still one in your life that you care about, whether it's a mother, wife, daughter, or friend; and while being a woman has many perks, such as being able to wear skirts in the summertime, it's not all sunshine and daisies. When it comes to saving for retirement, women face many headwinds, so today we're going to talk about those headwinds and what both women and men can do to overcome them together.</p>
<p>Brokamp: Dun dun dun!</p>
<p>Southwick: Yeah! So the first headwind: Women earn and have less.</p>
<p>Brokamp: Yes. So women earn approximately 80% of what men make, and they're also more likely to interrupt their careers to take care of either children or older relatives. According to the Social Security Administration, the typical woman spends about 12 years out of the workforce. That means she falls behind in her career, but also means she doesn't have as much time to accumulate retirement benefits or save in a 401(k). For example, according to the Employee [Financial] Wellness Survey from PwC, 49% of female workers have saved less than $50,000 for retirement, compared to just 30% for men.</p>
<p>Southwick: No. 2 headwind: Women receive less retirement income. This sounds like it's also a function of how much they make, right?</p>
<p>Brokamp: Yes. It's all related. According to the National Institute on Retirement Security, women 65 and older have 25% less income than men. Also female retirees are about 80% more likely to fall below the poverty line, and a big reason for this is lower Social Security benefits.</p>
<p>In 2014, the average benefit received by a woman was 23% less than received by a man. And part of that is because of what we talked about earlier -- that they spent some time out of the workforce. Social Security is based on your 35 highest years of earning, so if there were years when you didn't earn any money your benefit doesn't get any credit for that.</p>
<p>Southwick: No. 3: Women live longer. This is a good one, but also kind of bad.</p>
<p>Brokamp: Right. Of course, overall, it's a good thing, but when it comes to retirement planning it's a challenge, because generally retirement begins when a person leaves the workplace and ends when life leaves the person. So the longer you live, the longer the retirement that you have to fund. From birth, women live about five years longer than men. For people who make it to 65, that gap actually shrinks to about two to three years, but still they live longer.</p>
<p>That has all kinds of consequences, one of them being that they're going to spend more money on healthcare. According to Healthview Services, which is a company that develops software that projects medical expenses, a healthy 65-year-old woman who retires this year and lives to 89 is going to spend about $199,000, in today's dollars, on healthcare -- that's Medicare premiums, vision care, dental care -- as opposed to a 65-year-old male who lived to just 87. He's going to spend about $176,000 in today's dollars. So her medical expenses are going to be more than $20,000 more.</p>
<p>Southwick: Women are also more likely to spend part of their lives single.</p>
<p>Brokamp: Yes. My wife may not believe this, but marriage does enhance retirement security. Married couples are more likely to be adequately prepared for retirement than single folks. When you look at who's single in the 65-and-older group, 19% of men but 40% of women are single, and then once you get to the 85-and-older group, 85% of women are widowed. So they're more likely to live on their own, and they're also more likely to need some sort of long-term care later in life. According AARP, 70% of the people in a nursing home are women.</p>
<p>Southwick: Women also tend to retire earlier.</p>
<p>Brokamp: Right. So the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College says that the average retirement age for men is 64, whereas the typical women retires at age 62. This is often because wives retire when their husbands do, and on average, a husband is two to three years older than his wife. So they both tend to retire together. What that means for the woman is she has a shorter career, because she's retiring sooner, and she's going to live longer, so she's got a longer retirement to finance.</p>
<p>Southwick: And finally, the last headwind we want to talk about briefly is women often leave financial planning to their husbands.</p>
<p>Brokamp: Right. Several studies have shown that husbands tend to handle the investing and retirement planning of the household, whereas the wives take care of the budgeting, and the bill paying, and those types of things. The splitting up of financial tasks makes sense, but both spouses, to a certain degree, could be left a little ignorant about what's going on. The problem is, as we said earlier, more likely to happen if the husband's going to die first and the woman has to pick up the slack.</p>
<p>Also, several tests have shown that when it comes to financial literacy, frankly [neither] men nor women score particularly well, but women do score lower than men. They're not as equipped to handle taking on everything as maybe a man might be.</p>
<p>Southwick: So those were the depressing headwinds.</p>
<p>Brokamp: Right.</p>
<p>Southwick: Now let's talk solutions.</p>
<p>Brokamp: Let's talk solutions. The first thing, of course, is to become a money master regardless of your gender and your role in the marriage. Everyone has to be a financial expert. Even if you hire a financial planner, you have to know enough to know whether you've got a good financial planner.</p>
<p>In fact, according to a study from Hartford Financial Services and MIT AgeLab, couples who share the financial housework are actually more prepared than those who just rely on one person. And a couple that looks at finances together has taken more steps to prepare for what might happen if one of them passes away. So regardless of whether you're married or not -- regardless of whether someone handles most of the finances of a couple -- both people have to be knowledgeable.</p>
<p>Southwick: What's the first step someone should take to becoming a money master? Is there a book that you like? Obviously our podcast.</p>
<p>Brokamp: Of course. I'll give my classic favorite books. Personal Finance for Dummies, written by Eric Tyson. Actually there's other books, too, that he's co-written with another guy, named Bob Carlson. They have Personal Finance After 50. Personal Finance for Seniors. So they've got a whole series of books that are appropriate for whatever your age is. Then my favorite investing book is Stocks for the Long Run by Jeremy Siegel. But anything written by John Bogle is also a great help.</p>
<p>And really part of it is just being informed about what's going on. We've talked before about "The Letter From Your Dead Husband," which was an idea from Bob Hasmiller. [He] was a subscriber to my Rule Your Retirement service, and he, every year, laid out everything that was going on in their finances, because his wife just wasn't interested in it. Sadly, Bob passed away in the last year...</p>
<p>Southwick: Unexpectedly.</p>
<p>Brokamp: Very unexpectedly -- in a bicycle accident. So I'm sure his wife found it very helpful that all was laid out for her.</p>
<p>Southwick: The second thing women can do is to understand how divorce, widowhood, and remarriage might affect you.</p>
<p>Brokamp: Right. So the dissolution of a marriage, whether it's due to death or divorce, can be financially devastating to anybody, but particularly to a woman if she was not the primary breadwinner in the family. According to a 2013 survey conducted by the Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement, otherwise known as WISER -- which, by the way, is a great resource for women who want to learn more about finances -- half of recent widows experienced a 50% drop in income after their husbands died.</p>
<p>And I think about my mom's situation when I think of a lot of this stuff. My parents got divorced. Like a lot of moms, she stayed home and raised the kids. When she went back into the workforce, she was a florist. She was a florist her whole life, so she went back as a florist. A perfectly respectable job. Does not earn a whole lot of money.</p>
<p>She meets a guy. They get married when she's 59. He's older. He's retired. He's a retired cop, so he gets a pension. He says, "It's time for you to stop working, because it's time for us to go and enjoy our marriage and do all the fun things," which is great, except she retired early and when he dies, that pension is going to stop. So my mom has to think about what's going to happen when he does pass away. Does she have enough assets to take care of herself?</p>
<p>It's also important just to know how all these things affect benefits like pensions and Social Security. I don't want to get into all the details, but think about Social Security. For example, you are eligible to get benefits based on your spouse's work record as long as you were married for at least 10 years. If you were not married for 10 years -- you got divorced after nine years and you were a stay-at-home mom during that period -- you're not going to get any credit based on your husband's record; and, of course, you could flip-flop the genders on that, as well.</p>
<p>Widows' benefits are actually different from regular Social Security benefits. You can actually claim them earlier. It's like all Social Security. If you claim it early, you get a reduced benefit. But it is different, so if you are a widow, you should know how to claim those benefits if you need them.</p>
<p>And then, like I said, you're eligible to get benefits based on either a deceased spouse or ex-spouse's record; but if you get remarried before age 60, I believe it is, then you'd no longer have rights. So if you are married to someone who made a lot of money and has good Social Security benefits, get divorced after 10 years, then remarry someone who didn't has as much of an impressive work record...</p>
<p>Southwick: You married for love the second time around. It's OK.</p>
<p>Brokamp: You married for love, [but] you may be reducing your Social Security benefits. I'm not saying that's not why you shouldn't marry the guy. He might be a wonderful person...</p>
<p>Southwick: Just wait. Put it off.</p>
<p>Brokamp: Right. Wait until after age 60. So it's kind of a complicated thing, but you just have to be very aware of how all these different life changes and your marital status will affect all your other benefits. And a lot of what I said can also apply to pensions and healthcare in retirement that is provided by your ex-employer. Just be aware of all those things.</p>
<p>Southwick: The third thing that women can do is to keep benefits in mind when they take a job.</p>
<p>Brokamp: So the job you take will impact so much about your finances. It's not just your salary. It will be the healthcare you receive. It will be the quality of your retirement plan. It will be how flexible your employer is in handling family situations. It's important because not only are women more likely to be taking care of the kids; they're also more likely to be taking care of elderly parents or other older relatives.</p>
<p>So keep all that in mind when you're taking a job. Studies show that women who take jobs in the government, education, or healthcare actually have a higher retirement income and lower rates of poverty in retirement because those professions are more likely to provide a defined benefit pension -- that traditional pension. So keep all that in mind as you plan out your career and decide who to work for.</p>
<p>Southwick: And the fourth thing women can do is to delay retirement until everyone -- everyone is ready.</p>
<p>Brokamp: So just because one person in the marriage is ready to retire -- has some sort of benefit that allows him or her to do that -- doesn't mean the other spouse should also retire. When you look at your retirement plan and run through your retirement calculators, as I love to do...</p>
<p>Southwick: Me too.</p>
<p>Brokamp: ...you have to look at various scenarios. What happens if we both live to our 90s? What happens if only I live to my 90s? What happens if only you live to your 90s? How does that affect benefits? And if one person retiring at this age means that the other person's survivorship benefits from Social Security or from the pension or in any other way would be adversely affected, then maybe both people need to keep working.</p>
<p>Southwick: What about for the men? What can they do to help the women in their lives?</p>
<p>Brokamp: Since men generally are the people who are doing the retirement planning and the investing, just to do it with the survivor in mind. So you have to plan on taking certain benefits. Social Security, for example. If the man was the higher, primary breadwinner and takes Social Security early, not only will he or she get a lower benefit now, but will be passing on a lower benefit to the surviving spouse. If that means the surviving spouse will be in a bad place, then maybe he or she should delay.</p>
<p>We mentioned the "Letter From Your Dead Husband." It's important to set up your finances in such a way that it will be easy for a surviving spouse to know whom to contact. Where all the accounts are. Where the life insurance policy is. How things are invested. Things like that.</p>
<p>Southwick: So men listening, I'm sorry. You don't want to hear it, but you're probably going to die first. So, I'm sorry. Just assume that you're going to die first.</p>
<p>Brokamp: And this applies to not just men, but anyone who has a certain amount of financial sophistication, should we say. You've got to look out for your older relatives, plain and simple. I think a lot of these things -- the issues between men and women in retirement -- are generational. For example, there's that pay gap of 80%. [For] younger women in their 20s, the pay gap is only 93%. Today, in about 40% of households the wife is the main breadwinner compared to less than 25% back in 1987.</p>
<p>Southwick: Oh, wow. That's a big shift.</p>
<p>Brokamp: So to a large degree, I think this is generational, and as people like my mom get older and other generations like the boomers come up, it won't be as big of a deal. I think about my mom, for example, who is in her late 70s. My dad owned a business that he started in, I think, 1973 or 1974. 401(k)s didn't even exist back then. They didn't come around until the early '80s, so the whole idea of building up this big retirement account didn't exist. I think a lot of this will change as the years go on.</p>
<p>Southwick: And the last thing men can do -- one of. I'm sure there are others, but the last one we're going to talk about today that men can do to help their wives is making sure that they know the team. Who are we talking about with the team?</p>
<p>Brokamp: So if you use any financial services professionals -- it could be accountants, advisors, attorneys, life insurance agents -- both spouses should at least know what these folks do for you and how to contact them. And if you don't use anyone like that -- if you have a situation where one person handles all the financial planning, investing, and things like that, and the other spouse isn't interested -- maybe start building a relationship with someone that you trust now. [Then] if the need arises in the future where the person who handles most of the finances is unable to do so, you already have a relationship with someone and the survivor doesn't have to go out and find a financial professional they trust when they're in a situation where they don't really feel comfortable making that decision.</p>
<p>Southwick: The bottom line is, while it may be rough it's getting better, and everyone can be part of the solution to help all of the ladies we love get into retirement. Everyone should have a fun retirement!</p>
<p>[...]</p>
<p>Southwick: Those of you who listen to Market Foolery, our sister...sister podcast? Sister? Brother? Daily podcast? What do we call them?</p>
<p>Jason Moser: We're agnostic.</p>
<p>Brokamp: Colleagues with benefits?</p>
<p>Chris Hill: Little sibling.</p>
<p>Southwick: Little sibling.</p>
<p>Moser: I like that. Colleague with benefits.</p>
<p>Southwick: Those of you who listen to Market Foolery -- it's our daily podcast hosted by Chris Hill -- know that they have concerns about a current trend sweeping the nation. No, it's not the fashionable trend of rompers for men -- which I personally am on board with. I have no concerns with them.</p>
<p>Brokamp: Wait till they come into work wearing one. We'll see if you feel that way.</p>
<p>Moser: Yeah, let's get your husband in here as a guest on the podcast and let's revisit this. Do you think he's going to feel the same way about rompers that you do?</p>
<p>Brokamp: The Ron Rompers.</p>
<p>Moser: I don't think so.</p>
<p>Southwick: The Ron-per. It's also not the Fidget toy. It's the Oreo -- specifically the unhinged proliferation of flavors such as Watermelon, Firework, and Peeps. Now, Mondelez&#160;(NASDAQ: MDLZ), the maker of Oreo, has announced a competition with a $0.5 million prize for suggesting its next Oreo flavor.</p>
<p>Joining me in studio to talk about this trend, and also taste-test some of these new Oreo flavors, are Chris Hill and Jason Moser. Hi, guys!</p>
<p>Moser: Howdy!</p>
<p>Brokamp: Welcome to Answers!</p>
<p>Hill: It's good to be here. This is my first time on Answers.</p>
<p>Brokamp: It is.</p>
<p>Southwick: It's exciting.</p>
<p>Moser: He's on the other side of the microphone.</p>
<p>Hill: I am literally on the other side of the table.</p>
<p>Moser: He is. He's on the yellow mic.</p>
<p>Hill: It was slightly awkward, because Alison came in the studio, and stopped and looked at me, and she said, "You're sitting in my seat." And I said, "Oh, that's... That's... I'm used to sitting in the..."</p>
<p>Southwick: The host seat.</p>
<p>Hill: The host seat.</p>
<p>Moser: Now you know how I feel every Friday when I come in for Motley Fool Money with Ron.</p>
<p>Hill: There you go.</p>
<p>Southwick: So first off, guys, why do you hate innovation so much? Also America. Why do you hate America?</p>
<p>Moser: I think I will stand -- I will jump in here first and say I don't really hate America or innovation as much as perhaps Chris does. Chris seems to really be anti-Oreo innovation, or perhaps it's just the Peeps. I'm not sure.</p>
<p>Hill: The Peeps Oreos set me off, but here's the thing. I've made this point on Market Foolery and I stand by this point. If you're a Mondelez shareholder, I think it is legitimate to ask [whether] there are too many people working in the Oreo division. This is the No. 1 cookie in America. For years it's been the No. 1 best-seller. So why do you need 16 new flavors? I feel like they're drunk with power in the Oreo division. I think that if you work in the Oreo division at Mondelez, you can suggest any flavor you want, and it'll be like, "Sure, we'll do that. You know why? We've already got the No. 1 best-seller. We'll try anything."</p>
<p>Moser: It's the ESPN of cookies.</p>
<p>Southwick: Well, it's possible the [research and development] team...</p>
<p>Brokamp: And how are they doing so great?</p>
<p>Moser: Well, precisely.</p>
<p>Southwick: ...heard about Chris's whole bourbon and Oreo thing, and now they're just drinking bourbon and making Oreos.</p>
<p>Hill: They might. They might. It would explain a lot, frankly.</p>
<p>Southwick: All right, well, what I have for you -- it makes for horrible radio, but let's just go for it -- are four Oreos. They are new flavors. I'm going to place them in front of you and we are going to do a blind taste test to see if you can first off identify what the flavor is, and then also we'll figure out which one is your favorite.</p>
<p>Moser: Now these are Oreos, right? They're not like Grasshoppers or...</p>
<p>Hill: Hydrox...</p>
<p>Southwick: Hydrox...</p>
<p>Moser: Hydrox, yeah. Like some generic form of...</p>
<p>Southwick: These are not Joe Joe's from Trader Joe's. No.</p>
<p>Moser: So this is the real deal.</p>
<p>Brokamp: And our eyes will be closed, so we will not be able to see them.</p>
<p>Southwick: I know, and I'm going to trust you guys, so here I [go].</p>
<p>Brokamp: That was his first pick. You should close your eyes now.</p>
<p>Southwick: Eyes closed.</p>
<p>[...]</p>
<p>Southwick: Yours is sitting right in front of you. This is six o'clock right there.</p>
<p>Brokamp: OK, I've got it.</p>
<p>Southwick: We're going to start. You've got yours? Rick? You may try your first Oreo.</p>
<p>Brokamp: All right. Hm! Graham cracker.</p>
<p>Moser: Who's to say? There's a cinnamon something to this.</p>
<p>Hill: I'm going to go Cinnamon Bun.</p>
<p>Moser: Are we going to get some help, here?</p>
<p>Southwick: No. I don't need to because I'm going to give the point to Chris because he got it right. Cinnamon Bun.</p>
<p>Moser: It is good.</p>
<p>Southwick: I like the Cinnamon Bun one.</p>
<p>Brokamp: That actually was good.</p>
<p>Southwick: All right. Let's go to three o'clock. Everyone touch your three o'clock cookie.</p>
<p>Moser: Ehh...</p>
<p>Southwick: Nope, yup. Now you're good, Jason. This is going to be hard.</p>
<p>Moser: Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa. No, it's pleasant.</p>
<p>Hill: I think pleasant is an overstatement.</p>
<p>Moser: It is sweet.</p>
<p>Hill: This is too sweet.</p>
<p>Rick Engdahl: The cream filling is just all wrong on both of these. It's not the right texture. It's not the right consistency.</p>
<p>Southwick: Well, I'll tell you what is going on with these cookies. Because they are such new flavors, these Oreos are really fresh. Like the cream really moves.</p>
<p>Southwick: I don't know what I'm talking about. I'll give you a hint. Jason, your Southern roots.</p>
<p>Hill: It tastes like sugar and depression.</p>
<p>Southwick: Hey! I'm going to give it to you!</p>
<p>Moser: What?</p>
<p>Southwick: It's Red Velvet.</p>
<p>Southwick: Let's head to six o'clock.</p>
<p>Brokamp: Are we going?</p>
<p>Southwick: Yeah, go for it.</p>
<p>Moser: Oh, this is some kind of butterscotch something. But it tastes like some kind of walnut or pecan. I...</p>
<p>Brokamp: Hazelnut.</p>
<p>Moser: Yeah?</p>
<p>Hill: I don't think it's hazelnut, because I hate hazelnut, so...</p>
<p>Moser: Hazelnut Frappuccino?</p>
<p>Southwick: It doesn't sound like you guys studied up on Oreo flavors before coming in here, and I appreciate that.</p>
<p>Moser: I don't know.</p>
<p>Engdahl: They're kind of mealy. It's like a cake frosting or something.</p>
<p>Hill: Cake.</p>
<p>Southwick: Yes, Engdahl's going in the right direction.</p>
<p>Hill: Birthday cake?</p>
<p>Southwick: Birthday cake!</p>
<p>Brokamp: Wow, man. Chris is nailing it.</p>
<p>Southwick: All right, last one. Let's see how you do. Go for it.</p>
<p>Moser: See, to me, this just tastes like a regular Oreo.</p>
<p>Southwick: Yes, but are you getting any sort of sensation aside from flavor?</p>
<p>Brokamp: Pet rocks.</p>
<p>Hill: Is it the firecracker?</p>
<p>Southwick: It's the Firework one.</p>
<p>Moser: I do...I do feel it now.</p>
<p>Brokamp: Oh, it is. Ugh! I can feel it.</p>
<p>Southwick: Do you feel it?</p>
<p>Moser: The taste is a disappointment.</p>
<p>Engdahl: This is not a very big fireworks show.</p>
<p>Moser: Well, I feel the popping. Now I'm like feeling it. Absolutely!</p>
<p>Engdahl: That's what I'm talking about. There should be more popping. There should be more pop rocks.</p>
<p>Moser: Yeah!</p>
<p>Engdahl: There should be more pop rocks.</p>
<p>Southwick: You should feel pain. The physical pain of... Yeah.</p>
<p>[...]</p>
<p>Southwick: So, all right...</p>
<p>Brokamp: It's still popping. I'm telling you.</p>
<p>Southwick: Which one's your favorite?</p>
<p>Brokamp: I think the first one.</p>
<p>Southwick: Cinnamon Bun?</p>
<p>Brokamp: Yeah. I think so.</p>
<p>Hill: Yeah. If I was a hostage somewhere and they said you can have one of these four cookies, I'd go with the Cinnamon Bun.</p>
<p>Moser: See, I'd go with the Firework one, because to me that tastes like a regular Oreo and honestly, to me, a regular Oreo is better than any of the other ones.</p>
<p>Engdahl: I'm with Jason on that.</p>
<p>Moser: Fireworks effects notwithstanding...</p>
<p>Hill: I think you're very trusting that they're being precise with how many pop rocks go into each one, and you're assuming that you're not going to get like a rogue cookie that's just loaded up with pop rocks.</p>
<p>Moser: And to this guy right here. I think the key to this show is the shot of bourbon after all of the cookies are done. Then you really tie Chris Hill into the episode.</p>
<p>Southwick: I brought the right Solo cups.</p>
<p>Moser: Which may or not be bourbon.</p>
<p>Southwick: Who's got some bourbon at their desk, huh?</p>
<p>Hill: Next stop, my desk.</p>
<p>Southwick: All right, thank you guys for joining us...</p>
<p>Moser: Thank you.</p>
<p>Southwick: ...and for indulging us. And if you do want more Oreo cookies there are more at my desk.</p>
<p>Hill: No. Thank you for not having Peeps.</p>
<p>[...]</p>
<p>Southwick: So Chris and Jason actually spend more time talking about stocks than Oreos over on Market Foolery, at least I hope so. So if you want to check out their podcast, it's our daily podcast here at The Motley Fool and it's just a really fun discussion about stocks making moves that day.</p>
<p>I also want to thank Levi for the idea for the Oreo taste test. Or you guys can blame him. He gave us the idea over on our Facebook podcast group. If you're on Facebook and not part of the podcast group, you should join it and check it out. It's a lot of fun people talking about money, and stocks, and Oreos. We have a good time.</p>
<p>Brokamp: What's the actual name of it? Is it Motley Fool Podcasts?</p>
<p>Southwick: It's Motley Fool Podcasts.</p>
<p>Brokamp: Look it up on Facebook.</p>
<p>Southwick: It's a private group, so you have to ask to join, but we'll let you in. Just tell them you know Alison. That's cool. I'll give you the secret knock.</p>
<p>All right, that's the show. It is edited forgivingly by Rick Engdahl. This was a tough episode to edit, and I appreciate him and all the work he does on the show. Thank you, Rick Engdahl.</p>
<p>Our email is <a href="http://mailto:[email protected]" type="external">[email protected] Opens a New Window.</a> and, I don't know. For Robert Brokamp, I'm Alison Southwick, and I have had one too many Oreos. Stay Foolish, everybody!</p>
<p><a href="https://my.fool.com/profile/TMFAlison/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=cdacc150-6c00-11e7-9eed-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Alison Southwick Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.&#160; <a href="https://my.fool.com/profile/TMFWizard/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=cdacc150-6c00-11e7-9eed-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Chris Hill Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.&#160; <a href="https://my.fool.com/profile/TMFJMo/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=cdacc150-6c00-11e7-9eed-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Jason Moser Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.&#160; <a href="https://my.fool.com/profile/TMFMuse/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=cdacc150-6c00-11e7-9eed-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Richard Engdahl Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.&#160; <a href="https://my.fool.com/profile/TMFBro/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=cdacc150-6c00-11e7-9eed-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Robert Brokamp, CFP Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;owns shares of Mondelez International. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a&#160; <a href="https://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=cdacc150-6c00-11e7-9eed-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | women face lot unique hurdles comes planning retirement understanding managing accordingly make difference comfortable retirement barely scraping episode motley fool answers opens new window hosts alison southwick robert brokamp go six biggest headwinds women face retirement planning living longer wage gap earlier retirement men women smooth bumpy road continue reading also market foolery opens new window hosts chris hill jason moser stop talk hypervariety trend seeing oreo snack line tastetest newest weirdest flavors air full transcript follows video 10 stocks like better than160walmartwhen investing geniuses david tom160gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter they160have run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom160just revealed believe the160 ten best stocks opens new window160for investors buy right walmart wasnt one thats right they160think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window160to learn picks advertisement stock160advisor returns july 6 2017the authors may position stocks mentioned video recorded may 23 2017 alison southwick motley fool answers im alison southwick im joined always robert brokamp personal finance expert motley fool robert brokamp hello everyone podcast land southwick todays episode going discuss headwinds facing women road retirement women men help well also answer question put cash retirement see chris hill jason moser really know stuff comes oreos double stuf brokamp got good southwick time answers answers todays question comes la think initials email la writes 62 retirement horizon within next 10 years recent podcast bro said closer get retirement pulling part money stock market options place money brokamp well la thats really tough question days classic alternatives stocks cash bonds despite fact federal reserve tried boost rates little bit earlier year rates near historical lows still thats id start would create mix regular old cash highyielding cds find sites like bankrate nerdwallet well lowcost bond funds bond funds consider would dodge amp cox income tcw total return doubleline total return well vanguards short intermediateterm bond index funds etf siblings much keep stock market rule retirement service model portfolio people within decade retirement allocation 75 stocks 25 bonds near retirement also talk lot call creating income cushion basically five years worth expenses need cover portfolio stock market cash cds shortterm bonds youre relatively aggressive investor maybe thats need stock market put rest stocks lot resources though one classically defined benefit pensions actually stock market youre relying completely portfolio probably play little safer know lots people want play little safer cant stand idea investing cash bonds rates low think actually great idea use safe money pay debt including mortgage pay mortgage increasing net worth youre lowering liabilities youre creating home equity tap later retirement maybe reverse mortgage youre also lowering expenses means dont take much portfolio retire finally actually retirement think worth considering classic plainvanilla annuity hand lump sum money get check mail rest life studies shown retirees annuity much better choice cash bonds la since retired dont worry annuity yet also longer wait buy annuity bigger payout youll get based life expectancy la dont worry later choose bonds cash know fun also watching allstock portfolio go 2550 right retire also fun southwick women arent one chances theres still one life care whether mother wife daughter friend woman many perks able wear skirts summertime sunshine daisies comes saving retirement women face many headwinds today going talk headwinds women men overcome together brokamp dun dun dun southwick yeah first headwind women earn less brokamp yes women earn approximately 80 men make theyre also likely interrupt careers take care either children older relatives according social security administration typical woman spends 12 years workforce means falls behind career also means doesnt much time accumulate retirement benefits save 401k example according employee financial wellness survey pwc 49 female workers saved less 50000 retirement compared 30 men southwick 2 headwind women receive less retirement income sounds like also function much make right brokamp yes related according national institute retirement security women 65 older 25 less income men also female retirees 80 likely fall poverty line big reason lower social security benefits 2014 average benefit received woman 23 less received man part talked earlier spent time workforce social security based 35 highest years earning years didnt earn money benefit doesnt get credit southwick 3 women live longer good one also kind bad brokamp right course overall good thing comes retirement planning challenge generally retirement begins person leaves workplace ends life leaves person longer live longer retirement fund birth women live five years longer men people make 65 gap actually shrinks two three years still live longer kinds consequences one theyre going spend money healthcare according healthview services company develops software projects medical expenses healthy 65yearold woman retires year lives 89 going spend 199000 todays dollars healthcare thats medicare premiums vision care dental care opposed 65yearold male lived 87 hes going spend 176000 todays dollars medical expenses going 20000 southwick women also likely spend part lives single brokamp yes wife may believe marriage enhance retirement security married couples likely adequately prepared retirement single folks look whos single 65andolder group 19 men 40 women single get 85andolder group 85 women widowed theyre likely live theyre also likely need sort longterm care later life according aarp 70 people nursing home women southwick women also tend retire earlier brokamp right center retirement research boston college says average retirement age men 64 whereas typical women retires age 62 often wives retire husbands average husband two three years older wife tend retire together means woman shorter career shes retiring sooner shes going live longer shes got longer retirement finance southwick finally last headwind want talk briefly women often leave financial planning husbands brokamp right several studies shown husbands tend handle investing retirement planning household whereas wives take care budgeting bill paying types things splitting financial tasks makes sense spouses certain degree could left little ignorant whats going problem said earlier likely happen husbands going die first woman pick slack also several tests shown comes financial literacy frankly neither men women score particularly well women score lower men theyre equipped handle taking everything maybe man might southwick depressing headwinds brokamp right southwick lets talk solutions brokamp lets talk solutions first thing course become money master regardless gender role marriage everyone financial expert even hire financial planner know enough know whether youve got good financial planner fact according study hartford financial services mit agelab couples share financial housework actually prepared rely one person couple looks finances together taken steps prepare might happen one passes away regardless whether youre married regardless whether someone handles finances couple people knowledgeable southwick whats first step someone take becoming money master book like obviously podcast brokamp course ill give classic favorite books personal finance dummies written eric tyson actually theres books hes cowritten another guy named bob carlson personal finance 50 personal finance seniors theyve got whole series books appropriate whatever age favorite investing book stocks long run jeremy siegel anything written john bogle also great help really part informed whats going weve talked letter dead husband idea bob hasmiller subscriber rule retirement service every year laid everything going finances wife wasnt interested sadly bob passed away last year southwick unexpectedly brokamp unexpectedly bicycle accident im sure wife found helpful laid southwick second thing women understand divorce widowhood remarriage might affect brokamp right dissolution marriage whether due death divorce financially devastating anybody particularly woman primary breadwinner family according 2013 survey conducted womens institute secure retirement otherwise known wiser way great resource women want learn finances half recent widows experienced 50 drop income husbands died think moms situation think lot stuff parents got divorced like lot moms stayed home raised kids went back workforce florist florist whole life went back florist perfectly respectable job earn whole lot money meets guy get married shes 59 hes older hes retired hes retired cop gets pension says time stop working time us go enjoy marriage fun things great except retired early dies pension going stop mom think whats going happen pass away enough assets take care also important know things affect benefits like pensions social security dont want get details think social security example eligible get benefits based spouses work record long married least 10 years married 10 years got divorced nine years stayathome mom period youre going get credit based husbands record course could flipflop genders well widows benefits actually different regular social security benefits actually claim earlier like social security claim early get reduced benefit different widow know claim benefits need like said youre eligible get benefits based either deceased spouse exspouses record get remarried age 60 believe youd longer rights married someone made lot money good social security benefits get divorced 10 years remarry someone didnt much impressive work record southwick married love second time around ok brokamp married love may reducing social security benefits im saying thats shouldnt marry guy might wonderful person southwick wait put brokamp right wait age 60 kind complicated thing aware different life changes marital status affect benefits lot said also apply pensions healthcare retirement provided exemployer aware things southwick third thing women keep benefits mind take job brokamp job take impact much finances salary healthcare receive quality retirement plan flexible employer handling family situations important women likely taking care kids theyre also likely taking care elderly parents older relatives keep mind youre taking job studies show women take jobs government education healthcare actually higher retirement income lower rates poverty retirement professions likely provide defined benefit pension traditional pension keep mind plan career decide work southwick fourth thing women delay retirement everyone everyone ready brokamp one person marriage ready retire sort benefit allows doesnt mean spouse also retire look retirement plan run retirement calculators love southwick brokamp look various scenarios happens live 90s happens live 90s happens live 90s affect benefits one person retiring age means persons survivorship benefits social security pension way would adversely affected maybe people need keep working southwick men help women lives brokamp since men generally people retirement planning investing survivor mind plan taking certain benefits social security example man higher primary breadwinner takes social security early get lower benefit passing lower benefit surviving spouse means surviving spouse bad place maybe delay mentioned letter dead husband important set finances way easy surviving spouse know contact accounts life insurance policy things invested things like southwick men listening im sorry dont want hear youre probably going die first im sorry assume youre going die first brokamp applies men anyone certain amount financial sophistication say youve got look older relatives plain simple think lot things issues men women retirement generational example theres pay gap 80 younger women 20s pay gap 93 today 40 households wife main breadwinner compared less 25 back 1987 southwick oh wow thats big shift brokamp large degree think generational people like mom get older generations like boomers come wont big deal think mom example late 70s dad owned business started think 1973 1974 401ks didnt even exist back didnt come around early 80s whole idea building big retirement account didnt exist think lot change years go southwick last thing men one im sure others last one going talk today men help wives making sure know team talking team brokamp use financial services professionals could accountants advisors attorneys life insurance agents spouses least know folks contact dont use anyone like situation one person handles financial planning investing things like spouse isnt interested maybe start building relationship someone trust need arises future person handles finances unable already relationship someone survivor doesnt go find financial professional trust theyre situation dont really feel comfortable making decision southwick bottom line may rough getting better everyone part solution help ladies love get retirement everyone fun retirement southwick listen market foolery sistersister podcast sister brother daily podcast call jason moser agnostic brokamp colleagues benefits chris hill little sibling southwick little sibling moser like colleague benefits southwick listen market foolery daily podcast hosted chris hill know concerns current trend sweeping nation fashionable trend rompers men personally board concerns brokamp wait till come work wearing one well see feel way moser yeah lets get husband guest podcast lets revisit think hes going feel way rompers brokamp ron rompers moser dont think southwick ronper also fidget toy oreo specifically unhinged proliferation flavors watermelon firework peeps mondelez160nasdaq mdlz maker oreo announced competition 05 million prize suggesting next oreo flavor joining studio talk trend also tastetest new oreo flavors chris hill jason moser hi guys moser howdy brokamp welcome answers hill good first time answers brokamp southwick exciting moser hes side microphone hill literally side table moser hes yellow mic hill slightly awkward alison came studio stopped looked said youre sitting seat said oh thats thats im used sitting southwick host seat hill host seat moser know feel every friday come motley fool money ron hill go southwick first guys hate innovation much also america hate america moser think stand jump first say dont really hate america innovation much perhaps chris chris seems really antioreo innovation perhaps peeps im sure hill peeps oreos set heres thing ive made point market foolery stand point youre mondelez shareholder think legitimate ask whether many people working oreo division 1 cookie america years 1 bestseller need 16 new flavors feel like theyre drunk power oreo division think work oreo division mondelez suggest flavor want itll like sure well know weve already got 1 bestseller well try anything moser espn cookies southwick well possible research development team brokamp great moser well precisely southwick heard chriss whole bourbon oreo thing theyre drinking bourbon making oreos hill might might would explain lot frankly southwick right well makes horrible radio lets go four oreos new flavors im going place front going blind taste test see first identify flavor also well figure one favorite moser oreos right theyre like grasshoppers hill hydrox southwick hydrox moser hydrox yeah like generic form southwick joe joes trader joes moser real deal brokamp eyes closed able see southwick know im going trust guys go brokamp first pick close eyes southwick eyes closed southwick sitting right front six oclock right brokamp ok ive got southwick going start youve got rick may try first oreo brokamp right hm graham cracker moser whos say theres cinnamon something hill im going go cinnamon bun moser going get help southwick dont need im going give point chris got right cinnamon bun moser good southwick like cinnamon bun one brokamp actually good southwick right lets go three oclock everyone touch three oclock cookie moser ehh southwick nope yup youre good jason going hard moser oh whoa whoa whoa pleasant hill think pleasant overstatement moser sweet hill sweet rick engdahl cream filling wrong right texture right consistency southwick well ill tell going cookies new flavors oreos really fresh like cream really moves southwick dont know im talking ill give hint jason southern roots hill tastes like sugar depression southwick hey im going give moser southwick red velvet southwick lets head six oclock brokamp going southwick yeah go moser oh kind butterscotch something tastes like kind walnut pecan brokamp hazelnut moser yeah hill dont think hazelnut hate hazelnut moser hazelnut frappuccino southwick doesnt sound like guys studied oreo flavors coming appreciate moser dont know engdahl theyre kind mealy like cake frosting something hill cake southwick yes engdahls going right direction hill birthday cake southwick birthday cake brokamp wow man chris nailing southwick right last one lets see go moser see tastes like regular oreo southwick yes getting sort sensation aside flavor brokamp pet rocks hill firecracker southwick firework one moser doi feel brokamp oh ugh feel southwick feel moser taste disappointment engdahl big fireworks show moser well feel popping im like feeling absolutely engdahl thats im talking popping pop rocks moser yeah engdahl pop rocks southwick feel pain physical pain yeah southwick right brokamp still popping im telling southwick ones favorite brokamp think first one southwick cinnamon bun brokamp yeah think hill yeah hostage somewhere said one four cookies id go cinnamon bun moser see id go firework one tastes like regular oreo honestly regular oreo better ones engdahl im jason moser fireworks effects notwithstanding hill think youre trusting theyre precise many pop rocks go one youre assuming youre going get like rogue cookie thats loaded pop rocks moser guy right think key show shot bourbon cookies done really tie chris hill episode southwick brought right solo cups moser may bourbon southwick whos got bourbon desk huh hill next stop desk southwick right thank guys joining us moser thank southwick indulging us want oreo cookies desk hill thank peeps southwick chris jason actually spend time talking stocks oreos market foolery least hope want check podcast daily podcast motley fool really fun discussion stocks making moves day also want thank levi idea oreo taste test guys blame gave us idea facebook podcast group youre facebook part podcast group join check lot fun people talking money stocks oreos good time brokamp whats actual name motley fool podcasts southwick motley fool podcasts brokamp look facebook southwick private group ask join well let tell know alison thats cool ill give secret knock right thats show edited forgivingly rick engdahl tough episode edit appreciate work show thank rick engdahl email answersfoolcom opens new window dont know robert brokamp im alison southwick one many oreos stay foolish everybody alison southwick opens new window160has position stocks mentioned160 chris hill opens new window160has position stocks mentioned160 jason moser opens new window160has position stocks mentioned160 richard engdahl opens new window160has position stocks mentioned160 robert brokamp cfp opens new window160owns shares mondelez international motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool a160 disclosure policy opens new window | 2,906 |
<p>In January 2013, bestselling conservative author and political commentator Ben Shapiro went toe-to-toe with then-CNN host Piers Morgan on the issue of gun control laws in America. It was a classic woodshed moment, and one of the most devastating exchanges for Morgan, whose popularity with American audiences steadily declined after the unfortunate encounter.</p>
<p>"You know, honestly, Piers, you've kind of been a bully on this issue," Shapiro began. "What you tend to do is you tend to demonize people who differ from you politically by standing on the graves of the children of Sandy Hook, saying they don't seem to care enough about the dead kids. If they cared more about the dead kids they would agree with you on policy. I think we can have a rational political conversation about balancing rights and risks and rewards of all of these different policies, but I don't think that what we need to do is demonize people on the other side as being unfeeling about -- about what happened in Sandy Hook."</p>
<p>"How dare you accuse me of standing on the graves of children that died there? How dare you?" responded an outraged Morgan.</p>
<p />
<p>But Shapiro didn't back down, eventually going on to explain to the host the purposes of the Second Amendment. "The basis for the Second Amendment is not really about self defense, and it’s not about hunting," he said. "It’s about resistance to government tyranny. That’s what the Founders said, and that’s what the right believes in this country."</p>
<p />
<p>When Morgan scoffed at Shapiro's explanation, asking what type of "tyranny" he feared, Shapiro responded, "I fear the possibility of a tyranny rising in the country in the next fifty to a hundred years. Let me tell you something, Piers. The fact that my grandparents and great grandparents in Europe didn’t fear that is why they’re now ashes in Europe. So this kind of leftist revisionist history where there’s never any fear of democracy going usurpacious or tyrannical, is just that. It’s fictitious."</p>
<p>In a discussion with several low points for Morgan, the lowest came when the British host slammed down a copy of the U.S. Constitution, dismissing it as "your little book."</p>
<p>"The way that the NRA through the '80s and '90s and this last [inaudible] tried to frame this as a left-wing attack on the American Constitution and the Second Amendment, exactly what you tried to do," said Morgan. "You come in. You brandish your little book as if I don't know-- "</p>
<p>"That's the Constitution of the United States," replied Shapiro.</p>
<p />
<p>Video of the exchange went viral. Below is a <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1301/10/pmt.01.html" type="external">full transcript</a> via CNN from the Jan. 10, 2013 interview:</p>
<p>MORGAN: Strong words from Vice President Biden who heads the White House task force on guns. My next guest has strong words for me, says I'm off the rails on guns in America. Ben Shapiro is editor-at-large at Breitbart.com and the author of "Bullies: How the Left's Culture of Fear and Intimidation Silences Americans." So why am I off the rails, Mr. Shapiro? BEN SHAPIRO, AUTHOR, "BULLIES," EDITOR AT LARGE, BREITBART.COM: You know, honestly, Piers, you've kind of been a bully on this issue because what you do, and I've seen it repeatedly on your show, I watch your show, and I have seen it repeatedly. What you tend to do is you tend to demonize people who differ from you politically by standing on the graves of the children of Sandy Hook, saying they don't seem to care enough about the dead kids. If they cared more about the dead kids they would agree with you on policy. I think we can have a rational political conversation about balancing rights and risks and rewards of all of these different policies, but I don't think that what we need to do is demonize people on the other side as being unfeeling about -- about what happened in Sandy Hook. MORGAN: How dare you accuse me of standing on the graves of children that died there? How dare you? SHAPIRO: I have seen you do it repeatedly, Piers. MORGAN: Like I say, how dare you? SHAPIRO: I mean, you can keep saying that, but you've done it repeatedly. What you do, and I've seen you do it on the program, is you keep saying to folks that if they disagree with you politically, then somehow this is a violation of what happened in Sandy Hook. And you get -- I really like to hear your policy prescriptions for what we should do about guns. (CROSSTALK) Because you say that you respect the Second Amendment. MORGAN: Yes. SHAPIRO: And you know I brought this here for you so that you can read it, the Constitution. And I would really like for you to explain to me what you would do about guns that would have prevented what happened in Sandy Hook. If you want to do what you did in the UK, right, which is ban virtually all guns, that is at least a fair argument and we can have a discussion about whether that's something that we ought to do. MORGAN: Well, I've made it very clear what I want to do which is exactly what Mark Kelly wants to do. And in fact, rather than address your -- SHAPIRO: OK. So let's talk about that. MORGAN: Rather than address your comment to me about standing on the graves of children at Sandy Hook, you can address them to Mark Kelly because he agrees with everything that I have been saying because he feels the same way as does his wife. They're gun owners. They both respect the Second Amendment of the Constitution. They don't want to take away anybody's right to defend themselves with guns. They don't -- SHAPIRO: They only want to take away certain types of guns, obviously. MORGAN: They want to take away assault weapons which are capable with magazines, that we saw in Aurora and Sandy Hook, of unleashing a ridiculous amount of bullets in a very short of time. SHAPIRO: Well, this is the question I wanted to ask you, Piers. Because I've seen you -- I've seen you talk about these weapons a lot. And I've seen Mark Kelly talk about assault weapons. The vast majority of murders in this country that are committed with guns are not committed with assault weapons, they're committed with handguns. (CROSSTALK) MORGAN: OK -- SHAPIRO: So are you willing to ban handguns in this country. MORGAN: No. No, that's not what I'm asking for. SHAPIRO: Why not? MORGAN: Let me ask you -- SHAPIRO: So you only care about the kids who were being killed in Chicago as much as the kids in Sandy Hook? MORGAN: Yes, I do. SHAPIRO: And why don't you care about -- about banning the handguns in Chicago? MORGAN: We'll come to that. Let me ask you this. Let me ask you this. What was the weapon used in Aurora in the movie theater? SHAPIRO: It was -- it was an assault rifle, sure. MORGAN: OK. What was the weapon used in the Oregon shopping mall? SHAPIRO: I believe it's an assault weapon, correct. MORGAN: OK. What was the weapon used in Sandy Hook? SHAPIRO: It was an assault rifle. MORGAN: What was the weapon used in the incident around Christmas when the firemen were lured to their deaths, the New York State firemen? SHAPIRO: And bought illegally? That was -- that was an assault rifle. MORGAN: Right. So the last four mass shootings in America were all assault weapons. SHAPIRO: The vast -- (CROSSTALK) MORGAN: That's just the reason, Mr. Shapiro. And you can smirk at me and you can laugh at me. SHAPIRO: I'm not smirking. MORGAN: And you can accuse me of standing on the graves of dead children. SHAPIRO: And being a bully, yes. MORGAN: But that is the reason that people like me and Mark Kelly and Gabrielle Giffords want to have assault weapons like that removed from civilian hands. SHAPIRO: Your passion on the issue -- MORGAN: That's the point. SHAPIRO: -- doesn't really justify the rationale for why you want to ban assault weapons but not handguns. MORGAN: You understand why we want to remove the preferred weapon of choice, these killing machines. SHAPIRO: Well, I would like you to -- MORGAN: -- from the hands of deranged young men. SHAPIRO: All I'm asking you is for you to be philosophically consistent. If what you're worried about is the removal of killing machines, from the hands of deranged young people, then maybe we should talk about a blanket gun ban, and let's get to what the left really wants here. And you know, you say that you're for the Second Amendment -- MORGAN: Why is it about left or right? Because in Britain, this never is about left or right. This issue. Why is it here? SHAPIRO: Well, you know, we can talk about Britain in a second. I think the reason that it's about left and right here is because fundamentally, the right believes that the basis for the Second Amendment, and they believe in the Second Amendment. The basis for the Second Amendment is not really about self-defense and it's not about hunting. It is about resistance to government tyranny. That's what the founder said and that's what the right believes in this country. MORGAN: Which tyranny are you fearing yourself? SHAPIRO: I fear the possibility of a tyranny rising in this country in the next 50 to 100 years. Let me tell you something, Piers. The fact that my grandparents and great grandparents in Europe didn't fear that is why they're now ashes in Europe. So this kind of leftist revisionist history where there's never any fear of democracy going usurpatious or tyrannical is just that. It's fictitious. MORGAN: So -- just to clarify your position then. The answer to Sandy Hook, as it was to Aurora, as it was to Gabrielle Giffords, as it was to Columbine and Virginia Tech, is you do nothing. Is that your position? SHAPIRO: And that's not my position. I actually -- MORGAN: What is your position? SHAPIRO: My position is that we have to calibrate laws that are designed to get hand -- guns out of the hands of bad people and keep guns in the hands of good people who want to buy them. This idea of more guns versus less guns -- (CROSSTALK) MORGAN: How do you do that? How do you do that? SHAPIRO: I think one of the ways that you do that is by better screening for mental illness. I think that you do better background checks. MORGAN: Was Adam Lanza's mother a good person? SHAPIRO: I don't know whether she's a good person or a bad person. (CROSSTALK) She was irresponsible with her guns. MORGAN: Has there been any evidence to suggest she was not a good person? SHAPIRO: No, but there is -- (CROSSTALK) MORGAN: So by your criteria, she would have -- SHAPIRO: No -- MORGAN: Wait a minute, by your criteria of the good people should be allowed to guns and the bad people shouldn't, she would have been allowed a gun. SHAPIRO: She was an irresponsible person. She didn't keep her guns locked up. And that should be against the law. MORGAN: So then she -- SHAPIRO: If you have a mentally ill person in your house -- (CROSSTALK) We're talking about laws that we can both agree on. MORGAN: Right. Then she becomes -- SHAPIRO: I don't know why you're disagreeing with me on this. MORGAN: Then she becomes a bad person, does she? SHAPIRO: Well, no, it's not a matter of -- it's not a matter of morally versus immorally -- MORGAN: You set the criteria, good and bad. So is she good or bad? SHAPIRO: You're right, Piers. I should have said responsible versus irresponsible. That's correct. MORGAN: OK. So she goes from good to bad? SHAPIRO: No. She goes from responsible to irresponsible. MORGAN: Let's take a break. Let's come back and talk more about this because we don't agree. (COMMERCIAL BREAK) MORGAN: With me now is Ben Shapiro, editor at large at Breitbart.com, and the author of "Bullies." Do you believe that if you had an assault weapon ban, statistics prove that you could dry out the supply of these guns and make them less accessible to criminals? BEN SHAPIRO, BREITBART.COM: I don't know whether you could make them less accessible to criminals. Let's assume that's the case, that you could make them less accessible to criminals. Again, my question remains for you, Piers -- and I'm still waiting for an answer from the left on this. They say they're pro-Second Amendment. Why don't we want to ban handguns? If you really want to solve the, quote unquote, gun violence problem in America, why for all the guns? Why just stop yourself at assault rifles? MORGAN: Because I believe and respect an Americans' rights under the Second Amendment Constitution that you kindly brought in to defend themselves with a handgun or a pistol. What I don't understand -- SHAPIRO: And most murders are committed with those weapons. MORGAN: As we just established -- I talked you through them. The last four mass shootings in America -- SHAPIRO: Adam Lanza had two pistols on him. (CROSS TALK) MORGAN: He didn't use them, as you know. SHAPIRO: If he hadn't had the assault rifle, he wouldn't have used them? MORGAN: Explain to me this: I can't buy this. This is six packets of Sudafed, one of the many companies that make a particular ingredient which you can't buy legally in America. There we are, six packets. That is illegal for me to buy in that quantity in Wal-Mart, say. But I can buy an AR-15 military style assault rifle. I can then, as we saw with Holmes, the shooter in Aurora, go get 6,000 rounds of ammunition from the Internet and I can go and blow up a movie theater. Do you think that's right? SHAPIRO: Well, we can talk drug laws another time. MORGAN: Does that make sense to you? SHAPIRO: No, I think what would make sense is laws that are calibrated to solve the problem. So if you think the problem is only assault rifles -- MORGAN: Which guns would you remove? SHAPIRO: I think the ones that have largely been removed from the market. Fully automatic weapons would be a good start. I think -- MORGAN: You wouldn't remove any semiautomatics at all? SHAPIRO: No, because semiautomatic just means that when you pull the trigger once, one bullet comes out. (CROSS TALK) MORGAN: Do you understand how an AR-15 performs when it's been modified and has a magazine? SHAPIRO: I do. I saw it in the North Hollywood shootout. You know what? It was illegal to do that. People did it anyway. We have 12 million illegal immigrants in this country. We're not able to stop people from coming illegally into the country over the southern border, into places like California, where I live normally. I think you would be very hard pressed to stop guns from coming across that border illegally as well. California has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation. MORGAN: Would you want every American to have an AR-15? SHAPIRO: No, not every American. MORGAN: Who would you stop? SHAPIRO: I would stop anyone with a criminal background. I would stop anybody with a history of mental illness. And I stop and I would ask -- not ask, I would require that people who have somebody who has a criminal background or a history of mental illness in the household keep that gun locked up and safe. MORGAN: What about background checks? Forty percent of all gun sales in America are now gun trades, are not done with a background checks. SHAPIRO: I believe in background checks. MORGAN: For everybody? SHAPIRO: For everybody. MORGAN: So there should be a database, a national registry? SHAPIRO: If it's not public. I don't like what happened with the "Journal News," putting out gun permits, which allows criminals to target particular homes. MORGAN: When the NRA came out today, after the meeting in the White House, and just said we're not prepared to entertain any kind of new gun restrictions, what did you think about that? SHAPIRO: What is astonishing to me is the left's attack on the NRA. Because the NRA, they don't receive a dime of public dollars. They're an interest group. Here's what's funny, the left, they like to talk about violent video games, for example. MORGAN: Can you stop framing this as left or right. Because I don't have a horse in the race. I don't vote either way. SHAPIRO: You tend to be more to the left. MORGAN: The NRA, as you know, are a very active and well funded and powerful body. (CROSS TALK) MORGAN: I want to finish a point. Very quick, I promise. The point that I'm making is this: there's been a lot of talk by a lot of people about video game violence. I haven't seen David Gregory interviewing the head of the ACLU and saying, it's your broad interpretation of the First Amendment that is responsible for this. But people are bringing on the NRA and saying it's your broad interpretation of the Second Amendment that's responsible for this. They're an interest group. If you want legislation passed, talk to legislators. (CROSS TALK) MORGAN: Here is what the NRA and people like Alex Jones and others do -- SHAPIRO: Don't lump me in with Alex Jones. MORGAN: Fine. After each of these massacres, they come out. All the gun rights supporters come out very strongly and very vociferously, and they basically instill fear. They say if everyone -- SHAPIRO: They instill fear? MORGAN: If everyone in the movie theater had been armed, everyone in the school had been armed, it wouldn't have happened. Here is what happens, gun sales and ammunition sales rocket, as we've seen in the last three weeks. SHAPIRO: Don't pass the buck, Piers. (CROSS TALK) SHAPIRO: The reason people are buying a lot of guns right now, Piers, is because people on the left are talking very much about banning guns. So a lot of people are saying, if I am not going to have the right to purchase a weapon of my choosing in two months, I'm going to go and buy it now. MORGAN: Why did Ronald Reagan want these assault weapons removed? SHAPIRO: You know, I don't know why Ronald Reagan wanted these -- MORGAN: You like Reagan, right? SHAPIRO: I like Reagan. But in a lot of ways, he's not a God. I don't agree with him on everything. (CROSS TALK) MORGAN: Did you agree with him on assault weapons? SHAPIRO: If -- I'll believe what you are saying, sure. (CROSS TALK) SHAPIRO: I don't know what his position on assault weapons was. Why don't you tell me? MORGAN: Let me read the letter. This is a letter that he penned along with Presidents Ford and Carter in 1994 to Congress: "while we recognize that assault weapon legislation will not stop all assault weapon crime, statistics prove that we can dry up the supply of these guns, making them less accessible to criminals. We urge you to listen to the American public and the law enforcement community, support a ban on the further manufacture of these weapons." That is Ronald Reagan. SHAPIRO: OK, so I can disagree with Ronald Reagan. MORGAN: You keep framing it as a left and right thing. (CROSS TALK) MORGAN: One of the great right wing presidents of modern times agreed with me. SHAPIRO: So? MORGAN: So it's not left or right, is it? (CROSS TALK) SHAPIRO: OK, Piers -- MORGAN: The way that the NRA through the '80s and '90s and this last -- (CROSS TALK) MORGAN: -- tried to frame this as a left-wing attack on the American Constitution and the Second Amendment, exactly what you tried to do. You come in. You brandish your little book as if I don't know -- SHAPIRO: That's the Constitution of the United States. MORGAN: I know what its your Constitution. SHAPIRO: Do you really? MORGAN: I have been debating this for a very long time. SHAPIRO: Then you should read the Second Amendment again. MORGAN: I know the Second Amendment. What I haven't heard is one coherent reason for why an civilian in American needs an AR-15 military style assault weapon. Tell me why you need one. SHAPIRO: I told you why the general population of America, law abiding -- MORGAN: Why do they need those weapons? SHAPIRO: They need them for the prospective possibility of resistance to tyranny, which is not a concern today. It may not be a concern tomorrow. MORGAN: Where do you expect the tyranny to come from? SHAPIRO: It could come from the United States, because governments have gone tyrannical before, Piers. MORGAN: Do you understand how absurd you sound? SHAPIRO: Here's where you go into the absurd and the bullying. (CROSS TALK) MORGAN: I'm not the one who came in here and accused you of standing on the graves of dead children. SHAPIRO: Because you're the one who is doing that. (CROSS TALK) SHAPIRO: You know what I call it? Punching back twice as hard. MORGAN: That's what I call bullying. SHAPIRO: Astonishing. MORGAN: What is astonishing? SHAPIRO: What's astonishing about it is that for weeks now, you have been saying that anybody who disagrees with your position is absurd, idiotic, and doesn't care about the kids in Sandy Hook. Then when I say that that's a bullying tactic, you turn around and say I'm bullying you for saying that. It's absurd. It's ridiculous. MORGAN: Let me ask you again, what is the point of a civilian having an AR-15? SHAPIRO: The point of a civilian having an AR-15 assault weapon -- many of them are ex-military. Right, I have military friends. I don't have a problem with Colin Powell owning an AR-15 assault weapon. (CROSS TALK) SHAPIRO: It depends on the civilian. MORGAN: Forget criminals, the mentally ill. (CROSS TALK) MORGAN: An average civilian without a criminal record, why do they need one? SHAPIRO: To protect against the possibility of eventual government tyranny. This was the purpose of the Second Amendment originally. It remains the purpose of the Second Amendment now. And pretending that governments have never gone usurpations before -- MORGAN: You genuinely believe your own government is going to turn on you in a way that you require an AR-15 to challenge them? You really believe that will happen in modern day America? Is that what you think? SHAPIRO: They may not turn on me. They may not turn on my children. But the fact is this, history is replete with democracies going tyrannical. It has happened. It happened in France in the 19th century. It happened in Spain in the last century. It happened in Germany. It happened in Italy. It happened in Japan. MORGAN: The reason we cannot remove AR-15 assault weapons is because the threat of your own government turning on you in a tyrannical way? SHAPIRO: Yes. MORGAN: That is your position? SHAPIRO: It is because there are countervailing rights and responsibilities. (CROSS TALK) SHAPIRO: I don't understand why you can't -- why can't we agree about reasonable law. (CROSS TALK) MORGAN: You have made your point crystal clear. People aren't stupid. They can make up their own minds. Ben Shapiro, thank you.</p>
<p>Months later, Shapiro appeared on Morgan's show again -- and again crushed him on gun control:</p> | true | 0 | january 2013 bestselling conservative author political commentator ben shapiro went toetotoe thencnn host piers morgan issue gun control laws america classic woodshed moment one devastating exchanges morgan whose popularity american audiences steadily declined unfortunate encounter know honestly piers youve kind bully issue shapiro began tend tend demonize people differ politically standing graves children sandy hook saying dont seem care enough dead kids cared dead kids would agree policy think rational political conversation balancing rights risks rewards different policies dont think need demonize people side unfeeling happened sandy hook dare accuse standing graves children died dare responded outraged morgan shapiro didnt back eventually going explain host purposes second amendment basis second amendment really self defense hunting said resistance government tyranny thats founders said thats right believes country morgan scoffed shapiros explanation asking type tyranny feared shapiro responded fear possibility tyranny rising country next fifty hundred years let tell something piers fact grandparents great grandparents europe didnt fear theyre ashes europe kind leftist revisionist history theres never fear democracy going usurpacious tyrannical fictitious discussion several low points morgan lowest came british host slammed copy us constitution dismissing little book way nra 80s 90s last inaudible tried frame leftwing attack american constitution second amendment exactly tried said morgan come brandish little book dont know thats constitution united states replied shapiro video exchange went viral full transcript via cnn jan 10 2013 interview morgan strong words vice president biden heads white house task force guns next guest strong words says im rails guns america ben shapiro editoratlarge breitbartcom author bullies lefts culture fear intimidation silences americans rails mr shapiro ben shapiro author bullies editor large breitbartcom know honestly piers youve kind bully issue ive seen repeatedly show watch show seen repeatedly tend tend demonize people differ politically standing graves children sandy hook saying dont seem care enough dead kids cared dead kids would agree policy think rational political conversation balancing rights risks rewards different policies dont think need demonize people side unfeeling happened sandy hook morgan dare accuse standing graves children died dare shapiro seen repeatedly piers morgan like say dare shapiro mean keep saying youve done repeatedly ive seen program keep saying folks disagree politically somehow violation happened sandy hook get really like hear policy prescriptions guns crosstalk say respect second amendment morgan yes shapiro know brought read constitution would really like explain would guns would prevented happened sandy hook want uk right ban virtually guns least fair argument discussion whether thats something ought morgan well ive made clear want exactly mark kelly wants fact rather address shapiro ok lets talk morgan rather address comment standing graves children sandy hook address mark kelly agrees everything saying feels way wife theyre gun owners respect second amendment constitution dont want take away anybodys right defend guns dont shapiro want take away certain types guns obviously morgan want take away assault weapons capable magazines saw aurora sandy hook unleashing ridiculous amount bullets short time shapiro well question wanted ask piers ive seen ive seen talk weapons lot ive seen mark kelly talk assault weapons vast majority murders country committed guns committed assault weapons theyre committed handguns crosstalk morgan ok shapiro willing ban handguns country morgan thats im asking shapiro morgan let ask shapiro care kids killed chicago much kids sandy hook morgan yes shapiro dont care banning handguns chicago morgan well come let ask let ask weapon used aurora movie theater shapiro assault rifle sure morgan ok weapon used oregon shopping mall shapiro believe assault weapon correct morgan ok weapon used sandy hook shapiro assault rifle morgan weapon used incident around christmas firemen lured deaths new york state firemen shapiro bought illegally assault rifle morgan right last four mass shootings america assault weapons shapiro vast crosstalk morgan thats reason mr shapiro smirk laugh shapiro im smirking morgan accuse standing graves dead children shapiro bully yes morgan reason people like mark kelly gabrielle giffords want assault weapons like removed civilian hands shapiro passion issue morgan thats point shapiro doesnt really justify rationale want ban assault weapons handguns morgan understand want remove preferred weapon choice killing machines shapiro well would like morgan hands deranged young men shapiro im asking philosophically consistent youre worried removal killing machines hands deranged young people maybe talk blanket gun ban lets get left really wants know say youre second amendment morgan left right britain never left right issue shapiro well know talk britain second think reason left right fundamentally right believes basis second amendment believe second amendment basis second amendment really selfdefense hunting resistance government tyranny thats founder said thats right believes country morgan tyranny fearing shapiro fear possibility tyranny rising country next 50 100 years let tell something piers fact grandparents great grandparents europe didnt fear theyre ashes europe kind leftist revisionist history theres never fear democracy going usurpatious tyrannical fictitious morgan clarify position answer sandy hook aurora gabrielle giffords columbine virginia tech nothing position shapiro thats position actually morgan position shapiro position calibrate laws designed get hand guns hands bad people keep guns hands good people want buy idea guns versus less guns crosstalk morgan shapiro think one ways better screening mental illness think better background checks morgan adam lanzas mother good person shapiro dont know whether shes good person bad person crosstalk irresponsible guns morgan evidence suggest good person shapiro crosstalk morgan criteria would shapiro morgan wait minute criteria good people allowed guns bad people shouldnt would allowed gun shapiro irresponsible person didnt keep guns locked law morgan shapiro mentally ill person house crosstalk talking laws agree morgan right becomes shapiro dont know youre disagreeing morgan becomes bad person shapiro well matter matter morally versus immorally morgan set criteria good bad good bad shapiro youre right piers said responsible versus irresponsible thats correct morgan ok goes good bad shapiro goes responsible irresponsible morgan lets take break lets come back talk dont agree commercial break morgan ben shapiro editor large breitbartcom author bullies believe assault weapon ban statistics prove could dry supply guns make less accessible criminals ben shapiro breitbartcom dont know whether could make less accessible criminals lets assume thats case could make less accessible criminals question remains piers im still waiting answer left say theyre prosecond amendment dont want ban handguns really want solve quote unquote gun violence problem america guns stop assault rifles morgan believe respect americans rights second amendment constitution kindly brought defend handgun pistol dont understand shapiro murders committed weapons morgan established talked last four mass shootings america shapiro adam lanza two pistols cross talk morgan didnt use know shapiro hadnt assault rifle wouldnt used morgan explain cant buy six packets sudafed one many companies make particular ingredient cant buy legally america six packets illegal buy quantity walmart say buy ar15 military style assault rifle saw holmes shooter aurora go get 6000 rounds ammunition internet go blow movie theater think thats right shapiro well talk drug laws another time morgan make sense shapiro think would make sense laws calibrated solve problem think problem assault rifles morgan guns would remove shapiro think ones largely removed market fully automatic weapons would good start think morgan wouldnt remove semiautomatics shapiro semiautomatic means pull trigger one bullet comes cross talk morgan understand ar15 performs modified magazine shapiro saw north hollywood shootout know illegal people anyway 12 million illegal immigrants country able stop people coming illegally country southern border places like california live normally think would hard pressed stop guns coming across border illegally well california strictest gun laws nation morgan would want every american ar15 shapiro every american morgan would stop shapiro would stop anyone criminal background would stop anybody history mental illness stop would ask ask would require people somebody criminal background history mental illness household keep gun locked safe morgan background checks forty percent gun sales america gun trades done background checks shapiro believe background checks morgan everybody shapiro everybody morgan database national registry shapiro public dont like happened journal news putting gun permits allows criminals target particular homes morgan nra came today meeting white house said prepared entertain kind new gun restrictions think shapiro astonishing lefts attack nra nra dont receive dime public dollars theyre interest group heres whats funny left like talk violent video games example morgan stop framing left right dont horse race dont vote either way shapiro tend left morgan nra know active well funded powerful body cross talk morgan want finish point quick promise point im making theres lot talk lot people video game violence havent seen david gregory interviewing head aclu saying broad interpretation first amendment responsible people bringing nra saying broad interpretation second amendment thats responsible theyre interest group want legislation passed talk legislators cross talk morgan nra people like alex jones others shapiro dont lump alex jones morgan fine massacres come gun rights supporters come strongly vociferously basically instill fear say everyone shapiro instill fear morgan everyone movie theater armed everyone school armed wouldnt happened happens gun sales ammunition sales rocket weve seen last three weeks shapiro dont pass buck piers cross talk shapiro reason people buying lot guns right piers people left talking much banning guns lot people saying going right purchase weapon choosing two months im going go buy morgan ronald reagan want assault weapons removed shapiro know dont know ronald reagan wanted morgan like reagan right shapiro like reagan lot ways hes god dont agree everything cross talk morgan agree assault weapons shapiro ill believe saying sure cross talk shapiro dont know position assault weapons dont tell morgan let read letter letter penned along presidents ford carter 1994 congress recognize assault weapon legislation stop assault weapon crime statistics prove dry supply guns making less accessible criminals urge listen american public law enforcement community support ban manufacture weapons ronald reagan shapiro ok disagree ronald reagan morgan keep framing left right thing cross talk morgan one great right wing presidents modern times agreed shapiro morgan left right cross talk shapiro ok piers morgan way nra 80s 90s last cross talk morgan tried frame leftwing attack american constitution second amendment exactly tried come brandish little book dont know shapiro thats constitution united states morgan know constitution shapiro really morgan debating long time shapiro read second amendment morgan know second amendment havent heard one coherent reason civilian american needs ar15 military style assault weapon tell need one shapiro told general population america law abiding morgan need weapons shapiro need prospective possibility resistance tyranny concern today may concern tomorrow morgan expect tyranny come shapiro could come united states governments gone tyrannical piers morgan understand absurd sound shapiro heres go absurd bullying cross talk morgan im one came accused standing graves dead children shapiro youre one cross talk shapiro know call punching back twice hard morgan thats call bullying shapiro astonishing morgan astonishing shapiro whats astonishing weeks saying anybody disagrees position absurd idiotic doesnt care kids sandy hook say thats bullying tactic turn around say im bullying saying absurd ridiculous morgan let ask point civilian ar15 shapiro point civilian ar15 assault weapon many exmilitary right military friends dont problem colin powell owning ar15 assault weapon cross talk shapiro depends civilian morgan forget criminals mentally ill cross talk morgan average civilian without criminal record need one shapiro protect possibility eventual government tyranny purpose second amendment originally remains purpose second amendment pretending governments never gone usurpations morgan genuinely believe government going turn way require ar15 challenge really believe happen modern day america think shapiro may turn may turn children fact history replete democracies going tyrannical happened happened france 19th century happened spain last century happened germany happened italy happened japan morgan reason remove ar15 assault weapons threat government turning tyrannical way shapiro yes morgan position shapiro countervailing rights responsibilities cross talk shapiro dont understand cant cant agree reasonable law cross talk morgan made point crystal clear people arent stupid make minds ben shapiro thank months later shapiro appeared morgans show crushed gun control | 1,968 |
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<p>Coca-Cola CEO Muhtar Kent, left, and Warren Buffett. Image source: Coca-Cola.</p>
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<p>Consumers around the world are increasingly inclined toward healthier nutrition, and this is hurting soda sales. According to estimates from Euromonitor, per-capita consumption of bottled water is on track to surpass soda sales for the first time ever in the U.S. during 2016. This is a valid reason for concern among investors in Coca-Cola, however, the company is proving to be strong enough to adapt to changing consumer demand.</p>
<p>Total sales volume during the fourth quarter of 2015 increased 3%, with soda volume growing 2% and still drinks sales volume increasing by 6% versus the same quarter in the prior year. Coca-Cola is compensating for the sluggish demand in traditional sodas with vigorous sales in healthier product categories, so chances are that the company will continue thriving in a healthy new world.</p>
<p>And Coca-Cola has an incredible track record of dividend payments over the years. The company has paid a quarterly dividend since 1920, and it's increased those payments for 54 years in a row. At current prices, Coca-Cola stock is paying a decent dividend yield of 3%.</p>
<p>The best managers in the businessWells Fargo is Buffett's favorite bank, and also one of Berkshire Hathaway's biggest holdings. The Oracle started investing in Wells Fargo in 1989, and he has consistently added to the position over the years. Berkshire Hathaway bought more Wells Fargo stock in the fourth quarter of 2015, and it now owns 9.8% of the company's shares, about 500 million shares, for a current market value of nearly $23.5 billion.</p>
<p>Because banks operate with high degrees of leverage, a small fluctuation in the value of assets can have a huge impact on the value of shareholder equity. As a result of this particular characteristic in the banking industry, Buffett would consider investing in a bank only when the management team is top-notch, guaranteeing that assets will be managed in a sound and intelligent way.</p>
<p>Wells Fargo stands out from its peers because of its solid risk-management policies and smart corporate culture. This is arguably the biggest factor that attracts Buffett to the company. From Berkshire Hathaway's letter to shareholders in 1990:</p>
<p>Superior risk-management policies have allowed Wells Fargo to emerge from the financial crisis after 2009 in a much stronger shape than most of its competitors. The following chart compares return on assets for Wells Fargo versus competitors Citigroup , Bank of America , and JPMorgan over the last several years.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/WFC/return_on_assets" type="external">WFC Return on Assets (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>Wells Fargo did much better than the competition during the crisis, and the company is still materially more profitable than its peers. The company was able to focus on growth and expansion while the competition was too busy with financial and legal damage control. This shows how a high-quality management team can have a major impact on shareholder returns in the banking business.</p>
<p>Wells Fargo still had to cut dividends in 2009, but the company has rapidly compensated investors since then with growing dividends. What was a quarterly payment of $0.05 in 2010 is now $0.375 quarterly, giving Wells Fargo stock a dividend yield of 3.2% at current prices.</p>
<p>The Foolish bottom lineInvestors should never blindly replicate the investment positions of others, not even an investing superstar such as Warren Buffett. However, there is nothing wrong with looking among Buffett's stocks for investment ideas as long as you are committed to doing your own research before buying.</p>
<p>In that spirit, Coca-Cola and Wells Fargo are both high-quality businesses with solid competitive strengths, world-class management teams, and generous dividend policies. If they are good enough for Warren Buffett, maybe these companies deserve some consideration for your own portfolio, too.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/15/2-warren-buffett-stocks-to-buy-in-april.aspx" type="external">2 Warren Buffett Stocks to Buy in April Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/acardenal/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Andrs Cardenal Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Bank of America, Bank of America, and Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Berkshire Hathaway, Coca-Cola, and Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool has the following options: short May 2016 $52 puts on Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool recommends Bank of America. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=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 | cocacola ceo muhtar kent left warren buffett image source cocacola continue reading warren buffett one successful investors business history oracle omaha built massive fortune investing topquality companies holding long term simple approach means buffetts investment strategy isnt hard individual investors replicate makes sense look primary holdings company berkshire hathaway find investment alternatives portfolio cocacola wells fargo two remarkably different companies operate industries weaknesses strengths nevertheless two companies among buffetts favorites manage reward investors solid dividends cocacola selling happinesscocacola one iconic buffett stocks oracle started investing company 1988 hes never sold share december berkshire hathaway owned 400 million shares cocacola representing 93 companys shares current market value around 1875 billion buffett big fan companies superior competitive strengths cocacola second none brand differentiation softdrinks market company owns amazing portfolio featuring 20 brands make 1 billion global sales list includes iconic softdrink names coke diet coke sprite combination healthier alternatives dasani fuze tea powerade tremendous brand power deep emotional connections cocacola established consumers across generations make company truly exceptional business terms competitive strengths one main reasons buffett fond words cocacolas 2013 shareholder meeting advertisement consumers around world increasingly inclined toward healthier nutrition hurting soda sales according estimates euromonitor percapita consumption bottled water track surpass soda sales first time ever us 2016 valid reason concern among investors cocacola however company proving strong enough adapt changing consumer demand total sales volume fourth quarter 2015 increased 3 soda volume growing 2 still drinks sales volume increasing 6 versus quarter prior year cocacola compensating sluggish demand traditional sodas vigorous sales healthier product categories chances company continue thriving healthy new world cocacola incredible track record dividend payments years company paid quarterly dividend since 1920 increased payments 54 years row current prices cocacola stock paying decent dividend yield 3 best managers businesswells fargo buffetts favorite bank also one berkshire hathaways biggest holdings oracle started investing wells fargo 1989 consistently added position years berkshire hathaway bought wells fargo stock fourth quarter 2015 owns 98 companys shares 500 million shares current market value nearly 235 billion banks operate high degrees leverage small fluctuation value assets huge impact value shareholder equity result particular characteristic banking industry buffett would consider investing bank management team topnotch guaranteeing assets managed sound intelligent way wells fargo stands peers solid riskmanagement policies smart corporate culture arguably biggest factor attracts buffett company berkshire hathaways letter shareholders 1990 superior riskmanagement policies allowed wells fargo emerge financial crisis 2009 much stronger shape competitors following chart compares return assets wells fargo versus competitors citigroup bank america jpmorgan last several years wfc return assets ttm data ycharts opens new window wells fargo much better competition crisis company still materially profitable peers company able focus growth expansion competition busy financial legal damage control shows highquality management team major impact shareholder returns banking business wells fargo still cut dividends 2009 company rapidly compensated investors since growing dividends quarterly payment 005 2010 0375 quarterly giving wells fargo stock dividend yield 32 current prices foolish bottom lineinvestors never blindly replicate investment positions others even investing superstar warren buffett however nothing wrong looking among buffetts stocks investment ideas long committed research buying spirit cocacola wells fargo highquality businesses solid competitive strengths worldclass management teams generous dividend policies good enough warren buffett maybe companies deserve consideration portfolio article 2 warren buffett stocks buy april opens new window originally appeared foolcom andrs cardenal opens new window owns shares bank america bank america berkshire hathaway motley fool owns shares recommends berkshire hathaway cocacola wells fargo motley fool following options short may 2016 52 puts wells fargo motley fool recommends bank america try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 639 |
<p>Original Article By <a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2017/03/17/appeals_court_rules_officer_who_killed_man_in_his_own_home_cannot_be_sued.html" type="external">Mark Joseph Stern at slate.com</a>Posted March 21, 2017</p>
<p>Andrew Scott and his girlfriend were playing video games in their Florida apartment late at night when they heard a loud banging at the front door. Scott, who was understandably disturbed, retrieved the handgun that he lawfully owned, then opened the door with the gun pointed safely down. Outside, he saw a shadowy figure holding a pistol. He began to retreat inside and close the door when the figure fired six shots without warning, three of which hit Scott, killing him. Scott hadn’t fired a single bullet or even lifted his firearm.</p>
<p>The figure outside was Deputy Richard Sylvester. He failed to identify himself as a law enforcement officer at any point. He had no warrant and no reason to suspect that Scott or his girlfriend had committed a crime. He did not attempt to engage with Scott at all after he opened the door; he simply shot him dead. And on Thursday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit <a href="http://media.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/files/201414673.rehord.pdf" type="external">held</a> that Scott’s parents and girlfriend cannot sue Sylvester because the officer’s conduct was not “clearly” illegal.</p>
<p>The court’s reasoning? Qualified immunity, a <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2896508" type="external">constitutionally dubious doctrine</a> that bars individuals from suing the government for violating their rights unless those rights were “clearly established.” And what, exactly, constitutes a “clearly established” right? It’s almost always possible to argue the point either way. Consider the events that led up to Scott’s killing. Sylvester had been pursuing a speeding motorcyclist who, he suspected, might be the same motorcyclist who’d recently committed armed assault and battery. (He had no legitimate reason to suspect this particular motorcyclist was the suspect in question.) Sylvester found a motorcycle at Scott’s apartment complex and decided it was the one he was looking for, even though a license plate search revealed no incriminating information. He and three other officers drew their guns and pounded on Scott’s door. When Scott opened it, Sylvester shot and killed him.</p>
<p>A district court granted Sylvester qualified immunity, holding that no “clearly established law” prohibited his actions. A panel of judges for the 11th Circuit affirmed. And on Thursday, the 11th Circuit, sitting <a href="http://dictionary.law.com/Default.aspx?selected=625" type="external">en banc</a>, declined to revisit the panel’s decision. In support of this refusal to rehear the case, Judge Frank M. Hull wrote that Sylvester’s behavior was a variation on “the knock and talk rule.” This rule allows officers to enter private property and knock on an individual’s door for “legitimate police purposes.” Hull reasoned that Sylvester had merely engaged in a form of “knock and talk” and that Scott could have simply declined to open his door. Shooting Scott once he did open the door, Hull wrote, did not violate any “clearly established … constitutional rights.”</p>
<p>In dissent, Judge Beverly Martin shattered this sophistry with painful precision. “Under no standard,” she wrote, “was it reasonable for the police to kill Mr. Scott when he answered the knock at the door to his home. He was not suspected of any crime (much less a violent crime) and he was standing inside his own house without threatening them.” The police, she explained “were not engaged in a permissible ‘knock and talk’ when they killed Mr. Scott.” In fact, “there was no talk here. This was a knock and shoot.” Sylvester had no warrant and no reasonable suspicion that Scott had committed a crime. Martin thus concluded that he clearly violated Scott’s Fourth Amendment rights by conducting a warrantless raid and using excessive force.</p>
<p>The most fascinating part of Martin’s analysis centered around Sylvester’s insistence that the shooting was justified because Scott opened the door while holding a firearm. This “conclusion that deadly force was reasonable here,” Martin noted, “plainly infringes on the Second Amendment right to ‘keep and bear arms.’ ” Citing the Supreme Court’s decision in <a href="https://www.oyez.org/cases/2007/07-290" type="external">D.C. v. Heller</a>, which affirmed an individual right to handgun ownership under the Second Amendment, Martin wrote:</p>
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<p>If Mr. Scott was subject to being shot and killed, simply because (as the District Court put it) he made the “fateful decision” to answer a late-night disturbance at the door to his house, and did so while holding his firearm pointed safely at the ground, then the Second Amendment (and Heller) had little effect.</p>
<p>That seems exactly right to me—and it raises an important point: The 11thCircuit has now effectively found an individual’s Fourth&#160;Amendment rights are diminished whenever he chooses to exercise his Second Amendment right to possess a firearm. Unfortunately, the 4th Circuit reached the same conclusion in <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/article/444180/gun-control-court-curbs-civil-rights-conceal-carry-permit-holders" type="external">a dreadful ruling</a> handed down in January. The Supreme Court should step in soon to remedy the contradiction by clarifying that the exercise of one constitutional right cannot diminish the protection of another. This is an area where <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/jurisprudence/2016/09/the_liberal_second_amendment.html" type="external">liberals and conservatives</a> should be in agreement.</p>
<p>Qualified immunity has clearly become a significant problem in the lower courts. Just last week, another federal appeals court <a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2017/03/10/appeals_court_rules_homeless_man_cannot_sue_cop_who_let_police_dog_maul.html" type="external">ruled that a homeless man had no right</a> to sue the police officer who allowed his dog to maul him despite knowing the mauling victim was innocent. Its rationale? Qualified immunity. The lower courts are stretching the doctrine past its breaking point. Soon, victims of police violence will almost never be able to sue the officers who violate their constitutional rights. If that’s where we’re headed, why even pretend that we hold those rights in the first place?</p>
<p />
<p>Original Article By <a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2017/03/17/appeals_court_rules_officer_who_killed_man_in_his_own_home_cannot_be_sued.html" type="external">Mark Joseph Stern at slate.com</a>Posted March 21, 2017</p> | true | 0 | original article mark joseph stern slatecomposted march 21 2017 andrew scott girlfriend playing video games florida apartment late night heard loud banging front door scott understandably disturbed retrieved handgun lawfully owned opened door gun pointed safely outside saw shadowy figure holding pistol began retreat inside close door figure fired six shots without warning three hit scott killing scott hadnt fired single bullet even lifted firearm figure outside deputy richard sylvester failed identify law enforcement officer point warrant reason suspect scott girlfriend committed crime attempt engage scott opened door simply shot dead thursday us court appeals 11th circuit held scotts parents girlfriend sue sylvester officers conduct clearly illegal courts reasoning qualified immunity constitutionally dubious doctrine bars individuals suing government violating rights unless rights clearly established exactly constitutes clearly established right almost always possible argue point either way consider events led scotts killing sylvester pursuing speeding motorcyclist suspected might motorcyclist whod recently committed armed assault battery legitimate reason suspect particular motorcyclist suspect question sylvester found motorcycle scotts apartment complex decided one looking even though license plate search revealed incriminating information three officers drew guns pounded scotts door scott opened sylvester shot killed district court granted sylvester qualified immunity holding clearly established law prohibited actions panel judges 11th circuit affirmed thursday 11th circuit sitting en banc declined revisit panels decision support refusal rehear case judge frank hull wrote sylvesters behavior variation knock talk rule rule allows officers enter private property knock individuals door legitimate police purposes hull reasoned sylvester merely engaged form knock talk scott could simply declined open door shooting scott open door hull wrote violate clearly established constitutional rights dissent judge beverly martin shattered sophistry painful precision standard wrote reasonable police kill mr scott answered knock door home suspected crime much less violent crime standing inside house without threatening police explained engaged permissible knock talk killed mr scott fact talk knock shoot sylvester warrant reasonable suspicion scott committed crime martin thus concluded clearly violated scotts fourth amendment rights conducting warrantless raid using excessive force fascinating part martins analysis centered around sylvesters insistence shooting justified scott opened door holding firearm conclusion deadly force reasonable martin noted plainly infringes second amendment right keep bear arms citing supreme courts decision dc v heller affirmed individual right handgun ownership second amendment martin wrote sponsored content thousands americans wondering missed chance lifetime sat james altucher one americas top crypto millionaires get take situation go see james surprising take gtgt mr scott subject shot killed simply district court put made fateful decision answer latenight disturbance door house holding firearm pointed safely ground second amendment heller little effect seems exactly right meand raises important point 11thcircuit effectively found individuals fourth160amendment rights diminished whenever chooses exercise second amendment right possess firearm unfortunately 4th circuit reached conclusion dreadful ruling handed january supreme court step soon remedy contradiction clarifying exercise one constitutional right diminish protection another area liberals conservatives agreement qualified immunity clearly become significant problem lower courts last week another federal appeals court ruled homeless man right sue police officer allowed dog maul despite knowing mauling victim innocent rationale qualified immunity lower courts stretching doctrine past breaking point soon victims police violence almost never able sue officers violate constitutional rights thats headed even pretend hold rights first place original article mark joseph stern slatecomposted march 21 2017 | 547 |
<p>After months of escalating tensions between North Korea and the United States, topped off by the death of American Otto Warmbier at the hands of the dictatorship, new strategies are being implemented and considered in the White House.</p>
<p>According to <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/28/politics/north-korea-trump-military-options/index.html" type="external">CNN</a>, a military response is now on the table “if Pyongyang conducts an underground nuclear or ballistic missile test that indicates the regime has made significant progress towards developing a weapon that could attack the US.”</p>
<p>National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/28/politics/north-korea-trump-military-options/index.html" type="external">confirmed</a> the expanded options on Wednesday: “What we have to do is prepare all options because the President has made clear to us that he will not accept a nuclear power in North Korea and a threat that can target the United States and target the American population.”</p>
<p>McMaster added that “the threat is much more immediate now,” and the United States “can't repeat the same failed approach of the past.”</p>
<p>The President has directed us to not do that and to prepare a range of options, including a military option, which nobody wants to take.</p>
<p>"The era of strategic patience with the North Korean regime has failed,” President Trump <a href="https://youtu.be/so8HrevwKRA" type="external">said</a> in the Rose Garden Friday after having spoken with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. “And, frankly, that patience is over."</p>
<p>Together we are facing the threat of the reckless and brutal regime in North Korea. The nuclear and ballistic missile programs of that regime require a determined response. The North Korean dictatorship has no regard for the safety and security of its people, or its neighbors, and has no respect for human life — and that's been proven over and over again. …</p>
<p>We are working closely with South Korea and Japan, as well as partners around the world, on a range of diplomatic security and economic measures to protect our allies and our own citizens from this menace known as North Korea. The United States calls on other regional powers, and all responsible nations to join us in implementing sanctions and demanding that the North Korean regime choose a better path, and do it quickly.</p>
<p>The threat of military action is only one of several ways in which the United States is putting renewed pressure on North Korea.</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-northkorea-china-sanctions-idUSKBN19K2OB" type="external">Reuters</a>: “The United States imposed sanctions on two Chinese citizens,” Sun Wei and Li Hong Ri, “and a shipping company on Thursday for helping North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and accused a Chinese bank of laundering money for Pyongyang.”</p>
<p>"Sun Wei, Li Hong Ri, shipping company Dalian Global Unity Shipping Co Ltd, and Bank of Dandong will no longer be able to conduct “business with U.S.-tied companies and people.”</p>
<p>During Thursday’s press briefing at the White House, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin <a href="https://youtu.be/aaGw92VvML8" type="external">elaborated</a> on the sanctions:</p>
<p>Despite multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions imposing international sanctions, the government of North Korea continues its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Today, treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has found the Bank of Dandong to be a foreign financial institution of primary money-laundering concern under Section 311 of the U.S.A. Patriot Act.</p>
<p>This bank has served as a gateway for North Korea to access the U.S. and international financial systems, facilitating millions of dollars of transactions for companies involved in North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The United States will not stand for such action. This will require U.S. banks to ensure that the Bank of Dandong does not access the U.S. financial system directly or indirectly through other foreign banks.</p>
<p>Mnuchin made sure to mention that this is not an action against China, but against North Korea:</p>
<p>While today's actions are directed at Chinese individuals and entities, we look forward to continuing working closely with the government of China to stop illicit financing involving North Korea. We are in no way targeting China with these actions. ...</p>
<p>North Korea's provocative, destabilizing, and inhumane behavior will not be tolerated. We are committed to targeting North Korea's external enablers and maximizing economic pressure on the regime until it ceases its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/29/us/politics/us-china-sanctions-north-korea.html" type="external">The New York Times</a> quotes "sanctions expert" Michael S. Casey, who claims the administration's actions are "a severe penalty in light of the central role that the U.S. financial system plays in the world’s economy.”</p>
<p>NYT adds:</p>
<p>Anthony Ruggiero, a former official in the Treasury’s Office of Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes, said that because of Thursday’s move, other Chinese banks would likely be getting calls from their American counterparts to make sure that they were not engaging in illicit transactions with North Korea. He said that similar actions against bigger Chinese banks could be in store.</p>
<p>“This is the tip of the iceberg,” Mr. Ruggiero said. “We know there are more Chinese banks that are either wittingly or unwittingly assisting North Korea.”</p>
<p>China isn't exactly happy with what the United States is doing. <a href="http://www.shanghaidaily.com/nation/US-arms-sales-to-Taiwan-new-sanctions-hurt-mutual-confidence-Chinese-ambassador/shdaily.shtml" type="external">Shanghai Daily</a> quotes Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai:</p>
<p>If there is any Chinese entity or individual that violates UN sanctions, we'll conduct our investigation and we'll pursue the case in the court with the Chinese law. ... But we are against this kind of so-called long-arm jurisdiction by the US side.</p>
<p>Cui speaks not only of the sanctions, but of the recent $1.4 billion arms deal between the U.S. and Taiwan. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/29/politics/us-arms-sale-taiwan-trump/index.html" type="external">CNN</a> quotes Cui further: "US arms sales to Taiwan and the sanctions against Chinese enterprises have damaged the basis and mutual trust between the two countries, it also contradicts the spirit and consensus of the two leaders' meeting in Mar A Lago."</p>
<p>Despite China's discomfort, the United States is facing an incredibly volatile threat in North Korea, and something must he done.</p>
<p>The North Korean regime has conducted a whopping <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/29/asia/north-korea-missile-tests/index.html" type="external">ten missile tests</a> since President Trump was inaugurated in January, firing a total of 16 missiles. Some of the missiles were medium-range and intermediate-range, meaning they could theoretically travel between 1,000 and 5,500 kilometers.</p> | true | 0 | months escalating tensions north korea united states topped death american otto warmbier hands dictatorship new strategies implemented considered white house according cnn military response table pyongyang conducts underground nuclear ballistic missile test indicates regime made significant progress towards developing weapon could attack us national security advisor hr mcmaster confirmed expanded options wednesday prepare options president made clear us accept nuclear power north korea threat target united states target american population mcmaster added threat much immediate united states cant repeat failed approach past president directed us prepare range options including military option nobody wants take era strategic patience north korean regime failed president trump said rose garden friday spoken south korean president moon jaein frankly patience together facing threat reckless brutal regime north korea nuclear ballistic missile programs regime require determined response north korean dictatorship regard safety security people neighbors respect human life thats proven working closely south korea japan well partners around world range diplomatic security economic measures protect allies citizens menace known north korea united states calls regional powers responsible nations join us implementing sanctions demanding north korean regime choose better path quickly threat military action one several ways united states putting renewed pressure north korea according reuters united states imposed sanctions two chinese citizens sun wei li hong ri shipping company thursday helping north koreas nuclear missile programs accused chinese bank laundering money pyongyang sun wei li hong ri shipping company dalian global unity shipping co ltd bank dandong longer able conduct business ustied companies people thursdays press briefing white house treasury secretary steven mnuchin elaborated sanctions despite multiple un security council resolutions imposing international sanctions government north korea continues nuclear ballistic missile programs today treasurys financial crimes enforcement network found bank dandong foreign financial institution primary moneylaundering concern section 311 usa patriot act bank served gateway north korea access us international financial systems facilitating millions dollars transactions companies involved north koreas nuclear ballistic missile programs united states stand action require us banks ensure bank dandong access us financial system directly indirectly foreign banks mnuchin made sure mention action china north korea todays actions directed chinese individuals entities look forward continuing working closely government china stop illicit financing involving north korea way targeting china actions north koreas provocative destabilizing inhumane behavior tolerated committed targeting north koreas external enablers maximizing economic pressure regime ceases nuclear ballistic missile programs new york times quotes sanctions expert michael casey claims administrations actions severe penalty light central role us financial system plays worlds economy nyt adds anthony ruggiero former official treasurys office terrorist financing financial crimes said thursdays move chinese banks would likely getting calls american counterparts make sure engaging illicit transactions north korea said similar actions bigger chinese banks could store tip iceberg mr ruggiero said know chinese banks either wittingly unwittingly assisting north korea china isnt exactly happy united states shanghai daily quotes chinese ambassador united states cui tiankai chinese entity individual violates un sanctions well conduct investigation well pursue case court chinese law kind socalled longarm jurisdiction us side cui speaks sanctions recent 14 billion arms deal us taiwan cnn quotes cui us arms sales taiwan sanctions chinese enterprises damaged basis mutual trust two countries also contradicts spirit consensus two leaders meeting mar lago despite chinas discomfort united states facing incredibly volatile threat north korea something must done north korean regime conducted whopping ten missile tests since president trump inaugurated january firing total 16 missiles missiles mediumrange intermediaterange meaning could theoretically travel 1000 5500 kilometers | 575 |
<p><a href="" type="internal" /> &#160; Los Angeles has joined Seattle in imposing on businesses a $15.00 per hour minimum wage.</p>
<p>Apparently Los Angeles hasn’t heard what’s been happening to Seattle businesses since the imposition of this mandated pay increase.</p>
<p>Liberals are either deeply stupid or diabolically destructive.</p>
<p>Though, I think they may be both.</p>
<p>To have a gaggle of people who have never had to meet a payroll determining the pay rates in the private sector makes about as much sense as having a gaggle of people who know nothing about medicine instructing surgeons on how to operate on a patient.</p>
<p>In August 2013, I wrote a column on the Minimum Wage that I’ve decided to reprint here because, frankly, I have nothing more to add to it.</p>
<p>This column is now available in Volume Two of my collection of columns <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/485814" type="external">RANT 2.0: Even More Politics &amp; Snark in the Age of Obama</a>.</p>
<p>A lot of people who were either very young or not even born yet when Martin Luther King Jr was still with us claim to know exactly what Dr. King would have thought about one issue or another.</p>
<p>Barack Obama, when tossed a typical Enslaved Press softball question, made the assertion that Martin Luther King would have loved Obamacare. He has no basis for making this claim. If you read through things that Dr. King spoke or wrote, nothing appears to lend support to Obama’s claim. But, Barack Obama likes to make claims that nobody can disprove. When he isn’t using strawmen, he’s using the “if this person or that person were alive today, they would agree with me” argument.</p>
<p>If it’s okay for Obama to do it, allow me to join in:</p>
<p>If Martin Luther King Junior were alive today, he would be called an “Uncle Tom” by the race baiters and grievance hustlers.</p>
<p>Martin Luther King believed in this nation. He loved this nation. Everything he wrote or said supports that premise. Martin Luther King also believed in hard work and depending on yourself to make your life the best life it can be.</p>
<p>I think if MLK were alive today, he and Dr. Benjamin Carson would have far more in common than he and Al Sharpton.</p>
<p>That’s my guess anyway.</p>
<p>Rush played a clip from a 1967 speech of Martin Luther King’s at a junior high school: “If it falls to your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures, sweep streets like Beethoven composed music … Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets so well that all the host of heaven and earth will have to pause and say: Here lived a great street sweeper who swept his job well.”</p>
<p>Does this sound like something Al Sharpton would say?</p>
<p>Does it sound remotely close to something Barack Obama would say?</p>
<p>Look at that quote. Do you see the word “fair” or “fairness?” Do you see the word “victim?” Do you see King blaming institutional racism that has put up barriers to success?</p>
<p>If Martin Luther King spoke those words this Wednesday at the racial division rally masquerading as a 50th Anniversary commemoration of his “I Have a Dream” speech, he would have been booed off the stage.</p>
<p>I would go so far as to say that, like the only black Senator in the US Senate, Tim Scott from South Carolina, Martin Luther King would not have been invited at all.</p>
<p>I watched Tim Scott’s speech at CPAC this past winter. He and MLK have a lot in common. Tim Scott didn’t talk about how unfair it was that he was raised by a single mother and therefore had no hope of making a better life unless the government did it for him. Tim Scott’s story is one of personal success and determination fueled by a mother who held a firm line and demanded he work hard. This is a story MLK more than likely would have applauded.</p>
<p>In another display of cosmic irony, the week of the 50th Anniversary of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, fast food workers have gone on strike demanding to be paid $15.00 per hour.</p>
<p>One of the biggest frauds perpetrated on the American People is the Federal Minimum Wage.</p>
<p>The minimum wage is the free market’s version of “everybody gets a trophy.”</p>
<p>What it says is this: You do not need to earn a living and strive to do better; we’ll just force businesses to pay you more even if you did nothing to earn that higher wage.</p>
<p>Hard work, applying yourself and bettering yourself are no longer your responsibility. All you’ve got to do is get up and show up for work and you will get paid far more than the job is worth.</p>
<p>Minimum wage strips from the individual the idea that what you make of yourself is up to you.</p>
<p>You don’t need to stay in school and work hard. The Federal Government will just force employers to pay you more.</p>
<p>You don’t need to seek training and advancement. The Federal Government will just force employers to pay you more.</p>
<p>The Minimum Wage is advocated by people who apparently have no earthly idea how businesses work.</p>
<p>A business needs to have a clear understanding of their costs, their overhead, their break-even point. (For Obama voters: break-even is the point where the money you spend equals the money you take in).</p>
<p>If I own a company and wish to remain competitive in the market, I cannot charge prices that the market will not allow. I will not get any business if my prices are so out of whack to make whatever product or service I provide unaffordable. And if I can’t get anybody to purchase my product or service, then I have no business. And if I have no business, I cannot stay in business, let alone employ people.</p>
<p>Forcing an employer to pay employees far more than the market will allow will result in one of two things: either the employer hires fewer people or, the employer has to raise prices in order to accommodate a higher break-even point. And if the prices rise too much, more than likely that business will go out of business.</p>
<p>Employers do not owe their employees anything. Nobody deserves a specific wage simply because he takes in oxygen.</p>
<p>You earn a living; you do not deserve a living.</p>
<p>Through the Federal Minimum Wage, the motivation to improve yourself gets stripped away. Why bother? You’re going to get a nice hourly wage whether you work hard and apply yourself or not.</p>
<p>The problem isn’t fast food restaurant pay rates.</p>
<p>The problem is Liberal Democrat policies and an all-intrusive Federal Government in the private free market have so damaged our economy that the jobs that once were part-time jobs for kids in school or for folks with no skills or low skills, are now the only jobs available. And with the looming threat of Obamacare, even those jobs will become fewer and fewer.</p>
<p>One of the things that prevents employers from paying more in wages is the staggering overhead costs that accompany all of the Federal regulations imposed on every single industry in this nation. The costs of doing business brought about by Federal intrusion into the private free market are crippling the private free market.</p>
<p>And Obama and his unelected, unaccountable bureaucratic leviathan add so many new regulations every month that nobody can accurately tell you how many there are.</p>
<p>Allow me to use a landscaping metaphor:</p>
<p>The free market economy is a lovely perennial garden. Hummingbirds and butterflies come from all over to enjoy the nectar of the colorful array of flowers. From early spring until late fall the variety of perennials give the garden vivid colors and fragrances.</p>
<p>Government regulations, including the minimum wage are the weeds in that garden. Left unchecked, these weeds begin to spread through the garden — drawing nutrients to themselves and away from the flowers. Soon, the weeds become so invasive they begin to choke out the plants. The butterflies and hummingbirds that once visited the garden in large numbers go elsewhere for nectar.</p>
<p>Within a season, the garden is destroyed, overtaken and starved out by the all-intrusive weeds.</p>
<p>The problem isn’t that businesses aren’t paying their employees enough.</p>
<p>The problem is businesses pay the government too much.</p>
<p>The money they have is being choked out of them by the intrusiveness of Federal regulations.</p>
<p>As Ronald Reagan said, government isn’t the solution to our problems; government is the problem.</p>
<p>By hijacking the role of parent, government has beaten out of the people the will to nurture and provide for their families.</p>
<p>By hijacking our educational system and favoring the teachers’ unions, government has beaten out of the people the will to strive and achieve, and the education and skills to do it.</p>
<p>By hijacking our private free market, government has sucked the very life from our once vibrant economy.</p>
<p>A vast majority of Americans, unfortunately, do not believe that it is up to them to make their lives better. Through hard work. Through education. Through training and effort. Now they expect the government to do it for them. They expect employers to do it for them.</p>
<p>A vast majority of Americans, if they heard Martin Luther King tell them to be the best street sweeper you can be, to sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures, they would have called him an Uncle Tom and shouted him off the stage.</p>
<p>—</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/485814" type="external">RANT 2.0: Even More Politics &amp; Snark in the Age of Obama</a>, <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/444279" type="external">Liberals Gone WILD!!! The Not-So-Silent Conquering of America</a>, <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/316002" type="external">RANT: Politics &amp; Snark in the Age of Obama</a>, and two novels: <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/316256" type="external">Sliding Home Feet First</a> and <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/316544" type="external">Under the Cloud</a></p>
<p>You can find my e-books at all of these fine stores: <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/diannr" type="external">smashwords.com</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Diann-Russell/e/B00HDFJUGA" type="external">Amazon Kindle Store</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/diann-russell/id649130958?mt=11" type="external">Apple iTunes</a>, and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/diann-russell" type="external">Barnes &amp; Noble Nook Store</a>.</p> | true | 0 | 160 los angeles joined seattle imposing businesses 1500 per hour minimum wage apparently los angeles hasnt heard whats happening seattle businesses since imposition mandated pay increase liberals either deeply stupid diabolically destructive though think may gaggle people never meet payroll determining pay rates private sector makes much sense gaggle people know nothing medicine instructing surgeons operate patient august 2013 wrote column minimum wage ive decided reprint frankly nothing add column available volume two collection columns rant 20 even politics amp snark age obama lot people either young even born yet martin luther king jr still us claim know exactly dr king would thought one issue another barack obama tossed typical enslaved press softball question made assertion martin luther king would loved obamacare basis making claim read things dr king spoke wrote nothing appears lend support obamas claim barack obama likes make claims nobody disprove isnt using strawmen hes using person person alive today would agree argument okay obama allow join martin luther king junior alive today would called uncle tom race baiters grievance hustlers martin luther king believed nation loved nation everything wrote said supports premise martin luther king also believed hard work depending make life best life think mlk alive today dr benjamin carson would far common al sharpton thats guess anyway rush played clip 1967 speech martin luther kings junior high school falls lot street sweeper sweep streets like michelangelo painted pictures sweep streets like beethoven composed music sweep streets like shakespeare wrote poetry sweep streets well host heaven earth pause say lived great street sweeper swept job well sound like something al sharpton would say sound remotely close something barack obama would say look quote see word fair fairness see word victim see king blaming institutional racism put barriers success martin luther king spoke words wednesday racial division rally masquerading 50th anniversary commemoration dream speech would booed stage would go far say like black senator us senate tim scott south carolina martin luther king would invited watched tim scotts speech cpac past winter mlk lot common tim scott didnt talk unfair raised single mother therefore hope making better life unless government tim scotts story one personal success determination fueled mother held firm line demanded work hard story mlk likely would applauded another display cosmic irony week 50th anniversary kings dream speech fast food workers gone strike demanding paid 1500 per hour one biggest frauds perpetrated american people federal minimum wage minimum wage free markets version everybody gets trophy says need earn living strive better well force businesses pay even nothing earn higher wage hard work applying bettering longer responsibility youve got get show work get paid far job worth minimum wage strips individual idea make dont need stay school work hard federal government force employers pay dont need seek training advancement federal government force employers pay minimum wage advocated people apparently earthly idea businesses work business needs clear understanding costs overhead breakeven point obama voters breakeven point money spend equals money take company wish remain competitive market charge prices market allow get business prices whack make whatever product service provide unaffordable cant get anybody purchase product service business business stay business let alone employ people forcing employer pay employees far market allow result one two things either employer hires fewer people employer raise prices order accommodate higher breakeven point prices rise much likely business go business employers owe employees anything nobody deserves specific wage simply takes oxygen earn living deserve living federal minimum wage motivation improve gets stripped away bother youre going get nice hourly wage whether work hard apply problem isnt fast food restaurant pay rates problem liberal democrat policies allintrusive federal government private free market damaged economy jobs parttime jobs kids school folks skills low skills jobs available looming threat obamacare even jobs become fewer fewer one things prevents employers paying wages staggering overhead costs accompany federal regulations imposed every single industry nation costs business brought federal intrusion private free market crippling private free market obama unelected unaccountable bureaucratic leviathan add many new regulations every month nobody accurately tell many allow use landscaping metaphor free market economy lovely perennial garden hummingbirds butterflies come enjoy nectar colorful array flowers early spring late fall variety perennials give garden vivid colors fragrances government regulations including minimum wage weeds garden left unchecked weeds begin spread garden drawing nutrients away flowers soon weeds become invasive begin choke plants butterflies hummingbirds visited garden large numbers go elsewhere nectar within season garden destroyed overtaken starved allintrusive weeds problem isnt businesses arent paying employees enough problem businesses pay government much money choked intrusiveness federal regulations ronald reagan said government isnt solution problems government problem hijacking role parent government beaten people nurture provide families hijacking educational system favoring teachers unions government beaten people strive achieve education skills hijacking private free market government sucked life vibrant economy vast majority americans unfortunately believe make lives better hard work education training effort expect government expect employers vast majority americans heard martin luther king tell best street sweeper sweep streets like michelangelo painted pictures would called uncle tom shouted stage hit tip jar donate button side bar even bucks make world difference rant 20 even politics amp snark age obama liberals gone wild notsosilent conquering america rant politics amp snark age obama two novels sliding home feet first cloud find ebooks fine stores smashwordscom amazon kindle store apple itunes barnes amp noble nook store | 896 |
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<p>It's well known that United Technologies Corporation (NYSE: UTX) is a good value stock, provided the company can get past its earnings headwinds in the next couple of years. To do that, management needs to successfully execute on its near-term plans to secure long-term earnings and cash flow. Let's look at each segment and pick out a key performance marker that investors need to look out for.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Management recently outlined expectations for full-year 2016 EPS in the range of $6.55 to $6.60, leading into EPS in the range of $6.30 to $6.60 for 2017. That marks a decline in overall earnings; moreover, segment earnings are expected to decline by $0.21 to $0.02. In fact, if not for an expected contribution of $0.32 from share buybacks, EPS could even be marginally below $6.</p>
<p>The following table outlines segment expectations:</p>
<p>DATA SOURCE: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION PRESENTATIONS.</p>
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<p>Foreign exchange movements don't make much change overall to the outlook range. Now it's time to look at each segment and pick out a key thing to look for in another transitional year for the company.</p>
<p>CEO Greg Hayes plans to regain market share by expanding new-equipment volumes to generate future sales of services, which tend to be high-margin. In addition, management is making $75 million worth of strategic investments to "address market coverage issues" and "improve service productivity and service stickiness," according to CFO Akhil Johri.</p>
<p>Given these objectives, the key measure to follow is volume. Management expects a positive contribution from volume of $75 million to $125 million and a further positive contribution of $75 million from productivity improvement. The question is: How does management get to an adjusted operating profit (that is, constant-currency) decline of $100 million to $50 million for 2017?</p>
<p>The answer is in the $175 million reduction from pricing/sales mix and the $75 million made in strategic investments. However, as already noted, these measures are being made to drive future productivity. Equipment volume is the thing to focus on at Otis, because it's the key to future growth.</p>
<p>OTIS INTENDS TO INCREASE EQUIPMENT SALES. IMAGE SOURCE: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION.</p>
<p>The larger part of an expected decline of $325 million to $275 million is coming from a forecast $350 million hit from the commercial original equipment mix. From this, Johri expects an incremental $300 million reduction from negative engine margin (losses suffered as the new engine ramps up in production) on the Geared Turbo Fan (GTF). Pratt &amp; Whitney's new engine orders are seen as falling behind those ofGeneral Electric Company's LEAP engine in the all-important Airbus A320neo program.</p>
<p>The $300 million is in line with previously announced expectations. Management has also forecast an additional $100 million in negative engine margin in 2018, ultimately leveling off at $1 billion.</p>
<p>Aside from negative engine margin in 2017, the key metric to follow is GTF production. Having planned for 200 in 2016, Pratt &amp; Whitney is on track to deliver only 150 in 2016, and all eyes are on the company's delivering on the 2017 target of 350 to 400, while management strives to reduce the cost per engine.</p>
<p>PRATT &amp; WHITNEY HAS HIGH HOPES FOR ITS GEARED TURBOFAN ENGINE. IMAGE SOURCE: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION.</p>
<p>It's a positive that the segment is getting back to earnings growth, but here, too, United Technologies has headwinds to overcome. In short, an unprecedented raft of new aircraft programs such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 and 737 MAX are going into production. That means suppliers such as United Technologies must make new products; the problem is that this creates a margin-mix headwind because it takes time to reduce cost per output on new products while legacy products have higher margin.</p>
<p>Ultimately, management forecasts the commercial original equipment (OE) mix to reduce segment profit by $350 million to $325 million. Cost reductions of $250 million and increases in commercial aftermarket/military sales of $75 million to $100 million will more than offset the decline.</p>
<p>The key metric to follow here is the negative contribution from the commercial OE mix. Will aerospace systems manage to reduce cost per output on newer products more than expected in 2017?</p>
<p>UTC AEROSPACE SYSTEMS SUPPLIES COMPONENTS ON THE AIRBUS A350. IMAGE SOURCE: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION.</p>
<p>Toward the end of his presentation, Hayes outlined the need to make investments in the sales force to recapture market share in the CCS segment. In that context, the key indicator to follow here is organic sales growth. The forecast is for low-single-digit organic sales growth, and the opportunity is to try to better that, particularly as the company has new products available in commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.</p>
<p>Management has work to do in all four segments to get through another transitional year, but if it does so, the company will start to look in much better shape at the end of the year. Negative engine margin at Pratt &amp; Whitney will be seen as peaking in 2018, while the negative sales-mix headwinds should peak in aerospace systems in 2017. Meanwhile, Otis' volume expansion should reap benefits in future years.</p>
<p>All told, successful execution will make the stock look extremely attractive in 2017, and now could be the time to buy in.</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of Nov. 7, 2016</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSaintGermain/info.aspx" type="external">Lee Samaha Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of General Electric. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | well known united technologies corporation nyse utx good value stock provided company get past earnings headwinds next couple years management needs successfully execute nearterm plans secure longterm earnings cash flow lets look segment pick key performance marker investors need look continue reading management recently outlined expectations fullyear 2016 eps range 655 660 leading eps range 630 660 2017 marks decline overall earnings moreover segment earnings expected decline 021 002 fact expected contribution 032 share buybacks eps could even marginally 6 following table outlines segment expectations data source united technologies corporation presentations advertisement foreign exchange movements dont make much change overall outlook range time look segment pick key thing look another transitional year company ceo greg hayes plans regain market share expanding newequipment volumes generate future sales services tend highmargin addition management making 75 million worth strategic investments address market coverage issues improve service productivity service stickiness according cfo akhil johri given objectives key measure follow volume management expects positive contribution volume 75 million 125 million positive contribution 75 million productivity improvement question management get adjusted operating profit constantcurrency decline 100 million 50 million 2017 answer 175 million reduction pricingsales mix 75 million made strategic investments however already noted measures made drive future productivity equipment volume thing focus otis key future growth otis intends increase equipment sales image source united technologies corporation larger part expected decline 325 million 275 million coming forecast 350 million hit commercial original equipment mix johri expects incremental 300 million reduction negative engine margin losses suffered new engine ramps production geared turbo fan gtf pratt amp whitneys new engine orders seen falling behind ofgeneral electric companys leap engine allimportant airbus a320neo program 300 million line previously announced expectations management also forecast additional 100 million negative engine margin 2018 ultimately leveling 1 billion aside negative engine margin 2017 key metric follow gtf production planned 200 2016 pratt amp whitney track deliver 150 2016 eyes companys delivering 2017 target 350 400 management strives reduce cost per engine pratt amp whitney high hopes geared turbofan engine image source united technologies corporation positive segment getting back earnings growth united technologies headwinds overcome short unprecedented raft new aircraft programs airbus a350 boeing 787 737 max going production means suppliers united technologies must make new products problem creates marginmix headwind takes time reduce cost per output new products legacy products higher margin ultimately management forecasts commercial original equipment oe mix reduce segment profit 350 million 325 million cost reductions 250 million increases commercial aftermarketmilitary sales 75 million 100 million offset decline key metric follow negative contribution commercial oe mix aerospace systems manage reduce cost per output newer products expected 2017 utc aerospace systems supplies components airbus a350 image source united technologies corporation toward end presentation hayes outlined need make investments sales force recapture market share ccs segment context key indicator follow organic sales growth forecast lowsingledigit organic sales growth opportunity try better particularly company new products available commercial heating ventilation air conditioning management work four segments get another transitional year company start look much better shape end year negative engine margin pratt amp whitney seen peaking 2018 negative salesmix headwinds peak aerospace systems 2017 meanwhile otis volume expansion reap benefits future years told successful execution make stock look extremely attractive 2017 could time buy 10 stocks like better united technologies 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 united technologies wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns nov 7 2016 lee samaha opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares general electric try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 649 |
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<p>Incompetence, negligence, theft, sexual assault, harassment. To what entity am I referring? The Transportation “Security” Agency, one of the most egregious government agencies in existence.</p>
<p>“I love how the TSA keeps me safe when traveling!” Said no rational person, ever.</p>
<p>This agency, which was originally designed to prevent 9/11 style attacks, leaves us no safer than we were pre 9/11; all that we have received in the liberty-for-security trade is violation of our rights.</p>
<p>The TSA was created on November 19, 2001, as a direct response to the 9/11 terror attacks. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act, signed by President Bush, created the <a href="http://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/2011/09/september-11-and-the-transportation-security-administration.html" type="external">agency</a>.</p>
<p>By the end of 2002, TSA had hired, trained, and deployed nearly 60,000 employees. They included doctors, lawyers, business owners, veterans, recent graduates, retirees, and countless other groups of Americans who together assumed responsibility for security at over 400 of the nation’s airports. This effort constituted the largest mobilization of the federal government since WWII.</p>
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<p>Here we stand nearly 15 years later, and we are no safer than we were before. All we have is extremely long wait times at security checkpoints, and once we get to those checkpoints, we get to have government agents search us for no other reason than wanting to board an airplane.</p>
<p>Recently, <a href="" type="internal">The Federalist Papers Project reported</a> on the absolute nightmarish wait times at Chicago’s O’Hare airport at the beginning of the summer travel season. The “boondoggle,” as author Donn Marten describes it, has caused thousands to miss their flights.</p>
<p>Whether it be stealing from travelers, sexual assaults, feeling up children, humiliating elderly women in medical diapers, or just the sort of run of the mill bullying that is typical for authoritarian personality types, the TSA has served as the worst example of the excesses of the “new normal” after the towers fell.</p>
<p>Nobody is safe from the intrusions of the TSA and such innocuous actions as simply yawning could be the trigger for special scrutiny – at least according to a secret behavior checklist that was leaked last year.</p>
<p>So what exactly has the TSA done for us aside from violating civil liberties on an ecological scale for the past 15 years? Not much, to be honest.</p>
<p>In 2015, the agency ran test runs at security checkpoints at major airports all across the country. After the tests were complete, an astounding 95% of the screening agents FAILED the tests, according to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/whats-the-point-of-being-humiliated-poked-and-probed-at-airports-if-its-not-making-us-safer/2015/06/04/a13be3e6-0ae4-11e5-95fd-d580f1c5d44e_story.html" type="external">The Washington Post.</a></p>
<p>TSA checkpoint officers — those folks in blue shirts who start off many a vacation on such a great note — were outsmarted 67 out of 70 times this year by investigators from the Department of Homeland Security, who passed through our billion-dollar defenses with hidden weapons and fake explosives.</p>
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<p>So, you have a 5% chance of being safer thanks to the TSA. There’s , statistically speaking, a 95% likelihood that someone could walk onto a plane with prohibited items and commit a terrorist attack. Gee, thanks government!</p>
<p>Just imagine if this was a private security firm, anywhere else in reality. This firm would be out of business within a matter of days, probably. But the federal government never goes out of business, even when it “shuts down” (unfortunately).</p>
<p>There’s a better way to handle airline safety, and it certainly doesn’t involve the government. In fact, the very idea of it is to get the government OUT of the airline security business. No more government agents groping you and stealing your belongings.</p>
<p>Sound radical? Well, it’s not all that radical actually. In fact, it’s already being done at one major airport in California. John Stossel recently reported about this better way to do airport security.</p>
<p>Watch below:</p>
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<p>At San Francisco, it works! The lines are shorter, the agents are nicer, and they are better at doing their jobs. Why?</p>
<p>Because they have an incentive to do their job well. In the private sector, it is easier to lose one’s job due to negligence or incompetence. If you continuously screw up, you get fired (as it should be). With government, it’s the exact opposite. Their mantra is screw up, move up.</p>
<p>How about we try something that actually works, and doesn’t involve the government violating us every time we fly?</p>
<p>So here’s what could be done. Abolish the TSA, first of all. The gross negligence and maliciousness of the agency needs to be stopped. Sure, TSA agents will lose their jobs, but new opportunities will be created with the next step.</p>
<p>Second, let each airline determine their own security policies. Let them decide what items can be allowed on the planes, what has to be in checked luggage, and what is prohibited. The airlines are the entities that have the most vested interest in maintaining the security of their planes and patrons.</p>
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<p>If United Airlines wants to allow concealed carry permit holders to carry their firearms on the plane, so be it! Of course, the permit would have to be displayed to the security agent, but there would not be issue with this. Concealed carry permit holders are the most law abiding demographic in the nation, and they would be the ones able to stop hijacking attempts before they happen.</p>
<p>Another airline may not want concealed carry permit holders to carry their guns on the plane. Aright, that’s the choice of the airline. But you can bet that gun owners would overwhelmingly travel on an airline that provides its patrons with proper means of self-defense.</p>
<p>This right here is the beauty of the free market; and yes, it applies to security as well. The free market provides what governments are always lacking: incentive. Where there is no incentive to do well, a job will not be well done. Where incentives are in place, the best will rise to the top by means of consumer demand.</p>
<p>Airlines would be able to set their own security guidelines, and we would be able to travel free from government groping. Sounds like a good idea to me, at least. What do you think?</p>
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<p /> | true | 0 | incompetence negligence theft sexual assault harassment entity referring transportation security agency one egregious government agencies existence love tsa keeps safe traveling said rational person ever agency originally designed prevent 911 style attacks leaves us safer pre 911 received libertyforsecurity trade violation rights tsa created november 19 2001 direct response 911 terror attacks aviation transportation security act signed president bush created agency end 2002 tsa hired trained deployed nearly 60000 employees included doctors lawyers business owners veterans recent graduates retirees countless groups americans together assumed responsibility security 400 nations airports effort constituted largest mobilization federal government since wwii stand nearly 15 years later safer extremely long wait times security checkpoints get checkpoints get government agents search us reason wanting board airplane recently federalist papers project reported absolute nightmarish wait times chicagos ohare airport beginning summer travel season boondoggle author donn marten describes caused thousands miss flights whether stealing travelers sexual assaults feeling children humiliating elderly women medical diapers sort run mill bullying typical authoritarian personality types tsa served worst example excesses new normal towers fell nobody safe intrusions tsa innocuous actions simply yawning could trigger special scrutiny least according secret behavior checklist leaked last year exactly tsa done us aside violating civil liberties ecological scale past 15 years much honest 2015 agency ran test runs security checkpoints major airports across country tests complete astounding 95 screening agents failed tests according washington post tsa checkpoint officers folks blue shirts start many vacation great note outsmarted 67 70 times year investigators department homeland security passed billiondollar defenses hidden weapons fake explosives 5 chance safer thanks tsa theres statistically speaking 95 likelihood someone could walk onto plane prohibited items commit terrorist attack gee thanks government imagine private security firm anywhere else reality firm would business within matter days probably federal government never goes business even shuts unfortunately theres better way handle airline safety certainly doesnt involve government fact idea get government airline security business government agents groping stealing belongings sound radical well radical actually fact already done one major airport california john stossel recently reported better way airport security watch san francisco works lines shorter agents nicer better jobs incentive job well private sector easier lose ones job due negligence incompetence continuously screw get fired government exact opposite mantra screw move try something actually works doesnt involve government violating us every time fly heres could done abolish tsa first gross negligence maliciousness agency needs stopped sure tsa agents lose jobs new opportunities created next step second let airline determine security policies let decide items allowed planes checked luggage prohibited airlines entities vested interest maintaining security planes patrons united airlines wants allow concealed carry permit holders carry firearms plane course permit would displayed security agent would issue concealed carry permit holders law abiding demographic nation would ones able stop hijacking attempts happen another airline may want concealed carry permit holders carry guns plane aright thats choice airline bet gun owners would overwhelmingly travel airline provides patrons proper means selfdefense right beauty free market yes applies security well free market provides governments always lacking incentive incentive well job well done incentives place best rise top means consumer demand airlines would able set security guidelines would able travel free government groping sounds like good idea least think | 540 |
<p>Financials sell off as insurers are hit in wake of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma</p>
<p>U.S. stock indexes tilted lower in Thursday afternoon trade as investors sold financials and consumer-discretionary shares, with Disney and Goldman Sachs exacting a hefty toll on the Dow industrials.</p>
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<p>Investors were tracking Hurricane Irma and focused on European Central Bank President Mario Draghi's comments about the future of monetary stimulus in the eurozone. The ECB left key interest rates unchanged, while Draghi indicated that the decision on how to taper a quantitative-easing program will come in October (http://blogs.marketwatch.com/thetell/2017/09/07/ecb-live-blog-is-a-strong-euro-making-mario-draghi-miserable/).</p>
<p>The S&amp;P 500 was last down 1 point, or less than 0.1%, at 2,464, led by a 1.9% loss in financials, a 1.7% decline in telecommunications, and a 0.9% slide in the consumer-discretionary sector.</p>
<p>Banking stocks fell sharply following a drop in the 10-year Treasury note yield (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/treasury-yields-slip-ahead-of-ecb-news-conference-2017-09-07), which declined 5 basis points to 2.05%. Lower bond yields to which borrowing and lending rates are tied means that banks profit less from the spread between short-term and long-term lending.</p>
<p>The Financials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) was down 1.9%, while PowerShares KBW Regional Banking Portfolio ETF (KBWR) was down 2.7%.</p>
<p>The Dow Jones Industrial Average , meanwhile, was off about 60 points, or 0.3%, at 21,749. Walt Disney Co. (DIS) fell 4.8% after the entertainment giant's CEO Bob Iger lowered Wall Street's full-year guidance for earnings. Shares of Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (GS) were also weighing on the average, down 1.7%.</p>
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<p>The Dow components were dragging the price-weighted blue-chip gauge by a combined 60 points.</p>
<p>The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index , meanwhile, was treading water at 6,394.</p>
<p>Some analysts suggested that the combination of devastating hurricanes hitting the U.S. and potential escalation of nuclear threat in North Korea is keeping investors somewhat cautious. Category 5 Hurricane Irma has wrecked (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/death-toll-rises-to-8-as-hurricane-irma-barrels-through-caribbean-heads-for-florida-2017-09-07)a string of Caribbean Islands as it barrels toward the Florida coast.</p>
<p>"Investors don't want to go into the weekend when North Korea is scheduled to show its military prowess during the Founders day celebration without their hedges in place," said Quincy Krosby, chief market strategist at Prudential Financial.</p>
<p>Other analysts noted stocks have remained largely resilient in the face of escalating geopolitical tensions, storm damage, lofty valuations, and central-bank moves.</p>
<p>See:Why investors are so chill about North Korea, hurricanes, and everything else (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-investors-are-so-chill-about-north-korea-hurricanes-and-everything-else-2017-09-06)</p>
<p>First Take:Trump's deal with 'Chuck and Nancy' may improve chances for his legislative agenda (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/debt-ceiling-deal-may-slightly-improve-chances-for-trump-agenda-2017-09-06)</p>
<p>Hurricane Irma comes just two weeks after Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast, where damages are estimated by AccuWeather to be up to $190 billion (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/hurricane-harvey-could-cost-190-billion-be-worst-ever-us-natural-disaster-says-accuweather-2017-08-31).</p>
<p>Against that backdrop, the Senate on Thursday advanced a deal struck between President Donald Trump and Democratic leaders on Wednesday that rolled together emergency relief for victims of Hurricane Harvey with a short-term extension of the government's funding and its borrowing limit.</p>
<p>In a 80-17 vote ended debate (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/senate-passes-hurricane-aid-plus-debt-limit-government-funding-extension-2017-09-07-14914711)on legislation approving $15.25 billion for relief and recovery efforts for the Harvey and Irma hurricanes, as well as provisions keeping the government running and its debt limit suspended until Dec. 8.</p>
<p>Earlier in the day, Trump and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer reportedly agreed to pursue a deal that would remove the need for Congress to repeatedly raise the U.S. debt ceiling (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/trump-schumer-agree-on-planning-to-repeal-debt-ceiling-report-2017-09-07).</p>
<p>Read:JetBlue and Delta offer special pricing to people fleeing Hurricane Irma (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/jetblue-and-delta-offer-special-pricing-to-people-fleeing-hurricane-irma-2017-09-06)</p>
<p>ECB in focus: The ECB left key interest rates unchanged and expects them to remain at present levels for "extended period". In the accompanying statement, which was virtually identical to the previous one, the central bank said that asset buying will continue at a EUR60 billion ($71 billion) a month through year-end or beyond and quantitative easing could be ramped up if the outlook deteriorates.</p>
<p>The euro strengthened against rivals after Draghi answered questions during the news conference, hitting $1.20 in New York trade. That helped push the ICE Dollar Index down 0.8% to 91.566.</p>
<p>Read: 4 takeaways from ECB President Mario Draghi's news conference (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/4-takeaways-from-ecb-president-mario-draghis-news-conference-2017-09-07)</p>
<p>European stocks (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/european-stocks-hold-steady-in-runup-to-ecb-update-2017-09-07) trimmed earlier gains but were still slightly higher.</p>
<p>Economic news:Initial jobless claims (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/storm-surge-hurricane-harvey-boosts-jobless-claims-by-62000-to-298000-2017-09-07)in the period running from Aug. 27 to Sept. 2 surged by 62,000 to 298,000, reaching the highest level since spring 2015, largely due to Hurricane Harvey that left many in Texas unable to work.</p>
<p>Among Federal Reserve speakers, Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester, speaking at the Economic Club of Pittsburgh, said she backs a gradual increase of interest rates.</p>
<p>New York Fed President William Dudley will speak at New York University at 7 p.m. Eastern. Later, Kansas City Fed President Esther George will discuss the U.S. economic outlook at the Omaha Economic Forum in Omaha, Neb., at 8:15 p.m. Eastern.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, Fed Vice Chairman Stanley Fischer said Wednesday that he would resign from the central bank next month.</p>
<p>Read:Fed's departing Fischer remembered as 'stalwart' amid central bank turmoil (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/teacher-to-bernanke-and-draghi-fischer-remembered-as-giant-in-field-2017-09-06)</p>
<p>Stock movers: Shares of GoPro Inc.(GPRO) rallied 13% after the wearable camera maker said it expects to be profitable on an adjusted basis in the third quarter.</p>
<p>Shares of RH(RH) soared 43% after the upscale retailer formerly known as Restoration Hardware reported earnings that topped Wall Street estimates (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/rh-shares-soar-30-on-earnings-beat-raised-guidance-2017-09-06) late Wednesday.</p>
<p>Separately, Apple Inc. (AAPL), saw its shares trading lower after The Wall Street Journal reported that it was facing production delays (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/iphone-8-production-glitches-could-mean-delays-when-orders-start-wsj-2017-09-07-12914245) in the making of its new iPhone 8. Its shares were down 0.3%.</p>
<p>Another Dow component, General Electric Co. (GE) tumbled to a 2-year low after analysts at J.P. Morgan Chase &amp; Co. said the outlook for the industrial conglomerate was worse than his previous estimates (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ges-stock-tumbles-to-2-year-low-after-jp-morgan-gets-more-bearish-2017-09-07). Shares were down 3.9%.</p>
<p>Amazon.com Inc.(AMZN) shares rose 1.1% after the online retailer said it plans to open a second headquarters somewhere in North America (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/amazon-begins-city-search-for-second-n-american-headquarters-plans-to-invest-over-5-billion-2017-09-07) that will house up to 50,000 employees and cost $5 billion to build and operate.</p>
<p>Facebook Inc.(FB) shares dipped 0.2% after the company late Wednesday said it traced ad sales totaling $100,000 from Russian accounts (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/facebook-links-thousands-of-political-ads-to-russian-troll-farm-2017-09-06), some of which are likely linked to a troll farm in St. Petersburg called the internet Research Agency.</p>
<p>Mastercard Inc.(MA) shares jumped 3.4% to trade at a record (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/mastercards-stock-heads-for-record-open-after-revenue-outlook-raised-2017-09-07)after the company raised its revenue outlook. Rival Visa Inc. (V) shares also rose, up 1.6%.</p>
<p>Barnes &amp; Noble Inc.(BKS) shares sank 7.3% after the bookseller reported fiscal first-quarter earnings and sales that missed consensus.</p>
<p>Other markets:Asian markets closed mixed (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/south-korea-leads-gains-in-asia-as-markets-rebound-2017-09-06), with South Korean and stocks ending higher, but Chinese and Hong Kong lower.</p>
<p>Crude-oil was slightly lower, while gold prices rose 1% to $1,351.70 a troy ounce.</p>
<p>--Sara Sjolin contributed to this article</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>September 07, 2017 15:29 ET (19:29 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | financials sell insurers hit wake hurricanes harvey irma us stock indexes tilted lower thursday afternoon trade investors sold financials consumerdiscretionary shares disney goldman sachs exacting hefty toll dow industrials continue reading investors tracking hurricane irma focused european central bank president mario draghis comments future monetary stimulus eurozone ecb left key interest rates unchanged draghi indicated decision taper quantitativeeasing program come october httpblogsmarketwatchcomthetell20170907ecbliveblogisastrongeuromakingmariodraghimiserable sampp 500 last 1 point less 01 2464 led 19 loss financials 17 decline telecommunications 09 slide consumerdiscretionary sector banking stocks fell sharply following drop 10year treasury note yield httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorytreasuryyieldsslipaheadofecbnewsconference20170907 declined 5 basis points 205 lower bond yields borrowing lending rates tied means banks profit less spread shortterm longterm lending financials select sector spdr fund xlf 19 powershares kbw regional banking portfolio etf kbwr 27 dow jones industrial average meanwhile 60 points 03 21749 walt disney co dis fell 48 entertainment giants ceo bob iger lowered wall streets fullyear guidance earnings shares goldman sachs group inc gs also weighing average 17 advertisement dow components dragging priceweighted bluechip gauge combined 60 points techheavy nasdaq composite index meanwhile treading water 6394 analysts suggested combination devastating hurricanes hitting us potential escalation nuclear threat north korea keeping investors somewhat cautious category 5 hurricane irma wrecked httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorydeathtollrisesto8ashurricaneirmabarrelsthroughcaribbeanheadsforflorida20170907a string caribbean islands barrels toward florida coast investors dont want go weekend north korea scheduled show military prowess founders day celebration without hedges place said quincy krosby chief market strategist prudential financial analysts noted stocks remained largely resilient face escalating geopolitical tensions storm damage lofty valuations centralbank moves seewhy investors chill north korea hurricanes everything else httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorywhyinvestorsaresochillaboutnorthkoreahurricanesandeverythingelse20170906 first taketrumps deal chuck nancy may improve chances legislative agenda httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorydebtceilingdealmayslightlyimprovechancesfortrumpagenda20170906 hurricane irma comes two weeks hurricane harvey hit texas louisiana gulf coast damages estimated accuweather 190 billion httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryhurricaneharveycouldcost190billionbeworsteverusnaturaldisastersaysaccuweather20170831 backdrop senate thursday advanced deal struck president donald trump democratic leaders wednesday rolled together emergency relief victims hurricane harvey shortterm extension governments funding borrowing limit 8017 vote ended debate httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorysenatepasseshurricaneaidplusdebtlimitgovernmentfundingextension2017090714914711on legislation approving 1525 billion relief recovery efforts harvey irma hurricanes well provisions keeping government running debt limit suspended dec 8 earlier day trump senate minority leader chuck schumer reportedly agreed pursue deal would remove need congress repeatedly raise us debt ceiling httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorytrumpschumeragreeonplanningtorepealdebtceilingreport20170907 readjetblue delta offer special pricing people fleeing hurricane irma httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryjetblueanddeltaofferspecialpricingtopeoplefleeinghurricaneirma20170906 ecb focus ecb left key interest rates unchanged expects remain present levels extended period accompanying statement virtually identical previous one central bank said asset buying continue eur60 billion 71 billion month yearend beyond quantitative easing could ramped outlook deteriorates euro strengthened rivals draghi answered questions news conference hitting 120 new york trade helped push ice dollar index 08 91566 read 4 takeaways ecb president mario draghis news conference httpwwwmarketwatchcomstory4takeawaysfromecbpresidentmariodraghisnewsconference20170907 european stocks httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryeuropeanstocksholdsteadyinrunuptoecbupdate20170907 trimmed earlier gains still slightly higher economic newsinitial jobless claims httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorystormsurgehurricaneharveyboostsjoblessclaimsby62000to29800020170907in period running aug 27 sept 2 surged 62000 298000 reaching highest level since spring 2015 largely due hurricane harvey left many texas unable work among federal reserve speakers cleveland fed president loretta mester speaking economic club pittsburgh said backs gradual increase interest rates new york fed president william dudley speak new york university 7 pm eastern later kansas city fed president esther george discuss us economic outlook omaha economic forum omaha neb 815 pm eastern wednesday fed vice chairman stanley fischer said wednesday would resign central bank next month readfeds departing fischer remembered stalwart amid central bank turmoil httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryteachertobernankeanddraghifischerrememberedasgiantinfield20170906 stock movers shares gopro incgpro rallied 13 wearable camera maker said expects profitable adjusted basis third quarter shares rhrh soared 43 upscale retailer formerly known restoration hardware reported earnings topped wall street estimates httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryrhsharessoar30onearningsbeatraisedguidance20170906 late wednesday separately apple inc aapl saw shares trading lower wall street journal reported facing production delays httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryiphone8productionglitchescouldmeandelayswhenordersstartwsj2017090712914245 making new iphone 8 shares 03 another dow component general electric co ge tumbled 2year low analysts jp morgan chase amp co said outlook industrial conglomerate worse previous estimates httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorygesstocktumblesto2yearlowafterjpmorgangetsmorebearish20170907 shares 39 amazoncom incamzn shares rose 11 online retailer said plans open second headquarters somewhere north america httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryamazonbeginscitysearchforsecondnamericanheadquartersplanstoinvestover5billion20170907 house 50000 employees cost 5 billion build operate facebook incfb shares dipped 02 company late wednesday said traced ad sales totaling 100000 russian accounts httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryfacebooklinksthousandsofpoliticaladstorussiantrollfarm20170906 likely linked troll farm st petersburg called internet research agency mastercard incma shares jumped 34 trade record httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorymastercardsstockheadsforrecordopenafterrevenueoutlookraised20170907after company raised revenue outlook rival visa inc v shares also rose 16 barnes amp noble incbks shares sank 73 bookseller reported fiscal firstquarter earnings sales missed consensus marketsasian markets closed mixed httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorysouthkorealeadsgainsinasiaasmarketsrebound20170906 south korean stocks ending higher chinese hong kong lower crudeoil slightly lower gold prices rose 1 135170 troy ounce sara sjolin contributed article end dow jones newswires september 07 2017 1529 et 1929 gmt | 763 |
<p />
<p>The Federal Reserve decided on Wednesday to hold interest rates at their historic lows and to maintain $85 billion in monthly bond-buying stimulus despite a more optimistic labor forecast from the central bank.</p>
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<p>While the Federal Open Market Committee upgraded its unemployment rate outlook for the next three years, the Fed’s monetary policy arm dimmed its growth guidance slightly.</p>
<p>During a press conference following the FOMC decision, Fed chief Ben Bernanke largely shrugged off concerns about a possible bubble in the stock market and said he sees little "direct implications" for the U.S. economy from the deepening financial crisis in Cyprus.</p>
<p>Voting 11-1 in favor of the interest rate decision, the Fed said new information received since the last meeting in January suggests “a return to moderate economic growth following a pause late last year,” but noted that “fiscal policy has become somewhat more restrictive.”</p>
<p>Alluding to February’s stronger-than-expected jobs report, the FOMC said “conditions have shown signs of improvement in recent months.” However, the central bank said the unemployment rate, which dipped to 7.7% in February, “remains elevated.”</p>
<p>Unemployment Outlook Raised</p>
<p>Still, the Fed’s new economic forecast reveals the central bank believes the unemployment rate will fall faster than previously expected.</p>
<p>It now forecasts a range of 7.3% to 7.5% for this year, compared with 7.4% to 7.7% back in December. Economists at the Fed see unemployment of 6.7% to 7% in 2014, down from 6.8% to 7.3% late last year.</p>
<p>The upper range of the 2015 estimate was also lowered by 0.1 percentage point to 6.5%, which is the target rate set by the Fed.</p>
<p>Michael Gapen, director of U.S. economic research at Barclays, said he doesn't interpret this new forecast "as a policy signal," rather as a "mark-to-market adjustment" following the decline in February.</p>
<p>On the other, the Fed trimmed its gross domestic product projections, forecasting 2.3% to 2.8% growth in 2013, down from 2.3% to 3% previously. Likewise, the Fed now sees GDP growth of 2.9% to 3.4% next year, down slightly from 3% to 3.5% earlier.</p>
<p>The Fed said that aside from energy price fluctuations, inflation has been running somewhat below the FOMC’s longer-term objective.</p>
<p>In an effort to continue to support the recovery, the Fed said it will continue purchasing $40 billion of mortgage-backed securities per month as well as $45 billion of Treasury securities a month, injecting $85 billion of liquidity into the sluggish economy.</p>
<p>Barclays said it sees "nothing" in the FOMC statement to change its view that the Fed will continue its pace of asset purchases through the end of 2013 before slowing them in the first half of next year.</p>
<p>Worried About an Asset Bubble?</p>
<p>That could be good news for equity investors as the Fed’s unprecedented quantitative easing program has underpinned the rally on Wall Street.</p>
<p>The Dow Industrials hit fresh all-time highs on Wednesday afternoon following the FOMC decision.</p>
<p>Hinting at concerns about the Fed’s QE program doing more harm than good by inflating asset prices, the FOMC said it will continue to “take appropriate account of the likely efficacy and costs of such purposes as well as the extent of progress towards its economic objectives.”</p>
<p>During a press conference following the decision, Bernanke said the FOMC has had a “thorough discussion of costs and risks” of the QE program, including the impact of payments to the Treasury Department and risks to “financial stability” as investors take on “excessive risk in a reach for yield.”</p>
<p>However, Bernanke said the committee believes these costs “remain manageable.”</p>
<p>Asked if the Fed is worried about inflating an asset bubble, Bernanke said “in the stock market we don’t see at this point anything that’s out of line with historical patterns,” noting “increased optimism” about the economy and “substantial” corporate profit growth.</p>
<p>He noted that while the Dow may be hitting new highs, “it’s in nominal terms, not in real terms” and still remains “some distance” from inflation-adjusted highs.</p>
<p>The FOMC said it expects to maintain a “highly accommodative stance of monetary policy” for a “considerable time” even after QE ends.</p>
<p>Despite the rosier unemployment rate, analysts said the FOMC statement indicates interest rates likely won’t be increased until 2015.</p>
<p>Shrugs Off Cyprus Concerns</p>
<p>Bernanke also addressed the ongoing turmoil in Cyprus, which is teetering on the brink of failure after rejecting a bailout that would have imposed a levy on bank deposits.</p>
<p>While he acknowledged that the tiny island nation is facing a “pretty big financial hole,” Bernanke said imposing a levy on bank deposits threatens to set a “precedent that might reduce confidence in banks in subsequent periods.”</p>
<p>Bernanke believes it's "extremely unlikely" such a similar tax on deposits could take place in the U.S., noting that the FDIC has never "lost a dime of insured deposits."</p>
<p>Overall, the Fed chief doesn't see Cyprus having "direct implications for the U.S. economy," pointing to the rally in the U.S. market despite the bailout rejection.</p>
<p>"We hope the Europeans will come up with an efficient solution. We’re not seeing major risk to the U.S. financial system or the U.S. economy," he said.</p>
<p>Bernanke declined to give any new information about whether he plans to seek a third term as Fed chief when his term expires in January, but did say he had spoken to President Obama about his future,</p>
<p>Pointing to the competency of the Fed staff, Bernanke said: “I don’t think I’m the only person in the world who can manage the exit.”</p>
<p>Advertisement</p> | true | 0 | federal reserve decided wednesday hold interest rates historic lows maintain 85 billion monthly bondbuying stimulus despite optimistic labor forecast central bank continue reading federal open market committee upgraded unemployment rate outlook next three years feds monetary policy arm dimmed growth guidance slightly press conference following fomc decision fed chief ben bernanke largely shrugged concerns possible bubble stock market said sees little direct implications us economy deepening financial crisis cyprus voting 111 favor interest rate decision fed said new information received since last meeting january suggests return moderate economic growth following pause late last year noted fiscal policy become somewhat restrictive alluding februarys strongerthanexpected jobs report fomc said conditions shown signs improvement recent months however central bank said unemployment rate dipped 77 february remains elevated unemployment outlook raised still feds new economic forecast reveals central bank believes unemployment rate fall faster previously expected forecasts range 73 75 year compared 74 77 back december economists fed see unemployment 67 7 2014 68 73 late last year upper range 2015 estimate also lowered 01 percentage point 65 target rate set fed michael gapen director us economic research barclays said doesnt interpret new forecast policy signal rather marktomarket adjustment following decline february fed trimmed gross domestic product projections forecasting 23 28 growth 2013 23 3 previously likewise fed sees gdp growth 29 34 next year slightly 3 35 earlier fed said aside energy price fluctuations inflation running somewhat fomcs longerterm objective effort continue support recovery fed said continue purchasing 40 billion mortgagebacked securities per month well 45 billion treasury securities month injecting 85 billion liquidity sluggish economy barclays said sees nothing fomc statement change view fed continue pace asset purchases end 2013 slowing first half next year worried asset bubble could good news equity investors feds unprecedented quantitative easing program underpinned rally wall street dow industrials hit fresh alltime highs wednesday afternoon following fomc decision hinting concerns feds qe program harm good inflating asset prices fomc said continue take appropriate account likely efficacy costs purposes well extent progress towards economic objectives press conference following decision bernanke said fomc thorough discussion costs risks qe program including impact payments treasury department risks financial stability investors take excessive risk reach yield however bernanke said committee believes costs remain manageable asked fed worried inflating asset bubble bernanke said stock market dont see point anything thats line historical patterns noting increased optimism economy substantial corporate profit growth noted dow may hitting new highs nominal terms real terms still remains distance inflationadjusted highs fomc said expects maintain highly accommodative stance monetary policy considerable time even qe ends despite rosier unemployment rate analysts said fomc statement indicates interest rates likely wont increased 2015 shrugs cyprus concerns bernanke also addressed ongoing turmoil cyprus teetering brink failure rejecting bailout would imposed levy bank deposits acknowledged tiny island nation facing pretty big financial hole bernanke said imposing levy bank deposits threatens set precedent might reduce confidence banks subsequent periods bernanke believes extremely unlikely similar tax deposits could take place us noting fdic never lost dime insured deposits overall fed chief doesnt see cyprus direct implications us economy pointing rally us market despite bailout rejection hope europeans come efficient solution seeing major risk us financial system us economy said bernanke declined give new information whether plans seek third term fed chief term expires january say spoken president obama future pointing competency fed staff bernanke said dont think im person world manage exit advertisement | 568 |
<p />
<p>Recent furor over cyber attacks in the United States has focused largely on computers, but what about mobile devices?</p>
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<p>Big changes are afoot in government and defense mobile device contracts. Even the formerly steadfast BlackBerry client the Department of Defense announced it is open to doing business with Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) and other mobile communications companies.</p>
<p>The question many are asking: is the shift away from Research in Motion's (NASDQ:BBRY) Blackberry based on solid cyber-security thinking or due to the allure of shiny apps and sleek design with other devices?</p>
<p>On the new mobile device policies, Defense Department Chief Information Officer Teri Takai noted, “This is not simply about embracing the newest technology -- it is about keeping the department’s workforce relevant in an era when information accessibility and cybersecurity play a critical role in mission success.”</p>
<p>Government and defense need to communicate sensitive and classified information on their mobile devices. Any those devices must secure classified and protect unclassified communication for DoD’s 600,000 mobile-device users.</p>
<p>Mobile platforms are just as vulnerable as a desktop computer. As ethical hacking firm Casaba’s security researcher Walter Pearce explains “You need to start considering them a computer in your pocket, not a phone.”</p>
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<p>Preferred for superior security, BlackBerry long dominated in the defense, security and government market; however over the past year it has yielded more and more ground in this sector.</p>
<p>BlackBerry’s Security Reign</p>
<p>From the President through to the FBI or ATF agent, the “crackberry” has traditionally been the mobile communication device of choice.</p>
<p>Maintaining the highest-level security while communicating on modern devices required solutions. RIM’s domination was in large part thanks to the company’s innovations that provided greater security than competitors.</p>
<p>BlackBerries tend to be more time-consuming and expensive for hackers to attack, while other platforms have been far less challenging. They also have fewer inherent security weaknesses, with third-party apps creating most of the vulnerability.</p>
<p>BlackBerry does not control the eco-system of apps the way iPhone does, so users may be more prone to downloading malicious software; however, BlackBerry’s application control policy rules and assistive technology permissions solutions have been effective counter-measures.</p>
<p>The BlackBerry Enterprise Server, a capability to help manage and secure devices in enterprise email systems, is another feature that made it attractive to government business.</p>
<p>The Challengers</p>
<p>RIM has had to contend with challenges to its superior security features. Apple has been increasingly quick to react with security patches. For example, Apple says it has hardened the kernel in iOS 6 making it more costly and time consuming for a hacker to attack.</p>
<p>Some ethical hackers believe this is still not enough to keep out the most skilled hackers – the kind you would find targeting government and defense.</p>
<p>Tackling the memory vulnerability on their devices, Google has innovated its latest Android to include full address space layout randomization. Some white-hat hackers believe this fix has limitations and expect to see attacks evolve.</p>
<p>In a move to expand their potential market as challengers gain ground, RIM also made headway into the law enforcement market introducing the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. Officers can use this tablet for a surprisingly wide range of useful functions, from video surveillance through to completing and printing traffic tickets.</p>
<p>Attempting to keep pace with the innovation of rival smartphones, RIM unveiled its new BlackBerry 10 smartphones designed to better compete in look, design and function on January 30.</p>
<p>Android Cyber-victim of its Own Success?</p>
<p>Finland-based F-Secure released a report last week that may have some re-thinking jumping ship BlackBerry in favor of the mesmerizing world of apps on other devices. F-Secure’s report says it's clear that the free Google operating system has become the primary target platform of hackers.</p>
<p>Android’s jump to nearly 70% of the smartphone global market corresponds with its escalating popularity as a target and platform for malware.</p>
<p>According to the report, while Android’s overall market share rose to 68.8% in 2012, its malware share rose even higher, to 79% - a more than 10% rise in malware from last year’s 66.7%.</p>
<p>Mark Wuergler, senior security researcher at offensive cybersecurity firm Immunity Inc. explains, “The primary weakness of any mobile platform is popularity - just like people, operating systems can be victims of their own success. The more popular a platform is, the more users it has, therefore the more potential targets and access to data and finances it has - so hackers will put their time and money into exploiting that platform to get the best ROI.”</p>
<p>By contrast, Nokia's Symbian platform has experienced a drop both in market share and the new malware variant numbers. While Symbian had also attracted a hefty amount of malware, it still only accounted for about 19% and has already been dropped by Nokia.</p>
<p>In F-Secure’s opinion, Apple's iOS is not nearly as vulnerable as Android. Apple iOS represents about 22% of all smartphones worldwide, but only 0.7% of the malware threats targeted iOS.</p>
<p>The report observes: "Every quarter, malware authors bring forth new threat families and variants to lure more victims and to update on the existing ones. In the fourth quarter alone, 96 new families and variants of Android threats were discovered, which almost doubles the number recorded in the previous quarter."</p>
<p>And how did the BlackBerry measure up on security? Blackberry and Apple iOS had less than one percent of mobile phone infections. The report concluded it was most likely they were intended for a range of platforms rather than specifically targeting them.</p>
<p>Security Compass CEO Nish Bhalla explains why the smartphone threat can be so serious: “ On the actual phones, the biggest trend is keeping sensitive data on phones… We’ve seen vendors who leave a single encryption key on every app installation: anybody who can access the data underneath the app in an individual phone can use it to steal secrets from every other customer installation.”</p>
<p>Ethical hacker Pearce takes a similar view, observing that a mobile platform is a very attractive target</p>
<p>“Mainly, it becomes a treasure chest of credentials. Everyone does everything on their phone…So now an attacker has one place to easily find all of their credentials which is not really up to the same scrutiny as regular computers have been over the years.</p>
<p>So What’s at Stake?</p>
<p>The potential loss of the hefty DoD client base is the latest in a series of setbacks not just for RIM, but also for cybersecurity.</p>
<p>Many ethical hackers believe BlackBerry’s central management and encryption remain superior. BlackBerry and Apple have been better and earlier adopters of security practices with Android seriously lagging behind.</p>
<p>Of the more than 600,000 DoD mobile devices up for grabs, BlackBerry had dominated with about 470,000 of those devices, while 41,000 were Apple devices and only 8,700 ran on Google’s Android system.</p>
<p>After eight years as a loyal customer, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, abandoned BlackBerry devices and joined team Apple iPhone – meaning 17,676 ICE employees will be discussing the business of national security on iPhones instead of BlackBerries.</p>
<p>The Coast Guard, Transportation Security Administration the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and National Transportation Safety Board are all migrating to other mobile platforms.</p>
<p>In aerospace, the Air Force, the Federal Air Marshall Service and Federal Aviation Administration are considering BlackBerry rivals.</p>
<p>The shift is also underway with the vast government contractor workforce. Booz Allen Hamilton, for example, is moving its 25,000 employees from BlackBerries to iPhones and Android devices.</p> | true | 0 | recent furor cyber attacks united states focused largely computers mobile devices continue reading big changes afoot government defense mobile device contracts even formerly steadfast blackberry client department defense announced open business apple nasdaqaapl google nasdaqgoog mobile communications companies question many asking shift away research motions nasdqbbry blackberry based solid cybersecurity thinking due allure shiny apps sleek design devices new mobile device policies defense department chief information officer teri takai noted simply embracing newest technology keeping departments workforce relevant era information accessibility cybersecurity play critical role mission success government defense need communicate sensitive classified information mobile devices devices must secure classified protect unclassified communication dods 600000 mobiledevice users mobile platforms vulnerable desktop computer ethical hacking firm casabas security researcher walter pearce explains need start considering computer pocket phone advertisement preferred superior security blackberry long dominated defense security government market however past year yielded ground sector blackberrys security reign president fbi atf agent crackberry traditionally mobile communication device choice maintaining highestlevel security communicating modern devices required solutions rims domination large part thanks companys innovations provided greater security competitors blackberries tend timeconsuming expensive hackers attack platforms far less challenging also fewer inherent security weaknesses thirdparty apps creating vulnerability blackberry control ecosystem apps way iphone users may prone downloading malicious software however blackberrys application control policy rules assistive technology permissions solutions effective countermeasures blackberry enterprise server capability help manage secure devices enterprise email systems another feature made attractive government business challengers rim contend challenges superior security features apple increasingly quick react security patches example apple says hardened kernel ios 6 making costly time consuming hacker attack ethical hackers believe still enough keep skilled hackers kind would find targeting government defense tackling memory vulnerability devices google innovated latest android include full address space layout randomization whitehat hackers believe fix limitations expect see attacks evolve move expand potential market challengers gain ground rim also made headway law enforcement market introducing blackberry playbook tablet officers use tablet surprisingly wide range useful functions video surveillance completing printing traffic tickets attempting keep pace innovation rival smartphones rim unveiled new blackberry 10 smartphones designed better compete look design function january 30 android cybervictim success finlandbased fsecure released report last week may rethinking jumping ship blackberry favor mesmerizing world apps devices fsecures report says clear free google operating system become primary target platform hackers androids jump nearly 70 smartphone global market corresponds escalating popularity target platform malware according report androids overall market share rose 688 2012 malware share rose even higher 79 10 rise malware last years 667 mark wuergler senior security researcher offensive cybersecurity firm immunity inc explains primary weakness mobile platform popularity like people operating systems victims success popular platform users therefore potential targets access data finances hackers put time money exploiting platform get best roi contrast nokias symbian platform experienced drop market share new malware variant numbers symbian also attracted hefty amount malware still accounted 19 already dropped nokia fsecures opinion apples ios nearly vulnerable android apple ios represents 22 smartphones worldwide 07 malware threats targeted ios report observes every quarter malware authors bring forth new threat families variants lure victims update existing ones fourth quarter alone 96 new families variants android threats discovered almost doubles number recorded previous quarter blackberry measure security blackberry apple ios less one percent mobile phone infections report concluded likely intended range platforms rather specifically targeting security compass ceo nish bhalla explains smartphone threat serious actual phones biggest trend keeping sensitive data phones weve seen vendors leave single encryption key every app installation anybody access data underneath app individual phone use steal secrets every customer installation ethical hacker pearce takes similar view observing mobile platform attractive target mainly becomes treasure chest credentials everyone everything phoneso attacker one place easily find credentials really scrutiny regular computers years whats stake potential loss hefty dod client base latest series setbacks rim also cybersecurity many ethical hackers believe blackberrys central management encryption remain superior blackberry apple better earlier adopters security practices android seriously lagging behind 600000 dod mobile devices grabs blackberry dominated 470000 devices 41000 apple devices 8700 ran googles android system eight years loyal customer immigration customs enforcement abandoned blackberry devices joined team apple iphone meaning 17676 ice employees discussing business national security iphones instead blackberries coast guard transportation security administration bureau alcohol tobacco firearms explosives national transportation safety board migrating mobile platforms aerospace air force federal air marshall service federal aviation administration considering blackberry rivals shift also underway vast government contractor workforce booz allen hamilton example moving 25000 employees blackberries iphones android devices | 748 |
<p>Labor Rally in Philadelphia / AP</p>
<p>BY: <a href="" type="internal">Bill McMorris</a> February 28, 2013 9:59 am</p>
<p>Several Philadelphia labor groups allegedly used feces, urine, spit, and fire to persuade businesses to hire union labor and area businesses are fighting back.</p>
<p>The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on Monday <a href="http://www.nlrb.gov/case/04-CB-084647" type="external">ordered</a> members of the International Board of Teamsters Local 107, Pennsylvania’s <a href="http://www.pacfteamsters.com/aboutthepresident.html" type="external">self-described</a> "most powerful labor organization," to stop assaulting and spitting on employees, vandalizing vehicles, and obstructing business operations at the Eureka Stone Quarry, Inc.</p>
<p>Jim Morrissey III, whose grandfather started the cement mixing and construction service company, launched the suit after striking drivers dragged a company mechanic from his truck after obstructing the road with nails—an incident captured on surveillance tape.</p>
<p>"He was scared to death, surrounded by six to eight guys he thought were his friends," Morrissey said.</p>
<p>Local 107 secretary-treasurer Shawn Dougherty downplayed the NLRB ruling.</p>
<p>"This fella’s so litigious that anything that’s said or done with this particular labor dispute is exaggerated," Dougherty said. "We normally don’t comment on the NLRB decisions."</p>
<p>Morrissey says he is not anti-labor. He decided to appeal to federal authorities after concluding that local officials would turn a blind eye to the issues plaguing his business.</p>
<p>"I had no choice but the NLRB: They said they were going to put me out of business and they’ve put a tremendous amount of pressure on other groups to not hire us," he said. "The unions in Philly run the show; it’s a big joke with the police and the politicians—they just look the other way."</p>
<p>Leo Knepper, executive director at the Citizens Alliance of Pennsylvania, said the legacy of union dominance in the "Keystone State" has created an aura of invincibility among labor groups.</p>
<p>"When anything threatens [union] interests, they react violently," he said. "Unions have such a strong influence in local politics that it gives them carte blanche to do whatever they want because no one is willing to enforce the law against these guys."</p>
<p>Morrissey says union intimidation tactics are no longer effective with the availability and affordability of surveillance.</p>
<p>"When you have them on tape, they can’t deny it," he said. "Technology changes everything and the unions aren’t savvy enough to get that."</p>
<p>No company has employed technology as devastatingly as <a href="http://www.postrents.com/our-people.html" type="external">Post Brothers Apartments</a>, a real estate firm engaged in a drawn out and oftentimes violent campaign by the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council over a $38 million apartment development at the abandoned Goldtex shoe factory.</p>
<p>Post Brothers awarded half of its construction contracts to union shops. The council demanded 100 percent of the contracts and began picketing and vandalizing the site when construction began in 2012.</p>
<p>The company launched a public campaign of its own after workers discovered feces and urine scattered at the site, oil dumped on its parking lot, and asbestos installed in walls, according to Post Brothers CEO Michael Pestronk.</p>
<p>The company has posted YouTube videos of union leaders assaulting security guards, shared photos of smashed windshields on a public <a href="https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B-7k79_F3zWcWXAzMEdJcVViQXc/edit" type="external">Google Docs</a> account, and argued its case against the unions through its website, <a href="http://phillybully.com/PhillyBully.com/Home.html" type="external">PhillyBully.com</a>.</p>
<p>"Our employees feared for their lives, so we got the equipment for personal protection," Pestronk said. "It wasn’t some masterful calculation: changing political institutions [or] buying politicians costs millions, posting videos to YouTube is cheap and it gets you public attention."</p>
<p>The Trades Council did not return calls for comment.</p>
<p>The website is already paying dividends. A union member allegedly assaulted Post Brothers employees Chris Gardner and Matt Hunt in December with a crowbar after they attempted to park their car near the work site. Gardner was arrested for assault when he subdued his attacker, who was not charged in the incident.</p>
<p>The police dropped the charges on Tuesday thanks in part to the company’s photo and video evidence, "but mostly because our attorney threatened to sue the city, the police, and the [district attorney]," Pestronk said.</p>
<p>The young real estate executive said he hopes PhillyBully.com "sets an example" on how to combat union intimidation.</p>
<p>"They’re getting desperate so it appears [violence] has been ramping up," he said. "The mainstream media is not calling attention to it, so it really helps to use YouTube to subvert them and make them pay attention."</p>
<p>New media is not the only tactic businesses are using to curb union violence. The eastern Pennsylvania chapter of the <a href="http://www.abceastpa.org/" type="external">Association of Builders and Contractors</a>, which represents open shop construction companies, is now offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the union members suspected of burning down a Quaker meetinghouse construction site a few days before Christmas.</p>
<p>"We’ve seen a steady pattern of violence on open shop projects in Philadelphia—anytime open house contractors come in there’s retaliation," said chapter president Mary Tebeau. "We’re afraid that business owners and developers will bypass this area, so to combat that we came up with a reward to punish those responsible for the bombing."</p>
<p>A Philadelphia Police Department spokeswoman told the Washington Free Beacon that there have been no arrests in connection to the incident.</p>
<p>Robert Reeves, president of E. Allen Reeves, Inc., the firm building the Quaker meetinghouse, echoed Tebeau’s concerns, adding that bounties will not do much to deter future violence without institutional change.</p>
<p>"I think there’s a resurgence in violence because unions are contemplating their loss of market share," he said. "I wish that leaders in the Philadelphia region would speak up against violence. They don’t tolerate it in schools, but they look the other way when it’s their supporters."</p>
<p>Some politicians at the state level are looking to diminish the amount of influence wielded by unions at the state and local level through labor reforms, including right-to-work legislation introduced earlier this year.</p>
<p>"There are a lot of unfair policies enacted on behalf of Big Labor back when it had clout, but the demographics spell trouble for unions," central Pennsylvania state Rep. Stephen Bloom said. "The Philadelphia area is still a bastion for union influence, but it’s waning there as it is across the state and the balance of power is shifting and inevitably we’ll get to the point where we’ll adopt labor reforms necessary for economic survival."</p> | true | 0 | labor rally philadelphia ap bill mcmorris february 28 2013 959 several philadelphia labor groups allegedly used feces urine spit fire persuade businesses hire union labor area businesses fighting back national labor relations board nlrb monday ordered members international board teamsters local 107 pennsylvanias selfdescribed powerful labor organization stop assaulting spitting employees vandalizing vehicles obstructing business operations eureka stone quarry inc jim morrissey iii whose grandfather started cement mixing construction service company launched suit striking drivers dragged company mechanic truck obstructing road nailsan incident captured surveillance tape scared death surrounded six eight guys thought friends morrissey said local 107 secretarytreasurer shawn dougherty downplayed nlrb ruling fellas litigious anything thats said done particular labor dispute exaggerated dougherty said normally dont comment nlrb decisions morrissey says antilabor decided appeal federal authorities concluding local officials would turn blind eye issues plaguing business choice nlrb said going put business theyve put tremendous amount pressure groups hire us said unions philly run show big joke police politiciansthey look way leo knepper executive director citizens alliance pennsylvania said legacy union dominance keystone state created aura invincibility among labor groups anything threatens union interests react violently said unions strong influence local politics gives carte blanche whatever want one willing enforce law guys morrissey says union intimidation tactics longer effective availability affordability surveillance tape cant deny said technology changes everything unions arent savvy enough get company employed technology devastatingly post brothers apartments real estate firm engaged drawn oftentimes violent campaign philadelphia building construction trades council 38 million apartment development abandoned goldtex shoe factory post brothers awarded half construction contracts union shops council demanded 100 percent contracts began picketing vandalizing site construction began 2012 company launched public campaign workers discovered feces urine scattered site oil dumped parking lot asbestos installed walls according post brothers ceo michael pestronk company posted youtube videos union leaders assaulting security guards shared photos smashed windshields public google docs account argued case unions website phillybullycom employees feared lives got equipment personal protection pestronk said wasnt masterful calculation changing political institutions buying politicians costs millions posting videos youtube cheap gets public attention trades council return calls comment website already paying dividends union member allegedly assaulted post brothers employees chris gardner matt hunt december crowbar attempted park car near work site gardner arrested assault subdued attacker charged incident police dropped charges tuesday thanks part companys photo video evidence mostly attorney threatened sue city police district attorney pestronk said young real estate executive said hopes phillybullycom sets example combat union intimidation theyre getting desperate appears violence ramping said mainstream media calling attention really helps use youtube subvert make pay attention new media tactic businesses using curb union violence eastern pennsylvania chapter association builders contractors represents open shop construction companies offering 50000 reward information leading arrest conviction union members suspected burning quaker meetinghouse construction site days christmas weve seen steady pattern violence open shop projects philadelphiaanytime open house contractors come theres retaliation said chapter president mary tebeau afraid business owners developers bypass area combat came reward punish responsible bombing philadelphia police department spokeswoman told washington free beacon arrests connection incident robert reeves president e allen reeves inc firm building quaker meetinghouse echoed tebeaus concerns adding bounties much deter future violence without institutional change think theres resurgence violence unions contemplating loss market share said wish leaders philadelphia region would speak violence dont tolerate schools look way supporters politicians state level looking diminish amount influence wielded unions state local level labor reforms including righttowork legislation introduced earlier year lot unfair policies enacted behalf big labor back clout demographics spell trouble unions central pennsylvania state rep stephen bloom said philadelphia area still bastion union influence waning across state balance power shifting inevitably well get point well adopt labor reforms necessary economic survival | 619 |
<p>Berkshire Hathaway(NYSE: BRK-A) (NYSE: BRK-B) recently invested in four of America's largest airline companies -- seemingly going against Warren Buffett's often-stated distaste for any investment in the airline industry.</p>
<p>In this week's episode of <a href="http://www.fool.com/podcasts/industry-focus?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Industry Focus: Energy Opens a New Window.</a>, Motley Fool analyst Sean O'Reilly and Fool contributor Adam Levine-Weinberg explain why the company is finally investing in the industry, how much the investment has paid off so far, how investors should think about airline companies in light of this news, and more.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Also, the hosts briefly discuss the surprising news of OPEC's recent successful production cut. Find out how this move will affect oil prices, given the state of the industry today.</p>
<p>A full transcript follows the video.</p>
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<p>This podcast was recorded on Dec. 1, 2016.</p>
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<p>Sean O'Reilly: Welcome to Industry Focus, the podcast that dives into a different sector of the stock market every day. Today isThursday, December 1st, 2016, so we'retalking about energy, materials, and industrials.I am Sean O'Reilly and I'm being joined in studio by one of ourveteran contributing writer analysts, Mr. Adam Levine-Weinberg. How's it going, Adam?</p>
<p>Adam Levine-Weinberg: Great, how are you, Sean?</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Not bad.I've had you on the show before, but you wouldSkypein. It's wonderful to see you in person.</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: It'snice to be here in the flesh.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: So, I've been at The Foolfor a little over 3 years, and you have beennot only one of my favorite fool.com writers,but one of the analysts that I trust the most, soI want to build you up a little bit for our listeners.</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: Thank you,I appreciate that.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: I asked you tojoin me here today because I wanted to talk about the surprisinginvestments recently made by Warren Buffett'sBerkshire Hathawayin the airline industry, whichconfounded me to no end. Butbefore we cover this story,we have to talk about the big news of the week, which isOPEC actually pulling off a production cut. Did your jaw hit the floor?</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: A little bit. It seemed likeit was going that way, but there were a lot of questions about whether OPEC would reallyget to a final agreement among its members,especially Iraq and Iran which werepushing back a lot on the idea thatthey would have to cut production.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: They werevery publicly meanto each other at times. AndI assume that's part of the negotiation process.</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: Yeah,it's part of the negotiation process, but you also have this problem where everybody in OPEC basically wants for OPEC to cut production,they just can't agree onwho is going to do the cutting. Iran and Iraq would love foreverybody else to cut production,because then they get to sell more at a higher price. The problem is, when you need to cut, unless it's spread evenly,then you have certain countries --and in the past, it's usually been Saudi Arabia --taking a lot of the brunt of lower production.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Yeah.I remember when I was in high school economics class,talking about perfect competition and monopolyand all this stuff, and my professor talked about a cartel, andOPEC is the quintessential example. He was like, "You haveevery incentive to cheat." Itdoesn't make sense, because it would be like, if everybody just cuts production 2%, the price will double, and everybody wins dollar-wise. It is amazing to me how he was right.</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: Yeah. That'sexactly true. Now,we should not, right now, assume that the price of oilis going to double. There are several factors --</p>
<p>O'Reilly: That washypothetical, I apologize.</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: No, I see the point. Oil prices will, all things equal, go up. Butthere are some factors that are going to keep it down. First,you have really high inventories out there, because the past two or three years, everybody's been pumping way too much, at least a million barrels per dayabove what the actual demand has been. So, that's just all gone into storage. Andeven with this production cut it, it's probably going to take a couple of years to getinventoriesback down to a more normal level. On top of that, if oil prices go up by $10 or,especially if they go up by $20 a barrel, you'regoing to see a lot of activity by U.S. shale oil companies. In the past two years, they have been forced to cut their costs by a lot andbecome much more efficient. In 2013 and 2014 you would hear people throwing out $70 or $80 a barrel as break-even. A lot of these companies are making money -- not a lot of money, but they are making some money at $50 a barrel. If you see those prices go to $70, they're going to be back in the market in a big way.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: For sure. Those guysdown in the Permian Basin, you look at the cost curves of these companies, since 2012,you kind of have to tip your hat to them. Bottom line, does today's newsmake you interested in any oil stocks?</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: Marginally. I think,if you're looking to get into the oil market,it's not a terrible time to start thinking about those companies,I would really focus on the best in class, lowest cost producers,because those are the ones that are going to be able to ramp upproduction while actually still making money, as opposed to, a few years ago, ramping upproduction and not making any money.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Wouldn't that be nice, toactually make money? Before we move on totalking about Warren Buffett's recentinvestments in the airline industry,I want to briefly mention to our listeners thatif you are interested in getting Industry Focus' top investing books, just email us at <a href="http://mailto:[email protected]" type="external">[email protected] Opens a New Window.</a> with your own favorite investing book, and we will respond with our full list ofthe best books to improve your investing chops.</p>
<p>Adam, this is aslightly older store than I would prefer,we had the holidays and everything,but I immediately messaged you on Slack when this news hit the wires.Berkshire Hathaway owns shares of the four largest airlines.I recently turned 30, sorry to say --</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: Ithappens to all of us.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Yeah,it happens to the best of us. I've been reading about Warren Buffett and investing forhalf of my life now. I wander into the library and I see these books, "Warren Buffett Way,"and all that stuff, and all of them talk about,Buffett does invest in airlines. He'sdone it before, he gets burned. He did the preferred shares inUS Airways. He always gets burned,and it is the quintessential example of a Warren Buffett mistake in that it's a commodity business. Then this hits the wires, and I just give up. I'm done. I'm just going to go quit and live on an island. What did you think? Give us some context,what's going on here?</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: I'd say,this news was much more surprising to me than the OPEC production cut.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Boom, yeah.(laughs)</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: Yeah.(laughs) Because, Warren Buffett really has, for a good 20 years now, warned off investors atevery opportunity from airline stocks. Even when airlines have beenprofitable, he said forget it, they're not sustainable businesses, stay away.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: What's that quote? Had a capitalist whowanted to make money been at Kitty Hawk with Wilbur and OrvilleWright --Levine-Weinberg: He would have shot down the plane to stop the airlines.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: (laughs) That's kind of harsh, man.</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: It's harsh. What he was saying was basically, investors have found this allure in airline stocks fordecades, and they have poured billionsand billions and billions of dollars into the industry, and that's just money that's been lost,not money that has been invested. You look over the whole history of the airline industry, it has been unprofitable.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: And you'retalking about the 90 year history.</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: Yeah. That's decades and decades. So,it's not a bad industry cycle, that's just been the business, for history. So,it was definitely surprising to see Berkshire Hathaway buy these airline stocks. Now,it's important to recognize that at this point,Berkshire is a really big conglomerate, Buffettdoes not control all of the investing. He has two lieutenants who invest most of the excess money thatBerkshire Hathaway has. It's most likely that one of those two guys bought the first three airline stock --</p>
<p>O'Reilly: What's the position sizes of these things?</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: It's not that big. In total, the investment seems to be under $1 billion. That's a lot of money for you and I,but for Berkshire Hathaway that's small change.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: What do you mean, Adam? What are you saying?(laughs)</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: (laughs) The firstinvestments were inAmerican Airlines, which is the largest position, thenDelta Air LinesandUnited Continental. Those are the three biggest carriers, the remains of the legacy airline business. Those were probably not made by Buffett himself. According to Buffett, at least,he was at a conference or something, and Herb Kelleher, who'sthe founder ofSouthwest Airlines(NYSE: LUV), was there, and they're old friends, so they got to talking, and Buffett got back and kind of felt bad that they'd invested in three out of four and not Southwest Airlines, so he was like, "Let's buy some Southwest Airlines, too."</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Oh, no. Is that what Buffett's doing? Has he beendoing this for the last fifty years, and I just don't know it?</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: Hopefully not.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Is that what he's been doing,and he's just been really lucky?</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: I just think,in this case, it was a small amount of money and he felt like --</p>
<p>O'Reilly: He didn't care, yeah.</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: -- if his guys thought the other three were good investments, he figured, why not Southwest as well.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Reallyquick side note, I want to get your thoughts,I'm sure you're aware that another brilliant investment manager,David Tepper, he runsAppaloosa Management, he's personally worth $10-11 billion. Not bad. He made a bunch of money buying the airlines right after the Great Recession, but not immediately --</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: He was really early.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Like 2010. He made almost three times his money on American, at least. I wanted to know what you thought about that, andwhy is Buffett late to the game on this, what's going on?</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: I think, Buffettobviously was late to the game because he had this long-standing position.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Bias, we'll call it bias for now.(laughs)</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: Alright, let's call it a bias, against airlines. He'd said, several years ago ... I'll get the quote here, this is from the 2007 Berkshire Hathaway investor letter. "The worst sort of business is one that grows rapidly, requires significant capital to engender the growth, and then earns little or no money. Think airlines."</p>
<p>So, he just saw these businesses asconstantly wanting to grow, growing so fast that they need to buy lots of planes. Planes cost tens of millions of dollars,in some cases, over $100 million apiece. Andafter they spent all this money to get started,they wouldn't actually make money in the long run.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: You'resubject to the vagaries of ticket prices --</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: And OPEC.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Or OPEC, yeah.</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: Yeah. It's demand, it's oil prices, it's whether you have labor troubles, almostall of these airlines have ahigh percentage of their workers that unionize,and every time you start to make money, the unions say, "We want a bigger share of the profits." Andto some extent, the airlines have to give in. They'recustomer service businesses. For a couple years, they can push back,but they can't have dissatisfied workers for a really long time or it's going to start to have a major impact on their profit, either way that they go. Anyway, I think Tepperobviously saw much earlier than Buffett thatthere have been some changes in the airline industrythat are really promising. What it really comes down to is, airlinesaren'ttrying to just pursue growth, especially the larger airlines. They recognize that they need to be businesses, and they need to makea reasonable return for their investors. So, what you've seen is,when they're doing really well, they'll grow at a 4-5% rate,among these larger airlines. As soon as theirprofits start to take a hit, they pull back oncapacity. You're seeing right now,during the second half of 2016, airlineprofits are starting to pull back up a bit, and most airlines havealready announced that for 2017, they're going to grow 1-2%. That slower growth means you don't need to spend as much money on new planes.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: For our listeners, when you say growth, do you mean expanding routes? Buying new planes? Capex? What do you mean?</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: That's a good point. By growth I mean capacity growth.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: So, seats.(laughs)</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: Seats, and also distance. Sending one seat fromNew York to Beijing, obviously a lot more capacity thansending one seat fromNew York to Miami.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: This is animportant airline industry term, like with restaurants, same-store sales growth?</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: Yeah. So, in terms of this capacity growth,the technical term is available seat miles.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Insert eye roll.</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: Yeah. How many miles you send each seat, andadd that up across the cross all the seats in your fleet. So, you have about a 2% growth rate or lessfor the three biggest airlines -- American, Delta, and United. And those are stocks that Tepper,I believe, has invested in in the past,made a lot of money there, and that's where Buffett'slieutenants made their firstinvestments during the third quarter. With that slower growth,you have a better ability to keep fares higher, that you can earn double-digitmargins or close to it,which is something that the airline industry never really did, looking back into previous cycles.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Witheverything you've been saying, they'refinally realizing they need to make money. Is the airline industry, after 80-90 years, finally maturing? What does this mean?</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: Yeah, I think it is maturing. Certainly,a lot of the problems that you saw back in the 90s and 2000s was, the U.S. airline industry was regulatedup until the late seventies. So, after 1978,you had all of these airlines whose fares hadpreviously been set by the government,essentially. Their costs were really high,they didn't have to compete on cost,so they didn't. Soit's taken this long for the whole industry to shake itself out.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: That's a big deal, yeah.</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: And the thing is, you've hadSouthwest Airlines competing for a long time, but even as recently as 2000, they had something like $5 billion ofrevenue, which was less than 5% of the industry. Even with a company like Southwest Airlines --a vigorous competitor, very low costs -- theydidn't have the ability to completely overturn industry pricing at that point in time. Now,you have enough of these smaller airlinesin addition to Southwest. You have the ultra low-cost carriers likeSpirit Airlines(NASDAQ: SAVE) andFrontier Airlines, you havepeople in the middle likeJetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU)orVirgin America. Withall of these companies, they forced the legacycarriers to get their costs to the point where they're not at parity, but they have a reasonable cost structure where they can make money year-in and year-out.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Got it. Really quick,do any of the smaller carriers charge money for oxygen?</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: (laughs) Not yet.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Not yet? OK, we'll find out. So,talk to me about valuations. I'm a return on capital equity guy. Talk to me about that stuff.</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: In the past few years, you've seena lot of focus in the airline industry onreturn on invested capital as a key metric that airlines should be thinking about. All the airlines havedifferent targets,different definitions of return on invested capital, but they'rebasically attempting to keep that at about15%, which is a really strong number, and something you'd never seen before in the airline industry. Andso far so good. They've basically managed to do that, acrossmost of the major airlines, for several years running.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Yeah, I've always been amazed. I'lloccasionally check in on Southwestbecause I'm a regular customer. Southwest Airlines, if you're listening, I love you. What is it? It's good to be loved? Something. Anyway. But,I'm always like, wow, they actually make money. Andit's just because I have that bias from reading about Buffett for 15 years, where I wonder, what is this? Free cash flow? What's going on? So,where are these guys trading? It might be that the industry is improving, it's just profile. What's going on?</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: One of the important things for investors to realize is that airline stocks are still relatively cheap compared to the rest of the market. But they'renot trading at such a big discount that you can't explain it by thehigher risk of the airline industry. If youlook back to 2010 and 2011, a lot of airline stocks wereliterally trading it 4X earnings.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Which is when Tepper got in.</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: And that's when Tepper got in,and that's why he made so much money. Not only did you have some multiple expansion since then --</p>
<p>O'Reilly: But profits went up.</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: -- but theearnings went up by a lot. Some of that wasrelated to oil prices falling in 2014 and 2015,but it wasn't all just oil. Even before the oil prices fell in 2014, industryprofits were on the rise. Right now, if you look at American Airlines andUnited Continental, two of the stocks that Berkshire Hathaway bought, they're trading at 10-11X forward earnings. It'sless than the market, but not a lot less.Delta is a little bit under that. Southwest is a little bit above that. But that's after huge rallies in the past few months. So,we don't really know exactly whenin the past five monthsBerkshire Hathaway bought these stocks. If you just look backto the beginning of July, since then, some of these stocks have rallied by more than 50%. So,just because Berkshire was interested four or fivemonths ago, it doesn't mean thatthey would go and do the same thing today.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: That's a good point.</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: That's whyyou as an investor shouldn't necessarily run out and say, "Warren Buffett bought a bunch of airline stocks, I should too!"</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Right. Really quick, Buffett likesmonopolies. Not literal monopolies, but consumer monopolies. And this isn't a monopolisticsituation,but it feels a little bit like, possibly, anoligopolistic, just like, there's three or four big players that are reallycrushing it and actually making money finally. Is that part of his thinking? "They deregulated in '78, it's been anabsolute massacre in terms of competition for 30 years. Is it now finally time for ... "I'm not comparing American Airlines and Southwest and US Airways toCokeandPepsi, but,is it a little bit like that?</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: I thinkthat's part of the story. I think that's probably why moreinvestors are getting interested, because they see there's now four companies that can, together, control more than 80% of the domestic market, and a good chunk of the international market, as well, out of the U.S. So, they each have a stake in making surethe industry is profitable, because they know if they go out and grow 7%, everybody else is going to do the same thing, and it's going to hurt industry health profitability by quite a bit. So,consolidation has, in that way,helped the airlines to take a more balanced approach to capacity growth, and not grow when they're not making enough money to justify it.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Got it. Taking a step back,happy December. We got this news recently, it was extremely jarring, at least for me, that Buffett invested in airlines, or, his company did. What do you think of where the stocks are now? Which is your favorite carrier? Help our listeners out.</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: Right now,I would say that, I've actually, in the last two months, myself, sold my personal positions in bothAmerican Airlines and United Continental. I thought they looked likereally good buyswhen I bought them, that was quite some time ago. With the stocks having risen so much in the last few months,I didn't really see enough upside tojustify the risk of holding on to that. I also personally hada lot of money invested in the airline industry,and I wanted to diversify. That said, I actually think, if I were in Buffett's shoes,I would not have gone and invested in the four largest airlines in the industry. I think some of the smaller carriers out thereactually have better prospects for investors right now. If youlook at companies like Spirit Airlines and JetBlue, they are trading for very similar earnings multiples compared to these much larger companies, but they have, due to their smaller size, vastly more growth potential. If you look at Spirit Airlines, the whole ultra low-cost segment right now is about5% of the market. In Europe, it's at least 20%. This is just a movement toward cheaper fares, more fees for add-ons, that has reallysucceeded in other places,and it's just getting started in the United States. That's a company that has a huge runway for growth. I think in 10-15 years,Spirit Airlines is going to be 3-5X its current size, andmaking a lot of money. So that's one stockthat I think is really compelling right now. And,JetBlue Airways is another example. They have done really well in the U.S. --</p>
<p>O'Reilly: And they're only --sorry to interrupt -- 15 or 20 years old, correct?</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: Yeah.JetBlue'sfirst flight was in February, 2000. In the grand scheme of things,they haven't been around that long. They'reactually already the fifth largest airline in the U.S. But they're way behind the top four. Some of thebig initiatives they're working on right now are growing inBoston, where they have actually now becomethe largest airline. That's the only metro area where they really have a leadership position like that. So, they'restarting to attract business traffic, which was never really their thing. They'd always primarily been a leisure carrier. They've beenmoving even further into the business market with their new Mint product, which came out a couple years ago. This is a newaircraft configuration that they usejust on transcontinental flights,mostly out of New York and Boston right now,but they're also going to be addingsome other cities. They've found that fares,on average, go up about 20% when they put these planes on their new route, because the 16 seats in the frontconvert into fully flat beds that are 6.5 feet long. So,you have business travelers who would never flyJetBlue for a transcontinental flightbecause they want more space,like you could get on some other airlines. And now thatJetBlue is offering this at a lower cost, they're having huge success, and they seea lot of room for growth in that market over the next three or four years.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: So,JetBlue is having a lot of success withletting people fly the red-eye to sleep.(laughs)</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: Yeah! Andthis is even popular during the daytime.People just want more spaceif they can get it at a reasonable price. It's certainly not as cheap as your typical ticket. Butsome of these are going for as little as $600 one-way, which,when you can sometimes pay $300-400 for a coach seat, that's a pretty good deal, to get that much space, and great meals and top-notch service.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: For sure. Adam,thank you for your thoughts.</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: Thank you forhaving me on the show.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: I'm sure we're going to talk about this in the future, because, again, it's shocking.</p>
<p>Levine-Weinberg: Yeah, it's a big development, for sure.</p>
<p>O'Reilly: Yeah. Well, that is it for us, folks. We'd like to give a shout-outto our awesome producer, Dan Boyd. Also,before we conclude the podcast, do you own an Amazon Echo? Now you can get the brand-new skillfrom The Motley Fool. You can get stock quotes,create a watch list, ask Alexahow your portfolio is doing, and it is free. For more details, including a demo of how it works, just go to <a href="http://www.fool.com/alexa?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">www.fool.com/alexa Opens a New Window.</a>. Lastly,once again, thanks to my guest Adam Levine-Weinberg forjoining us today.As always, people on this program may have interests in the stocks that they talk about, and The Motley Fool may have formal recommendations for or against those stocks, so don't buy or sell anything based solely on what you hear. For Adam Levine-Weinberg, I am Sean O'Reilly. Thanks for listening and Fool on!</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFGemHunter/info.aspx" type="external">Adam Levine-Weinberg Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFGemHunter/info.aspx" type="external">Adam Levine-Weinberg</a> has the following options: long January 2017 $17 calls on JetBlue Airways, long January 2017 $40 calls on Delta Air Lines, and long December 2016 $30 calls on Spirit Airlines. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFBuckeye/info.aspx" type="external">Sean O'Reilly Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Berkshire Hathaway (B shares) and PepsiCo. The Motley Fool recommends Coca-Cola, JetBlue Airways, and Spirit Airlines. 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 | berkshire hathawaynyse brka nyse brkb recently invested four americas largest airline companies seemingly going warren buffetts oftenstated distaste investment airline industry weeks episode industry focus energy opens new window motley fool analyst sean oreilly fool contributor adam levineweinberg explain company finally investing industry much investment paid far investors think airline companies light news continue reading also hosts briefly discuss surprising news opecs recent successful production cut find move affect oil prices given state industry today full transcript follows video 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 earlyintheknow investors one click opens new window podcast recorded dec 1 2016 advertisement sean oreilly welcome industry focus podcast dives different sector stock market every day today isthursday december 1st 2016 weretalking energy materials industrialsi sean oreilly im joined studio one ourveteran contributing writer analysts mr adam levineweinberg hows going adam adam levineweinberg great sean oreilly badive show wouldskypein wonderful see person levineweinberg itsnice flesh oreilly ive foolfor little 3 years beennot one favorite foolcom writersbut one analysts trust soi want build little bit listeners levineweinberg thank youi appreciate oreilly asked tojoin today wanted talk surprisinginvestments recently made warren buffettsberkshire hathawayin airline industry whichconfounded end butbefore cover storywe talk big news week isopec actually pulling production cut jaw hit floor levineweinberg little bit seemed likeit going way lot questions whether opec would reallyget final agreement among membersespecially iraq iran werepushing back lot idea thatthey would cut production oreilly werevery publicly meanto times andi assume thats part negotiation process levineweinberg yeahits part negotiation process also problem everybody opec basically wants opec cut productionthey cant agree onwho going cutting iran iraq would love foreverybody else cut productionbecause get sell higher price problem need cut unless spread evenlythen certain countries past usually saudi arabia taking lot brunt lower production oreilly yeahi remember high school economics classtalking perfect competition monopolyand stuff professor talked cartel andopec quintessential example like haveevery incentive cheat itdoesnt make sense would like everybody cuts production 2 price double everybody wins dollarwise amazing right levineweinberg yeah thatsexactly true nowwe right assume price oilis going double several factors oreilly washypothetical apologize levineweinberg see point oil prices things equal go butthere factors going keep firstyou really high inventories past two three years everybodys pumping way much least million barrels per dayabove actual demand thats gone storage andeven production cut probably going take couple years getinventoriesback normal level top oil prices go 10 orespecially go 20 barrel youregoing see lot activity us shale oil companies past two years forced cut costs lot andbecome much efficient 2013 2014 would hear people throwing 70 80 barrel breakeven lot companies making money lot money making money 50 barrel see prices go 70 theyre going back market big way oreilly sure guysdown permian basin look cost curves companies since 2012you kind tip hat bottom line todays newsmake interested oil stocks levineweinberg marginally thinkif youre looking get oil marketits terrible time start thinking companiesi would really focus best class lowest cost producersbecause ones going able ramp upproduction actually still making money opposed years ago ramping upproduction making money oreilly wouldnt nice toactually make money move totalking warren buffetts recentinvestments airline industryi want briefly mention listeners thatif interested getting industry focus top investing books email us industryfocusfoolcom opens new window favorite investing book respond full list ofthe best books improve investing chops adam aslightly older store would preferwe holidays everythingbut immediately messaged slack news hit wiresberkshire hathaway owns shares four largest airlinesi recently turned 30 sorry say levineweinberg ithappens us oreilly yeahit happens best us ive reading warren buffett investing forhalf life wander library see books warren buffett wayand stuff talk aboutbuffett invest airlines hesdone gets burned preferred shares inus airways always gets burnedand quintessential example warren buffett mistake commodity business hits wires give im done im going go quit live island think give us contextwhats going levineweinberg id saythis news much surprising opec production cut oreilly boom yeahlaughs levineweinberg yeahlaughs warren buffett really good 20 years warned investors atevery opportunity airline stocks even airlines beenprofitable said forget theyre sustainable businesses stay away oreilly whats quote capitalist whowanted make money kitty hawk wilbur orvillewright levineweinberg would shot plane stop airlines oreilly laughs thats kind harsh man levineweinberg harsh saying basically investors found allure airline stocks fordecades poured billionsand billions billions dollars industry thats money thats lostnot money invested look whole history airline industry unprofitable oreilly youretalking 90 year history levineweinberg yeah thats decades decades soits bad industry cycle thats business history soit definitely surprising see berkshire hathaway buy airline stocks nowits important recognize pointberkshire really big conglomerate buffettdoes control investing two lieutenants invest excess money thatberkshire hathaway likely one two guys bought first three airline stock oreilly whats position sizes things levineweinberg big total investment seems 1 billion thats lot money ibut berkshire hathaway thats small change oreilly mean adam sayinglaughs levineweinberg laughs firstinvestments inamerican airlines largest position thendelta air linesandunited continental three biggest carriers remains legacy airline business probably made buffett according buffett leasthe conference something herb kelleher whosthe founder ofsouthwest airlinesnyse luv theyre old friends got talking buffett got back kind felt bad theyd invested three four southwest airlines like lets buy southwest airlines oreilly oh buffetts beendoing last fifty years dont know levineweinberg hopefully oreilly hes doingand hes really lucky levineweinberg thinkin case small amount money felt like oreilly didnt care yeah levineweinberg guys thought three good investments figured southwest well oreilly reallyquick side note want get thoughtsim sure youre aware another brilliant investment managerdavid tepper runsappaloosa management hes personally worth 1011 billion bad made bunch money buying airlines right great recession immediately levineweinberg really early oreilly like 2010 made almost three times money american least wanted know thought andwhy buffett late game whats going levineweinberg think buffettobviously late game longstanding position oreilly bias well call bias nowlaughs levineweinberg alright lets call bias airlines hed said several years ago ill get quote 2007 berkshire hathaway investor letter worst sort business one grows rapidly requires significant capital engender growth earns little money think airlines saw businesses asconstantly wanting grow growing fast need buy lots planes planes cost tens millions dollarsin cases 100 million apiece andafter spent money get startedthey wouldnt actually make money long run oreilly youresubject vagaries ticket prices levineweinberg opec oreilly opec yeah levineweinberg yeah demand oil prices whether labor troubles almostall airlines ahigh percentage workers unionizeand every time start make money unions say want bigger share profits andto extent airlines give theyrecustomer service businesses couple years push backbut cant dissatisfied workers really long time going start major impact profit either way go anyway think tepperobviously saw much earlier buffett thatthere changes airline industrythat really promising really comes airlinesarenttrying pursue growth especially larger airlines recognize need businesses need makea reasonable return investors youve seen iswhen theyre really well theyll grow 45 rateamong larger airlines soon theirprofits start take hit pull back oncapacity youre seeing right nowduring second half 2016 airlineprofits starting pull back bit airlines havealready announced 2017 theyre going grow 12 slower growth means dont need spend much money new planes oreilly listeners say growth mean expanding routes buying new planes capex mean levineweinberg thats good point growth mean capacity growth oreilly seatslaughs levineweinberg seats also distance sending one seat fromnew york beijing obviously lot capacity thansending one seat fromnew york miami oreilly animportant airline industry term like restaurants samestore sales growth levineweinberg yeah terms capacity growththe technical term available seat miles oreilly insert eye roll levineweinberg yeah many miles send seat andadd across cross seats fleet 2 growth rate lessfor three biggest airlines american delta united stocks tepperi believe invested pastmade lot money thats buffettslieutenants made firstinvestments third quarter slower growthyou better ability keep fares higher earn doubledigitmargins close itwhich something airline industry never really looking back previous cycles oreilly witheverything youve saying theyrefinally realizing need make money airline industry 8090 years finally maturing mean levineweinberg yeah think maturing certainlya lot problems saw back 90s 2000s us airline industry regulatedup late seventies 1978you airlines whose fares hadpreviously set governmentessentially costs really highthey didnt compete costso didnt soits taken long whole industry shake oreilly thats big deal yeah levineweinberg thing youve hadsouthwest airlines competing long time even recently 2000 something like 5 billion ofrevenue less 5 industry even company like southwest airlines vigorous competitor low costs theydidnt ability completely overturn industry pricing point time nowyou enough smaller airlinesin addition southwest ultra lowcost carriers likespirit airlinesnasdaq save andfrontier airlines havepeople middle likejetblue nasdaq jbluorvirgin america withall companies forced legacycarriers get costs point theyre parity reasonable cost structure make money yearin yearout oreilly got really quickdo smaller carriers charge money oxygen levineweinberg laughs yet oreilly yet ok well find sotalk valuations im return capital equity guy talk stuff levineweinberg past years youve seena lot focus airline industry onreturn invested capital key metric airlines thinking airlines havedifferent targetsdifferent definitions return invested capital theyrebasically attempting keep about15 really strong number something youd never seen airline industry andso far good theyve basically managed acrossmost major airlines several years running oreilly yeah ive always amazed illoccasionally check southwestbecause im regular customer southwest airlines youre listening love good loved something anyway butim always like wow actually make money andits bias reading buffett 15 years wonder free cash flow whats going sowhere guys trading might industry improving profile whats going levineweinberg one important things investors realize airline stocks still relatively cheap compared rest market theyrenot trading big discount cant explain thehigher risk airline industry youlook back 2010 2011 lot airline stocks wereliterally trading 4x earnings oreilly tepper got levineweinberg thats tepper got inand thats made much money multiple expansion since oreilly profits went levineweinberg theearnings went lot wasrelated oil prices falling 2014 2015but wasnt oil even oil prices fell 2014 industryprofits rise right look american airlines andunited continental two stocks berkshire hathaway bought theyre trading 1011x forward earnings itsless market lot lessdelta little bit southwest little bit thats huge rallies past months sowe dont really know exactly whenin past five monthsberkshire hathaway bought stocks look backto beginning july since stocks rallied 50 sojust berkshire interested four fivemonths ago doesnt mean thatthey would go thing today oreilly thats good point levineweinberg thats whyyou investor shouldnt necessarily run say warren buffett bought bunch airline stocks oreilly right really quick buffett likesmonopolies literal monopolies consumer monopolies isnt monopolisticsituationbut feels little bit like possibly anoligopolistic like theres three four big players reallycrushing actually making money finally part thinking deregulated 78 anabsolute massacre terms competition 30 years finally time im comparing american airlines southwest us airways tocokeandpepsi butis little bit like levineweinberg thinkthats part story think thats probably moreinvestors getting interested see theres four companies together control 80 domestic market good chunk international market well us stake making surethe industry profitable know go grow 7 everybody else going thing going hurt industry health profitability quite bit soconsolidation wayhelped airlines take balanced approach capacity growth grow theyre making enough money justify oreilly got taking step backhappy december got news recently extremely jarring least buffett invested airlines company think stocks favorite carrier help listeners levineweinberg right nowi would say ive actually last two months sold personal positions bothamerican airlines united continental thought looked likereally good buyswhen bought quite time ago stocks risen much last monthsi didnt really see enough upside tojustify risk holding also personally hada lot money invested airline industryand wanted diversify said actually think buffetts shoesi would gone invested four largest airlines industry think smaller carriers thereactually better prospects investors right youlook companies like spirit airlines jetblue trading similar earnings multiples compared much larger companies due smaller size vastly growth potential look spirit airlines whole ultra lowcost segment right about5 market europe least 20 movement toward cheaper fares fees addons reallysucceeded placesand getting started united states thats company huge runway growth think 1015 yearsspirit airlines going 35x current size andmaking lot money thats one stockthat think really compelling right andjetblue airways another example done really well us oreilly theyre sorry interrupt 15 20 years old correct levineweinberg yeahjetbluesfirst flight february 2000 grand scheme thingsthey havent around long theyreactually already fifth largest airline us theyre way behind top four thebig initiatives theyre working right growing inboston actually becomethe largest airline thats metro area really leadership position like theyrestarting attract business traffic never really thing theyd always primarily leisure carrier theyve beenmoving even business market new mint product came couple years ago newaircraft configuration usejust transcontinental flightsmostly new york boston right nowbut theyre also going addingsome cities theyve found fareson average go 20 put planes new route 16 seats frontconvert fully flat beds 65 feet long soyou business travelers would never flyjetblue transcontinental flightbecause want spacelike could get airlines thatjetblue offering lower cost theyre huge success seea lot room growth market next three four years oreilly sojetblue lot success withletting people fly redeye sleeplaughs levineweinberg yeah andthis even popular daytimepeople want spaceif get reasonable price certainly cheap typical ticket butsome going little 600 oneway whichwhen sometimes pay 300400 coach seat thats pretty good deal get much space great meals topnotch service oreilly sure adamthank thoughts levineweinberg thank forhaving show oreilly im sure going talk future shocking levineweinberg yeah big development sure oreilly yeah well us folks wed like give shoutoutto awesome producer dan boyd alsobefore conclude podcast amazon echo get brandnew skillfrom motley fool get stock quotescreate watch list ask alexahow portfolio free details including demo works go wwwfoolcomalexa opens new window lastlyonce thanks guest adam levineweinberg forjoining us todayas always people program may interests stocks talk motley fool may formal recommendations stocks dont buy sell anything based solely hear adam levineweinberg sean oreilly thanks listening fool adam levineweinberg opens new window owns shares jetblue airways spirit airlines adam levineweinberg following options long january 2017 17 calls jetblue airways long january 2017 40 calls delta air lines long december 2016 30 calls spirit airlines sean oreilly opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends berkshire hathaway b shares pepsico motley fool recommends cocacola jetblue airways spirit airlines 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 | 2,367 |
<p>In February of 2008, NewsBusters first highlighted MSNBC’s Chris Matthews oozing “I felt this thrill going up my leg” while listening to a speech by Barack Obama. Conservatives reminding him of it has certainly annoyed Chris Matthews ever since, so much so that he lashed out at C-SPAN’s Steve Scully, sinking to including the non-profit cable network’s senior executive producer as amongst the “jackasses” who dare to ask him about his infamous Obamagasm moment. The confirmation of Matthews’ incredibly thin skin came Tuesday at a panel session during the National Cable and Telecommunications Association’s convention in Boston. “I hope you feel satisfied that you raised the most obvious question that is raised by every horse’s ass right-winger I ever bump into,” Matthews snarled.</p>
<p>“Perhaps I shouldn’t have” made the 2008 remark “because I’ve given a lot of jackasses a chance to talk about it,” Matthews complained. “Thank you, Chris,” a bemused Scully responded.</p>
<p />
<p>Audio: <a href="http://newsbusters.org/sites/default/files/Matthews-NCTA-horsesass-2012-05-22.mp3" type="external">MP3 clip</a></p>
<p>Scully had simply wondered: “Is the thrill still there today?” Matthews’ initial defense was to lash out at Scully for failing to recognize that Matthews had said the same thing four years earlier, as if that makes him look less sycophantic. Fishbowl DC’s Betsy Rothstein, who on <a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowldc/hey-msnbcs-chrismatthews-whos-the-jackass_b74360" type="external">Wednesday afternoon</a> first caught the video on FORA.tv, related: “‘If you had done your reporting over at C-SPAN,’ he said, dripping with sarcasm, ‘you would have checked that I said the exact same thing in 2004.’” A snide and defensive Matthews lectured Scully:</p>
<p>I want to help you with your reporting first. I also said, thereafter in 2004, which you didn’t pick up, when I said – four years ahead of time – we’ve just heard the first African-American President, which is on the tape as well, which you failed to mention, which makes me look a little sharper. But you didn’t offer that.</p>
<p>Oh, Matthews eventually gave a yes answer to Scully: “I’m thrilled as I speak about it now.” Not a shocker. Just as the MRC’s Brad Wilmouth first noted Matthews’ “thrill” comment in a NB post on the primary night of Tuesday February 12, 2008 (“ <a href="http://newsbusters.org/blogs/brad-wilmouth/2008/02/13/matthews-obama-speech-caused-thrill-going-my-leg" type="external">Matthews: Obama Speech Caused ‘Thrill Going Up My Leg</a>’”), back in 2004 the MRC’s Geoffrey Dickens caught Matthews’ excitement during the Democratic National Convention. From the <a href="" type="internal">July 28, 2004 MRC</a> <a href="" type="internal">CyberAlert</a>:</p>
<p>-- Following Obama’s speech, in the 10pm EDT hour, Matthews gushed: “I have to tell ya a little chill in my, in my legs now. That is an amazing moment in history right there. It is really an amazing moment. A keynoter like I’ve never heard.” Matthews soon parroted Dick Gephardt: “A star is born.” – In the 11pm EDT hour, Andrea Mitchell proclaimed: “I think the real breakout tonight is Obama. I mean Teresa is a fascinating story but Obama is a rock star!” -- Matthews added moments later: “Maybe I’m a romantic and I was rooting for, for Colin Powell who turned out to be a little less important politically than I thought he might be in his career. More of a soldier in the last situation we all know about. But I've just seen the first black President there. The reason I say that is because, because I think the immigrant experience combined with the, with the African background combined with the incredible education, combined with his beautiful speech, not every politician gets help from a speech. But that speech was a piece of work!”</p>
<p>FORA.tv, a site which hosts videos for conventions and exhibitions, <a href="http://fora.tv/2012/05/22/Cable_Show_2012_2nd_General_Session_FCC_Chairman#Chris_Matthews_Jackasses_Stop_Asking_About_Obama_Speech" type="external">posted the video excerpt</a> of Matthews lashing out. For the video above, I’ve edited it to make it a little shorter and boosted the low volume. At FORA.tv you can also watch the <a href="http://fora.tv/2012/05/22/Cable_Show_2012_2nd_General_Session_FCC_Chairman#fullprogram" type="external">entire panel discussion</a>. Transcript which matches the video/audio from the May 22 session where Matthews appeared with CNN’s John King and Univision’s Maria Salenas:</p>
<p>STEVE SCULLY: I’m going to read this as a quote so I get this right. I’m going to ask you a yes or no question. Chris Matthews, just yes or no, good luck, quote from 2008: “I have to tell you it’s part of reporting this election the feeling most people get when they hear Barack Obama’s speech, my I felt this thrill going up my leg, I mean I don’t have that too often.” Is the thrill still there today? CHRIS MATTHEWS: Well, I had, actually if you had done your reporting over at C-SPAN, you would have checked that I said the exact same thing in 2004 after I heard his address up here in Boston. SCULLY: This is 2012. MATTHEWS: No, I said this in 2004. SCULLY: No, but is it there today? MATTHEWS: I know, I want to help you with your reporting first. I also said, thereafter in 2004, which you didn’t pick up, when I said – four years ahead of time – we’ve just heard the first African-American President, which is on the tape as well, which you failed to mention, which makes me look a little sharper. But you didn’t offer that... And when he talks about it the way he did, that’s my definition of American exceptionalism. I’m thrilled as I speak about it now. I think this is the great country and I’m thrilled by it and I’m willing to say this, and I meant to say as part of my reporting because I felt it. A guy like Tom Brokaw wouldn’t have said it. I’m an un-traditional person, but I have traditional values and I love the country and I said so. Perhaps I shouldn’t have said so because I’ve given a lot of jackasses a chance to talk about it. SCULLY: Thank you, Chris. MATTHEWS: So I hope you feel satisfied that you raised the most obvious question that is raised by every horse’s ass right winger I ever bump into. And usually they say tingle, which tells me about their orientation, but that’s alright.</p>
<p>A nice little anti-gay slur there at the end – the kind for which Matthews would excoriate a conservative.</p>
<p>-- Brent Baker is Vice President for Research and Publications at the Media Research Center. <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/brenthbaker" type="external">Click here</a> to follow Brent Baker on Twitter.</p> | true | 0 | february 2008 newsbusters first highlighted msnbcs chris matthews oozing felt thrill going leg listening speech barack obama conservatives reminding certainly annoyed chris matthews ever since much lashed cspans steve scully sinking including nonprofit cable networks senior executive producer amongst jackasses dare ask infamous obamagasm moment confirmation matthews incredibly thin skin came tuesday panel session national cable telecommunications associations convention boston hope feel satisfied raised obvious question raised every horses ass rightwinger ever bump matthews snarled perhaps shouldnt made 2008 remark ive given lot jackasses chance talk matthews complained thank chris bemused scully responded audio mp3 clip scully simply wondered thrill still today matthews initial defense lash scully failing recognize matthews said thing four years earlier makes look less sycophantic fishbowl dcs betsy rothstein wednesday afternoon first caught video foratv related done reporting cspan said dripping sarcasm would checked said exact thing 2004 snide defensive matthews lectured scully want help reporting first also said thereafter 2004 didnt pick said four years ahead time weve heard first africanamerican president tape well failed mention makes look little sharper didnt offer oh matthews eventually gave yes answer scully im thrilled speak shocker mrcs brad wilmouth first noted matthews thrill comment nb post primary night tuesday february 12 2008 matthews obama speech caused thrill going leg back 2004 mrcs geoffrey dickens caught matthews excitement democratic national convention july 28 2004 mrc cyberalert following obamas speech 10pm edt hour matthews gushed tell ya little chill legs amazing moment history right really amazing moment keynoter like ive never heard matthews soon parroted dick gephardt star born 11pm edt hour andrea mitchell proclaimed think real breakout tonight obama mean teresa fascinating story obama rock star matthews added moments later maybe im romantic rooting colin powell turned little less important politically thought might career soldier last situation know ive seen first black president reason say think immigrant experience combined african background combined incredible education combined beautiful speech every politician gets help speech speech piece work foratv site hosts videos conventions exhibitions posted video excerpt matthews lashing video ive edited make little shorter boosted low volume foratv also watch entire panel discussion transcript matches videoaudio may 22 session matthews appeared cnns john king univisions maria salenas steve scully im going read quote get right im going ask yes question chris matthews yes good luck quote 2008 tell part reporting election feeling people get hear barack obamas speech felt thrill going leg mean dont often thrill still today chris matthews well actually done reporting cspan would checked said exact thing 2004 heard address boston scully 2012 matthews said 2004 scully today matthews know want help reporting first also said thereafter 2004 didnt pick said four years ahead time weve heard first africanamerican president tape well failed mention makes look little sharper didnt offer talks way thats definition american exceptionalism im thrilled speak think great country im thrilled im willing say meant say part reporting felt guy like tom brokaw wouldnt said im untraditional person traditional values love country said perhaps shouldnt said ive given lot jackasses chance talk scully thank chris matthews hope feel satisfied raised obvious question raised every horses ass right winger ever bump usually say tingle tells orientation thats alright nice little antigay slur end kind matthews would excoriate conservative brent baker vice president research publications media research center click follow brent baker twitter | 556 |
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<p>Homeownership has long been the American Dream, but younger workers are having a harder time than ever making it a reality. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the homeownership rate for millennials 35 and under dropped down to 35% in 2016, marking a 4% decline from 2010. And for the first time in more than 100 years, a greater percentage of 18 to 24-year-olds live at home with their parents than on their own or with a spouse or partner.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>There are a number of reasons why millennials aren't buying homes like they used to. Living costs are climbing in general, and salaries aren't doing the best job of keeping up.But it's hard to ignore the extent to which student loan debt and rising interest rates are contributing to this recent trend.</p>
<p>IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES.</p>
<p>Student Loan Hero reports that the average Class of 2016 graduate has $37,172 in debt. With tuition prices rising faster than inflation, over the past several years, a growing number of younger Americans have had no choice but to rack up loads of debt in order to cover their college costs. But nagging student debt can be a major obstacle on the road to homeownership. In fact, an estimated 41% of college grads have postponed buying a home as a result of having too much student debt. Throw in the fact that wages have remained relatively stagnant in recent years, and it's no wonder homeownership is so out of reach among the 35 and under set.</p>
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<p>When the Federal Reserve raised interest rates back in December 2016, it wasn't a particularly large increase -- yet it almost instantly spelled trouble for younger would-be homeowners. According to Fitch Ratings, the average millennial borrower lost 9% of what's known as mortgage capacity as a result of that seemingly modest 0.25% rate hike.</p>
<p>In a nutshell, mortgage capacity is an analysis of a potential borrower's financial standing relative to his or her projected debt level. Lenders use it to figure out how likely prospective borrowers are to repay their debts, and how much of a mortgage they qualify for.</p>
<p>Following the Fed's December rate increase, the average would-be homeowner lost a fair amount of borrowing opportunity -- so much so that a buyer who would've been eligible to borrow $120,000 back in October 2016 (the median mortgage for borrowers under 35 as of early 2017, according to the Federal Survey of Consumer Finances) would only be approved for a $109,000 loan as of January.</p>
<p>Given that interest rates went up yet again in mid-March, younger homebuyers are likely to see their borrowing potential drop yet again in the coming months. Add in the fact that lenders are stricter these days across the board, it's no wonder homeownership levels are shrinking among younger Americans.</p>
<p>Clearly, millennials vying for homeownership status have some challenges to overcome, but if you're looking for a piece of that good old American Dream, there are some ways to improve your odds of success. For one thing, work on building your credit. The higher your score, the more likely you are to not only <a href="http://www.fool.com/mortgages/get-pre-approved.aspx/?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">get approved for a mortgage Opens a New Window.</a>, but snag a more favorable <a href="http://www.fool.com/mortgages/compare-mortgage-rates/?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">rate Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Now if you're a fairly recent college grad, that's easier said than done, but if you make a habit of paying your student loans and bills on time and in full, you can establish a strong credit history in a relatively short period of time. Keeping your credit utilization ratio (the measure of how much of your available credit you're using) to 30% or less can also increase your likelihood of getting approved for a mortgage, so if you have a total of $10,000 in available credit, make sure not to rack up more than $3,000 of debt at any given point in time.</p>
<p>Finally, save aggressively not only for a down payment on your home, but so that you have ample funds to cover your closing costs, moving expenses, and subsequent emergencies (which are often unavoidable when you own property). At a minimum, aim to put down 20% of your home's value, as doing so will help you avoid the added expense of <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/what-is-private-mortgage-insurance.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">private mortgage insurance Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Though owning a home may not be as easy for today's younger Americans as it was 10 to 20 years ago, that's no reason to throw in the towel and resign yourself to a decade of throwing away money on rent. If you work on building your credit and socking away enough cash, you may come to find that homeownership is a more affordable, attainable option than you'd think.</p>
<p>5 Simple Tips to Skyrocket Your Credit Score Over 800!Increasing your credit score above 800 will put you in rare company. So rare that only 1 in 9 Americans can claim they're members of this elite club. But contrary to popular belief, racking up a high credit score is a lot easier than you may have imagined following 5 simple, disciplined strategies. You'll find a full rundown of each inside our <a href="http://www.fool.com/ecap/the_motley_fool/mortgage-creditscore/?ftm_cam=the-motley-fool&amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;source=izieditxt0000005&amp;aid=8945&amp;ftm_pit=6933&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">FREE credit score guide Opens a New Window.</a>. It's time to put your financial future first and secure a lifetime of savings by increasing your credit score. Simply <a href="http://www.fool.com/ecap/the_motley_fool/mortgage-creditscore/?ftm_cam=the-motley-fool&amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;source=izieditxt0000005&amp;aid=8945&amp;ftm_pit=6933&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">click here Opens a New Window.</a>to claim a copy 5 Simple Tips to Skyrocket Your Credit Score over 800.</p>
<p>The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | homeownership long american dream younger workers harder time ever making reality according us census bureau homeownership rate millennials 35 dropped 35 2016 marking 4 decline 2010 first time 100 years greater percentage 18 24yearolds live home parents spouse partner continue reading number reasons millennials arent buying homes like used living costs climbing general salaries arent best job keeping upbut hard ignore extent student loan debt rising interest rates contributing recent trend image source getty images student loan hero reports average class 2016 graduate 37172 debt tuition prices rising faster inflation past several years growing number younger americans choice rack loads debt order cover college costs nagging student debt major obstacle road homeownership fact estimated 41 college grads postponed buying home result much student debt throw fact wages remained relatively stagnant recent years wonder homeownership reach among 35 set advertisement federal reserve raised interest rates back december 2016 wasnt particularly large increase yet almost instantly spelled trouble younger wouldbe homeowners according fitch ratings average millennial borrower lost 9 whats known mortgage capacity result seemingly modest 025 rate hike nutshell mortgage capacity analysis potential borrowers financial standing relative projected debt level lenders use figure likely prospective borrowers repay debts much mortgage qualify following feds december rate increase average wouldbe homeowner lost fair amount borrowing opportunity much buyer wouldve eligible borrow 120000 back october 2016 median mortgage borrowers 35 early 2017 according federal survey consumer finances would approved 109000 loan january given interest rates went yet midmarch younger homebuyers likely see borrowing potential drop yet coming months add fact lenders stricter days across board wonder homeownership levels shrinking among younger americans clearly millennials vying homeownership status challenges overcome youre looking piece good old american dream ways improve odds success one thing work building credit higher score likely get approved mortgage opens new window snag favorable rate opens new window youre fairly recent college grad thats easier said done make habit paying student loans bills time full establish strong credit history relatively short period time keeping credit utilization ratio measure much available credit youre using 30 less also increase likelihood getting approved mortgage total 10000 available credit make sure rack 3000 debt given point time finally save aggressively payment home ample funds cover closing costs moving expenses subsequent emergencies often unavoidable property minimum aim put 20 homes value help avoid added expense private mortgage insurance opens new window though owning home may easy todays younger americans 10 20 years ago thats reason throw towel resign decade throwing away money rent work building credit socking away enough cash may come find homeownership affordable attainable option youd think 5 simple tips skyrocket credit score 800increasing credit score 800 put rare company rare 1 9 americans claim theyre members elite club contrary popular belief racking high credit score lot easier may imagined following 5 simple disciplined strategies youll find full rundown inside free credit score guide opens new window time put financial future first secure lifetime savings increasing credit score simply click opens new windowto claim copy 5 simple tips skyrocket credit score 800 motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 514 |
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<p>Powdered Wig Society</p>
<p>By Thomas Madison</p>
<p>There is little question that America is now in the hands of a dictator. Barrack Obama has completely usurped the authority of Congress, which looks on, like a deer in the headlights, while King Hussein has his way with the country he was granted leadership of, not ownership of.</p>
<p>I know that things move slowly in Washington, but come on, folks, we are being led to the cattle cars in a hurry. DO SOMETHING!!!! From an outstanding article in Forbes Magazine, calling for Obama’s impeachment:</p>
<p>“Since President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law, he has changed it five times. Most notably, he suspended the employer mandate last summer. This is widely known, but almost no one seems to have grasped its significance.</p>
<p>The Constitution authorizes the President to propose and veto legislation. It does not authorize him to change existing laws. The changes Mr. Obama ordered in Obamacare, therefore, are unconstitutional. This means that he does not accept some of the limitations that the Constitution places on his actions. We cannot know at this point what limitations, if any, he does accept.</p>
<p>By changing the law based solely on his wish, Mr. Obama acted on the principle that the President can rewrite laws and—since this is a principle—not just this law, but any law. After the crash of Obamacare, many Congressmen have implored the President to change the individual mandate the same way he had changed the employer mandate, that is, to violate the Constitution again.</p>
<p>The main responsibility the Constitution assigns to the President is to faithfully execute the Laws. If the President rejects this job, if instead he decides he can change or ignore laws he does not like, then what?</p>
<p>The time will come when Congress passes a law and the President ignores it. Or he may choose to enforce some parts and ignore others (as Mr. Obama is doing now). Or he may not wait for Congress and issue a decree (something Mr. Obama has done and has threatened to do again).</p>
<p>Mr. Obama has not been shy about pointing out his path. He has repeatedly made clear that he intends to act on his own authority. “I have the power and I will use it in defense of the middle class,” he has said. “We’re going to do everything we can, wherever we can, with or without Congress.” There are a number of names for the system Mr. Obama envisions, but representative government is not one of them.”</p>
<p>I am sick to tears of Obama using the middle class as a prop for his autocracy. He cares about the middle class like vultures care about road kill.</p>
<p><a href="https://trfdrl.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/barry.jpg" type="external" /></p>
<p>With a complicit Senate (by majority vote, and a handful of RINOs), and a wimp, I mean do-nothing, House, Obama is left to rape, pillage, and plunder as he wishes. Continuing from the Forbes article:</p>
<p>“If the President can ignore the laws passed by Congress, of what use is Congress? The President can do whatever he chooses. Congress can stand by and observe. Perhaps they might applaud or jeer. But in terms of political power, Congress will be irrelevant. Probably, it will become a kind of rubber-stamp or debating society. There are many such faux congresses in tyrannies throughout history and around the globe.</p>
<p>Mr. Obama has equal contempt for the Supreme Court. In an act of overbearing hubris, he excoriated Supreme Court Justices sitting helplessly before him during the 2010 State of the Union address—Justices who had not expected to be denounced and who were prevented by the occasion from defending themselves. Mr. Obama condemned them for restoring freedom of speech to corporations and unions.</p>
<p>Ignoring two centuries of practice, President Obama made four recess appointments in January 2012, when the Senate was not in recess. Three courts have found that his appointments were unconstitutional, and the Supreme Court has agreed to take up the case. If the Supreme Court finds against him, what will Mr. Obama do?</p>
<p>We can get a hint by looking at how other parts of his Administration have dealt with Court decisions they did not like.</p>
<p>The Attorney General’s Office is the branch of government charged with enforcing federal laws. After the Supreme Court struck down the key provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Attorney General Holder announced that he would use other provisions of the act to get around the Court’s decision.</p>
<p>The Supreme Court has defined the standard for sexual harassment as “severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive” behavior to a “reasonable person.” In open defiance of that ruling, the Obama Department of Education has declared a new definition of sexual harassment for colleges, that is, “any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature,” including “verbal conduct,” even if it is not objectively offensive—thus reinforcing the reign of terror over sex on college campuses. If a young man’s request for a date turns out to be unwelcome, he is guilty of sexual harassment by definition.</p>
<p>The lack of respect for the Supreme Court by the Obama administration is manifest. They feel bound by the Court’s decisions only if they agree with them. If they disagree, it is deuces wild; they will embrace any fiction that nullifies the Court’s decision.”</p>
<p>With a split Supreme Court, including a schizophrenic Chief Justice, it matters little what ruling the court may make on any case or in any matter. The Chief Executive will instruct his Attorney General, and/or other proponent cabinet departments to ignore the Supreme Court ruling and do as he says. AND THEY DO!</p>
<p><a href="https://trfdrl.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/ginsberg.jpg" type="external" /></p>
<p>Forbes continues: &#160;“The direction in which Mr. Obama is taking us would make possible the following scenario. A Republican Congress is elected and repeals Obamacare over a Democratic President’s veto. The President refuses to enforce the repeal. The Supreme Court rules that the President’s refusal is unconstitutional. The President denounces that ruling and refuses to be bound by it.</p>
<p>If the President persists in rejecting all authority other than his own, the denouement would depend on the side taken by the Armed Forces. Whatever side that was, our national self-esteem would be unlikely to recover from the blow of finding that we are living in a banana republic.</p>
<p>The shocking fact is that our whole system of representative government depends on it being led by an individual who believes in it; who thinks it is valuable; who believes that a government dedicated to the protection of individual rights is a noble ideal. What if he does not?</p>
<p>Mr. Obama is moving our government away from its traditional system of checks and balances and toward the one-man-rule that dominates third world countries. He has said that he wants a&#160;faircountry—implying that, as it stands, the United States is&#160;not&#160;a fair country—an unprecedented calumny committed against a country by its own leader.</p>
<p>What country does he think is more fair than the United States? He has three long years left in which to turn us into a fair country. Where does he intend to take us?</p>
<p>Mr. Obama got his conception of a fair country from his teachers. A fair country is an&#160;unfree&#160;country because it is regimented to prevent anyone from rising too high. Their ideal is egalitarianism, the notion that no one should be any better, higher, or richer than anyone else. Combined with a dollop of totalitarianism, egalitarianism has replaced communism as the dominant ideal in our most prestigious universities. Mr. Obama and his colleagues are the product of those universities, and they have their marching orders.</p>
<p>The most important point is that Mr. Obama does not consider himself bound by the Constitution. He could not have made that more clear. He has drawn a line in the concrete and we cannot ignore it.</p>
<p>Those who currently hold political office, and who want to keep our system of government, need to act now. Surely, rejection of the Constitution is grounds for impeachment and charges should be filed. In addition, there are many other actions that Congressmen can and should take—actions that will tell Mr. Obama that we have seen where he is going and we will not let our country go without a fight.</p>
<p>At the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked what form of government had been created. “A republic,” he replied, “if you can keep it.”</p>
<p>We are losing it. If Mr. Obama’s reach for unprecedented power is not stopped, that will be the end. Everyone who values his life and liberty should find some way to say “No!” “Not now!” “Not yet!” “Not ever!”</p>
<p>So, with a complicit Congress and a Supreme Court that is powerless to stop the dictator, I mean President, from achieving his socialist goals, what are we, the 300 million observers and victims of this beltway dysfunction, to do?</p>
<p>Short of an Egyptian-style military coup it is up to us, We, the People. We have far more power than many think, but only in unity. Speak out! Stay informed. Pester your representatives in Congress until they get it. THE SHIP IS SINKING! Now is not the time to inventory the galley.</p> | true | 0 | powdered wig society thomas madison little question america hands dictator barrack obama completely usurped authority congress looks like deer headlights king hussein way country granted leadership ownership know things move slowly washington come folks led cattle cars hurry something outstanding article forbes magazine calling obamas impeachment since president obama signed affordable care act law changed five times notably suspended employer mandate last summer widely known almost one seems grasped significance constitution authorizes president propose veto legislation authorize change existing laws changes mr obama ordered obamacare therefore unconstitutional means accept limitations constitution places actions know point limitations accept changing law based solely wish mr obama acted principle president rewrite laws andsince principlenot law law crash obamacare many congressmen implored president change individual mandate way changed employer mandate violate constitution main responsibility constitution assigns president faithfully execute laws president rejects job instead decides change ignore laws like time come congress passes law president ignores may choose enforce parts ignore others mr obama may wait congress issue decree something mr obama done threatened mr obama shy pointing path repeatedly made clear intends act authority power use defense middle class said going everything wherever without congress number names system mr obama envisions representative government one sick tears obama using middle class prop autocracy cares middle class like vultures care road kill complicit senate majority vote handful rinos wimp mean donothing house obama left rape pillage plunder wishes continuing forbes article president ignore laws passed congress use congress president whatever chooses congress stand observe perhaps might applaud jeer terms political power congress irrelevant probably become kind rubberstamp debating society many faux congresses tyrannies throughout history around globe mr obama equal contempt supreme court act overbearing hubris excoriated supreme court justices sitting helplessly 2010 state union addressjustices expected denounced prevented occasion defending mr obama condemned restoring freedom speech corporations unions ignoring two centuries practice president obama made four recess appointments january 2012 senate recess three courts found appointments unconstitutional supreme court agreed take case supreme court finds mr obama get hint looking parts administration dealt court decisions like attorney generals office branch government charged enforcing federal laws supreme court struck key provision voting rights act 1965 attorney general holder announced would use provisions act get around courts decision supreme court defined standard sexual harassment severe pervasive objectively offensive behavior reasonable person open defiance ruling obama department education declared new definition sexual harassment colleges unwelcome conduct sexual nature including verbal conduct even objectively offensivethus reinforcing reign terror sex college campuses young mans request date turns unwelcome guilty sexual harassment definition lack respect supreme court obama administration manifest feel bound courts decisions agree disagree deuces wild embrace fiction nullifies courts decision split supreme court including schizophrenic chief justice matters little ruling court may make case matter chief executive instruct attorney general andor proponent cabinet departments ignore supreme court ruling says forbes continues 160the direction mr obama taking us would make possible following scenario republican congress elected repeals obamacare democratic presidents veto president refuses enforce repeal supreme court rules presidents refusal unconstitutional president denounces ruling refuses bound president persists rejecting authority denouement would depend side taken armed forces whatever side national selfesteem would unlikely recover blow finding living banana republic shocking fact whole system representative government depends led individual believes thinks valuable believes government dedicated protection individual rights noble ideal mr obama moving government away traditional system checks balances toward onemanrule dominates third world countries said wants a160faircountryimplying stands united states is160not160a fair countryan unprecedented calumny committed country leader country think fair united states three long years left turn us fair country intend take us mr obama got conception fair country teachers fair country an160unfree160country regimented prevent anyone rising high ideal egalitarianism notion one better higher richer anyone else combined dollop totalitarianism egalitarianism replaced communism dominant ideal prestigious universities mr obama colleagues product universities marching orders important point mr obama consider bound constitution could made clear drawn line concrete ignore currently hold political office want keep system government need act surely rejection constitution grounds impeachment charges filed addition many actions congressmen takeactions tell mr obama seen going let country go without fight close constitutional convention 1787 benjamin franklin asked form government created republic replied keep losing mr obamas reach unprecedented power stopped end everyone values life liberty find way say yet ever complicit congress supreme court powerless stop dictator mean president achieving socialist goals 300 million observers victims beltway dysfunction short egyptianstyle military coup us people far power many think unity speak stay informed pester representatives congress get ship sinking time inventory galley | 754 |
<p><a href="" type="internal" /></p>
<p>Finally, we are getting some much needed honesty with regard to the true nature of <a href="" type="internal">Jade Helm</a>. The information is not overtly forthcoming, but in this clumsily made presentation to local Texas officials, one can pretty much ascertain the true nature of the drill, that is, if one can get around the obvious lies being told to the public by this Jade Helm official.</p>
<p>The Jade Helm official, Tom Meade, a Senior Non-commissioned officer from Army Special Forces (Retired) is now working as a private military contractor and he recently briefed local officials in <a href="" type="internal">Big Spring</a>, Texas as to the purposes and the scope of the Jade Helm exercise.</p>
<p>Two of my military sources were agitated beyond words when they watched this briefing. To quote one of my sources, he stated “This goddamn retired Non-com knows more than the command officers running Jade Helm about what they are going to be doing. And now this SOB military contractor, who’d sell their own mother down the river, are running this operation instead of the General, Colonels and senior Non-Coms. Only in the Obama administration could this happen”.</p>
<p>Collectively, we watched this 15 minute tape and my two sources used profanity more times than in the years that I have known them. I have never seen them this angry.</p>
<p>Below is a transcript of key information revealed by the private military contractor, Tom Meade. Please note that Meade repeatedly admits throughout the tape that Jade Helm is NOT training for Iraq and Afghanistan despite the repeated lies told by National Public Radio, KHOU TV in Houston, the Washington Post and Fox and Friends. The tape has been out for a few weeks, however, a word by word analysis has not been conducted.</p>
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<p>1:30 &#160;We are asking Big Spring city council for a letter of invitation which would invite “forces” to train within your city limits in areas that have low population density.</p>
<p>Analysis: As the readers will soon see, this is about military personnel who are in hiding in rural areas and trying to live off of the land.</p>
<p>1:38&#160; “We are not training for Afghanistan and Iraq…This is about unconventional warfare”.</p>
<p>Analysis: This clearly indicates that the anticipated conflict is likely to be Guerrilla warfare.</p>
<p>2:21&#160; “We won’t come on someone’s property without a land-use agreement”.</p>
<p>Analysis: As the people in Pinon Canyon, Colorado, if <a href="" type="internal">Ft. Carson</a> asks permission they can come on to your property and wreck your land. This is about training personnel that total warfare is about not worrying about private property rights. Private property owners in Texas better watch their properties.</p>
<p>2:50&#160; “We do a full risk assessment and full medical plan (prior to coming on private property) and we have already linked into the hospital…we also have medical personnel that will be on site to assist if anything should happen.</p>
<p>Analysis: It is clear that in this drill, citizens are at risk for injury and death. What could the military be doing that is so dangerous, in a drill, that they need to have medical personnel on hand and on alert? If the people in Texas are not yet <a href="" type="internal">afraid of what is coming</a>, they are either totally ignorant, or are abject fools.</p>
<p>3:01 “What is Jade Helm? Jade Helm is an 8 week exercise (LIE)… We also have our interagency partners participating such as the FBI, the DEA….”</p>
<p>Analysis: Why the DEA? The DEA tracks the Mexican drug cartels. Judicial Watch has linked the drug cartels to ISIS in base camps just on the other side of the border. Please note that a few weeks ago, a <a href="" type="internal">Texas Ranger</a> told me that the Walmarts were being converted into supply centers for the military. The military? “The military that we will use to fight against ISIS incursions into Texas”, he stated.</p>
<p>3:50&#160; “The operation is going to be in 7 states (Lie). Texas is going to be the main bulk of the activity”.</p>
<p>Analysis: We have photographic, video and live eyewitness evidence that demonstrate that Jade Helm is in every state and is already underway.</p>
<p>On March 27, under the auspices of DHS, Special Operations forces practiced political dissident extraction drills in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I took this as a personal declaration of war against the American people.</p>
<p>4:44&#160; “The Navy Seals will be conducting will be conducting operations over in Mississippi and Louisiana”… The Air Force Special Operations Command will be flying specialty aircraft for us, uh… for infiltration and resupply for the operators on the ground… The Marine Special Operators will be working down in the San Antonio area…The 82nd Airborne Division will jump into Camp Bullis and take down targets within the camp”.</p>
<p>Analysis: The Jade Helm lie that the drill is in only 7 states (i.e. Texas, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado (formerly), California, and New Mexico is fully exposed here with the admission that the Navy Seals will be conducting operations within Mississippi and Louisiana. These two states are not on the Jade Helm list of seven.</p>
<p><a href="https://i2.wp.com/www.thecommonsenseshow.com/siteupload/2015/03/jh-15-map-2.jpg" type="external" /></p>
<p>The admission that Jade Helm will use the Air Force Special Operations to assist in “infiltration” is very telling. To Special Forces, infiltration is accomplished with the goal of (1) Destroying command and control as an action in anticipation of invasion; and, (2) Kidnapping and/or assassinating high value targets. This speaks to the political dissident <a href="" type="internal">extractions</a> that I have been writing about. It also speaks to Red List executions by death squads who also use infiltration techniques.</p>
<p>The mention of Marines operating around San Antonio is very telling. We now are seeing a shift in operational mission status to include conventional military forces. This is very important because under several different Continuity of Government (COG) programs throughout the years, COG’s always speak about using conventional forces to isolate metropolitan areas deemed to be in rebellion. I cannot stress how unusual it is, and how unorthodox it is to use Special Forces and conventional military in the same drill. This action clearly speaks to a civil war scenario being practiced in the Jade Helm drill which will follow <a href="" type="internal">Red List</a> extractions.</p>
<p>Also noteworthy is the revelation that the 82nd Airborne, a conventional force, is going to be parachuted into a simulated war zone at Camp Bullis and practice taking out selected targets. The clear implication here is that the 82nd is going to be taking out armed dissidents or rogue military units who would oppose a martial law takeover.</p>
<p>6:20 “We require areas of undeveloped land with low population densities…We desire to have a very rural area for us to be able to operate in…In Afghanistan and Iraq they receive aerial resupply by helicopter…they have connectivity to the internet to be able to talk to their command but also to be able to talk to home. When they come out here to Martin and Howard County, they are not going to have those luxuries. In the scenario that we have built, they are going to have to operate outside these normal support mechanisms and rely on the folks err, the civilians that are in the area to be able to support them… We can’t do the exercise without the public’s help. Things that we look for from that perspective are people that are willing to be role players…Someone who goes and give a little nugget of information… We look for people that are willing to transport our guys because they have move to around in a clandestine manner..for example, in the back of a horse trailer in the middle of the night so nobody can see them…these are the ways that they have to operate in foreign countries when they are not supposed to be in those countries (lie)…we want to be able to use a barn to do a planning meeting in the middle of the night… “.</p>
<p>Analysis: My sources tell me that mere severing of communications, through satellites, is enough to abort a Special Forces mission. <a href="" type="internal">ARSOF</a>, or Green Berets, or Navy SEALs do not need satellites to communicate. They have several alternative modes that can be used including the building of ones in an impromptu fashion. Therefore, the need to practice for Special Operations to be without communications speaks to a total “grid down” scenario. I have a hard time believing that localized EMP weapons would be used because of the catastrophic collateral damage done to the infrastructure. This is a surprising and shocking development, but my sources say the intent, in this instance is clear. An EMP will wipe out all communications.</p>
<p>Meade speaks to the need to solicit informants similar to what the Gestapo did in Germany. Clearly, the drill also calls for the commandeering of assets similar to what we see called for in Executive Order 13603.</p>
<p>12:25&#160; A country commissioner asked Meade how the DEA and the FBI are a part of the drill. Meade stammered for several seconds but eventually responded that “in Arizona, they will actually do some questioning for us at one of the airports”.</p>
<p>Analysis: The consensus is that DEA and the FBI will assist in the apprehension of Red List fugitives at airports.</p>
<p>13:30&#160; Private citizen, Kimberly York, strongly criticized her County Commissioners sneaking the invitation to Jade Helm without first consulting with their constituents…”It is being hidden from us…”What the press is putting out is really different than what we are seeing here today…the press is telling us that Oh, you are not going to hear about it, you’re not going to see it, you know it is just not going to affect your lives. Well, what we are reading here is that it might affect our lives. As citizens of this country we should have a voice as to whether that invitation is issued…I have real concerns, there are safety issues for civilians. Why are we looking at safety issues if there is nothing to see here…I am a military brat and I support the military but there are other ways to do training than to inflict it on the citizens of this county”.</p>
<p>Analysis: Clearly, every citizen in every Jade Helm should be addressing their public officials who are drinking from the Jade Helm Kool-aid.</p>
<p>Clearly, and we have it from an original Jade Helm source, Jade Helm is not about training for combat operations in the Middle East as repeatedly claimed in the mainstream media.</p>
<p>The most striking aspect of this drill is the admission that Gestapo tactics will be utilized (e.g. recruiting informants, use of infiltration techniques, commandeering private vehicles, private residences and business for Jade Helm “activities”). In the face of this evidence, those that say that Jade Helm is not about <a href="" type="internal">martial law</a> do not know what martial law is.</p>
<p>If you suddenly discovered that you were placed on the <a href="" type="internal">Red List</a>, what would you do? Some people would head to the airport and try to immediately leave the country. This explains why the FBI and the DEA will be at an Arizona airport. They will be looking for Red List fugitives.</p>
<p>Stunningly, we appear to be looking at a grid down scenario that is so complete that alternative military communications will not work. This is completely surprising because this is not something that I thought the bad guys would employ. An <a href="" type="internal">EMP attack</a> upon America might be the final trump card that will be employed if other means to subjugate the country fail.</p>
<p>The use of conventional forces (i.e. 82nd Airborne and the Marines) speaks to the fact that medium and large cities must be subdued because several will be in rebellion. This clearly speaks to a <a href="" type="internal">civil war</a> event.</p>
<p>Finally, I cannot help feeling that there is a futuristic Red Dawn scenario involved here. The use of conventional forces to parachute into an area and engage an enemy speaks to the possibility that we could be looking at foreign armies on our soil.</p>
<p>There is not a lot of new information that I have not previously written about. However, it is interesting that the Jade Helm source confirmed much of what many of us have been writing about for a few months.</p>
<p>Dave Hodges is the Editor and Host of <a href="http://www.thecommonsenseshow.com/2015/05/31/jade-helm-offical-reveals-true-purposes-of-jh-15-this-is-a-must-read/" type="external">The Common Sense Show</a>.</p>
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<p /> | true | 0 | finally getting much needed honesty regard true nature jade helm information overtly forthcoming clumsily made presentation local texas officials one pretty much ascertain true nature drill one get around obvious lies told public jade helm official jade helm official tom meade senior noncommissioned officer army special forces retired working private military contractor recently briefed local officials big spring texas purposes scope jade helm exercise two military sources agitated beyond words watched briefing quote one sources stated goddamn retired noncom knows command officers running jade helm going sob military contractor whod sell mother river running operation instead general colonels senior noncoms obama administration could happen collectively watched 15 minute tape two sources used profanity times years known never seen angry transcript key information revealed private military contractor tom meade please note meade repeatedly admits throughout tape jade helm training iraq afghanistan despite repeated lies told national public radio khou tv houston washington post fox friends tape weeks however word word analysis conducted 130 160we asking big spring city council letter invitation would invite forces train within city limits areas low population density analysis readers soon see military personnel hiding rural areas trying live land 138160 training afghanistan iraqthis unconventional warfare analysis clearly indicates anticipated conflict likely guerrilla warfare 221160 wont come someones property without landuse agreement analysis people pinon canyon colorado ft carson asks permission come property wreck land training personnel total warfare worrying private property rights private property owners texas better watch properties 250160 full risk assessment full medical plan prior coming private property already linked hospitalwe also medical personnel site assist anything happen analysis clear drill citizens risk injury death could military dangerous drill need medical personnel hand alert people texas yet afraid coming either totally ignorant abject fools 301 jade helm jade helm 8 week exercise lie also interagency partners participating fbi dea analysis dea dea tracks mexican drug cartels judicial watch linked drug cartels isis base camps side border please note weeks ago texas ranger told walmarts converted supply centers military military military use fight isis incursions texas stated 350160 operation going 7 states lie texas going main bulk activity analysis photographic video live eyewitness evidence demonstrate jade helm every state already underway march 27 auspices dhs special operations forces practiced political dissident extraction drills ft lauderdale fl took personal declaration war american people 444160 navy seals conducting conducting operations mississippi louisiana air force special operations command flying specialty aircraft us uh infiltration resupply operators ground marine special operators working san antonio areathe 82nd airborne division jump camp bullis take targets within camp analysis jade helm lie drill 7 states ie texas arizona utah nevada colorado formerly california new mexico fully exposed admission navy seals conducting operations within mississippi louisiana two states jade helm list seven admission jade helm use air force special operations assist infiltration telling special forces infiltration accomplished goal 1 destroying command control action anticipation invasion 2 kidnapping andor assassinating high value targets speaks political dissident extractions writing also speaks red list executions death squads also use infiltration techniques mention marines operating around san antonio telling seeing shift operational mission status include conventional military forces important several different continuity government cog programs throughout years cogs always speak using conventional forces isolate metropolitan areas deemed rebellion stress unusual unorthodox use special forces conventional military drill action clearly speaks civil war scenario practiced jade helm drill follow red list extractions also noteworthy revelation 82nd airborne conventional force going parachuted simulated war zone camp bullis practice taking selected targets clear implication 82nd going taking armed dissidents rogue military units would oppose martial law takeover 620 require areas undeveloped land low population densitieswe desire rural area us able operate inin afghanistan iraq receive aerial resupply helicopterthey connectivity internet able talk command also able talk home come martin howard county going luxuries scenario built going operate outside normal support mechanisms rely folks err civilians area able support cant exercise without publics help things look perspective people willing role playerssomeone goes give little nugget information look people willing transport guys move around clandestine mannerfor example back horse trailer middle night nobody see themthese ways operate foreign countries supposed countries liewe want able use barn planning meeting middle night analysis sources tell mere severing communications satellites enough abort special forces mission arsof green berets navy seals need satellites communicate several alternative modes used including building ones impromptu fashion therefore need practice special operations without communications speaks total grid scenario hard time believing localized emp weapons would used catastrophic collateral damage done infrastructure surprising shocking development sources say intent instance clear emp wipe communications meade speaks need solicit informants similar gestapo germany clearly drill also calls commandeering assets similar see called executive order 13603 1225160 country commissioner asked meade dea fbi part drill meade stammered several seconds eventually responded arizona actually questioning us one airports analysis consensus dea fbi assist apprehension red list fugitives airports 1330160 private citizen kimberly york strongly criticized county commissioners sneaking invitation jade helm without first consulting constituentsit hidden uswhat press putting really different seeing todaythe press telling us oh going hear youre going see know going affect lives well reading might affect lives citizens country voice whether invitation issuedi real concerns safety issues civilians looking safety issues nothing see herei military brat support military ways training inflict citizens county analysis clearly every citizen every jade helm addressing public officials drinking jade helm koolaid clearly original jade helm source jade helm training combat operations middle east repeatedly claimed mainstream media striking aspect drill admission gestapo tactics utilized eg recruiting informants use infiltration techniques commandeering private vehicles private residences business jade helm activities face evidence say jade helm martial law know martial law suddenly discovered placed red list would people would head airport try immediately leave country explains fbi dea arizona airport looking red list fugitives stunningly appear looking grid scenario complete alternative military communications work completely surprising something thought bad guys would employ emp attack upon america might final trump card employed means subjugate country fail use conventional forces ie 82nd airborne marines speaks fact medium large cities must subdued several rebellion clearly speaks civil war event finally help feeling futuristic red dawn scenario involved use conventional forces parachute area engage enemy speaks possibility could looking foreign armies soil lot new information previously written however interesting jade helm source confirmed much many us writing months dave hodges editor host common sense show | 1,064 |
<p><a href="" type="internal" />They are going there to get subsidized Section 8 housing vouchers to take to another state.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Refugee resettlement</a> is a euphemism for <a href="" type="internal">importing whole Muslim communities</a>, importing jihad. I have long documented the targeting of gateway cities (smaller cities) overwhelmed with <a href="http://pamelageller.com/2009/02/somalia-muslims-importing-terror-and-hardcore-jihad.html/" type="external">Muslim refugee immigration</a> from countries like Somalia — cities like Emporia, Kansas, Nashville, <a href="http://pamelageller.com/2008/09/muslim-protests.html/" type="external">Greeley</a> and Fort Morgan, Colorado,&#160; <a href="http://pamelageller.com/2009/12/muslim-youths-wilding-in-maine.html/" type="external">Lewiston,</a> Maine et al. The over-saturation and drain on city resources has driven these immigrants northward to settle in Wyoming, according to <a href="http://refugeeresettlementwatch.wordpress.com/2014/05/06/somali-refugees-have-discovered-cheyenne-wyoming/" type="external">these</a>reports.</p>
<p>Organizations like Lutheran Family Services <a href="http://refugeeresettlementwatch.wordpress.com/2014/10/29/lutheran-family-services-rocky-mountains-largely-funded-by-government-contracts/" type="external">profit enormously</a> from the Federal government handling these <a href="" type="internal">refugees</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pullzone1.atlas.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/lfs.jpeg" type="external" /></p>
<p>The&#160; sharia compliant enemedia, like Wyoming’s Tribune Eagle, <a href="http://refugeeresettlementwatch.wordpress.com/2014/04/28/wyoming-newspaper-too-lazy-to-find-facts-calls-names/" type="external">attacks&#160;</a> critics of mass <a href="" type="internal">refugee&#160; immigration</a> into Wyoming as&#160; “bigots.” Shocka.</p>
<p>Most Americans are unaware that under the <a href="http://pamelageller.com/category/refugee-resettlement-the-quiet-jihad-tsunami/" type="external">“Refugee Resettlement Program,”</a> <a href="" type="internal">whole Muslim communities</a> from <a href="" type="internal">hostile nations</a> are imported into the United States, circumventing whatever immigration laws that are still intact.</p>
<p>This is made even more dangerous by what organization determines who are <a href="" type="internal">refugees</a> and who aren’t. It’s the UN, driven largely by the world’s largest international body, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The OIC is a modern-day caliphate made up of 56 countries and the Palestinian terrorists.</p>
<p>For years, a handful of my colleagues and I have warned of the reckless <a href="" type="internal">immigration polices</a> here in America and in the West — refusing immigration status to persecuted religious minorities (Christians) under Islam (Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, etc.), while allowing whole Muslim communities from jihad nations to immigrate.</p>
<p>I have documented this dangerous practice and warned of the eventual consequence of importing jihad. We have seen its <a href="http://pamelageller.com/2011/03/muslim-gangs-in-minnesota-grow-more-dangerous.html/" type="external">deleterious consequences</a>with <a href="http://pamelageller.com/2009/03/somalia-muslims-forced-on-small-town-america-hostile-unhappy-so-why-are-they-here.html/" type="external">many members</a> of the Somali community in <a href="http://pamelageller.com/2009/12/muslim-youths-wilding-in-maine.html/" type="external">Lewiston,</a> Emporia, Greeley, etc. Muslim gangs targeting women, <a href="http://pamelageller.com/2009/07/muslims-in-minnesota-we-hate-gays-video-of-assault.html/" type="external">gays</a> ….</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">What are the numbers of Muslims</a> coming into the US from jihad nations under the Obama administration? And why aren’t the victims being given the opportunity to escape the vicious and bloody jihad by Islamic supremacists?</p>
<p>Ann Corcoran reminds us here to keep in mind as you read this article that the <a href="http://pamelageller.com/2008/09/swift-fires-the.html/" type="external">meat packers</a>(often foreign-owned companies) get cheap captive laborers and “you, the American taxpayer, supports the rest of the refugee family’s life.”</p>
<p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/pullzone1.atlas.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/fy_2014_placement_briefing.jpg" type="external" /></p>
<p>“So why are those Somalis moving to Cheyenne, WY? Prepare to be&#160;shocked,” <a href="http://refugeeresettlementwatch.wordpress.com/2014/11/02/so-why-are-those-somalis-moving-to-cheyenne-wy-prepare-to-be-shocked/" type="external">Refugee Resettlement Watch</a></p>
<p>They are going there to get subsidized Section 8 housing vouchers to take to another state</p>
<p>(See our earlier posts <a href="http://refugeeresettlementwatch.wordpress.com/2014/05/06/somali-refugees-have-discovered-cheyenne-wyoming/" type="external">here</a> and <a href="http://refugeeresettlementwatch.wordpress.com/2014/09/22/governor-still-exploring-refugee-program-for-wyoming-as-somalis-move-in/" type="external">here</a> about Somalis in Cheyenne.)</p>
<p>This is an <a href="http://www.kqed.org/news/story/2014/10/29/146595/some_on_public_housing_waitlists_are_taking_their_vouchers_to?source=npr&amp;category=u.s" type="external">NPR radio report at KQED</a>that aired this past Wednesday. Here is the astounding transcript (but be sure to listen to the 3 minute story):</p>
<p>(Emphasis below is mine)</p>
<p>In the last few years demand for public housing assistance across the country has skyrocketed, while congressional funding has stayed flat</p>
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<p>Cheyenne Housing Authority Director Mike Stanfield: That housing money was meant for local people.</p>
<p>Right now federal funds covers less than a fourth of families in the United States eligible for a Section 8 housing voucher. Waitlists for voucher in big cities are often years long, if not closed all together. As Wyoming Public Radio’s Miles Bryan reports that made small cities like Cheyenne more attractive to those seeking housing aid, because of shorter wait times.</p>
<p>Tuesday night is when Cheyenne’s Somali community gets together at the Free Evangelical Church to catch up and socialize. Its usually busy but tonight is packed: church volunteers have subbed out the regular English classes for a special lesson in blanket making. (Yeh, who needs English anyway—ed)</p>
<p>Cheyenne’s Somali population has grown rapidly in the last couple of years. That’s surprising because Wyoming doesn’t have an official refugee resettlement program, and most jobs around here require fluent English.</p>
<p>But Cheyenne has one really big draw: housing assistance.</p>
<p>Faiso Abdi moved to Cheyenne last year. She says she was happy living in Greeley Colorado, but she couldn’t even get on the waitlist for that city’s section 8 housing voucher program.</p>
<p>“The real problem is that people are desperate for the housing subsidy and they are willing to do almost anything to get one.”</p>
<p>Cheyenne’s voucher wait list runs almost a year, but many bigger cities like Greeley have simply stopped accepting new applicants entirely. But here’s the thing: getting your housing voucher in Cheyenne doesn’t mean you have to use it there. Organizer Gretchen Carlson says what’s called “portability” is a big draw.</p>
<p>“There are quite a few of them that have already lived here one year and then have moved elsewhere. But they lived here for one year in order to get that voucher.”</p>
<p>Housing voucher money is distributed city by city, but it all comes from the Feds, and they say that every housing voucher eventually has to become portable, or transferrable to any city in the US. Cities can decide whether to let you port your voucher immediately or require you to wait a year. So if you can’t get a housing voucher in say, Denver, you can get one in Cheyenne and, a year later, take it with you back to Denver.</p>
<p>“The frustration is that pot of money was provided to address housing needs here in Wyoming.”</p>
<p>That’s Mike Stanfield, Executive Director of the Cheyenne Housing Authority. When people take vouchers out of Cheyenne the receiving housing authority can chose to absorb the cost or keep billing Cheyenne. Stanfield says lately Cheyenne has been footing the bill more and more often. And while the average cost for a Cheyenne voucher is only about 400 dollars.</p>
<p>“The average cost for a ported voucher that moves somewhere else is 733 dollars.”</p>
<p>Now Cheyenne Housing Authority oversees about 1700 vouchers, with another 1400 families on the waitlist. Only about 70 voucher are currently ported out. Stanfield says that may not seem like much, but there are Cheyenne families on the waiting list who need help now.</p>
<p>“And when they are told that waiting list is 12 to 18 months that is almost beyond comprehension for those families. They are struggling trying to get to tomorrow. Let alone 18 months from now.”</p>
<p>Susan Popkin is a Fellow at the Urban Institute. She says portability is not a problem.</p>
<p>“The real problem is that people are desperate for the housing subsidy and they are willing to do almost anything to get one.”</p>
<p>Popkin says portability is a vital part of the system: it means families don’t have to pass up a better job somewhere else just to keep their housing. She says what’s happening in Cheyenne is a just one symptom of the overwhelming need for housing help across the United States.</p>
<p>“Things that used to be ‘oh well, we can handle it’ ten, fifteen years ago–they just they can’t anymore.”</p>
<p>In Cheyenne Housing Authority Director Mike Stanfield has decided he can’t handle the outflow of housing funds anymore. Recently he began a policy of giving preference for housing vouchers to Cheyenne locals.</p>
<p>Wait for it!&#160; Can we expect CAIR to ride to the rescue of the Somali Muslims in Cheyenne?</p>
<p><a href="http://refugeeresettlementwatch.wordpress.com/?s=Wyoming+Matt+Mead" type="external">See all of our coverage</a>of the conflict involving Governor Matt Mead going on for a year now about whether Wyoming should become the last state in the nation to directly “welcome” the third world to come on in—our welfare is great!</p>
<p>And, those <a href="http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/resource/voluntary-agencies" type="external">resettlement contractors</a> dare to tell us that refugees bring economic benefits to communities when, in fact, they are taking from American low income people!</p>
<p>An afterthought:&#160; I bet <a href="http://refugeeresettlementwatch.wordpress.com/2014/10/29/lutheran-family-services-rocky-mountains-largely-funded-by-government-contracts/" type="external">Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains</a> helped them take advantage of Wyoming!</p>
<p>Courtesy of <a href="http://pamelageller.com/2014/11/heres-why-somali-muslim-refugees-are-moving-to-cheyenne-wy-prepare-to-be-shocked.html/" type="external">Pamela Geller</a>.</p>
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<p /> | true | 0 | going get subsidized section 8 housing vouchers take another state refugee resettlement euphemism importing whole muslim communities importing jihad long documented targeting gateway cities smaller cities overwhelmed muslim refugee immigration countries like somalia cities like emporia kansas nashville greeley fort morgan colorado160 lewiston maine et al oversaturation drain city resources driven immigrants northward settle wyoming according thesereports organizations like lutheran family services profit enormously federal government handling refugees the160 sharia compliant enemedia like wyomings tribune eagle attacks160 critics mass refugee160 immigration wyoming as160 bigots shocka americans unaware refugee resettlement program whole muslim communities hostile nations imported united states circumventing whatever immigration laws still intact made even dangerous organization determines refugees arent un driven largely worlds largest international body organization islamic cooperation oic oic modernday caliphate made 56 countries palestinian terrorists years handful colleagues warned reckless immigration polices america west refusing immigration status persecuted religious minorities christians islam afghanistan iraq syria egypt etc allowing whole muslim communities jihad nations immigrate documented dangerous practice warned eventual consequence importing jihad seen deleterious consequenceswith many members somali community lewiston emporia greeley etc muslim gangs targeting women gays numbers muslims coming us jihad nations obama administration arent victims given opportunity escape vicious bloody jihad islamic supremacists ann corcoran reminds us keep mind read article meat packersoften foreignowned companies get cheap captive laborers american taxpayer supports rest refugee familys life somalis moving cheyenne wy prepare be160shocked refugee resettlement watch going get subsidized section 8 housing vouchers take another state see earlier posts somalis cheyenne npr radio report kqedthat aired past wednesday astounding transcript sure listen 3 minute story emphasis mine last years demand public housing assistance across country skyrocketed congressional funding stayed flat cheyenne housing authority director mike stanfield housing money meant local people right federal funds covers less fourth families united states eligible section 8 housing voucher waitlists voucher big cities often years long closed together wyoming public radios miles bryan reports made small cities like cheyenne attractive seeking housing aid shorter wait times tuesday night cheyennes somali community gets together free evangelical church catch socialize usually busy tonight packed church volunteers subbed regular english classes special lesson blanket making yeh needs english anywayed cheyennes somali population grown rapidly last couple years thats surprising wyoming doesnt official refugee resettlement program jobs around require fluent english cheyenne one really big draw housing assistance faiso abdi moved cheyenne last year says happy living greeley colorado couldnt even get waitlist citys section 8 housing voucher program real problem people desperate housing subsidy willing almost anything get one cheyennes voucher wait list runs almost year many bigger cities like greeley simply stopped accepting new applicants entirely heres thing getting housing voucher cheyenne doesnt mean use organizer gretchen carlson says whats called portability big draw quite already lived one year moved elsewhere lived one year order get voucher housing voucher money distributed city city comes feds say every housing voucher eventually become portable transferrable city us cities decide whether let port voucher immediately require wait year cant get housing voucher say denver get one cheyenne year later take back denver frustration pot money provided address housing needs wyoming thats mike stanfield executive director cheyenne housing authority people take vouchers cheyenne receiving housing authority chose absorb cost keep billing cheyenne stanfield says lately cheyenne footing bill often average cost cheyenne voucher 400 dollars average cost ported voucher moves somewhere else 733 dollars cheyenne housing authority oversees 1700 vouchers another 1400 families waitlist 70 voucher currently ported stanfield says may seem like much cheyenne families waiting list need help told waiting list 12 18 months almost beyond comprehension families struggling trying get tomorrow let alone 18 months susan popkin fellow urban institute says portability problem real problem people desperate housing subsidy willing almost anything get one popkin says portability vital part system means families dont pass better job somewhere else keep housing says whats happening cheyenne one symptom overwhelming need housing help across united states things used oh well handle ten fifteen years agothey cant anymore cheyenne housing authority director mike stanfield decided cant handle outflow housing funds anymore recently began policy giving preference housing vouchers cheyenne locals wait it160 expect cair ride rescue somali muslims cheyenne see coverageof conflict involving governor matt mead going year whether wyoming become last state nation directly welcome third world come inour welfare great resettlement contractors dare tell us refugees bring economic benefits communities fact taking american low income people afterthought160 bet lutheran family services rocky mountains helped take advantage wyoming courtesy pamela geller | 748 |
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<p>Value investors like to screen stocks for low earnings multiples, and railcar manufacturer Greenbrier Companies (NYSE: GBX) has been a prominent stock in the results of such screens for a while. Yet although strength in the industry boosted its past earnings, Greenbrier has seen demand fall recently, and coming into Tuesday's fiscal fourth-quarter financial report, investors were prepared to see yet another big drop in sales and net income. Unfortunately, the railcar manufacturer announced even worse news than most had expected, and its guidance for 2017 points to a solid but still more modest reality for the company. Let's look more closely at how Greenbrier performed and what it sees ahead.</p>
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<p>Image source: Greenbrier Companies.</p>
<p>Greenbrier's fiscal fourth-quarter results highlighted the acceleration of its business downturn toward the end of its fiscal year. Revenue of $595.2 million fell 22% from the year-ago quarter, which was even worse than the 22% drop that most investors were expecting from the railcar maker. Net income was also down sharply, declining by nearly half to $33.6 million. That produced earnings of $1.06 per share, which missed the consensus forecast among those following the stock by $0.08 per share.</p>
<p>Looking more closely at Greenbrier's financials, the biggest problem area for the company was in its manufacturing segment. Sales fell by more than a quarter there, compared to a more modest 12% decline for the wheels and parts business. As we've seen in past quarters, Greenbrier managed to produce growth in its leasing and services unit, but given that it only brings in about 6% of the company's total revenue, that success wasn't enough to make an appreciable dent in the lost sales elsewhere in the business. In addition, gross margin in the manufacturing and wheels and parts divisions fell substantially, with Greenbrier citing an unfavorable shift in product mix and a tough operating environment in general as factors hurting margin figures.</p>
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<p>Operationally, Greenbrier shows signs of potentially getting close to the bottom in some metrics. Sequentially, railcar deliveries actually rose by 300 railcars to 4,600, ending a downward streak that had taken the figure down from 6,900 deliveries in the fiscal first quarter. Orders also climbed, rising to 2,300 units, 600 higher than in the fiscal third quarter. Once again, though, overall backlog saw substantial declines, with a drop of 3,700 units taking total railcar backlog to 27,500. The estimated value of those items, at $3.19 billion, is down more than $400 million over the past three months.</p>
<p>Greenbrier CEO William Furman explained some of the headwinds that the company faced during the fiscal year. "We addressed industry challenges during fiscal 2016," Furman said, "as we encountered a weaker market in North America." He also pointed to Greenbrier's strong balance sheet as helping the company stay poised to take advantage of future opportunities.</p>
<p>Greenbrier is pushing to diversify its exposure away from its North American market to capture more opportunities globally. Furman noted the August purchase of a nearly 20% stake in Brazil's Amsted-Maxion Cruzeiro, expanding its manufacturing presence in the Latin American emerging market. At the same time, Greenbrier started fulfilling a key 1,200 tank-car order for the Saudi Railway Company, and it also formed the Greenbrier-Astra Rail venture to create what the CEO called "a world-class European railcar business [for] capitalizing on demand in Western Europe where the aging railcar fleet will enter a replacement cycle in the next few years."</p>
<p>For the most part, the financial guidance that Greenbrier gave for its 2017 fiscal year was in line with what those following the stock were expecting to see. The railcar manufacturer expects to produce revenue of $2 billion to $2.4 billion, which compares relatively favorably with the $2.1 billion consensus forecast among investors. On the earnings front, guidance for $3.25 to $3.75 per share has a midpoint slightly weaker than the current investor estimate of $3.55 per share, and deliveries of 14,000 to 16,000 units would be a roughly 20% to 30% decline from fiscal 2016 levels.</p>
<p>Greenbrier's stock didn't immediately react to the news in pre-market trading following the announcement, but some will inevitably be disappointed with its failure to hit the targets that investors had set for the railcar specialist. Nevertheless, by focusing on long-term prospects, Greenbrier is putting itself in position to see its fundamental business perform better in the years to come.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFGalagan/info.aspx" type="external">Dan Caplinger Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Greenbrier Companies. 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 | value investors like screen stocks low earnings multiples railcar manufacturer greenbrier companies nyse gbx prominent stock results screens yet although strength industry boosted past earnings greenbrier seen demand fall recently coming tuesdays fiscal fourthquarter financial report investors prepared see yet another big drop sales net income unfortunately railcar manufacturer announced even worse news expected guidance 2017 points solid still modest reality company lets look closely greenbrier performed sees ahead continue reading image source greenbrier companies greenbriers fiscal fourthquarter results highlighted acceleration business downturn toward end fiscal year revenue 5952 million fell 22 yearago quarter even worse 22 drop investors expecting railcar maker net income also sharply declining nearly half 336 million produced earnings 106 per share missed consensus forecast among following stock 008 per share looking closely greenbriers financials biggest problem area company manufacturing segment sales fell quarter compared modest 12 decline wheels parts business weve seen past quarters greenbrier managed produce growth leasing services unit given brings 6 companys total revenue success wasnt enough make appreciable dent lost sales elsewhere business addition gross margin manufacturing wheels parts divisions fell substantially greenbrier citing unfavorable shift product mix tough operating environment general factors hurting margin figures advertisement operationally greenbrier shows signs potentially getting close bottom metrics sequentially railcar deliveries actually rose 300 railcars 4600 ending downward streak taken figure 6900 deliveries fiscal first quarter orders also climbed rising 2300 units 600 higher fiscal third quarter though overall backlog saw substantial declines drop 3700 units taking total railcar backlog 27500 estimated value items 319 billion 400 million past three months greenbrier ceo william furman explained headwinds company faced fiscal year addressed industry challenges fiscal 2016 furman said encountered weaker market north america also pointed greenbriers strong balance sheet helping company stay poised take advantage future opportunities greenbrier pushing diversify exposure away north american market capture opportunities globally furman noted august purchase nearly 20 stake brazils amstedmaxion cruzeiro expanding manufacturing presence latin american emerging market time greenbrier started fulfilling key 1200 tankcar order saudi railway company also formed greenbrierastra rail venture create ceo called worldclass european railcar business capitalizing demand western europe aging railcar fleet enter replacement cycle next years part financial guidance greenbrier gave 2017 fiscal year line following stock expecting see railcar manufacturer expects produce revenue 2 billion 24 billion compares relatively favorably 21 billion consensus forecast among investors earnings front guidance 325 375 per share midpoint slightly weaker current investor estimate 355 per share deliveries 14000 16000 units would roughly 20 30 decline fiscal 2016 levels greenbriers stock didnt immediately react news premarket trading following announcement inevitably disappointed failure hit targets investors set railcar specialist nevertheless focusing longterm prospects greenbrier putting position see fundamental business perform better years come secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window dan caplinger opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool recommends greenbrier companies 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 | 538 |
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<p>About 90% of Americans over 65 collect Social Security retirement benefits, so they're a big part of most Americans' retirement planning. Because of this, it's important to know how Social Security works, how benefits are determined, and what to expect in the future.</p>
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<p>With that in mind, here's your 2017 guide to help you understand your current or future Social Security benefits.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>To be eligible to collect Social Security retirement benefits, you need to be at least 62 years old. You'll also need to have earned 40 Social Security "credits" to collect a benefit on your own work record.</p>
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<p>In 2017, one Social Security credit is equal to $1,300 in income, and this amount has increased over the years. You can earn a maximum of four Social Security credits in one year. In other words, to qualify for a Social Security benefit, you'll need to have worked for at least 10 years where you earned roughly the equivalent of $5,200 in 2017 dollars or more.</p>
<p>Spouses have a special rule for eligibility. I'll discuss spousal benefits in more detail later, but if you didn't work much (or at all) but your spouse did, you can collect a spousal benefit equal to half of your spouse's full retirement benefit.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/2016/10/31/7-changes-to-social-security-in-2017.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Here's Opens a New Window.</a> a thorough discussion of the 2017 Social Security changes, but the main points related to retirement benefits are:</p>
<p>Unlike most pension programs that consider just the last few years of earnings, Social Security considers your entire work record.</p>
<p>Specifically, your lifetime earnings, up to the Social Security taxable maximum for each year, are indexed for inflation. Then, your 35 highest-earning years are averaged together and divided by 12 to produce your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME).</p>
<p>This average is then applied to a formula to determine your Social Security benefit at full retirement age. For 2017, the formula is:</p>
<p>These amounts are added together to calculate your full Social Security retirement benefit, also known as your primary insurance amount, or PIA. If you choose to claim Social Security before or after your full retirement age, this benefit can be permanently reduced or increased, which I'll discuss later.</p>
<p>In 2017, the <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/2016/11/06/whats-the-maximum-social-security-benefit-in-2017.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">maximum Opens a New Window.</a> Social Security benefit that can result from the formula I discussed above is $2,687 per month. In order to get this benefit, however, you need to have earned the Social Security maximum taxable wages or more in each of 35 different years.</p>
<p>Since your benefit is permanently reduced if you claim early, the maximum possible Social Security benefit at age 62 is $1,993 for 2017. Conversely, if someone waited until age 70 to claim benefits for the first time in 2017, the maximum possible benefit is $3,547 per month.</p>
<p>There's no 100% accurate way to estimate your Social Security retirement benefit if you're still working. However, the best estimate using your work history and age can be found on your Social Security statement, which is updated each year.</p>
<p>You can find your latest Social Security statement by creating an account at <a href="http://www.ssa.gov" type="external">www.ssa.gov Opens a New Window.</a>. Your statement contains a lot of valuable information, such as:</p>
<p>Data source: Social Security Administration.</p>
<p>Again, these figures are just estimates, and your eventual benefit amount could be quite different, especially if you're relatively young now.</p>
<p>This is more significant in 2017 than in recent years. Americans reaching the age of eligibility (62) is 2017 actually have a different full retirement age than people who have reached 62 in recent years. Here's how to determine your full retirement age.</p>
<p>For people born between 1943 and 1954, full retirement age is 66 years old. For those born after that time period, the full (or normal) retirement age gradually increases to 67 for those born in 1960 or later.</p>
<p>Here's a chart to help you determine your full retirement age for Social Security.</p>
<p>Your full retirement is useful to know, because your calculated Social Security benefit amount from the previous section (also known as the primary insurance amount) assumes you start collecting benefits at this age exactly.</p>
<p>I mentioned earlier that you can claim Social Security as early as 62 or as late as age 70. If you claim before your full retirement age, your benefit will be permanently reduced, and if you wait until after your full retirement age to claim benefits, yours will be permanently increased.</p>
<p>The exact increase or decrease of your initial benefit amount is determined by the following percentages, which are applied to your calculated full retirement benefit:</p>
<p>The easiest way to apply for Social Security benefits is online at <a href="http://www.ssa.gov" type="external">www.ssa.gov</a>. The application takes about 15 minutes, according to the SSA, and there are no additional forms to sign, and usually are no additional documentation requirements.</p>
<p>If you don't want to apply online, you do have other options. You can apply by phone from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, or in person at your local Social Security office. If you choose to apply in person, the SSA advises that you should make an appointment. You can look up the SS office closest to you <a href="https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp" type="external">here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>There's more to Social Security than retirement benefits. In fact, there are four other types of Social Security benefits to be aware of:</p>
<p>Yes, but your benefits could be reduced, depending on your age and income, according to the Social Security "earnings test." As I mentioned earlier, the earnings test limits have been significantly increased for 2017.</p>
<p>When it comes to working and collecting Social Security, the SSA considers three different categories of beneficiaries:</p>
<p>It's also important to note that any reduction in benefits isn't lost -- rather, a reduction will increase your future benefit amount. For a more thorough description of the rules about working and collecting Social Security, check out <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/2016/10/24/great-social-security-news-for-millions-of-america.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">this article Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>If someone tells you that Social Security is broke or bankrupt, don't believe them.</p>
<p>The truth is that Social Security has money in the bank, and a good amount of it. At the end of 2015, the Social Security trust fund had reserves of about $2.8 trillion. Furthermore, for the time being, the program is taking in more money than it's paying out. In fact, Social Security's income is projected to exceed the program's costs through 2019; 2015's surplus was about $23 billion.</p>
<p>However, the bad news is that it's not expected to last. Excluding interest income, there is expected to be a deficit relative to collected payroll taxes going forward, averaging $69 billion per year through 2019 and rising sharply after that. Beginning in 2020, Social Security will begin running an overall deficit, and will need to tap into its reserves in order to meet its obligations to retirees. This is expected to result in complete depletion of the trust fund in 2034.</p>
<p>In a nutshell, Social Security won't run into serious trouble for almost two decades. Even so, it's important to clarify that after 2034, retirees won't just stop getting checks. In fact, the incoming payroll taxes will still be enough to cover about three-quarters of promised benefits. So, as a worst-case scenario, retirees would see a 25% pay cut from Social Security beginning in 2034.</p>
<p>It's tough to say exactly what changes are going to happen, but something will need to be done to ensure the solvency of Social Security for future generations. There are <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/general/2016/05/21/whats-next-for-social-security.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">several ways Opens a New Window.</a> to fix Social Security, and there are reasons to believe each one could actually happen. Survey results show that the American public is generally in favor of increasing Social Security taxes, especially on high earners, if it means that benefits will be secure for future generations. On the other hand, with a Republican Congress, proposed solutions are likely to include benefit reductions, such as increasing the full retirement age or means-testing benefits.</p>
<p>Another unknown are the intentions (and willingness to compromise) of President-elect Donald Trump. During his campaign, Trump promised not to reduce Social Security benefits or raise taxes, so it will be interesting to see what changes take place, if any, over the next four or eight years.</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>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 | 90 americans 65 collect social security retirement benefits theyre big part americans retirement planning important know social security works benefits determined expect future continue reading mind heres 2017 guide help understand current future social security benefits image source getty images eligible collect social security retirement benefits need least 62 years old youll also need earned 40 social security credits collect benefit work record advertisement 2017 one social security credit equal 1300 income amount increased years earn maximum four social security credits one year words qualify social security benefit youll need worked least 10 years earned roughly equivalent 5200 2017 dollars spouses special rule eligibility ill discuss spousal benefits detail later didnt work much spouse collect spousal benefit equal half spouses full retirement benefit heres opens new window thorough discussion 2017 social security changes main points related retirement benefits unlike pension programs consider last years earnings social security considers entire work record specifically lifetime earnings social security taxable maximum year indexed inflation 35 highestearning years averaged together divided 12 produce average indexed monthly earnings aime average applied formula determine social security benefit full retirement age 2017 formula amounts added together calculate full social security retirement benefit also known primary insurance amount pia choose claim social security full retirement age benefit permanently reduced increased ill discuss later 2017 maximum opens new window social security benefit result formula discussed 2687 per month order get benefit however need earned social security maximum taxable wages 35 different years since benefit permanently reduced claim early maximum possible social security benefit age 62 1993 2017 conversely someone waited age 70 claim benefits first time 2017 maximum possible benefit 3547 per month theres 100 accurate way estimate social security retirement benefit youre still working however best estimate using work history age found social security statement updated year find latest social security statement creating account wwwssagov opens new window statement contains lot valuable information data source social security administration figures estimates eventual benefit amount could quite different especially youre relatively young significant 2017 recent years americans reaching age eligibility 62 2017 actually different full retirement age people reached 62 recent years heres determine full retirement age people born 1943 1954 full retirement age 66 years old born time period full normal retirement age gradually increases 67 born 1960 later heres chart help determine full retirement age social security full retirement useful know calculated social security benefit amount previous section also known primary insurance amount assumes start collecting benefits age exactly mentioned earlier claim social security early 62 late age 70 claim full retirement age benefit permanently reduced wait full retirement age claim benefits permanently increased exact increase decrease initial benefit amount determined following percentages applied calculated full retirement benefit easiest way apply social security benefits online wwwssagov application takes 15 minutes according ssa additional forms sign usually additional documentation requirements dont want apply online options apply phone 7 7 pm monday friday person local social security office choose apply person ssa advises make appointment look ss office closest opens new window theres social security retirement benefits fact four types social security benefits aware yes benefits could reduced depending age income according social security earnings test mentioned earlier earnings test limits significantly increased 2017 comes working collecting social security ssa considers three different categories beneficiaries also important note reduction benefits isnt lost rather reduction increase future benefit amount thorough description rules working collecting social security check article opens new window someone tells social security broke bankrupt dont believe truth social security money bank good amount end 2015 social security trust fund reserves 28 trillion furthermore time program taking money paying fact social securitys income projected exceed programs costs 2019 2015s surplus 23 billion however bad news expected last excluding interest income expected deficit relative collected payroll taxes going forward averaging 69 billion per year 2019 rising sharply beginning 2020 social security begin running overall deficit need tap reserves order meet obligations retirees expected result complete depletion trust fund 2034 nutshell social security wont run serious trouble almost two decades even important clarify 2034 retirees wont stop getting checks fact incoming payroll taxes still enough cover threequarters promised benefits worstcase scenario retirees would see 25 pay cut social security beginning 2034 tough say exactly changes going happen something need done ensure solvency social security future generations several ways opens new window fix social security reasons believe one could actually happen survey results show american public generally favor increasing social security taxes especially high earners means benefits secure future generations hand republican congress proposed solutions likely include benefit reductions increasing full retirement age meanstesting benefits another unknown intentions willingness compromise presidentelect donald trump campaign trump promised reduce social security benefits raise taxes interesting see changes take place next four eight years 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 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 | 876 |
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<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
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<p>The rearview mirror looks pretty good for Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG). Blockbuster blood cancer drug Revlimid has powered the biotech to tremendous success. Celgene's stock is up 340% over the past 10 years.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the present isn't looking as great, and Celgene's stock is in a slump. But don't despair: Here are two reasons why Celgene's future just got brighter.</p>
<p>Celgene announced preliminary results on Oct. 16 from a phase 1b study of GED-0301 in treating patients with Crohn's disease. Those results were highly encouraging.</p>
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<p>After two weeks, patients receiving GED-0301 experienced some level of clinical improvement. In the group receiving treatment for 12 weeks, 67% experienced clinical response (defined as at least a 100-point decrease in theCrohn's disease activity index score). Nearly half (48%) of patients in this group went into remission.</p>
<p>Of the 52 patients who had endoscopies after 12 weeks, 37% experienceda decrease in endoscopic score for Crohn's disease (SES-CD) of 25% of more, indicating significant improvement. Of the 16 patients with the worst cases of Crohn's disease at the beginning of the study,63% experienced a reduction of at least 25% in their SES-CD scores. Thirty-one percent had a reduction of 50% or more.</p>
<p>Celgene said there were no new safety issues reported in the study. Rates of adverse events and serious adverse events were low across all treatment groups.</p>
<p>Why get excited over phase 1b clinical results? For one thing, those results were outstanding -- especially when you consider that nearly half of the patients had taken other biologics for Crohn's disease. More importantly, though, GED-0301 isn't just in early stage testing. The drug is also in a phase 3 study for Crohn's disease and a phase 2 study for ulcerative colitis. These phase 1b results could bode well for GED-0301's performance in the late-stage study.</p>
<p>One day later, Celgene announced good news from an open-label extension of its Touchstone phase 2 clinical study of ozanimodin patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. The biotech previously reported positive initial results from the Touchstone study in March.</p>
<p>The extension study followed patients through 44 weeks of treatment with ozanimod. Patients taking a dose of 1 mg of the drug daily during the initial study who continued at the same dosage experienced a decrease of 1.4 in the mean partialMayo Score(pMS), signifying higher disease remission.Patients who started out taking ozanimod 0.5 mg then switched to the 1 mg dose in the extension experienced a mean pMS reduction of 2.8. The best results were experienced by patients initially treated with placebo then moved to ozanimod 1 mg. These patients had a mean pMS decrease of 2.9.</p>
<p>Celgene also evaluated the safety profile of ozanimod in the extension phase, which ranged from 44 weeks to over two years. The most common adverse events reported wereulcerative colitis flare,upper respiratory tract infection,anemia,nasopharyngitis,transaminase elevation,back pain,arthralgia, andheadache.Serious adverse events occurred in 16 patients, who experienced the highest occurrence ofulcerative colitis flare and anemia.</p>
<p>None of these efficacy and safety results were a surprise. The Touchstone study results announced in March also showed promising efficacy for ozanimod with an acceptable safety profile. However, Celgene's latest results confirm the significant potential for ozanimod in treating ulcerative colitis.</p>
<p>Positive clinical results are announced nearly every week by one biotech or another. What do the latest results from GED-0301 and ozanimod really mean for Celgene?</p>
<p>Investors should feel at least a little more confident that both of these drugs can eventually win approval. Celgene hopes to be able to submit GED-0301 for regulatory approval in 2018 and take it to market in 2019. Ozanimod could be on its way for regulatory approval for another indication -- relapsing multiple sclerosis -- in 2018.</p>
<p>Assuming GED-0301 ultimately wins approval, its financial success will probably depend highly on results from other Crohn's disease drugs in development. Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD) and partner Galapagos (NASDAQ: GLPG) havefilgotinib in phase 3 testing as a potential treatment for the indication.</p>
<p>Analysts seem to think that Celgene's drug and the Gilead/Galapagos partnership's drug could do very well. Analysts peg GED-0301 peak annual sales at $2 billion to $3 billion.Peak annual sales projections for filgotinib are in the exact same range.</p>
<p>What about ozanimod? If the drug wins approval for all of the indications it is targeting, peak annual sales could reach $4 billion to $6 billion. Ozanimod could go head-to-head against Gilead's and Galapagos' filgotinib and even clash to some extent with GED-0301. The road ahead looks bright enough, though, thatCelgene doesn't have a problem with a little internal rivalry.</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 Celgene and Gilead Sciences. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Celgene and Gilead Sciences. The Motley Fool has the following options: short October 2016 $95 puts on Celgene and short October 2016 $85 calls on Gilead Sciences. 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 rearview mirror looks pretty good celgene corporation nasdaq celg blockbuster blood cancer drug revlimid powered biotech tremendous success celgenes stock 340 past 10 years unfortunately present isnt looking great celgenes stock slump dont despair two reasons celgenes future got brighter celgene announced preliminary results oct 16 phase 1b study ged0301 treating patients crohns disease results highly encouraging advertisement two weeks patients receiving ged0301 experienced level clinical improvement group receiving treatment 12 weeks 67 experienced clinical response defined least 100point decrease thecrohns disease activity index score nearly half 48 patients group went remission 52 patients endoscopies 12 weeks 37 experienceda decrease endoscopic score crohns disease sescd 25 indicating significant improvement 16 patients worst cases crohns disease beginning study63 experienced reduction least 25 sescd scores thirtyone percent reduction 50 celgene said new safety issues reported study rates adverse events serious adverse events low across treatment groups get excited phase 1b clinical results one thing results outstanding especially consider nearly half patients taken biologics crohns disease importantly though ged0301 isnt early stage testing drug also phase 3 study crohns disease phase 2 study ulcerative colitis phase 1b results could bode well ged0301s performance latestage study one day later celgene announced good news openlabel extension touchstone phase 2 clinical study ozanimodin patients moderate severe ulcerative colitis biotech previously reported positive initial results touchstone study march extension study followed patients 44 weeks treatment ozanimod patients taking dose 1 mg drug daily initial study continued dosage experienced decrease 14 mean partialmayo scorepms signifying higher disease remissionpatients started taking ozanimod 05 mg switched 1 mg dose extension experienced mean pms reduction 28 best results experienced patients initially treated placebo moved ozanimod 1 mg patients mean pms decrease 29 celgene also evaluated safety profile ozanimod extension phase ranged 44 weeks two years common adverse events reported wereulcerative colitis flareupper respiratory tract infectionanemianasopharyngitistransaminase elevationback painarthralgia andheadacheserious adverse events occurred 16 patients experienced highest occurrence ofulcerative colitis flare anemia none efficacy safety results surprise touchstone study results announced march also showed promising efficacy ozanimod acceptable safety profile however celgenes latest results confirm significant potential ozanimod treating ulcerative colitis positive clinical results announced nearly every week one biotech another latest results ged0301 ozanimod really mean celgene investors feel least little confident drugs eventually win approval celgene hopes able submit ged0301 regulatory approval 2018 take market 2019 ozanimod could way regulatory approval another indication relapsing multiple sclerosis 2018 assuming ged0301 ultimately wins approval financial success probably depend highly results crohns disease drugs development gilead sciences nasdaq gild partner galapagos nasdaq glpg havefilgotinib phase 3 testing potential treatment indication analysts seem think celgenes drug gileadgalapagos partnerships drug could well analysts peg ged0301 peak annual sales 2 billion 3 billionpeak annual sales projections filgotinib exact range ozanimod drug wins approval indications targeting peak annual sales could reach 4 billion 6 billion ozanimod could go headtohead gileads galapagos filgotinib even clash extent ged0301 road ahead looks bright enough though thatcelgene doesnt problem little internal rivalry 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 keith speights opens new window owns shares celgene gilead sciences motley fool owns shares recommends celgene gilead sciences motley fool following options short october 2016 95 puts celgene short october 2016 85 calls gilead sciences try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window | 607 |
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<p>The most expansive financial reform law since the great depression turns six on Thursday. &#160;For many, like Donald Trump who says he wants to “dismantle” Dodd-Frank, it has become a vehicle for political posturing due to what they see as a dangerous dogma threatening free market capitalism. For others, like former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who says such talk of dismantling Dodd-Frank is a “reckless” idea that would “leave middle-class families out to dry”, it has been a prudent policy path forward. As the law continues its Jekyll and Hyde existence, more will be heard in the coming days at the respective political party conventions.</p>
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<p>Back in 2009 and 2010, I worked with Congress for passage of the law, then helped write and vote for 65 rules. All these years later, now is a fitting time to consider the good, bad and ugly of Dodd-Frank.</p>
<p>In the wake of the 2008 recession, the most terrible economic time in 80 years, Congress established the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission (FCIC) with a mandate to determine what transpired and why there was a need for Dodd-Frank. FCIC determined there were two causes which instigated the crash: slumbering policymakers who had no jurisdiction over dark markets (unregulated areas of finance where trillions traded), and the captains of finance who took advantage of the utterly unregulated environment. Numerous new financial products—like credit default swaps or CDSs—were created, then used and abused. Many of the troublesome products were bundles of mortgages, packaged and repackaged and traded in massive bundles. With billions and billions based upon housing market wagers, when the housing market collapsed, so did the financial firms which were over-leveraged with their big, bad bets. The result: a $620 billion government bailout of many large financial institutions (961 recipients in total), and an economy in a deep ditch.</p>
<p>The “good” here is that as a result of Dodd-Frank, there are greater capital, margin and clearing requirements on trading so that over-leveraging won’t occur. There’s added transparency which enables regulators to see what’s going on. Additionally, Dodd-Frank took away authority to provide for another bailout. Oh, and the bailout money from 2008 is being paid back, with interest. In fact, the government has, to date, made a profit of nearly $69 billion.</p>
<p>At the same time, the economy is—finally—on a righteous road to recovery. I’m not suggesting the rebounding recovery is due to Dodd-Frank, but it certainly assisted in providing confidence to investors and markets, generally. At the height of the hurt we were losing 800,000 jobs a month, and unemployment reached ten percent (October 2009). Today, unemployment is just below five percent. Last month alone, 287,000 jobs were created. The housing market has also seen a broad revival along with U.S. stocks. Recently, the Dow hit a fresh record trading well above 18,000 rebounding from a 54% drop from October 2007 through March 2009.&#160; Another great good from Dodd-Frank is that the previously unsupervised financial products, and the venues on which they trade, are now overseen by regulators like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and my former agency—the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Markets are being policed like never before. Moreover, other nations’ financial watchdogs, which similarly had lax rules, are building robust regulatory regimes. That’s particularly important today, given markets are international and integrally integrated.</p>
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<p>The unfortunate part of Dodd-Frank is that the law and some of the regulations went too far. That is: there were areas of the financial sector which were not culprits to the economic calamity but received increased regulation. The trading exchanges, for example, were not problematic leading up to 2008. Not a single firm contributed to the financial collapse due to their trading on regulated market venues. Not one. Yet, Dodd-Frank created added reports and regulatory requirements which adversely impacted the exchanges—at least in the short-term. On the flip side, markets and our economy are better protected against some future potential problems (which is why I helped craft and voted for many of the rules), but it is incontrovertible that exchanges took it on the chin with some collateral regulatory requirements as part of Dodd-Frank.</p>
<p>We also got some things wrong. Despite the fact that there are public comment periods for proposed rules, and that regulators tried to listen carefully to market participants and others who had a stake in what we were doing, we fashioned a few rules (like the Swaps Execution Facilities rule—which set guidelines for swaps trading) that simply have not done as well as hoped. We had no experience nor expertise with these exotic and complex products. Suffice it to say: we proved it.</p>
<p>Finally, we didn’t do enough work early on with international regulators to better harmonize cross-border trading rules. That meant US firms had to address myriad new Dodd-Frank requirements before their competitive counterparts in other nations, thus placing US firms (for a time) at a competitive disadvantage.</p>
<p>Financial regulation has become particularly painful because its partisan. The supervision of markets wasn’t like that when I became a Commissioner in 2007. Aside from Republicans being a bit more focused on free markets than Democrats, by and large policy deliberations had not been very political. The non-partisan nature of issues promoted the fashioning of thoughtful policy. The economic collapse and Dodd-Frank contributed to what is now an unfortunate circumstance with ruptured relationships and reduced rapport amongst policymakers. Today, some thrive not on the “correct” approach, but which message mantra appeals more to the party base. Unfortunately, that division will be deepened in a demonstrable fashion at the two party conventions.</p>
<p>What’s ironic is that many of the market participants and others who opposed Dodd-Frank for so long, even Republican regulators who know what is actually taking place in markets, don’t see dismantlement of Dodd-Frank, as Mr. Trump has proposed, as an appropriate course of action. They may have difficulties with the deets of some provisions, sure. However, they know that those involved in the financial sector have become comfortable, even contented, with many of the Dodd-Frank requirements. Market participants want certainty and confidence that things won’t change every few years. Dismantling Dodd-Frank would create monumental headaches for exchanges, traders and others in financial markets. It would also add even more difficulty to what are already overly complex markets with many established regulatory rules of the road.</p>
<p>For the Democrats, it’s also “the season”—which isn’t Christmas or Summer vacation. Amongst the political class, the season is the election season. That means prudent policy can take a back seat to seemingly simplistic solutions proffered with ugly oratory. Wall Street equals bad. Main Street equals good. We should do even more than Dodd-Frank. Got it? Good.</p>
<p>Forget that millions of people involved with our financial sector work all over the country, not just on Wall Street. Forget that the financial sector fuel-injects the economic engine of our democracy more than other sectors of the economy.</p>
<p>In fact, from some politician’s perspective, forget about it all. It’s simply better to carry on with the “dismantling” discourse, and for others it’s best to perpetuate simplistic propaganda. That’s how you win. At least, that’s how it’s been.</p>
<p>What an unfortunate—and indeed ugly—state of affairs. Let’s hope following this silly season, after the election is won and done, that cooler and more thoughtful minds will prevail and people will begin to work together again.</p>
<p>Bart Chilton is former CFTC Commissioner and is currently a Senior Policy Advisor at the global business law firm DLA Piper and the author of Ponzimonium: How Scam Artists Are Ripping Off America. He can be reached at&#160; <a href="http://mailto:[email protected]/" type="external">[email protected]&#160; Opens a New Window.</a></p> | true | 0 | expansive financial reform law since great depression turns six thursday 160for many like donald trump says wants dismantle doddfrank become vehicle political posturing due see dangerous dogma threatening free market capitalism others like former secretary state hillary clinton says talk dismantling doddfrank reckless idea would leave middleclass families dry prudent policy path forward law continues jekyll hyde existence heard coming days respective political party conventions continue reading back 2009 2010 worked congress passage law helped write vote 65 rules years later fitting time consider good bad ugly doddfrank wake 2008 recession terrible economic time 80 years congress established financial crisis inquiry commission fcic mandate determine transpired need doddfrank fcic determined two causes instigated crash slumbering policymakers jurisdiction dark markets unregulated areas finance trillions traded captains finance took advantage utterly unregulated environment numerous new financial productslike credit default swaps cdsswere created used abused many troublesome products bundles mortgages packaged repackaged traded massive bundles billions billions based upon housing market wagers housing market collapsed financial firms overleveraged big bad bets result 620 billion government bailout many large financial institutions 961 recipients total economy deep ditch good result doddfrank greater capital margin clearing requirements trading overleveraging wont occur theres added transparency enables regulators see whats going additionally doddfrank took away authority provide another bailout oh bailout money 2008 paid back interest fact government date made profit nearly 69 billion time economy isfinallyon righteous road recovery im suggesting rebounding recovery due doddfrank certainly assisted providing confidence investors markets generally height hurt losing 800000 jobs month unemployment reached ten percent october 2009 today unemployment five percent last month alone 287000 jobs created housing market also seen broad revival along us stocks recently dow hit fresh record trading well 18000 rebounding 54 drop october 2007 march 2009160 another great good doddfrank previously unsupervised financial products venues trade overseen regulators like securities exchange commission sec former agencythe commodity futures trading commission cftc markets policed like never moreover nations financial watchdogs similarly lax rules building robust regulatory regimes thats particularly important today given markets international integrally integrated advertisement unfortunate part doddfrank law regulations went far areas financial sector culprits economic calamity received increased regulation trading exchanges example problematic leading 2008 single firm contributed financial collapse due trading regulated market venues one yet doddfrank created added reports regulatory requirements adversely impacted exchangesat least shortterm flip side markets economy better protected future potential problems helped craft voted many rules incontrovertible exchanges took chin collateral regulatory requirements part doddfrank also got things wrong despite fact public comment periods proposed rules regulators tried listen carefully market participants others stake fashioned rules like swaps execution facilities rulewhich set guidelines swaps trading simply done well hoped experience expertise exotic complex products suffice say proved finally didnt enough work early international regulators better harmonize crossborder trading rules meant us firms address myriad new doddfrank requirements competitive counterparts nations thus placing us firms time competitive disadvantage financial regulation become particularly painful partisan supervision markets wasnt like became commissioner 2007 aside republicans bit focused free markets democrats large policy deliberations political nonpartisan nature issues promoted fashioning thoughtful policy economic collapse doddfrank contributed unfortunate circumstance ruptured relationships reduced rapport amongst policymakers today thrive correct approach message mantra appeals party base unfortunately division deepened demonstrable fashion two party conventions whats ironic many market participants others opposed doddfrank long even republican regulators know actually taking place markets dont see dismantlement doddfrank mr trump proposed appropriate course action may difficulties deets provisions sure however know involved financial sector become comfortable even contented many doddfrank requirements market participants want certainty confidence things wont change every years dismantling doddfrank would create monumental headaches exchanges traders others financial markets would also add even difficulty already overly complex markets many established regulatory rules road democrats also seasonwhich isnt christmas summer vacation amongst political class season election season means prudent policy take back seat seemingly simplistic solutions proffered ugly oratory wall street equals bad main street equals good even doddfrank got good forget millions people involved financial sector work country wall street forget financial sector fuelinjects economic engine democracy sectors economy fact politicians perspective forget simply better carry dismantling discourse others best perpetuate simplistic propaganda thats win least thats unfortunateand indeed uglystate affairs lets hope following silly season election done cooler thoughtful minds prevail people begin work together bart chilton former cftc commissioner currently senior policy advisor global business law firm dla piper author ponzimonium scam artists ripping america reached at160 bartchiltonbartchiltoncom160 opens new window | 739 |
<p>Apple Inc., locked in an intensifying legal fight with Qualcomm Inc., is designing iPhones and iPads for next year that would jettison the chipmaker's components, according to people familiar with the matter.</p>
<p>Apple is considering building the devices only with modem chips from Intel Corp. and possibly MediaTek Inc. because San Diego, Calif.-based Qualcomm has withheld software critical to testing its chips in iPhone and iPad prototypes, according to one of the people.</p>
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<p>Qualcomm, which has worked with Apple for a decade, stopped sharing the software after Apple filed a federal lawsuit in January accusing Qualcomm of using its market dominance unfairly to block competitors and to charge exorbitant patent royalties, this person said. Qualcomm has said Apple is mischaracterizing its practices.</p>
<p>Apple's planned move for next year involve the modem chips that handle communications between wireless devices and cellular networks. Qualcomm is by far the biggest supplier of such chips for the current wireless standard.</p>
<p>Qualcomm said its "modem that could be used in the next generation iPhone has already been fully tested and released to Apple." The chip company said it is "committed to supporting Apple's new devices" as it does for others in the industry.</p>
<p>Apple in the past used only Qualcomm modem chips for iPhones, but started also procuring the chips from Intel for its iPhone 7 and 7 Plus models last year. It again used a mix of the two in the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus that started selling in September.</p>
<p>Apple's plans to exclude Qualcomm chips from next year's model could still change. People familiar with Apple's manufacturing process said the company could change modem-chip suppliers as late as June, three months before the next iPhone is expected to ship. Still, some of the people said Apple hasn't previously designed iPhones and iPads to exclude Qualcomm chips at a similar stage of the process.</p>
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<p>The Apple plans indicate the battle with Qualcomm could spill beyond the courtroom feud over patents into another important Qualcomm business where it has the potential to send ripples through the smartphone supply chain. Qualcomm last year sold around $3.2 billion of modem chips a year to Apple, or 20% of its total chip sales, according to an estimate by Macquarie Capital. This year, Qualcomm's chip sales to Apple are likely to come to $2.1 billion, or 13% of total chip revenue, reflecting more fully the iPhone 7's mix of Qualcomm and Intel modems.</p>
<p>Selling chips is generally less profitable for Qualcomm than its patent business. Apple paid $2.8 billion last year in Qualcomm royalties, which accounted for nearly 30% of the chip maker's per-share earnings, according to Macquarie Capital. In the last year, Apple has stopped reimbursing those fees to iPhone and iPad manufacturers, which in turn have stopped paying Qualcomm.</p>
<p>Qualcomm Chief Executive Steve Mollenkopf earlier in October described the dispute with Apple as "fundamentally about pricing" and expressed optimism that the two companies would find common ground. "For big companies, you sometimes have these disputes but you have a broader relationship," he said at the The Wall Street Journal's WSJ D.Live conference.</p>
<p>Jettisoning Qualcomm chips would create risks for Apple. Semiconductor analysts widely consider modem chips from Intel and MediaTek, a smaller chip designer based in Taiwan, to lag Qualcomm in performance in areas such as download speeds. For example, Qualcomm has shipped a chip in phones that can process 1 gigabit of data per second, while Intel and MediaTek haven't demonstrated modem chips that fast, said Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst at technology research firm Moor Insights &amp; Strategy.</p>
<p>Also, Apple typically wants at least two suppliers of key iPhone components to bolster its negotiating leverage, according to people familiar with its procurement process. So it would have to add a new supplier such as MediaTek in addition to Intel to maintain that for modem chips.</p>
<p>If Apple -- which ships more than 200 million iPhones annually -- taps Intel and MediaTek to provide modems for future handsets, both would stand to gain a greater piece of the roughly $5 billion market for stand-alone modem chips. Qualcomm currently dominates that market with a 50% unit share while MediaTek has a 25% share and Intel a 6% share, according to market research firm Strategy Analytics.</p>
<p>Intel's chips so far have been designed to manage communications for only one of two earlier-generation cellular standards still in use, while Qualcomm's chips have been capable of handling both. As a result, Intel has been trying to broaden its portfolio to catch up with Qualcomm and this year announced a chip compatible with both of those standards. The chip would be Intel's first modem that works with a full scope of wireless carriers. Intel hasn't said when the unit would be available.</p>
<p>Qualcomm and Intel also are vying for leadership in the next generation of wireless technology, known as 5G. Phones featuring 5G-capable chips are expected to hit the market largely in 2019, and Qualcomm is ahead of many peers, said Mr. Moorhead of Moor Insights &amp; Strategy.</p>
<p>Write to Dana Mattioli at [email protected] and Tripp Mickle at [email protected]</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>October 30, 2017 21:02 ET (01:02 GMT)</p> | true | 0 | apple inc locked intensifying legal fight qualcomm inc designing iphones ipads next year would jettison chipmakers components according people familiar matter apple considering building devices modem chips intel corp possibly mediatek inc san diego califbased qualcomm withheld software critical testing chips iphone ipad prototypes according one people continue reading qualcomm worked apple decade stopped sharing software apple filed federal lawsuit january accusing qualcomm using market dominance unfairly block competitors charge exorbitant patent royalties person said qualcomm said apple mischaracterizing practices apples planned move next year involve modem chips handle communications wireless devices cellular networks qualcomm far biggest supplier chips current wireless standard qualcomm said modem could used next generation iphone already fully tested released apple chip company said committed supporting apples new devices others industry apple past used qualcomm modem chips iphones started also procuring chips intel iphone 7 7 plus models last year used mix two iphone 8 8 plus started selling september apples plans exclude qualcomm chips next years model could still change people familiar apples manufacturing process said company could change modemchip suppliers late june three months next iphone expected ship still people said apple hasnt previously designed iphones ipads exclude qualcomm chips similar stage process advertisement apple plans indicate battle qualcomm could spill beyond courtroom feud patents another important qualcomm business potential send ripples smartphone supply chain qualcomm last year sold around 32 billion modem chips year apple 20 total chip sales according estimate macquarie capital year qualcomms chip sales apple likely come 21 billion 13 total chip revenue reflecting fully iphone 7s mix qualcomm intel modems selling chips generally less profitable qualcomm patent business apple paid 28 billion last year qualcomm royalties accounted nearly 30 chip makers pershare earnings according macquarie capital last year apple stopped reimbursing fees iphone ipad manufacturers turn stopped paying qualcomm qualcomm chief executive steve mollenkopf earlier october described dispute apple fundamentally pricing expressed optimism two companies would find common ground big companies sometimes disputes broader relationship said wall street journals wsj dlive conference jettisoning qualcomm chips would create risks apple semiconductor analysts widely consider modem chips intel mediatek smaller chip designer based taiwan lag qualcomm performance areas download speeds example qualcomm shipped chip phones process 1 gigabit data per second intel mediatek havent demonstrated modem chips fast said patrick moorhead principal analyst technology research firm moor insights amp strategy also apple typically wants least two suppliers key iphone components bolster negotiating leverage according people familiar procurement process would add new supplier mediatek addition intel maintain modem chips apple ships 200 million iphones annually taps intel mediatek provide modems future handsets would stand gain greater piece roughly 5 billion market standalone modem chips qualcomm currently dominates market 50 unit share mediatek 25 share intel 6 share according market research firm strategy analytics intels chips far designed manage communications one two earliergeneration cellular standards still use qualcomms chips capable handling result intel trying broaden portfolio catch qualcomm year announced chip compatible standards chip would intels first modem works full scope wireless carriers intel hasnt said unit would available qualcomm intel also vying leadership next generation wireless technology known 5g phones featuring 5gcapable chips expected hit market largely 2019 qualcomm ahead many peers said mr moorhead moor insights amp strategy write dana mattioli danamattioliwsjcom tripp mickle trippmicklewsjcom end dow jones newswires october 30 2017 2102 et 0102 gmt | 555 |
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<p>Investors in their 60s should seek out strong dividend-paying stocks that feature low-risk businessmodels.American Tower (NYSE: AMT), Retail Opportunity Investment Corp. (NASDAQ: ROIC), and FactSet Research System (NYSE: FDS) all fit those criteria perfectly. Here's why older investors should seriously consider adding these three stocks to their portfolio.</p>
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<p>Smartphones are rapidly replacing landlines around the world and billions of internet-enabled devices are expected to come online over the next few years as the <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2016/11/29/12-facts-about-the-internet-of-things-every-invest.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Internet of Things</a>trend ramps up. While there are a number of ways that investors can profit from this growth,American Tower is a great choice for risk-averse investors.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>American Tower is organized as a <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/reit.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">real estate investment trust</a>(REIT) and it buys or builds cell towers all around the world. The company then leases out space on its towers to several local wireless carriers at the same time under long-term contracts. That provides the company with predictable amounts of revenue and profits that help to reduce risk.</p>
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<p>Given the ever-increasing consumer demand for bandwidth and coverage,American Tower has had no problem growing at <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/04/27/international-acquisitions-fueled-american-tower-c.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">double-digit</a>rates. That has provided the company with plenty of capital to reinvest in the business while also paying a continually rising dividend.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/AMT/dividend" type="external">AMT Dividend</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p>
<p>American Tower's financial statements look poised to flourish thanks to continued consumer demand for mobile data and the upcoming 5G rollout. While American Tower's dividend yield of 1.9% is on the low side for a REIT, its profit growth trajectory should provide investors with an attractive total return profile. That makes American Tower a great company for even conservative investors to get to know.</p>
<p>Money managers know that it is impossible to make smart investing decisions without accurate information. That's why they all happily pay up to get their hands on up-to-date data that is provided by companies such as FactSet Research System.</p>
<p>FactSet, in particular, collects information from hundreds of different sources and then provides tools that help users make sense of the data. The company's system is so helpful that hundreds of hedge funds, banks, insurers, and more pay a hefty subscription fee to have access. With a customer retention rate around <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2016/12/20/factset-rides-wall-street-strength-higher.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">95%</a>, it is clear that FactSet is doing something right.</p>
<p>Its subscription business model has worked out beautifully for investors. Even during the depths of the financial crisis, FactSet was able to pass along price increases to its customers. That allowed its revenue, profits, and dividend to grow even while the financial markets were in meltdown.</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/FDS/revenues_ttm" type="external">FDS Revenue (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p>
<p>Understandably, Wall Street thinks highly of FactSet's business model and has awarded its stock a high earnings multiple. Despite that, I still think FactSet's stock is worth buying today since its financials have proven to be so resilient. Adding in a dividend yield of about 1.2% is just icing on the cake.</p>
<p>Successfully navigating the retail landscape is tough given the growth of e-commerce sales. However, Retail Opportunity Investments (ROIC) has found a unique way to insulate itself from the ever-changing landscape. The vast majority of its shopping centers are located near affluent communities that are densely populated and anchored by grocery stores. The company believes that shopping centers that fit this description will be highly desired by tenants since nearby space is limited and wealthy consumers make weekly trips. Those factors allow ROIC to maintain occupancy rates that exceed 97% and charge regular rent increases.</p>
<p>Image source: ROIC investor presentation.</p>
<p>Thus far, it looks like ROIC's hunch is right on the money. Its revenue, profits, and dividend have all steadily marched higher over time. In turn, ROIC's investors have enjoyed returns that far outpace the REIT sector in general as measured by the iShares US Real Estate ETF (NYSEMKT: IYR).</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/ROIC/total_return_price" type="external">ROIC Total Return Price</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p>
<p>More recently, many retail REITs have pulled back over concerns of rising interest rates and a slowdown in retail spending. That's giving investors a chance to buy into ROIC at a nice discount. Throw in a dividend yield of 3.8% and I think this is an ideal income stock for conservative investors.</p>
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<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=3db329ab-7687-4a36-b82a-db567da4fab9&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here</a> to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of May 1, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTypeoh/info.aspx" type="external">Brian Feroldi</a> owns shares of American Tower, FactSet Research Systems, and Retail Opportunity Investments. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends American Tower, FactSet Research Systems, and Retail Opportunity Investments. The Motley Fool has the following options: short October 2017 $120 calls on American Tower and long January 2019 $80 calls on American Tower. 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</a>.</p> | true | 0 | investors 60s seek strong dividendpaying stocks feature lowrisk businessmodelsamerican tower nyse amt retail opportunity investment corp nasdaq roic factset research system nyse fds fit criteria perfectly heres older investors seriously consider adding three stocks portfolio continue reading smartphones rapidly replacing landlines around world billions internetenabled devices expected come online next years internet thingstrend ramps number ways investors profit growthamerican tower great choice riskaverse investors image source getty images american tower organized real estate investment trustreit buys builds cell towers around world company leases space towers several local wireless carriers time longterm contracts provides company predictable amounts revenue profits help reduce risk advertisement given everincreasing consumer demand bandwidth coverageamerican tower problem growing doubledigitrates provided company plenty capital reinvest business also paying continually rising dividend amt dividend data ycharts american towers financial statements look poised flourish thanks continued consumer demand mobile data upcoming 5g rollout american towers dividend yield 19 low side reit profit growth trajectory provide investors attractive total return profile makes american tower great company even conservative investors get know money managers know impossible make smart investing decisions without accurate information thats happily pay get hands uptodate data provided companies factset research system factset particular collects information hundreds different sources provides tools help users make sense data companys system helpful hundreds hedge funds banks insurers pay hefty subscription fee access customer retention rate around 95 clear factset something right subscription business model worked beautifully investors even depths financial crisis factset able pass along price increases customers allowed revenue profits dividend grow even financial markets meltdown fds revenue ttm data ycharts understandably wall street thinks highly factsets business model awarded stock high earnings multiple despite still think factsets stock worth buying today since financials proven resilient adding dividend yield 12 icing cake successfully navigating retail landscape tough given growth ecommerce sales however retail opportunity investments roic found unique way insulate everchanging landscape vast majority shopping centers located near affluent communities densely populated anchored grocery stores company believes shopping centers fit description highly desired tenants since nearby space limited wealthy consumers make weekly trips factors allow roic maintain occupancy rates exceed 97 charge regular rent increases image source roic investor presentation thus far looks like roics hunch right money revenue profits dividend steadily marched higher time turn roics investors enjoyed returns far outpace reit sector general measured ishares us real estate etf nysemkt iyr roic total return price data ycharts recently many retail reits pulled back concerns rising interest rates slowdown retail spending thats giving investors chance buy roic nice discount throw dividend yield 38 think ideal income stock conservative investors 10 stocks like better american tower 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 american tower wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click learn picks stock advisor returns may 1 2017 brian feroldi owns shares american tower factset research systems retail opportunity investments motley fool owns shares recommends american tower factset research systems retail opportunity investments motley fool following options short october 2017 120 calls american tower long january 2019 80 calls american tower motley fool disclosure policy | 531 |
<p>Is it time for the Conservatives to start panicking over polls showing a rising Liberal Party? Damn right it is.</p>
<p>Let’s be honest here and say that the polls are erratic.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ekospolitics.com/index.php/2015/10/stable-but-narrowing-conservative-lead-as-ndp-in-a-holding-pattern-well-back-of-leaders/" type="external">Ekos</a> released new numbers this week showing a decent Conservative lead nationally (35.1% CPC, 30.9% LPC, 22.2% NDP). That contradicts <a href="http://www.ipsos-na.com/news-polls/pressrelease.aspx?id=7013" type="external">Ipsos</a> which released a poll&#160;Monday&#160;showing the Conservatives with a narrow lead (33% CPC, 32% LPC, 26% NDP).</p>
<p>Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.mainstreetresearch.ca/conservatives-lead-as-ndp-slips/" type="external">Mainstreet</a> says the Conservatives are far in the lead (37% CPC, 29% LPC, 24% NDP).</p>
<p>That should be fine, no need to panic, right? Wrong.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nanosresearch.com/library/polls/20151007%20Ballot%20TrackingE.pdf" type="external">Nanos</a> has had the Liberals on top for a week just about and that trend continues (33.5% LPC, 31.6% CPC, 24.2% NDP) and now <a href="http://poll.forumresearch.com/post/2407/ndp-in-3rd-nationwide-1st-in-quebec/" type="external">Forum</a> claims a four point lead for the Liberals (35% LPC, 31% CPC, 26% NDP).</p>
<p>With varied results like that a sensible person might just throw their hands up in the air or repeat the oft cited quip that polls are for dogs.</p>
<p>Here is the thing, despite these varied national numbers the polls show one trend that has to be worrying for the Conservatives and that is the rise of the Liberals in Ontario.</p>
<p>Nanos has been showing a steady rise for the Liberals in the most populous province in the country and the home of a little more than one-third of the seats in Parliament. Having travelled Eastern Ontario, the Toronto area and the suburbs surrounding it, the Nanos numbers on the Liberal rise made little sense to me.</p>
<p>Then the Ipsos numbers came out showing a collapse of the NDP vote in the 905 regions surrounding Toronto. It’s not that Conservatives were sinking said Ipsos, it’s that the NDP vote was evaporating, running back to Trudeau and the Liberals.</p>
<p>New Democrats have been telling me for some time that Ontario has been a tough nut for them to crack, even as fortunes have turned elsewhere, the ghost of Bob Rae’s provincial NDP government has been haunting NDP candidates at the door.</p>
<p>The crack Mulcair made about Bob Rae during the Munk Debate, it wasn’t an accident.</p>
<p>If NDP, or generally left leaning voters are moving to the Liberals in large numbers in Ontario this has to worry the Conservatives.</p>
<p>I still maintain that there is no real national trend this election – the Atlantic provinces, Quebec, Ontario, Prairies and BC are five distinct campaigns and even within them there are different areas, different trends.</p>
<p>But with 121 seats Ontario matters greatly.</p>
<p>In 2011 the Conservatives took 73 of 106 seats in Ontario, this time out the Liberals hope to take 70 of what is now 121 seats in Ontario. To get there the Liberals are using the machine and the blueprint laid out by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.</p>
<p>If the Liberals come close to 70 seats in Ontario then they come close to forming government. With strength in Atlantic Canada, a return of some – though not that many – seats in Quebec and even pick-ups in Manitoba, Alberta and BC, the Liberals start to move from dead to a path to victory.</p>
<p>The NDP have to be scared of this as well.</p>
<p>If the numbers in Ontario continue on this path then long held NDP seats in places like Hamilton and more recent additions like Welland are in trouble, so is Tom Mulcair’s time as opposition leader.</p>
<p>Too many people, even in the media party commentariat, see the NDP and Liberals as being on the same team – progressive, anti-Harper. That is a mistake.</p>
<p>The NDP and Liberals hate each other, especially now.</p>
<p>To the NDP a Liberal win is as bad as a Conservative win, possibly worse because it would certainly mean their return to third place status.</p>
<p>What is that old NDP slogan? Liberal, Tory, same old story.</p>
<p>In fact, Mulcair is now starting the claim the other two leaders are essentially the same, hoping to bring back voters that have moved to Trudeau.</p>
<p>Expect a major play in these last two weeks from the NDP as well as the Conservatives all aimed at taking down Trudeau.</p>
<p>In addition to tying Trudeau to Harper, Mulcair will claim not only is Trudeau not ready but that he won’t stand up for Canadian jobs and fight against the Trans Pacific Partnership deal.</p>
<p>Fighting the just announced trade deal will be a focus for Mulcair until&#160;October 19.</p>
<p>Stephen Harper will spend his time touting his economic record and promoting the benefits of the TPP, the opportunities for Canadian business. But as Harper talks trade and economics look for others to play wedge politics. Of course the media will mostly ask him about niqab, but he is talking the economy.</p>
<p>Why wedge Trudeau? Because Trudeau is weak on terrorism, he doesn’t support fighting ISIS, he backs the wearing of face veils during citizenship ceremonies, he opposes stripping dual nationals convicted of terrorist offences of their Canadian citizenship.</p>
<p>While those issues don’t resonate with the media party in Ottawa or those on the campaign trail, they do resonate with Canadians of all parties. Look at our poll on citizenship revocation – 84% across the country support it.</p>
<p>This election is not over, not by a long shot -- but the trend of the Liberal rise in Ontario dictates what must happen in the closing days.</p>
<p>By the way, last election I said live on Sun News, during our election night coverage, that the Conservatives would win 165 seats. They took 166.</p>
<p>I’ll update my call during The Rebel’s election coverage on&#160;October 19.</p>
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<p><a href="" type="internal">SIGN UP FREE</a> for Election 2015 coverage from The Rebel team!Don't miss a minute of our exclusive interviews and investigations! <a href="https://therebel.nationbuilder.com/election2015_coverage" type="external">JOIN OUR CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN</a> to bring you fearless Canadian election coverage from coast to coast! <a href="https://tinyurl.com/CBCExposed" type="external">READ Brian Lilley's book CBC Exposed</a> -- it's been called "the political book of the year.”</p> | true | 0 | time conservatives start panicking polls showing rising liberal party damn right lets honest say polls erratic ekos released new numbers week showing decent conservative lead nationally 351 cpc 309 lpc 222 ndp contradicts ipsos released poll160monday160showing conservatives narrow lead 33 cpc 32 lpc 26 ndp meanwhile mainstreet says conservatives far lead 37 cpc 29 lpc 24 ndp fine need panic right wrong nanos liberals top week trend continues 335 lpc 316 cpc 242 ndp forum claims four point lead liberals 35 lpc 31 cpc 26 ndp varied results like sensible person might throw hands air repeat oft cited quip polls dogs thing despite varied national numbers polls show one trend worrying conservatives rise liberals ontario nanos showing steady rise liberals populous province country home little onethird seats parliament travelled eastern ontario toronto area suburbs surrounding nanos numbers liberal rise made little sense ipsos numbers came showing collapse ndp vote 905 regions surrounding toronto conservatives sinking said ipsos ndp vote evaporating running back trudeau liberals new democrats telling time ontario tough nut crack even fortunes turned elsewhere ghost bob raes provincial ndp government haunting ndp candidates door crack mulcair made bob rae munk debate wasnt accident ndp generally left leaning voters moving liberals large numbers ontario worry conservatives still maintain real national trend election atlantic provinces quebec ontario prairies bc five distinct campaigns even within different areas different trends 121 seats ontario matters greatly 2011 conservatives took 73 106 seats ontario time liberals hope take 70 121 seats ontario get liberals using machine blueprint laid ontario premier kathleen wynne liberals come close 70 seats ontario come close forming government strength atlantic canada return though many seats quebec even pickups manitoba alberta bc liberals start move dead path victory ndp scared well numbers ontario continue path long held ndp seats places like hamilton recent additions like welland trouble tom mulcairs time opposition leader many people even media party commentariat see ndp liberals team progressive antiharper mistake ndp liberals hate especially ndp liberal win bad conservative win possibly worse would certainly mean return third place status old ndp slogan liberal tory old story fact mulcair starting claim two leaders essentially hoping bring back voters moved trudeau expect major play last two weeks ndp well conservatives aimed taking trudeau addition tying trudeau harper mulcair claim trudeau ready wont stand canadian jobs fight trans pacific partnership deal fighting announced trade deal focus mulcair until160october 19 stephen harper spend time touting economic record promoting benefits tpp opportunities canadian business harper talks trade economics look others play wedge politics course media mostly ask niqab talking economy wedge trudeau trudeau weak terrorism doesnt support fighting isis backs wearing face veils citizenship ceremonies opposes stripping dual nationals convicted terrorist offences canadian citizenship issues dont resonate media party ottawa campaign trail resonate canadians parties look poll citizenship revocation 84 across country support election long shot trend liberal rise ontario dictates must happen closing days way last election said live sun news election night coverage conservatives would win 165 seats took 166 ill update call rebels election coverage on160october 19 160 160 sign free election 2015 coverage rebel teamdont miss minute exclusive interviews investigations join crowdfunding campaign bring fearless canadian election coverage coast coast read brian lilleys book cbc exposed called political book year | 543 |
<p />
<p>Image source: Kinder Morgan.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Kinder Morgan (NYSE: KMI) and Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE: BIP) share many fundamental similarities. Both own backbone infrastructure assets that generate pretty consistent cash flow, enabling each to send investors a steady stream of cash distributions. That said, it's their subtle differences that make one a better buy right now.</p>
<p>It is essential that a company has a strong financial foundation to weather the storms that are sure to arise. Here's how these two stack up.</p>
<p>Data source: Kinder Morgan and Brookfield Infrastructure Partners.</p>
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<p>As that chart shows, Kinder Morgan has an investment-grade credit rating, though it is on the last rung before junk. In fact, it almost lost that rating last year after increasing its stake in a debt-laden pipeline joint venture. That deal put the company's credit in jeopardy because Kinder Morgan needed to inject capital into the entity to reduce its debt. That was problematic because it had limitedfinancial resources at the time because of its sinking stock price and its rising leverage ratio. At its peak, the company had more than 5.8 times debt to EBITDA thanks to its large debt load and the impact the energy market downturn had on its earnings. Because of that, the company had to fight to defend its credit, which ultimately led it to slash its dividend by 75%. While the company has since made tremendous progress reducing debt, it still has a ways to go to hit its target leverage ratio of 5.0 times.</p>
<p>Ironically, the deal that almost torpedoed Kinder Morgan's investment-grade rating also involved Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, which likewise boosted its stake in the same pipeline JV.That said, the deal did not have any impact on Brookfield's credit because it had a higher rating and greater access to capital. Further, the company primarily finances its operations at the asset level, resulting in the bulk of its debt being non-recourse. Finally, it finances is assets to investment grade, which keeps its corporate rating healthy.</p>
<p>Because of those factors, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners has the better balance sheet.</p>
<p>Next, we'll take a closer look at the types of assets these two companies own and operate. Here's a snapshot of Kinder Morgan's massive energy infrastructure footprint:</p>
<p>Image source: Kinder Morgan Investor Presentation.</p>
<p>As that slide notes, Kinder Morgan controls a diversified set of energy infrastructure assets across North America. More importantly, the bulk of these assets generate stable cash flow from fees, which support 91% of the company's underlying earnings this year. That limits its direct exposure to commodity prices, which it further muted by hedging 6% of its cash flow this year. The net resultis that the pipeline giant expects to generate $4.7 billion in cash flow this year, which would just be slightly lower from last year despite much weaker commodity prices.</p>
<p>Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, on the other hand, controls a much more diverse asset base:</p>
<p>Image source: Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Investor Presentation.</p>
<p>The big difference between the two is that most of Brookfield's income comes from non-energy related assets such as toll roads, railroads, ports, utilities, and communications infrastructure. That said, these assets still provide very stable cash flow, with 90% either regulated or under long-term contracts, which is in line with Kinder Morgan.</p>
<p>Brookfield's diversification gives it a slight edge because it not only reduces its exposure to energy market volatility, but provides it more opportunities to grow.</p>
<p>Speaking of growth, Kinder Morgan is currently investing $13.5 billion in growth projects, with 86% of those projects fee-based pipeline and terminal assets. The company estimates that these assets will generate an incremental $1.8 billion in annual EBITDA once everything is in service in five years, which represents healthy growth for a company that expects to generate $7.5 billion in adjusted EBITDA this year. That said, because of the company's current balance-sheet concerns, the bulk of its earnings growth in the near term is going toward improving its leverage metrics. Because of that, Kinder Morgan is not expected to grow its dividend until its leverage falls to 5.0 times, which <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/08/15/will-kinder-morgan-inc-raise-its-dividend-in-2017.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">might not happen until 2018 Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, on the other hand, has a much smaller project backlog totaling $2 billion over the next three years. However, those projects, when combined with other factors such as contract escalations, drive the company's expectations that it can grow its earnings by 6% to 9% annually. At the high end, that is faster growth than Kinder Morgan. Further, because of its stronger balance sheet, Brookfield is in the position to pass most of that growth on to unitholders, with it projecting to grow its distributions by 5% to 9% annually over the long term.</p>
<p>For income investors, the clarity of distribution growth at Brookfield is much more appealing than the zero visibility offered by Kinder Morgan at the moment.</p>
<p>Kinder Morgan is a solidlong-term investment because of its large size, boatload of recurring fee-based cash flow, and robust organic growth backlog. That said, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners offers investors a stronger balance sheet, greater diversification, and clear visibility when it comes to income growth. Those factors, in my opinion, make Brookfield the better buy right now for investors choosing between the two.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFmd19/info.aspx" type="external">Matt DiLallo Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and Kinder Morgan and has the following options: short January 2018 $30 puts on Kinder Morgan and long January 2018 $30 calls on Kinder Morgan. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Kinder Morgan. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Infrastructure Partners. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | true | 0 | image source kinder morgan continue reading kinder morgan nyse kmi brookfield infrastructure partners nyse bip share many fundamental similarities backbone infrastructure assets generate pretty consistent cash flow enabling send investors steady stream cash distributions said subtle differences make one better buy right essential company strong financial foundation weather storms sure arise heres two stack data source kinder morgan brookfield infrastructure partners advertisement chart shows kinder morgan investmentgrade credit rating though last rung junk fact almost lost rating last year increasing stake debtladen pipeline joint venture deal put companys credit jeopardy kinder morgan needed inject capital entity reduce debt problematic limitedfinancial resources time sinking stock price rising leverage ratio peak company 58 times debt ebitda thanks large debt load impact energy market downturn earnings company fight defend credit ultimately led slash dividend 75 company since made tremendous progress reducing debt still ways go hit target leverage ratio 50 times ironically deal almost torpedoed kinder morgans investmentgrade rating also involved brookfield infrastructure partners likewise boosted stake pipeline jvthat said deal impact brookfields credit higher rating greater access capital company primarily finances operations asset level resulting bulk debt nonrecourse finally finances assets investment grade keeps corporate rating healthy factors brookfield infrastructure partners better balance sheet next well take closer look types assets two companies operate heres snapshot kinder morgans massive energy infrastructure footprint image source kinder morgan investor presentation slide notes kinder morgan controls diversified set energy infrastructure assets across north america importantly bulk assets generate stable cash flow fees support 91 companys underlying earnings year limits direct exposure commodity prices muted hedging 6 cash flow year net resultis pipeline giant expects generate 47 billion cash flow year would slightly lower last year despite much weaker commodity prices brookfield infrastructure partners hand controls much diverse asset base image source brookfield infrastructure partners investor presentation big difference two brookfields income comes nonenergy related assets toll roads railroads ports utilities communications infrastructure said assets still provide stable cash flow 90 either regulated longterm contracts line kinder morgan brookfields diversification gives slight edge reduces exposure energy market volatility provides opportunities grow speaking growth kinder morgan currently investing 135 billion growth projects 86 projects feebased pipeline terminal assets company estimates assets generate incremental 18 billion annual ebitda everything service five years represents healthy growth company expects generate 75 billion adjusted ebitda year said companys current balancesheet concerns bulk earnings growth near term going toward improving leverage metrics kinder morgan expected grow dividend leverage falls 50 times might happen 2018 opens new window brookfield infrastructure partners hand much smaller project backlog totaling 2 billion next three years however projects combined factors contract escalations drive companys expectations grow earnings 6 9 annually high end faster growth kinder morgan stronger balance sheet brookfield position pass growth unitholders projecting grow distributions 5 9 annually long term income investors clarity distribution growth brookfield much appealing zero visibility offered kinder morgan moment kinder morgan solidlongterm investment large size boatload recurring feebased cash flow robust organic growth backlog said brookfield infrastructure partners offers investors stronger balance sheet greater diversification clear visibility comes income growth factors opinion make brookfield better buy right investors choosing two 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 matt dilallo opens new window owns shares brookfield infrastructure partners kinder morgan following options short january 2018 30 puts kinder morgan long january 2018 30 calls kinder morgan motley fool owns shares recommends kinder morgan motley fool recommends brookfield infrastructure partners 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 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